Joanderson Brito: Flying Blind

Joanderson Brito knows little about his latest opponent.

The 28-year-old Brazilian will face Ultimate Fighting Championship newcomer Westin Wilson in a UFC on ESPN 48 featherweight prelim this Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Wilson, 34, steps in as a short-notice replacement for Khusein Askhabov and enters his promotional debut on the heels of three straight victories, all of them first-round submissions. The late change in opponent complicates matters for Brito.

“It’s going to be an interesting fight since he’s someone I don’t really know,” he told Sherdog.com. “He’s pretty tall. I’ve been facing taller opponents for some time now, so I don’t believe that will be a problem. The biggest challenge is still not knowing him. It’s going to be very interesting since I’ve been getting ready in all areas.”

Brito has built some momentum of his own with back-to-back wins over Andre Fili and Lucas Alexander. His 41-second technical knockout of Team Alpha Male’s Fili at UFC on ESPN 35 netted him a welcomed $50,000 “Performance of the Night” bonus in April 2022.

“I’m feeling well,” Brito said. “I’m well-trained and well-prepared. I feel much more mature. My fights are a demonstration of the type of work I’ve been doing for a long time, beating everyone by knockout or submission. The money was a big help, especially since I had a small son. Now, I have another.”

A talent on the rise at 145 pounds, Brito has won 12 of his past 13 bouts—a decision loss to former Ring of Combat champion Bill Algeo in his Octagon debut at UFC on ESPN 32 his lone misstep. He trains out of a Chute Boxe affiliate fronted by Joao Emilio in Bauru, Brazil. Brito carries an unshakeable belief in those around him.

“We’re a great, high-performance team,” he said. “We train hard every day.”

Those words will once again be put to the test when Brito risks his modest two-fight winning streak against the battle-tested Wilson, a man who has 14 first-round finishes—three of the sub-minute variety—to his credit.

“Everyone should know that I give everything I have, from the start to the end of every fight,” Brito said. “My goal in the organization is to climb up to the Top 5 and make some noise. I want all my opponents to understand that I’m always highly determined to win.”