Preview: UFC 301 Prelims

Flyweights

Alessandro Costa (13-4, 1-2 UFC) vs. Kevin Borjas (9-2, 0-1 UFC)

ODDS: Costa (-125), Borjas (+105)

This should be an action-packed pairing. Given where the UFC’s flyweight division once was, it’s a testament to its current health that there’s a spot for fighters like Alessandro Costa, who can chug along in the middle of the ranks and provide an entertaining time. A solid athlete who can hold his own anywhere, Brazil’s “Nono” has proven himself to be clearly above the UFC cut line while not having much answer for the Top 15. Given time and space to work, he can break down his opponents, but Amir Albazi and Steve Erceg got ahead of him early and never let Costa take over the fight. Costa still had his moments in each of those losses, as he’s both durable and capable of throwing hard even when things aren’t going well, so win or lose he should be down for a scrap against Borjas. Peru’s Borjas is one of many Peruvian fighters who has overachieved upon making it to the big stage. His durability and cardio have both proven to be assets, and Borjas leverages both to fight behind a high-volume pressure striking game. Borjas gave uber-prospect Joshua Van a surprising amount of trouble in his UFC debut last November, so he should find some success here, even if it’s difficult to see either fighter walking away with a clean win. Costa might find some success pivoting to his wrestling, but the read is that Borjas can land effective offense much more consistently, particularly since his counterpart looks like the likelier fighter to give up ground if both try to apply pressure. The pick is Borjas via decision.

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