Preview: UFC Fight Night 231 'Almeida vs. Lewis'

Middleweights

Rodolfo Vieira (9-2) vs. Armen Petrosyan (9-2)

Odds: Petrosyan (-112), Vieira (-108)

Vieira remains an absolutely fascinating talent, particularly since he's rebounded well from one of the most embarrassing losses in recent memory. Immediately one of the most decorated grapplers on the UFC roster upon signing in 2019, Vieira looked to have all the tools for a quick rise up the middleweight division. "The Black Belt Hunter" lived up to that billing in his first two UFC bouts, but bout three is where things went careening off the rails; Vieira has been open about his anxiety and discomfort around fighting, and the pressure-heavy approach of Anthony Hernandez absolutely broke Vieira's gas tank, leading to a second-round submission that ranks among the least likely methods of victory in the history of the sport. But with the knowledge that things couldn't get much worse, Vieira seems liberated and in the process of finding himself as a more consistent fighter; he's put in solid work on the feet - his loss to Chris Curtis might actually be his most impressive performance given that he lasted three rounds with a crafty and effective striker - and always has that grappling pedigree in his back pocket. Vieira's still a clear work in progress - his striking defense is spotty and his gas tank isn't elite - but at least that work is progressing nicely, making for a fascinating pairing against Petrosyan. Armenia's Petrosyan came to the UFC via the Contender Series and was a bit of a mystery man thanks to a spotty record, but "Superman" has settled in as an effective, if one-dimensional, middleweight. The knockouts have dried up since Petrosyan started fighting better competition, but he's proven to be a tough out through sheer consistency, throwing out striking volume and showing off his durability to gut out three wins in his four UFC bouts to date. But that lone loss, to Caio Borralho, drove home that Petrosyan's takedown defense is a clear weakness that willing opponents should be able to exploit, which gives Vieira a clear path to victory here. This looks like a tough matchup for Vieira in many aspects, as Petrosyan sets the kind of pace that could completely drain Vieira as this fight goes on, but the Brazilian should be able to find a few opportunities to thread the needle and find a takedown and a submission over the course of fifteen minutes; the bet is that Vieira makes good on one of those chances. The pick is Vieira via second-round submission.

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Almeida vs. Lewis
Bonfim vs. Dalby
Nascimento vs. Mayes
Borralho vs. Magomedov
Vieira vs. Petrosyan
Bonfim vs. Pichel
The Prelims