Alexandre Pantoja vs Steve Erceg:

Full disclosure, I backed Steve Erceg in his most recent bout against Matt “Mr. Glass Chin” Schnell. Erceg was able to earn his very own “I Slumped Matt Schnell” t-shirt as Schnell's been finished in 7 of his 8 losses. This KO will be highlighted throughout the lead up.. but it's a limited accomplishment. Now we're shipping Astro Boy to Brazil facing BY FAR the toughest competition he's faced after his most notable win is over a guy that's 1-3 in last 4? While prior having a close 3 round decision win over Alessandro Costa and defeating David Dvorak who's currently on an 0-3 run in the UFC. Not the most prolific rise in the company, while Alexandre Pantoja's been on an incredible run winning 5 straight and defeating high level opposition along the way. Defeated former champion Brandon Moreno, a dangerous Brandon Royval twice, Alex Perez whom we've recently seen is still highly talented, and a soon to be title challenger in Manal Kape. If we also want to pull data further and look into Pantoja closet, he also owns the “I Slumped Matt Schnell” t-shirt knocking him out in round 1 back in 2019. Only advantage Erceg really has is technical boxing at range while I don't believe Pantoja allows space. He'll match forward cutting distance seeking to level change or clinch and I should have the better cardio fueling a relentless pace. Erceg can be mid to low volume yet continually leaving head on centerline. Solid footwork has protected it while Pantoja's will have a durability and physicality edge as well. Pressure wrestling early will keep Steve out of rhythm seeking to fight behind his jab. Add in the extremely high level BJJ Pantoja possesses and he's one back take away from sinking in a submission. One of the best in the sport finding ways to get to opponents backs and will find openings to muscle Erceg down. Backed by 5 round championship experience and I highly favor Pantoja here as a strong parlay piece.

Michel Pereira vs Ihor Potieria:

This line still isn't wide enough. Long gone are the memories of insane antic from Michel Pereira, as he's truly evolved to a more patient fighter with well timed aggression. Pereira's massive and since moving up weight classes dude has looked rejuvenated and reinvented. Fight should play out on the feet unless Michel seeks to utilizing his grappling. With that said, it should be a glorified kick boxing match and one where Ihor Potieria doesn't defend well. Very hitable with a willingness to trade in the pocket and Michel has quicker hand speed and overall faster developing combinations. One thing Michel brings that many other's in the division don't… is a true freak athlete. Firing off big jumping knees or heavy kicking arsenal mixing up target disguising his attacks. Will be far more explosive and posses more weapons on the feet backed by an awkward style. Feels like a true squash spot for Pereira in front of his home country.  

5% Client Play parlay odds (-133)