5 keys to victory for Michel Pereira at UFC Vegas 55

#4. Mix in takedowns

UFC Fight Night: Pereira punching Williams

As seen when he took on Kalinn 'Khaos' Williams, Michel Pereira is willing to deviate from his striking ways in order to secure clutch takedowns. Should this bout be closely contested on the feet, leaving the rounds hanging in the balance, takedowns are a safe way to get the edge on the scorecards.

Furthermore, takedowns are a form of mixing things up. Usually, when the Brazilian is mixing up his attacks, it's by way of abrupt and hard-to-read strikes. The takedowns will mix in a different threat for the Argentine to consider and will open up more opportunities to land strikes.

Ponzinibbio is well-rounded and capable of winning fights in any situation. Mixing in takedowns, even if they're unsuccessful attempts, will mitigate Ponizinibbio's comfortability as he's thinking of more than just oncoming strikes.

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#3. Fight long, especially with kicks

UFC 270: Pereira kicking Fialho

Michel Pereira is at his most successful when he's utilizing his range. Although both him and his adversary bring a 73" reach into the fight, the kick-heavy Brazilian has a 1.5" leg reach advantage and should look to make every bit of it apparent as the fight transpires.

Prodding front kicks and quick roundhouses should be used early and often. If there's any advantage for a fighter to control the range in this fight, it'll be with Pereira and his lengthy legs.

This plan of attack won't be an out of the ordinary one for the 28-year-old. He's largely a kick-heavy fighter. It's just a matter of using these attacks as strategically as possible. Santiago Ponzinibbio is no novice, either. He'll try and draw Pereira into his powerful shots. The Brazilian will be about as safe as one could be in a fight if he's behind his kicks.