UFC FIGHT NIGHT: ALMEIDA VS. LEWIS ODDS, PREDICTION AND FIGHT PREVIEW
UFC FIGHT NIGHT: ALMEIDA VS. LEWIS ODDS, PREDICTION AND FIGHT PREVIEW
As we step into the final two months of the year, the UFC enters November with six events remaining on the schedule. The first of these events returns to Sao Paulo, Brazil, featuring a card packed with rising talents from the host nation. With a headline bout pitting Jailton Almeida against Derrick Lewis, the stage is set for a night of electrifying action at Ginasio do Ibirapuera. Let’s dive into the fight-by-fight preview for UFC São Paulo.
The main event promises to be an exhilarating clash between two heavyweight powerhouses, Jailton Almeida and Derrick Lewis. Almeida, a graduate of Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS), has been on a tear in the two years since earning his UFC contract. He boasts five consecutive victories, including dominant finishes over Shamil Abdurakhimov and Jairzinho Rosenstruick. In contrast, Derrick Lewis, the owner of the most knockouts in UFC history, recently bounced back from a three-fight losing streak with a 33-second TKO victory over Marcos Rogerio de Lima at UFC 291.
This matchup poses a significant challenge for Almeida, as he faces the ever-dangerous Lewis, who possesses fight-ending power in his fists. Almeida’s dynamic grappling skills and finishing instincts will be put to the test, while Lewis will aim to keep the fight standing to utilize his devastating striking. Regardless of the outcome, this bout is sure to have an immediate impact on the heavyweight division’s standings.
Odds: Jailton Almeida (-470) vs. Derrick Lewis (+360)
Our Prediction for Almeida vs Lewis: While the odds favor Almeida and he should emerge victorious in the contest, we believe the new version of Lewish can prove to be a much more difficult task than anticipated. We can go out on a limb here and predict that Lewis knocks Almeida out in the first round.
Gabriel Bonfim vs. Nicolas Dalby
In the co-main event, we have a classic “emerging talent versus divisional stalwart” showdown. Unbeaten Brazilian Gabriel Bonfim, with consecutive first-round submission victories in his UFC career, takes on Danish veteran Nicolas Dalby. Bonfim, riding a 15-fight winning streak with all victories inside the distance, faces a significant step up in competition against “Danish Dynamite” Dalby. The experienced Dalby has collected three straight victories and displayed a well-rounded game with remarkable cardio. This fight sets the stage for a battle of youth versus experience, with Bonfim looking to make a statement against the seasoned Dalby.
Rodrigo Nascimento vs. Don’Tale Mayes
The first of the two heavyweight matchups on the main card features Rodrigo Nascimento and Don’Tale Mayes, both of whom graduated from DWCS. Nascimento, currently on a two-fight winning streak, will aim to continue his momentum after a split decision win over Ilir Latifi in his last outing. Don’Tale Mayes, known as “Lord Kong,” secured a second-round stoppage victory over Andrei Arlovski in June, showcasing his natural power and athleticism. Both fighters have shown growth and improvements since their initial meeting as UFC newcomers, making this a compelling rematch. Fighting in front of the passionate Brazilian crowd will add an extra layer of excitement to their bout.
Caio Borralho vs. Abus Magomedov
Caio Borralho, a member of the DWCS Class of 2022, boasts a four-fight winning streak in the UFC, most recently impressing with a second-round submission victory over Michal Oleksiejczuk. Abus Magomedov, who suffered a unanimous decision loss to current champion Sean Strickland in his last outing, returns to the octagon after a hiatus. This middleweight matchup has the potential to determine where Borralho stands in his development and provide insight into Magomedov’s position in the 185-pound division.
Rodolfo Vieira vs. Armen Petrosyan
A middleweight showdown pits submission expert Rodolfo Vieira against Muay Thai stylist Armen Petrosyan. Vieira, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion, has finished all four of his UFC victories, with his most recent win coming by way of an arm-triangle choke. On the other hand, Petrosyan, a product of DWCS Class of ’21, has gone 3-1 in the UFC, with his only loss coming against Borralho. This contest may be determined by where the majority of the fight takes place, as Vieira will aim to grapple, while Petrosyan seeks to display his striking skills.
Ismael Bonfim vs. Vinc Pichel
The main card kicks off with a lightweight bout between Ismael Bonfim and Vinc Pichel. Ismael Bonfim is looking to bounce back from a first-round finish loss, aiming to showcase the form he displayed in his promotional debut, where he earned a second-round knockout win. In contrast, Vinc Pichel, a 41-year-old veteran with a 7-3 record in the UFC, returns for the first time since a unanimous decision loss in April 2022. Pichel’s resilience and experience make this fight a gritty and entertaining matchup.
Preliminary Card Fights
The preliminary card offers a glimpse of rising talents and experienced fighters:
Victor Hugo vs. Daniel Marcos: Victor Hugo, a recent UFC contract recipient, faces unbeaten Peruvian Danial Marcos in a bantamweight clash. Marcos kept his unblemished record intact with a split decision victory over British veteran Davey Grant in July.
Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos vs. Rinat Fakhretdinov: In a welterweight showdown, Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos, returning after a split decision win in June, faces Rinat Fakhretdinov, who earned a 55-second submission victory over Kevin Lee in his last outing. Expect an intriguing battle between two talented welterweights.
Vitor Petrino vs. Modestas Bukauskas: The light heavyweight division sees Vitor Petrino take on former Cage Warriors champion Modestas Bukauskas. Both fighters are under the age of 30 and aim to continue their respective winning streaks.
Angela Hill vs. Denise Gomes: The strawweight division features a battle between veteran Angela Hill and surging finisher Denise Gomes. Hill, with 24 UFC appearances, looks to return to the win column, while Gomes seeks to build on her consecutive stoppage victories.
Eduarda Moura vs. Montserrat Conejo Ruiz: Unbeaten strawweight newcomer Eduarda Moura makes her UFC debut against Mexican grappler Montserrat Conejo Ruiz. Moura impressed on DWCS with a standout performance and aims for her fifth straight stoppage victory.
Kaue Fernandes vs. Marc Diakiese: The lightweight division opener sees Brazilian Kaue Fernandes making his debut against British veteran Marc Diakiese. Fernandes, with an 8-1 record, brings striking prowess to the octagon, while Diakiese seeks redemption after a controversial submission loss.
Don’t miss a moment of UFC Fight Night: Almeida vs Lewis, live from Ibirapuera Arena in São Paulo, Brazil. Prelims start at 6pm ET/3pm PT, while the main card kicks off at 9pm ET/6pm PT. UFC São Paulo promises an action-packed night of fights, with every bout holding the potential for fireworks. The passionate Brazilian crowd is sure to elevate the atmosphere, making this event one to remember.
More MMA news
Follow our dedicated MMA page for instant MMA news and update