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Bantamweights

Luan Lacerda (12-2, 0-1 UFC) vs. Da’Mon Blackshear (12-5-1, 0-1-1 UFC)

ODDS: Lacerda (-145), Blackshear (+125)

Bantamweights look for their first UFC win in this pairing. It took Lacerda over a decade of pro fighting to make it to the UFC, which is apparent when watching the Brazilian go to work. Even if his record contains a lot of long stretches of inactivity, there is a polish to Lacerda’s approach that makes it clear he has plenty of experience. The question is if Lacerda can maximize those skills at a UFC level. Lacerda’s approach is built around a lot of patience, banking on his ability to find a submission finish at some point over the course of the fight without doing much to force the issue. Admittedly, going from the regional scene to a UFC debut against Cody Stamann was a particularly tough ask on paper for Lacerda in January. Even so, it was still a bit disheartening to see Stamann outmaneuver Lacerda for the better part of 15 minutes in a fight that never reached another gear. On the other side of the equation stands Blackshear, whose approach is generally built around forcing the issue, for better or for worse. “Da Monster” has a large frame for 135 pounds, looking to leverage that advantage by swamping his opponents with pressure in the form of a relentless wrestling game. It is an idea that cuts both ways for Blackshear. While he looks to pursue takedown after takedown, he has proven to be just as vulnerable to his opponent’s wrestling time after time, often resulting in fights with plenty of momentum swings that wind up close if they make it to the scorecards. It is unsurprising that Blackshear’s UFC debut against Youssef Zalal wound up as a draw. Blackshear may win this on sheer activity, but Lacerda looks to be the more skilled fighter. The bet is that Blackshear’s aggression does more to force Lacerda to keep up a winning pace than anything else. The pick is Lacerda via decision.

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