A few new fights were added to upcoming fight cards, and I’ll give my thoughts on them in today’s MMA odds and ends.
Jose Torres vs. Alex Perez, UFC 227
A flyweight matchup between Jose Torres and Alex Perez has been added to the stacked UFC 227 card, going down Saturday, August 4 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The bout was first reorted by ESPN.com. Torres (8-0) is still undefeated and knocked out Jarred Brooks via slam in his UFC debut. He’s only 25 and is one of the top prospects at 125lbs. Perez (20-4) is on a seven-fight win streak and has picked up a 2-0 record in the UFC so far with wins over Carl John de Thomas and Eric Shelton. I like the matchmaking here between two solid flyweight propsects but I rate Torres a step higher and expect him to win this fight.
Mickey Gall vs. George Sullivan, UFC Fight Night 135
A welterweight bout featuring Mickey Gall and George Sullivan goes down at UFC Fight Night 135, which takes place Saturday, August 25 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Lincoln Journal Star first confirmed the fight. Gall (4-1) has had all of his pro fights except for one in the Octagon and in his last fight he suffered his first career loss to Randy Brown. Still, he’s only 26 and has plenty of time to improve his craft. Sullivan (17-6, 1 NC) is 3-3 in the UFC and at 37 is one of the oldest fighters in the welterweight division. This is a good test for Gall but it’s one I think he passes and I think he has a good chance to add another highlight-reel submission to his record over a guy in Sullivan who has lost via tapout quite a few times in his career.
Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos vs. Belal Muhammad, UFC Fight Night 137
An intriguing welterweight fight between Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos and Belal Muhammad will take place at UFC Fight Night 137, which goes down Saturday, September 22 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. AG Fight first reported the bout. Dos Santos (19-5) is 5-1 in the UFC and is riding a five-fight win streak at the moment. Muhammad (14-2) is on a four-fight win streak and holds an impressive 5-2 record in the UFC. I love this matchup between two emerging welterweight prospects, but I think dos Santos is the more well-rounded and dangerous fighter. I’d favor dos Santos in this one but I’m hoping the betting lines have him as an underdog again.
