Preview: UFC Mexico ‘Moreno vs. Erceg’

Bantamweights

David Martinez (11-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Saimon Oliveira (18-5, 0-2 UFC)

ODDS: Martinez (-395), Oliveira (+310)

Mexico’s Martinez makes the most-hyped debut of the night, and it will be interesting to see how “Black Spartan” fares from here. Martinez has been ready for his UFC shot for a bit—something only further confirmed by his win on the Contender Series in October, even if he didn’t score a finish. Like his sister Melissa Martinez, he fights behind a kick-heavy style dependent on range and speed. For most of his career, he has had the timing to score some impressive knockouts, but there is a question as to how things will go against opponents who can absorb damage and track him down, particularly if they can bring some wrestling and grappling to the table. Brazil’s Oliveira might fit that description a bit, though he has his own issues to work out while returning from a two-year layoff.

Oliveira’s career on a major stage has been centered more on entertainment than effectiveness, as he has seemingly diminished his own chances for success thanks to hunting for a finish, whether it’s via some wild spinning strikes or getting overaggressive pursuing a guillotine choke. It’s a package strange enough that it might cause Martinez some problems or frustration, but the UFC newcomer should be able to generally pursue his usual game plan and pick Oliveira apart over three rounds. The pick is Martinez via decision.

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Moreno vs. Erceg
Torres vs. Dober
Pyfer vs. Gastelum
Rosas Jr. vs. Morales
Martinez vs. Oliveira
Rodriguez vs. Borjas
The Prelims