An unexpected rematch that could decide the next No. 1 contender in the UFC heavyweight division as well as a couple other intriguing new fights have been announced, and I will give my thoughts on them in today’s MMA odds and ends.
Brian Kelleher vs. Domingo Pilarte, UFC 230
A bantamweight matchup featuring Brian Kelleher and Domingo Pilarte has been added to UFC 230, which is set to take place Saturday, November 3 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Newsday first had the matchup. Kelleher (19-9) is 3-2 overall in the UFC and lost via TKO to John Lineker his last time out. Pilarte (8-1) is riding a five-fight win streak and was signed to the UFC after winning on the Contender Series. A tough one to call as Pilarte looked good on the show but Kelleher is more proven in the UFC. I expect Kelleher to be the favorite but it should be a competitive bout.
Lando Vannata vs. Matt Frevola, UFC 230
As well, Newsday also reported a lightweight bout between Lando Vannata and Matt Frevola will take place at UFC 230. Vannata (9-3-1) is 1-3-1 in the UFC and is in a must-win situation as he hasn’t won a fight in nearly two years. Frevola (6-1) lost via KO to Marco Polo Reyes in his UFC after being signed off off the first season of the Contender Series. Vannata has struggled lately but he’s still a very talented fighter and he should be the favorite to win this bout.
Enrique Barzola vs. Nad Narimani, UFC Fight Night 140
A featherweight bout between Enrique Barzola and Nad Narimani is the first addition to UFC Fight Night 140, which takes place Saturday, November 17 at Estadio Luna Park in Beunos Aries, Argentina. Combate first reported the bout. Barzola (15-3-1) is 5-1 overall in the UFC and is currently riding a four-fight win streak. Narimani (11-2) is on a four-fight win streak as well and beat Khalid Taha in his UFC debut. Narimani is a solid fighter but I think Barzola is really special and I think he should be the favorite here.
Curtis Blaydes vs. Francis Ngannou 2, UFC Fight Night 141
A heavyweight rematch between top contenders Curtis Blaydes and Francis Ngannou is set to headline UFC Fight Night 141, which takes place Saturday, November 24 at Cadillac Arena in Beijing, China. The news of the bout was first reported by ESPN.com. Blaydes (10-1, 1 NC) is 5-1, 1 NC in the UFC. He was TKOed by Ngannou in his UFC debut but has since gone undefeated with a knockout win over Alistair Overeem in his last fight pushing him to the top of the heavyweight ladder. Ngannou (11-3) is 6-2 overall in the UFC. He won six straight fights to become a title contender but has since lost two-straight bouts to Stipe Miocic and in his last bout to Derrick Lewis in one of the worst heavyweight fights of all time. Weird rematch but it’s a good opportunity for Blaydes to get back that loss to Ngannou. Even though Ngannou won the first fight, I think you have to favor Blaydes in the rematch.
