The UFC has been extremely busy over the last week, announcing several new bouts for upcoming fight cards. One of those cards is UFC 236, which takes place April 13 in State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Have a look at my ideas on the primary event between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier here, and my thoughts on another newly-announced bouts are under.
Eryk Anders vs. Khalil Rountree, UFC 236
Added to UFC 236 is a fascinating light heavyweight bout between Eryk Anders and Khalil Rountree. Anders (11-3) is only 3-3 in the UFC and is coming off of a decision loss to Elias Theodorou. He’s decided to make the move up to light heavyweight permanently and not cutting all that weight should help . Rountree (7-3, 1 NC) is currently 3-3, 1 NC from the UFC and is coming from a KO loss to Johnny Walker. While Rountree has much more expertise fighting as a light hearted and is a proven knockout artist, I believe in Anders and believe he’s more potential than what he’s revealed in the UFC up to now. The opening line should be close to a Pick ’em, but my early lean is towards Anders.
Paige VanZant vs. Poliana Botelho, UFC 236
Women’s flyweights Paige VanZant and Poliana Botelho will clash at this event. VanZant (8-4) is currently 5-3 at the UFC and is coming off of a submission win over Rachael Ostovich. Botelho (7-2) is 2-1 at the UFC but lost by entry to Cynthia Calvillo in her final struggle. I would definitely prefer VanZant to get the win here and based on her fame I wouldn’t be surprised if the line was massively skewed in her favor.
Wilson Reis vs. Alexandre Pantoja, UFC 236
In a rare flyweight struggle, Wilson Reis takes on Alexandre Pantoja. Reis (23-9) is 7-5 in the UFC and conquered Ben Nguyen by decision in his final bout. Pantoja (20-3) is 4-1 at the UFC and is coming off of two straight wins over Brandon Moreno and Ulka Sasaki. Reis is a solid veteran but all of the upside here is using Pantoja and that I expect him to be a small popular at open. Expect the loser of the struggle to be published as the UFC cuts virtually every flyweight coming off of a loss.
Ovince Saint-Preux vs. Nikita Krylov, UFC 236
In a rematch no one asked , Ovince Saint-Preux takes on Nikita Krylov at a light heavyweight bout. St-Preux (23-12) is 11-7 at the UFC and is coming off of a decision loss to Dominick Reyes. He is a gatekeeper at 205lbs and is no more a true title contender. Krylov (24-6) is 6-4 in the UFC and was filed by Jan Blachowicz in his last bout. OSP and Krylov formerly fulfilled at UFC 171 in 2014, with OSP winning by entry. I’m not exactly sure why the UFC felt this rematch was necessary, but given how their first battle went and how awful Krylov’s entry defense is, I’d prefer OSP to overcome him once again.
Montel Jackson vs. Andre Soukhamthath, UFC 236
And finally, bantamweights Montel Jackson and Andre Soukhamthath match. Jackson (7-1) chose to Ricky Simon in his UFC debut but bounced back well with a submission win over Brian Kelleher. Soukhamthath (13-6) is only 2-3 from the UFC but beat Jonathan Martinez by choice in his final fight. Soukhamthath is too inconsistent to trust, and I expect Jackson to be preferred here.
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