Ilias Bulaid (9-0) vs Erick Visconde (17-3)
Bulaid is the superior striker here, throwing from every angle with a pro kickboxing background that really shows in his ability to manage range. Visconde is more well rounded but far too patient. His path to victory runs through spamming takedowns, and he’ll need to change levels without warning to have a real chance at getting there.
Camila Reynoso (9-1) vs Aieza Bertolso (7-0)
The size difference in this one is significant, even by WMMA standards. Reynoso needs to work her jab and stay busy, winning every moment on the feet whether or not the shots are truly damaging. Bertolso should look to close the distance, get a body lock, and drag this to the mat to hunt for any submission available. She can hang on the feet if needed, but her clearest path to a finish is by submission.
Luca Borando (9-1) vs Ian Escuza (7-0)
Both fighters are legitimate knockout artists, so this comes down to who lands first and cleanest. Borando has faced more adversity in his career and brings a strong southpaw stance with sharp footwork. If taken down, he scrambles and whizzers well enough to get back up without issue, and he carries knockout power in every limb. Escuza finally steps away from steamrolling overmatched South American competition to show off his powerful striking on a bigger stage.
Zaurbek Sabanov (5-0) vs Adama Diop (6-1)
Sabanov brings rare athleticism for a big man, with power in both hands and a takedown game built around picking opponents up rather than just dragging them down. Diop is heavy handed too, but his striking is basic, one hitter quitter stuff that tends to be telegraphed and a bit sloppy.
George Staines (10-0) vs Loai Abushaar (7-1)
Abushaar will need to fight long, working the jab off the back foot to keep Staines from locking up a takedown. Staines gives up a 3 inch height difference on paper, though it looked more pronounced at the face off. He likely can’t shut this down quickly, but if he can grind Abushaar’s cardio down, a late second round finish on the mat is realistic.
My Bets:
Bertolso by SUB or POINTS, Escuza / Borando ENDS BY KO/TKO, Staines by SUB or POINTS = +281 ( .75u )
Bertolso by SUB, Staines by SUB = +625 ( .25u )
Bulaid / Visconde FDGTD, Borando by KO/TKO or POINTS, Diop / Sabanov STARTS RD 2 = +628 ( .25u )
Bertolso SUB RD 2, Staines RD 1 or 2 = +1550 ( .25u )
All odds and bets placed on FanDuel. If you’d like to sign-up for an account, click here: https://fndl.ca/h4488cu
