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Bantamweights

Daniel Marcos (15-0, 2-0 UFC) vs. John Castaneda (21-6, 4-2 UFC)

ODDS: Marcos (-120), Castaneda (+100)

Two underrated, entertaining bantamweights should combine for an entertaining encounter he. A 2017 alumnus of the Contender Series, “Sexi Mexi” didn’t earn a contract on the show but eventually earned his way to the UFC in 2020. Expectations weren’t particularly high for Castaneda when he got the call, as his post-Contender Series record was surprisingly spotty, but he has overachieved since dropping his UFC debut to Nathaniel Wood. Castaneda mostly gets by on pace, even if the approach he takes can vary from fight to fight. Castaneda doesn’t always pressure and his wrestling comes and goes, but he’s constantly trying to force his opponents to work, outlasting them more often than not. After capping off 2022 with a loss to Daniel Santos, Castaneda rebounded with an undefeated 2023 in two bouts and goes for three straight wins against Marcos. Peru’s Marcos is a bit more striking-focused than Castaneda but generally has the same approach. His directionality might change, but Marcos is usually throwing out some sort of offense and forcing his opponent to attempt to keep pace. The last few months have been a bit of a mess for Marcos matchmaking-wise—after some late opponent changes, his fight against Qileng Aori went to a no contest after multiple fouls on each side—but things have thankfully landed on a fun fight that seems winnable. This should be relatively even, but the Peruvian does look like the sharper striker. The pick is Marcos via decision.

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