Preview: UFC on ESPN 62 ‘Cannonier vs. Borralho’

‘The Ultimate Fighter 32’ Featherweight Final

Kaan Ofli (11-2-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Mairon Santos Alves (13-1, 0-0 UFC)

ODDS: N/A

As it turns out, Alves’ UFC debut was just delayed a year. Sean Woodson had issues finding an opponent for a fight in August 2023, and Alves was one of the fighters attached to that spot before visa issues got in the way. After working his way to the featherweight final of this season of “The Ultimate Fighter,” the Brazilian gets his long-awaited first trip to the Octagon and a shot at a UFC contract. Just 24 years old, Alves is a solid striker with some power in his hands, even though he’s still a bit one-dimensional at the moment. The most prominent of his pre-UFC fights saw eventual UFC signee and previous “The Ultimate Fighter” alum Dan Argueta outwrestle Alves without much issue. That’s the obvious weakness against fellow finalist Ofli.

Representing Australia, Ofli leaned on his ground skills to make his way through the “The Ultimate Fighter” bracket, though his regional record does show that he has enough striking in his back pocket to keep most opponents honest. That might not be the case in this outing, but it also figures to be a moot point since Ofli should be able to make this a grind. The pick is Ofli via decision.

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Cannonier vs. Borralho
Ricci vs. Hill
Valentin vs. Loder
Ofli vs. Alves
Morales vs. Magny
Shahbazyan vs. Meerschaert
The Prelims