The UFC continued booking more new fights this week, and for today’s MMA Odds and Ends I’ll list the new bouts and give my thoughts on them. Thiago Tavares vs. Brian Ortega, UFC Fight Night 68 Thiago Tavares was left without an opponent after Zubaira Tukhugov pulled out with an injury, and now Brian Ortega has stepped up on short notice as he’ll square off with the Brazilian veteran at UFC Fight Night 68, which is set for June 6 at Smoothie King Center in New Orlanes, Louisiana. It’s an interesting fight between two grapplers, especially because both men have tested positive for steroids in the past. Tavares was caught a few years ago and since returning to the Octagon he has continued to win, including a submission victory over Robbie Peralta in his last fight, while Ortega hasn’t fought since his positive test and suspension after his since-overturned win over Mike De La Torre last summer. Tavares is older but more experienced, while Ortega is younger but is also taking this fight on short notice. It’s a tough fight to call. Tavares will likely be the favorite, but I feel like Ortega matches up decently well against him. I’m on the fence about this one, but right now my initial lean is Ortega can pull this off. It’s a tough fight to call, though, no doubt about it. Peter Sobotta vs. Sergio Moraes, UFC Fight Night 69 A welterweight bout between veterans Peter Sobotta and Sergio Moraes will take place at UFC Fight Night 69, which is scheduled for June 20 at O2 World in Berlin, Germany. The fight will take place on the main card, which airs on Fight Pass. This fight was supposed to take place at UFC Fight Night 64 but Sobotta was injured and Moraes ended up fighting Mickael Lebout, who he defeated via decision. It was Moraes’ first fight in nearly two years and he looked really bad in it, making him a good fade candidate in this fight against Sobotta, who is a younger fighter and one who is very underrated. I don’t think people realize how good Sobotta is, and while Moraes is pretty solid himself, especially on the ground, I think Sobotta matches up pretty well against him and in his hometown I wouldn’t be surprised if he finds a way to win this fight. Moraes will be the favorite here, but I really think Sobotta has a good shot of pulling off the upset so keep and eye on him as a potential live dog. Sam Sicilia vs. Doo Ho Choi, UFC Fight Night 71 A featherweight bout between heavy hitters Sam Sicilia and Doo Ho Choi is the latest addition to UFC Fight Night 71, which is set for July 15 at Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, California. The bout order for this card has not been set yet, but one would assume the UFC would want this fight — which has knockout written all over it — to open up the main card. This fight is going to be awesome. Both of these guys love to stand and bang in the center of the Octagon and give the fans a good show, and I don’t expect anything different here. Ultimately it will come down to who lands first, and who has the chin that can hold up to heavy punches. Considering Choi is the younger, bigger, and longer fighter, you have to lean his way here, but Sicilia definitely has KO power and if he catches Choi he could finish him. But all signs are pointing to a Choi victory. Sicilia doesn’t get much respect from bettors, so I’d imagine Choi opens as a decent favorite here of around 2-to-1 or a bit higher as he looks to continue his win streak.
