Preview: UFC 269 Prelims

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Middleweights

NR | Andre Muniz (21-4, 3-0 UFC) vs. NR | Eryk Anders (14-5, 6-5 UFC)

ODDS: Muniz (-135), Anders (+115)

Muniz has had a surprisingly strong start to his UFC career. Muniz’s pre-Dana White’s Contender Series resume painted a clear picture, as “Sergipano” found most of his success over the last decade with quick submissions, albeit against a questionable level of competition. After earning a UFC contract in 2019, he won his debut via decision against Antonio Arroyo, but it was not an impressive effort, as both men tired badly and Muniz pressed through exhaustion more effectively. That did not portend much future success, but Muniz has instead strung together the two most impressive wins of his career, quickly tapping Bartosz Fabinski before breaking Ronaldo Souza’s arm in May with a particularly gnarly armbar. Everything beyond Muniz’s grappling chops is still a question, but that may not matter with what the Brazilian has been able to show to date. He looks to continue his undefeated UFC streak against Anders, who remains a frustrating talent. A former standout linebacker at the University of Alabama, the UFC leveraged Anders’ built-in fanbase and pushed him into some prominent fights before he was ready. Wins over Rafael Natal and Markus Perez were enough for the promotion to throw Anders into a main event against Lyoto Machida, and his steps back in competition were few and far between. Anders has not developed a particularly deep game in the years since, though there are enough flashes for him to remain interesting. He is a powerful athlete who has been difficult to outwrestle, and while he typically fights at a slow pace, there are moments where he can uncork some impressive violence upon an overmatched opponent. It remains unclear what Muniz can get done in this pairing. He is by far the most venomous submission artist Anders has faced to date, but getting this fight to the mat might be difficult; and Muniz is also the type of suspect striker that Anders could blast if he feels so inclined. Add in Muniz’s suspect cardio and Anders’ slow-paced consistency and physical strength might be just the combination to avoid trouble early and coast to a win. Muniz could just wind up finding that quick submission, but the pick is Anders via decision.

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