UFC 291: Poirier vs. Gaethje 2 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City Utah. Jan Blachowicz vs Alex Pereira breakdown.

Jan Blachowicz (-125) vs. Alex Pereira (+105)

Fun matchup put together in the Light Heavyweight division in which it will be Poatan’s debut at 205. Blachowicz fought to a split draw in his last bout for the vacant title against Magomed Ankalaev. Jan obviously is known for the “polish power” with some capability to initiate takedowns. As he showed in his big win over Izzy. His striking is clean, plus he will look to throw lead leg kicks to slow down Pereira.

Poatan is finally making the move up to the Light Heavyweight division. He is a massive human standing at 6’4 and walks around at around 230 pounds. He will not have to worry about a tough weight cut for a 3-round fight where he will be the faster striker with just as or even more power than his opponent. I am trusting in the kickboxing ability of Pereira here. With Jan being 40 years old now I don’t see him having the extensive grappling ability against a bigger fighter. I am sure Pereira has improved his grappling game working with Glover for all this time now as well. Both guys are in spots to earn themselves a shot at the vacate Light Heavyweight Title. Blachowicz vs Pereira will be an instant classic.

Official Pick- Alex Pereira ML

Miranda Maverick (-300) vs. Priscila Cachoeira (+240)

Priscila is coming off a first-round KO win and was originally scheduled to fight Joanne Wood this weekend but instead lands Miranda Maverick who steps in on short notice and coming off a loss in her recent fight as a sizeable favorite.

Maverick has a Muay Thai style but has shown well-rounded grappling ability in previous fights against those with subpar grappling which I believe will be key for her here. Miranda trains at elevation regularly in Colorado as well which will benefit her cardio in this fight in Utah. Priscila is bound to bring the high pace she normally does which would not be the smartest idea here.

Priscila’s “Catch a Beating” Cachoeira should be her name because she has minimal striking defense and blocks punches with her face most of the time. She is primarily a striker who will attempt to walk you down and throw bombs with her power. In the grappling department, she is a fish off her back and I see that being the story of this fight. With Miranda finding the takedowns and getting a finish to bounce back into the win column.

Official Pick- Miranda Maverick ML