Topic: UFC 301
UFC 301: Pantoja vs. Erceg
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- Saturday 05.04.2024 at 06:00 PM ET
- U.S. Broadcast: Pay Per View | Prelims: ESPN
- Promotion: Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Ownership: Endeavor
- Venue: Jeunesse Arena
- Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Enclosure: Octagon
- TV Announcers: Jon Anik, Paul Felder, Daniel Cormier
- Ring Announcer: Bruce Buffer
- Post-Fight Interviews: Daniel Cormier
- Attendance: 14,514
- MMA Bouts: 13
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Promotion Links:
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Event Links:
| Bout | Info | |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandre Pantoja defeats Steve Erceg via Decision, Unanimous | 5 Rounds, 25:00 Total Bout Page | |
| José Aldo defeats Jonathan Martinez via Decision, Unanimous | 3 Rounds, 15:00 Total Bout Page | |
| Anthony Smith defeats Vitor Petrino via Submission, Guillotine Choke | 2:00 Round 1 of 3 Bout Page | |
| Michel Pereira defeats Ihor Potieria via Submission, Standing Guillotine Choke | 0:54 Round 1 of 3 Bout Page | |
| Caio Borralho defeats Paul Craig via KO/TKO, Left Cross | 2:10 Round 2 of 3, 7:10 Total Bout Page | |
| Joanderson Brito defeats Jack Shore via KO/TKO, Doctor Stoppage (cut on Shin) | 3:35 Round 2 of 3, 8:35 Total Bout Page | |
| Iasmin Lucindo defeats Karolina Kowalkiewicz via Decision, Unanimous | 3 Rounds, 15:00 Total Bout Page | |
| Myktybek Orolbai defeats Elves Brener via Decision, Unanimous | 3 Rounds, 15:00 Total Bout Page | |
| Drakkar Klose defeats Joaquim Silva via Decision, Unanimous | 3 Rounds, 15:00 Total Bout Page | |
| Mauricio Ruffy defeats Jamie Mullarkey via KO/TKO, Flying Knee and Punches | 4:42 Round 1 of 3 Bout Page | |
| Dione Barbosa defeats Ernesta Kareckaite via Decision, Unanimous | 3 Rounds, 15:00 Total Bout Page | |
| Ismael Bonfim defeats Vinc Pichel via Decision, Unanimous | 3 Rounds, 15:00 Total Bout Page | |
| Alessandro Costa defeats Kevin Borjas via KO/TKO, Punches From Back Mount | 1:35 Round 2 of 3, 6:35 Total Bout Page |
Responses Page 17
04.30.2024 | 3:05 AM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 9 of 13 Winners, 3 Perfect, 570 Points | Tied for 3282nd
Pantoja vs. Erceg
Alexandre Pantoja, SUB, R3
Confidence: Medium | Erceg is a come forward grappler who sits in the pocket & isn’t afraid to take one to give one, Erceg don’t have the best head movement but that’s probably the only knock on Erceg. Erceg is somewhat new to the UFC & is being fast tracked , Erceg is good he has good technical striking , is fast & nice offense grappling as well but this is a massive step up in competition for him. Pantoja will also sit in the pocket and take one to give one but ultimately Pantoja is a grappler and wants to grapple with you. I think Ecreg won’t mind being on his back , Erceg will try to sweep and reverse position in the grappling but it’s not gonna work . i think this is mostly a grappling fight & i have to lean Pantoja in those type of fights, I’m sure Pantoja will get clipped as he always does but Pantoja is just gonna use his grappling to slowly breakdown Erceg & I believe Pantoja will find a finish in the 3rd or 4th Round.
Martinez vs. Aldo
Jonathan Martinez, DEC
Confidence: Medium | Martinez is a technical striker with devastating leg kicks Martinez also has slick BJJ when he is on the ground and also has decent wrestling. Jose Aldo is a legend he’s coming off a two year retirement to a loss to Merab Aldo has been active during that time span, Aldo has taken some boxing matches against winless guys. What I think happens in this fight is that I think Aldo’s timing and speed will be way off. Aldo is Good everywhere and has great takedown defense, so I will not be surprised if Aldo finds a way to win this fight but I think too much is against Aldo here he’s facing a way younger guy who will be faster than him now I am picking Martinez to win, but it can be a very close fight.
Smith vs. Petrino
Vitor Petrino, TKO, R2
Confidence: High | Petrino is a powerful striker who is evolving into a grappler Petrino has shown it all in his last fights. ln his fight against Tyson Pedro , Petrino showed great IQ , Grappling and cardio. In his fight before that he showed great striking and power. Anthony Smith is in a weird position in his career you can argue that Smith is on a four fight losing skid. Smith took a lot of damage over the years and I just don’t think he is the same guy Smith just look slow and old in his last fight Smith has a take one to give one striking style and at this weight class you can’t be that type of striker and for this matchup it is a terrible matchup for Smith . I believe Petrino will walk down Smith beat him up and finish him.
Pereira vs. Potieria
Michel Pereira, TKO, R1
Confidence: High | pereira is very good at this weight class. Pereira is a powerful And quick striker Pereira has a very odd and loose striking style and it seems to give his opponents problems I believe Ihor is the worst opponent Pereira has fought at this weight class. Ihor is a good striker though, Ihor knows how to strike very well but honestly, I just don’t think it won’t matter. Ihor won’t be able to get his offensive striking going due to the speed and pressure and craziness of Pereira’s striking I believe Pereira will finish Ihor.
Craig vs. Borralho
Caio Borralho, DEC
Confidence: High | Paul Craig is a very interesting fighter, basically every fight Paul Craig is sub or bust, Craig has OK power. He is not the best striker at all. Craig gets hit a lot. Craig will want it on the floor but struggles to get it there at times . Caio is a smart good grappler. With power in his hands as well , Caio is more of a pinpoint come forward grappler if that makes sense. Caio is never rushing. To have a game plan for different fights, if i’m Caio in this fight, keep it standing just don’t go to the ground with Craig. Caio probably take him down and control him but why take that chance when you can cruise on the feet going in and out being the way much faster technical powerful striker all those reasons being said Caio should cruise to victory.
Brito vs. Shore
Joanderson Brito, SUB, R2
Confidence: Medium |
Kowalkiewicz vs. Lucindo
Iasmin Lucindo, DEC
Confidence: Medium |
Brener vs. Orolbai
Myktybek Orolbai, DEC
Confidence: Medium |
Silva vs. Gomis
Jean Silva, TKO, R2
Confidence: Low |
Silva vs. Klose
Drakkar Klose, DEC
Confidence: Medium |
Ruffy vs. Mullarkey
Mauricio Ruffy, TKO, R2
Confidence: Medium |
Barbosa vs. Kareckaite
Ernesta Kareckaite, DEC
Confidence: Low |
Bonfim vs. Pichel
Ismael Bonfim, TKO, R1
Confidence: High |
Costa vs. Borjas
Kevin Borjas, DEC
Confidence: Low |
Alexandre Pantoja, SUB, R3
Confidence: Medium | Erceg is a come forward grappler who sits in the pocket & isn’t afraid to take one to give one, Erceg don’t have the best head movement but that’s probably the only knock on Erceg. Erceg is somewhat new to the UFC & is being fast tracked , Erceg is good he has good technical striking , is fast & nice offense grappling as well but this is a massive step up in competition for him. Pantoja will also sit in the pocket and take one to give one but ultimately Pantoja is a grappler and wants to grapple with you. I think Ecreg won’t mind being on his back , Erceg will try to sweep and reverse position in the grappling but it’s not gonna work . i think this is mostly a grappling fight & i have to lean Pantoja in those type of fights, I’m sure Pantoja will get clipped as he always does but Pantoja is just gonna use his grappling to slowly breakdown Erceg & I believe Pantoja will find a finish in the 3rd or 4th Round.
Martinez vs. Aldo
Jonathan Martinez, DEC
Confidence: Medium | Martinez is a technical striker with devastating leg kicks Martinez also has slick BJJ when he is on the ground and also has decent wrestling. Jose Aldo is a legend he’s coming off a two year retirement to a loss to Merab Aldo has been active during that time span, Aldo has taken some boxing matches against winless guys. What I think happens in this fight is that I think Aldo’s timing and speed will be way off. Aldo is Good everywhere and has great takedown defense, so I will not be surprised if Aldo finds a way to win this fight but I think too much is against Aldo here he’s facing a way younger guy who will be faster than him now I am picking Martinez to win, but it can be a very close fight.
Smith vs. Petrino
Vitor Petrino, TKO, R2
Confidence: High | Petrino is a powerful striker who is evolving into a grappler Petrino has shown it all in his last fights. ln his fight against Tyson Pedro , Petrino showed great IQ , Grappling and cardio. In his fight before that he showed great striking and power. Anthony Smith is in a weird position in his career you can argue that Smith is on a four fight losing skid. Smith took a lot of damage over the years and I just don’t think he is the same guy Smith just look slow and old in his last fight Smith has a take one to give one striking style and at this weight class you can’t be that type of striker and for this matchup it is a terrible matchup for Smith . I believe Petrino will walk down Smith beat him up and finish him.
Pereira vs. Potieria
Michel Pereira, TKO, R1
Confidence: High | pereira is very good at this weight class. Pereira is a powerful And quick striker Pereira has a very odd and loose striking style and it seems to give his opponents problems I believe Ihor is the worst opponent Pereira has fought at this weight class. Ihor is a good striker though, Ihor knows how to strike very well but honestly, I just don’t think it won’t matter. Ihor won’t be able to get his offensive striking going due to the speed and pressure and craziness of Pereira’s striking I believe Pereira will finish Ihor.
Craig vs. Borralho
Caio Borralho, DEC
Confidence: High | Paul Craig is a very interesting fighter, basically every fight Paul Craig is sub or bust, Craig has OK power. He is not the best striker at all. Craig gets hit a lot. Craig will want it on the floor but struggles to get it there at times . Caio is a smart good grappler. With power in his hands as well , Caio is more of a pinpoint come forward grappler if that makes sense. Caio is never rushing. To have a game plan for different fights, if i’m Caio in this fight, keep it standing just don’t go to the ground with Craig. Caio probably take him down and control him but why take that chance when you can cruise on the feet going in and out being the way much faster technical powerful striker all those reasons being said Caio should cruise to victory.
Brito vs. Shore
Joanderson Brito, SUB, R2
Confidence: Medium |
Kowalkiewicz vs. Lucindo
Iasmin Lucindo, DEC
Confidence: Medium |
Brener vs. Orolbai
Myktybek Orolbai, DEC
Confidence: Medium |
Silva vs. Gomis
Jean Silva, TKO, R2
Confidence: Low |
Silva vs. Klose
Drakkar Klose, DEC
Confidence: Medium |
Ruffy vs. Mullarkey
Mauricio Ruffy, TKO, R2
Confidence: Medium |
Barbosa vs. Kareckaite
Ernesta Kareckaite, DEC
Confidence: Low |
Bonfim vs. Pichel
Ismael Bonfim, TKO, R1
Confidence: High |
Costa vs. Borjas
Kevin Borjas, DEC
Confidence: Low |
04.30.2024 | 4:51 AM ET
Predictions: 8 of 13 Winners, 3 Perfect, 505 Points | Tied for 4180th
"Here lies Anthony 'Lionheart' Smith. I know I'm indisposed at the moment but if you need someone to take a title fight on short notice, you know where to find me".
04.30.2024 | 5:19 AM ET
Predictions: 10 of 13 Winners, 2 Perfect, 605 Points | Tied for 2720th
I just hope Petrino shows up this time. His fight with Pedro was horrible. Two rounds of dancing around each other then one round of sloppy ground work. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt this time & predict he rips Anthony Smiths head off in one round.
* Edited at 04.30.2024, 5:19 AM ET *
04.30.2024 | 6:12 AM ET
predictions
Predictions: 10 of 13 Winners, 3 Perfect, 590 Points | Tied for 2988th
pantoja vs erceg
Pantoja decision unanimous
Aldo vs martinez
Aldo decision
Smith vs Petrino
Petrino TkO round 1
Pereira vs Potieria
Perira KO/TKO round 3
Craig vs Borralho
Borralho Decision Split
Brito vs shore
Brito Sub round 1
Kowalkiewicz vs Lucindo
Kowalkiewicz Decision split
Oralbai vs Brener
oralbai decision unanimous
Gomis vs silva
Gomis decision unanimous
Klose vs silva
Klose KO/TKO round 2
Ruffy vs mullarkey
Ruffy KO round 2
Barbosa vs kareckaite
Kareckaite Decision unanimous
Pichel vs bonfim
KO/TKO round 2
Costa vs Borjas
Costa decision
Pantoja decision unanimous
Aldo vs martinez
Aldo decision
Smith vs Petrino
Petrino TkO round 1
Pereira vs Potieria
Perira KO/TKO round 3
Craig vs Borralho
Borralho Decision Split
Brito vs shore
Brito Sub round 1
Kowalkiewicz vs Lucindo
Kowalkiewicz Decision split
Oralbai vs Brener
oralbai decision unanimous
Gomis vs silva
Gomis decision unanimous
Klose vs silva
Klose KO/TKO round 2
Ruffy vs mullarkey
Ruffy KO round 2
Barbosa vs kareckaite
Kareckaite Decision unanimous
Pichel vs bonfim
KO/TKO round 2
Costa vs Borjas
Costa decision
04.30.2024 | 7:09 AM ET
Predictions: 9 of 13 Winners, 4 Perfect, 625 Points | Tied for 2464th
@rah I looked at the comments on embedded & all it is is people saying how Erceg is gonna pull off the upset. I think he’s great but the hype he’s getting for sleeping a very past prime schnell is insane
I feel like if more people watched costa vs Erceg they would realize this isn’t going to be a competitive fight
I feel like if more people watched costa vs Erceg they would realize this isn’t going to be a competitive fight
* Edited at 04.30.2024, 7:09 AM ET *
04.30.2024 | 7:54 AM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 7 of 13 Winners, 2 Perfect, 425 Points | Tied for 4976th
Pantoja vs. Erceg
Alexandre Pantoja, DEC
BET: FIGHT TO GO THE DISTANCE
Smith vs. Petrino
Vitor Petrino, TKO, R1
BET: PETRINO BY KO/TKO
Pereira vs. Potieria
Michel Pereira, TKO, R2
BET: PEREIRA ML
Brener vs. Orolbai
Elves Brener, DEC
BET: OROLBAI ML
Ruffy vs. Mullarkey
Mauricio Ruffy, TKO, R1
BET: RUFFY BY TKO
Bonfim vs. Pichel
Ismael Bonfim, TKO, R1
BONFIM ML
Costa vs. Borjas
Alessandro Costa, DEC
BET: FIGHT TO GO THE DISTANCE
Alexandre Pantoja, DEC
BET: FIGHT TO GO THE DISTANCE
Smith vs. Petrino
Vitor Petrino, TKO, R1
BET: PETRINO BY KO/TKO
Pereira vs. Potieria
Michel Pereira, TKO, R2
BET: PEREIRA ML
Brener vs. Orolbai
Elves Brener, DEC
BET: OROLBAI ML
Ruffy vs. Mullarkey
Mauricio Ruffy, TKO, R1
BET: RUFFY BY TKO
Bonfim vs. Pichel
Ismael Bonfim, TKO, R1
BONFIM ML
Costa vs. Borjas
Alessandro Costa, DEC
BET: FIGHT TO GO THE DISTANCE
04.30.2024 | 8:19 AM ET
Ayy
Predictions: 11 of 13 Winners, 6 Perfect, 755 Points | Tied for 497th
You and me both bro.
I like Erceg, but he ain't ready. Pantoja is gonna stomp him
I like Erceg, but he ain't ready. Pantoja is gonna stomp him
04.30.2024 | 8:39 AM ET
Predictions: 10 of 13 Winners, 4 Perfect, 680 Points | Tied for 1541st
Are some of you still so new to MMA that you haven't heard a sold out Brazillian crowd chant "UH VAI MORRER" in unison?
Erceg is good but hes not ready for this fight whatsoever. Any confidence he thinks he has is going to be absolutely shattered by the atmosphere hes being asked to fight in.
Pantoja is going to absolutely dog walk him.
Erceg is good but hes not ready for this fight whatsoever. Any confidence he thinks he has is going to be absolutely shattered by the atmosphere hes being asked to fight in.
Pantoja is going to absolutely dog walk him.
* Edited at 04.30.2024, 8:39 AM ET *
04.30.2024 | 9:27 AM ET
Predictions: 9 of 13 Winners, 4 Perfect, 625 Points | Tied for 2464th
I actually disagree, Erceg has actually impressed me a lot with his composure; he never showed any signs of worry in his debut & has dealt with each step up in competition handedly. On embedded he said there was no better way to win the belt than vs a Brazilian in Brazil. I don’t think the crowd is going to affect him that much, I just simply think Pantoja is better than him in every facet. The only way I see Erceg winning is if Pantoja has a cardio dump early & Erceg takes over later
04.30.2024 | 10:26 AM ET
Predictions: 12 of 13 Winners, 7 Perfect, 840 Points | Tied for 48th with 11 others
He’s fought at the apex, MSG and in Vancouver. Are any of these crowds as scary as the Brazilian crowds? No, at least I don’t think so. I don’t know if Erceg is gonna break because of the crowd but he’s definitely gonna have a tough time hearing his corner and it’s definitely gonna be a new experience for him.
04.30.2024 | 10:58 AM ET
Tricky betting card. Anybody got some confident picks? I think it's crazy Gomis is a dog. He's way bigger and we seen Jean struggle with getting the fight in his groove. Aldo and Martinez should get FoTN
04.30.2024 | 11:25 AM ET
My picks for UFC 301
Predictions: 5 of 7 Winners, 0 Perfect, 280 Points | Tied for 5553rd
Pantoja vs. Erceg
Alexandre Pantoja, SUB, R2
I think Erceg doesn't have the experience and the grappling skills to compete with Pantoja. He trains in an unknown gym in Australia, I don't know how can he have the skills to compete with one of the best grapplers UFC pound-for-pound training in ATT. He won two competitive fights with Costa and Dvorak 29-28, two mid fighters. Then he KO'd Schnell, a fighter with 5 KO losses. I mean, it's really hard to imagine him winning against Pantoja, I think Erceg's grappling skills are simply not at the same level, he will get dominated on the ground and subbed.
Martinez vs. Aldo
Jonathan Martinez, TKO, R2
It's funny how people forget that Aldo has only 1 fight left on his contract, and he's coming back cause he wants to box on the Paul-Tyson fight. I think analyzing this fight without context doesn't make sense. Anyway Aldo is 37, probably didn't train full time MMA in the last two years and he adopted in his recent fights a heavy boxing style. With this new style Aldo has largely abandoned his use of leg kicks and has become more susceptible to receiving them. Munhoz managed to land 37 out of 42 leg kicks against him.I simply think that it won't be much competitive, Aldo will be slower and we'll see another Martinez leg kick KO.
Smith vs. Petrino
Vitor Petrino, TKO, R1
Smith is done and the UFC knows it, this fight will be a Petrino showcase.
Pereira vs. Potieria
Michel Pereira, TKO, R1
It won't be close.
Alexandre Pantoja, SUB, R2
I think Erceg doesn't have the experience and the grappling skills to compete with Pantoja. He trains in an unknown gym in Australia, I don't know how can he have the skills to compete with one of the best grapplers UFC pound-for-pound training in ATT. He won two competitive fights with Costa and Dvorak 29-28, two mid fighters. Then he KO'd Schnell, a fighter with 5 KO losses. I mean, it's really hard to imagine him winning against Pantoja, I think Erceg's grappling skills are simply not at the same level, he will get dominated on the ground and subbed.
Martinez vs. Aldo
Jonathan Martinez, TKO, R2
It's funny how people forget that Aldo has only 1 fight left on his contract, and he's coming back cause he wants to box on the Paul-Tyson fight. I think analyzing this fight without context doesn't make sense. Anyway Aldo is 37, probably didn't train full time MMA in the last two years and he adopted in his recent fights a heavy boxing style. With this new style Aldo has largely abandoned his use of leg kicks and has become more susceptible to receiving them. Munhoz managed to land 37 out of 42 leg kicks against him.I simply think that it won't be much competitive, Aldo will be slower and we'll see another Martinez leg kick KO.
Smith vs. Petrino
Vitor Petrino, TKO, R1
Smith is done and the UFC knows it, this fight will be a Petrino showcase.
Pereira vs. Potieria
Michel Pereira, TKO, R1
It won't be close.
* Edited at 04.30.2024, 11:26 AM ET *
04.30.2024 | 12:06 PM ET
Predictions: 10 of 13 Winners, 4 Perfect, 640 Points | Tied for 2180th
The cannibal goona take this dude's neck with an RNC
04.30.2024 | 12:11 PM ET
Predictions: 10 of 13 Winners, 5 Perfect, 655 Points | Tied for 1913th
I keep flipping between Dione Barbosa and Kareckaite. I can't make up my mind on this fight, what y'all thinkin
04.30.2024 | 12:42 PM ET
Predictions: 12 of 13 Winners, 5 Perfect, 790 Points | Tied for 217th
If I'm not mistaken, I heard Pantoja didn't want to go to Brazil early to promote the fight, so I guess he's gonna come well-prepared.
Erceg is a tough task, but when I watched his fight against Costa, I felt he was having a lot of trouble dealing with Costa's power, and we know Pantoja can crack...
Anyway, let's hope these 2 put up an awesome performance !
Erceg is a tough task, but when I watched his fight against Costa, I felt he was having a lot of trouble dealing with Costa's power, and we know Pantoja can crack...
Anyway, let's hope these 2 put up an awesome performance !
04.30.2024 | 1:00 PM ET
Predictions: 10 of 13 Winners, 4 Perfect, 680 Points | Tied for 1541st
First 5 round fight, absolutely massive step up in competition all in front of thousands of locals who are all emphatically chanting "YOURE GOING TO DIE!"
Yeah, sorry, Erceg isn't ready for this whatsoever. I too have been extremley impressed with his composure so far. I also think he's shown improvements fight to fight. None of that is relevant. There's simply no way to prepare for what he's gotten himself into.
If Erceg found a way to pull this off, it would be one of the greatest upsets ever no questions asked. There isn't a single area where he has an advantage over Pantoja.
Yeah, sorry, Erceg isn't ready for this whatsoever. I too have been extremley impressed with his composure so far. I also think he's shown improvements fight to fight. None of that is relevant. There's simply no way to prepare for what he's gotten himself into.
If Erceg found a way to pull this off, it would be one of the greatest upsets ever no questions asked. There isn't a single area where he has an advantage over Pantoja.
04.30.2024 | 1:01 PM ET
Predictions: 8 of 13 Winners, 1 Perfect, 440 Points | Tied for 4856th
04.30.2024 | 1:09 PM ET
Predictions: 10 of 13 Winners, 4 Perfect, 680 Points | Tied for 1541st
Another point worth mentioning...
Successfully defending the belt in Brazil means A LOT to Pantoja. Hes going to be over prepared for this fight despite the fact that he wasn't given a top 5 opponent. Pantoja didn't get to pick his opponent. All he cares about is successfully defending the belt in Brazil.
There's an almost 0% chance for a Nunes/Pena style upset here. Pantoja isn't ******* around and isn't going to take Erceg lightly whatsoever. He's going to treat him like he's the #1 contender.
Successfully defending the belt in Brazil means A LOT to Pantoja. Hes going to be over prepared for this fight despite the fact that he wasn't given a top 5 opponent. Pantoja didn't get to pick his opponent. All he cares about is successfully defending the belt in Brazil.
There's an almost 0% chance for a Nunes/Pena style upset here. Pantoja isn't ******* around and isn't going to take Erceg lightly whatsoever. He's going to treat him like he's the #1 contender.
04.30.2024 | 1:53 PM ET
Predictions: 8 of 13 Winners, 2 Perfect, 475 Points | Tied for 4537th
I love Steve Carell but Pantoja is a ******* tank, he literally rushes forward, with his chin out, swinging until he gets a hold of you, any punch coming his way, he'll just eat and continue looking for the takedown
04.30.2024 | 2:29 PM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 11 of 13 Winners, 7 Perfect, 830 Points | Tied for 80th
Barbosa vs. Kareckaite
Dione Barbosa, DEC
This is a classic WMMA fight between two point strikers. I think it will be close on the feet but Barbosa will be a bit more explsoive, and will mix in takedowns that secure the win.
Dione Barbosa, DEC
This is a classic WMMA fight between two point strikers. I think it will be close on the feet but Barbosa will be a bit more explsoive, and will mix in takedowns that secure the win.