MMA Preview – Alex Oliveira vs Randy Brown at UFC 261
ALEX OLIVEIRA VS RANDY BROWN FACTS
When is UFC 261? Sunday 25th April, 2021 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 261? VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, Florida (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 261? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 261
What channel is UFC 261 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 261? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
ALEX OLIVEIRA VS RANDY BROWN LOWDOWN
The crafty veteran Alex Oliveira (22-9-1(2)) returns for his 20th UFC fight and is now 11-7(1) after losing his last outing. He was supposed to fight Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos, but he pulled out giving Shavkat Rakhmonov the opportunity for his debut. As far as late replacement debutants go, the Kazakhstani is as tough as they come – unbeaten in 12 and proved he is more than worthy of a spot on the roster getting through the Brazilian with ease and submitting him in the first round. A perfect debut.
Randy Brown (12-4) is also coming off a loss. He took on top contender Vicente Luque and suffered the fate of many getting knocked out. He is now 6-4 in the UFC and has decent wins over the likes of Bryan Barberena and Warlley Alves but needs to be more consistent to make a dent in the welterweight division and Oliveira is the perfect opportunity for that.
ALEX OLIVEIRA VS RANDY BROWN PREDICTION
It is great to see this fight back on after Brown pulled out of their UFC Fight Night 186 date as it is destined to be a barnburner. Both guys struggle for consistency and are both capable of an impressive finish but only if they turn up.
Brown is the rangier fighter which will help as Oliveira likes to strike from a distance with front and leg kicks. The striking exchanges will be interesting but they both also like to mix in takedowns so we can expect a bit of everything here and it will be a very even contest.
A variety of results are possible and a strategy of leg kicks with the odd takedown is likely for both men. A Brown decision is most likely, but this is one to stay clear of if you are betting.
Prediction: Brown via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
