Block Six: UFC 287 Preview
The UFC is back with a stacked card from Miami, Florida this weekend, with Blockasset athlete Alex Pereira's Middleweight title defence topping the bill.
Pereira's rematch with Israel Adesanya is one of six featured fights in this week's free-to-play Block Six predictions game.
Make you predictions on all six of this weekend's listed fights, and if you get all six picks correct, you'll win a share of $10,000 of $BLOCK.
Below, we run through the six featured fights on this weekend's UFC 287 Block Six game...
Michelle Waterson-Gomez v Luana Pinheiro
Michelle Waterson-Gomez faces a tough test in Miami this weekend.
Former Invicta FC champion Michelle Waterson-Gomez will look to put a poor run of form behind her in Miami, but Saturday night's assignment looks like a tough one.
29-year-old Brazilian Lunana Pinheiro is on a seven-fight win streak, and will look to move closer to the Strawweight division's top ten with another win over Waterson-Gomez.
After impressing on Dana White's Contender Series 2020 with a first-round KO over Stephanie Frausto, Pinheiro was signed to the UFC where she won her promotional debut over Randa Markos thanks to a R1 disqualification, and followed that up with a dominant performance over Sam Hughes, which earned a unanimous decision victory.
The tale of the tape suggests this is a fight between two athletes at very different stages of their careers. Known widely as a grappler, Pinheiro has everything in her armoury to become a future champion, and usually gets her work done early. Her striking game shouldn't be taken for granted.
Waterson-Gomez will undoubtedly have to weather a storm in Miami on Saturday night, but the 37-year-old just might have the fight IQ to withstand early pressure and grow into the bout. Whilst Pinheiro will be the busier fighter in the Octagon on Saturday, Waterson-Gomez is more calculated and accurate with her attacks.
If #10-ranked Waterson-Gomez is to enjoy a swan song in the UFC, she'll have to be at her very best against Pinheiro. However, the odds are staked firmly against the US fighter this weekend.
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Kelvin Gastelum v Chris Curtis
Can Chris Curtis move into contender reckoning with a win over Kelvin Gatelum?
The next fight on Block Six's coupon is an intriguing battle between middleweights Kelvin Gastelum and Chris Curtis.
A wrestler by trade, since joining the UFC Gastelum's boxing ability has advanced considerably, and he is one of the most durable athletes in the sport. On the other side of the octagon stands Chris Curtis, an out-and-out boxer with an awkward southpaw stance and knockout power in both fists.
Despite being ranked #15, one place lower than Curtis, Gastelum probably has the more impressive resume of the pair, having consistently been matched up with contenders over the years.
Close calls with Israel Adesanya, Darren Till and Robert Whittaker underline Gastelum's credibility to compete with the best, but there's a certain element of mystery about the San Jose man going into this one, having been inactive since 2021.
With Chris Curtis, you know what you're going to get. A lethal striker with astute takedown defence, he's a difficult puzzle to piece. With just one defeat in the last three years (9-1 since 2020), including wins over Phil Hawes and Joaquin Buckley, Curtis is arguably at the peak of his powers.
The Gastelum test looks to be a good barometer to see quite how far Curtis can go in the UFC. A victory over the TUF 17 winner would be the highlight of Curtis' long and challenging career so far, but Saturday could see the rebirth of a middleweight contender in Gastelum.
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Raul Rosas Jr. v Christian Rodriguez
Will the Raul Rosas Jr. hype train be derailed by Christian Rodriguez at UFC 287?
The Raul Rosas Jr. hype train's next destination is the Miami-Dade Arena, where "El Nino Problema" meets fellow bantamweight prospect Christian Rodriguez.
Rosas Jr. was very vocal about his aspirations on becoming the UFC's youngest ever champion, shortly after winning his debut Dana White Contender Series before his 18th birthday, and he'll face his toughest challenge to date on Saturday.
Despite having a height advantage over Rodriguez, Rosas Jr concedes a considerable reach advantage to his opponent, a Roufusport graduate, who comes into this fight fresh from a bonus-winning submission of Joshua Weems.
Expect Rosas Jr. to fight fast with a consistent flow of takedown attempts, as he looks to make a major statement on the main card of a numbered event. However, Rodriguez is no gimme. Skilled in BJJ and wrestling, the +190 outsider has everything in his power to hurt the prodigal Mexican on the counter.
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Kevin Holland v Santiago Ponzinibbio
Who is your pick between Kevin Holland and Kelvin Gastelum this weekend?
Kevin "Trailblazer" Holland and Santiago "Gente Boa" Ponzinibbio square off in matchup that promises to deliver fireworks as both fighters are known for their striking prowess and willingness to engage in all-out wars inside the Octagon.
Kevin Holland (23-9-0) has been on a rollercoaster ride in the UFC, with a string of impressive victories followed by a couple of tough losses. However, Holland's captivating personality and ability to finish fights have made him a fan favourite. A versatile striker with a black belt in Kung Fu and a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Holland will look to showcase his full range of skills and bounce back to winning ways.
On the other side of the Octagon, Santiago Ponzinibbio (30-6-0) is a dangerous Argentine striker with knockout power in both hands. After an extended layoff due to health issues, Ponzinibbio returned to the UFC with mixed results, but his recent performances have shown glimpses of his former self. With a well-rounded striking arsenal and a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Ponzinibbio will be eager to prove that he's still a force to be reckoned with in the welterweight division.
This fight is expected to be a high-octane striking battle that could end in an instant, given the power and technique of both competitors. As Holland and Ponzinibbio prepare to square off at UFC 287, fans are eagerly awaiting an unforgettable showdown that could very well produce the next contender in the stacked welterweight division.
Submit your picks for Block Six: UFC 287 now!
Gilbert Burns v Jorge Masvidal
Gilbert Burns will look to silence Jorge Masvidal's hometown crowd in Miami this Saturday
MMA fans will be treated to one of the most anticipated welterweight contests in recent memory as two top contenders, Gilbert "Durinho" Burns and Jorge "Gamebred" Masvidal, collide in a battle for divisional supremacy. This high-stakes matchup has all the ingredients for an unforgettable encounter, with both fighters looking to stake their claim for a shot at the welterweight title.
Gilbert Burns (21-5-0) is a submission specialist with a background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, having won multiple world championships in the sport. His striking has evolved significantly since his early days in the UFC, making him a dangerous threat both on the ground and on the feet. Coming off an impressive win in his last bout, "Durinho" is determined to reestablish himself as a top contender and secure another shot at the title.
Jorge Masvidal (35-16-0) is a seasoned veteran who has experienced a career resurgence in recent years, with his "Gamebred" moniker becoming synonymous with exciting fights and highlight-reel finishes. Known for his crisp boxing and lethal knees, Masvidal's well-rounded skill set and experience make him a formidable opponent for anyone in the division. With a shot at redemption and a potential title opportunity on the line, Masvidal will be motivated to deliver a statement performance in his hometown.
This explosive matchup has all the makings of a classic, as Burns' grappling prowess and striking improvements will be tested against Masvidal's striking acumen and takedown defense. As both fighters prepare to go to war at UFC 287, the stakes are high and the excitement is palpable, making this a must-see event for all MMA fans.
Submit your picks for Block Six: UFC 287 now!
Alex Pereira v Isreal Adesanya
Will Israel Adesanya be able to avenge his three previous defeats to Alex Pereira in Saturday's main event?
This bout is incredibly captivating due to the fact that Pereira managed to secure the middleweight championship at UFC 281, despite being behind heading into the final round. He now holds a 3-0 overall record against Adesanya, spanning two different sports.
For the champion Pereira, there is undoubtedly a sense of gratification in achieving his goal of transitioning from an exceptional kickboxing career to mixed martial arts. The confidence gained from consistently emerging victorious against the charismatic "Stylebender" Adesanya only adds to this.
On the other hand, for the challenger Adesanya, any positive takeaways from their November clash at Madison Square Garden may be overshadowed by the outcome. This could potentially be accompanied by fleeting doubts about whether he will ever manage to defeat the formidable Brazilian.
From a stylistic standpoint, this remains an enthralling contest between the powerful, aggressive Pereira and Adesanya's nimble, counter-striking approach. In their last meeting, Adesanya demonstrated his ability to incorporate grappling into the exchanges as a means of diversifying his strategy when necessary.
This rivalry is not characterized by animosity, verbal jousting, or pre-fight hostilities. Instead, it showcases two elite competitors striving to prove their dominance at the highest level of competition. Both fighters are well aware that, in the end, the next bout is always the most crucial in their ongoing series.
It's a rivalry for the ages. Will Pereira stride towards legendary status by beating his rival once more, or can Adesanya avenge his three previous defeats to set up a monumental trilogy fight between the pair?
