UFC 301 predictions, best bets, odds: Jose Aldo, Michel Pereira among top picks to consider on the main card

After an enormous and thrilling UFC 300, many followers have been left feeling underwhelmed by the cardboard the promotion put collectively for UFC 301. Nonetheless, the UFC’s return to Brazil is not with out some intrigue, together with Jose Aldo returning to the Octagon after a quick retirement and Alexandre Pantoja defending his flyweight championship towards Steve Erceg.

Pantoja took a cut up resolution over Brandon Moreno at UFC 290 to win the championship and has already made one profitable protection, beating Brandon Royval by resolution at UFC 296. Erceg has solely fought within the UFC thrice so far however has proven good abilities in his profession.

The undercard is missing in loads of methods, however it did get a lift with the addition of UFC Corridor of Famer Jose Aldo. The previous featherweight king will tackle Jonathan Martinez in a bantamweight bout slated for the co-main occasion. Elsewhere, Vitor Petrino will battle mild heavyweight veteran Anthony Smith, Michel Pereira will tackle Ihor Potieria in a middleweight contest and one other 185-pound tilt opens the PPV when Caio Borralho takes on Paul Craig.

After going 2-3 with our greatest bets for UFC 300, we’re sitting with a document of 8-12 on the 12 months. That is not a successful document, however there’s loads of time to show a tough 12 months round, hopefully beginning with UFC 301.

Paul Craig vs. Caio Borralho

Over 1.5 rounds (-200)

There’s not so much to love about betting on this battle until you see some cause to take a flyer on Craig as a giant underdog. Borralho is not a giant threat taker and has beforehand talked about being a “preventing nerd” who calculates the very best path to victory, which has resulted in him being referred to as boring many occasions. Craig is nice sufficient to outlive a spherical and a half, particularly if Borralho approaches the battle attempting to play a protected prime recreation.

Michel Pereira vs. Ihor Potieria

Michel Pereira to win in Spherical 1 (+100)

It is nearly laborious to imagine that Pereira has a seven-fight successful streak. When he first was on the rise, his fashion and character appeared too unstable to ever put collectively a streak of that size. Pereira is the extra dynamic expertise right here and Potieria is not against attempting to stroll by punches to get the job carried out. Sadly for Potieria, strolling by Pereira’s strikes is not an important plan. We’re relying on Pereira to tear Potieria aside with kicks earlier than ending the present along with his fists.

Anthony Smith vs. Vitor Petrino

Struggle to go the space: No (-215)

In an ideal world, the road right here can be -200 however we will make this play with confidence. Smith is clearly on the again aspect of his profession at this level and pairing him with a harmful rising prospect appears nearly merciless. Petrino can sting with leg kicks and has the sort of takedowns that simply maintain inflicting Smith issues. It appears like Petrino can choose Smith aside on the toes and if Smith will get any momentum, Petrino can have success taking the battle to the bottom and dominating.

Jonathan Martinez vs. Jose Aldo

Jose Aldo moneyline (+125)

Possibly it is that I am previous and clinging to the considered who Aldo as soon as was, however I like Aldo on this battle. Martinez is an efficient fighter however he is a superb fighter who’s going to wish to battle Aldo in ways in which play greatest into Aldo’s recreation. If this stays a Muay Thai battle within the Octagon, that units Aldo as much as get the win in his un-retirement bout. If you wish to get even higher odds, Aldo by resolution is sitting at +200.

Alexandre Pantoja vs. Steve Erceg

Alexandre Pantoja moneyline (-185)

Erceg is clearly a talented fighter, and this isn’t a shot at him, however he has an extremely skinny resume for a title contender. Whereas Pantoja has wins over Brandon Moreno (twice), Brandon Royval (twice), Manel Kape and plenty of different highly-ranked fighters, Erceg’s greatest win got here towards Matt Schnell, who entered the battle on a 2-3 run in his earlier battle bouts. Given Pantoja’s expertise and success at the next degree, it is smart to roll with him right here. Erceg might have the products to change into champion, however the proof is not there that he is price risking cash on but.

Who wins UFC 301: Pantoja vs. Erceg, and the way precisely does every battle finish? Go to SportsLine now to get detailed picks on UFC 301, all from the MMA professional who profited greater than $1,500 on his UFC main-card picks in 2023, and discover out.