Caio Borralho and Paul Craig meet Saturday on the UFC 301 most important card at Farmasi Enviornment in Rio de Janeiro. Take a look at this fast breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
Final occasion: 3-3
UFC most important playing cards, 2024: 31-32-2
Caio Borralho vs. Paul Craig UFC 301 preview
Borralho hasn’t misplaced since his second professional combat almost 9 years in the past … Borralho wanted two Dana White’s Contender Collection wins to get to the UFC, however is 5-0 within the promotion … Craig made the transfer to middleweight in 2023 after years at gentle heavyweight … Craig received his 185-pound debut with a bonus-winning TKO of Andre Muniz, however misplaced his follow-up to Brendan Allen for his third setback in 4 fights.
Caio Borralho vs. Paul Craig professional decide, prediction
Paul Craig
Regardless of Joe Silva mastering most important card codecs a few years in the past by reserving males’s light-weight or featherweight because the openers, the present crop of UFC matchmakers proceed to force-feed us middleweights in these prime positions.
And despite the fact that we have now incredible fights like Joanderson Briot and Jack Shore slightly below this, the powers that be determined to kick off the paid portion of the cardboard with a possible middleweight squash match between Paul Craig and Caio Barralho.
Though I’m a giant fan of Craig and provides him extra of a shot than the betting public is, I’ve a tough time seeing a concrete method for the Scotsman to win outdoors of lightning putting for one more opportunistic submission.
Borralho, however, generally is a irritating fighter given his propensity to counter and peck away from the skin.
Paul Craig, who fights Caio Borralho at #UFC301, is 4-1 reverse UFC-level southpaws (W: Ankalaev, Nzechukwu, Hill, Muniz; L: Rountree)
Craig is certainly not past being tagged by SP kicks and counters, however he has proven regular enhancements to his putting. #TheSouthpawReport pic.twitter.com/orXz3Az7S8
— Dan Tom (@DanTomMMA) Could 3, 2024
Craig has been displaying putting enhancements that may assist preserve him afloat, however I’m undecided he can provide up sufficient to remain forward of his Brazilian counterpart on the scorecards.
The decide is Borralho by way of a irritating unanimous resolution.
Caio Borralho vs. Paul Craig odds
Nov 4, 2023; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Caio Borralho (crimson gloves) reacts after defeating Abus Magomedov (not pictured) throughout UFC Struggle Evening at Ibirapuera Enviornment. Necessary Credit score: Jason da Silva-USA TODAY Sports activities
Borralho is a large -670 favourite, in keeping with FanDuel. He hasn’t been that huge of a favourite since his DWCS combat in opposition to Jesse Murray in 2021, when he was -1400. Conversely, the final time Craig was this huge of an underdog, he upset Magomed Ankalaev with a bonus-winning submission in 2018 in London.
Caio Borralho vs. Paul Craig begin time, the best way to watch
As the principle card opener, Caio Borralho and Paul Craig are anticipated to make their stroll to the octagon round 10:15 p.m. ET. The combat airs on pay-per-view by way of ESPN+.
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 301.
For extra detailed evaluation from Dan Tom, try his weekly present, “The Shield Ya’ Neck Podcast.”
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