UFC 236: Holloway vs. Poirier 2 - Predictions and Picks

#7 The Prelims: UFC Fight Pass card

Belal Muhammad faces Curtis Millender on Fight Pass

Finally, we have four fights on UFC Fight Pass, one of which is a surprisingly high-profile Welterweight bout between Belal Muhammad and Curtis Millender. Millender, of course, is only about a month removed from his disappointing loss to Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos, and I worry for him here – Muhammad is a passable striker but he’s a decent wrestler and Millender looked terrible on the bottom against Zaleski.

That may be because the Brazilian is an excellent fighter, but I’m willing to risk a bet that Muhammad can outgrapple Millender for a decision.

At Bantamweight, Montel Jackson takes on Andre Soukhamthath in a tricky test for Jackson, who looked excellent in his previous fight with Brian Kelleher. I’m going with Jackson here, Soukhamthath is a talented fighter but he’s very much open to brainfart moments that can cost him a fight, and I think Jackson’s the type of fighter who can capitalise on that. Jackson by submission is my pick.

At Flyweight, Poliana Botelho returns to face Lauren Mueller, in the Brazilian’s first fight at 125lbs following a run at Strawweight. I like Botelho here, she looked excellent prior to her loss to Cynthia Calvillo and really, there’s no shame in a loss to Calvillo as she’s a top-ranked fighter right now. Botelho via submission is my pick.

Finally, Randy Costa debuts at 135lbs to take on the always-tough Brandon Davis. Costa’s highlight reel looks good but he’s just 4-0 in professional MMA and his opponents had terrible records prior to fighting him. Davis meanwhile is 1-3 in the UFC, but is far more experienced so I can see him outworking the newcomer for a decision.