Preview: UFC Fight Night 242 Prelims

Flyweights

Andre Lima (9-0, 2-0 UFC) vs. Felipe dos Santos (8-1, 1-1 UFC)

ODDS: Lima (-180), dos Santos (+150)

Lima is an interesting prospect, but it will be hard for the Brazilian to become best known for anything other than the strangeness of his UFC debut. Lima was matched with fellow newcomer Igor da Silva for what turned into a fun scrap. That was until the point that Severino inexplicably decided to bite Lima in the arm, ending the fight in a disqualification. Lima followed with a successful sophomore effort against Mitch Raposo, and at this point, he has shown the entirety of his wares. “Mascote” can be a bit too patient for his own good in choosing his shots, but he’s an efficient and accurate striker with a solid wrestling and grappling game in his back pocket, even if those latter skills are mostly used to neutralize his opponents and get the fight back on the feet.

Dos Santos makes for an interesting next test for Lima, as he figures to make him pay for his willingness to cede initiative. “Lipe Detona” is part of the latest wave of Charles Oliveira disciples to come out of the Chute Boxe affiliate fronted by Diego Lima, all of which tend to have a similar style, marching forward and eating offense with the confidence that they can land harder shots in return. That has resulted in two nip-tuck affairs thus far. Dos Santos did surprisingly well in a late-notice UFC debut against fringe title contender Manel Kape before losing the decision, and the Brazilian’s bounce-back win over Victor Altamirano was a controversial result that saw the latter find a lot of wrestling success. Dos Santos’ performance in the latter fight, which was frankly a bit flat, is enough to give Lima the nod. Dos Santos might be constantly pushing the pace and throwing out volume, but Lima does appear sharp enough to stay at a comfortable distance and his countryman as he wades forward. The pick is Lima via decision.

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Lima vs. dos Santos
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