MMA Preview – Andre Fili vs Joanderson Brito at UFC on ESPN 35
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ANDRE FILI VS JOANDERSON BRITO FACTS
When is UFC on ESPN 35? Saturday 30th April, 2022 - 22:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC on ESPN 35? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN 35? Click here for the tickets at the O2 Arena
What channel is UFC on ESPN 35 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN 35? 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!
ANDRE FILI VS JOANDERSON BRITO LOWDOWN
Andre Fili’s (21-8(1)) form has not quite matched his performances. He has evolved into a very good and well-rounded fighter during his UFC career, but he has only won once in his last four to drop to 9-7(1). He lost a unanimous decision to Sodiq Yusuff (2020), squeaked out a decision win over Charles Jourdain (2020) but went on to get out grappled by Bryce Mitchell (2020) in another unanimous decision and was looking great against Daniel Pineda (2021) before a bad accidental eye poke forced a premature end and ‘no contest’.
Joanderson Brito (12-3-1) walks out for his second UFC fight and he is desperate to show the UFC faithful what he is capable of. He went 11 straight fights unbeaten before his audition on the Contender Series and earnt his contract with a unanimous decision over Diego Lopes (2021). However, Bill Algeo (2022) earnt a unanimous decision of his own to snap the streak and force Brito back to the drawing board.
ANDRE FILI VS JOANDERSON BRITO PREDICTION
Fili has a clear edge in experience as well as a familiar range advantage boasting three inches in height and two in reach over Brito. The Brazilian is a very strong grappler and will no doubt try and get the fight to the floor, pin Fili down and chip away with ground-and-pound.
So, this is a very tough match-up for him. Fili is an excellent grappler himself with brilliant wrestling, sweeps and an aggressive ground game. He will be confident if the fight does hit the deck but will be salivating while they are standing.
There is a huge gulf in class on the feet. Brito gets hit a lot and Fili is incredibly slick with an array of combinations. He only has one knockout in the books since 2015 but as we saw in the Pineda fight, he does not need blistering power to end the fight. He was picking him apart with every strike in the book and was close to getting a finish.
As long as this stands, Fili is going to have a field day and if Brito manages to tie him up, he will be confident of reversing positions and earning top position himself while being a constant submission threat.
Brito is clearly dangerous but on paper, Fili should outclass him everywhere for three rounds with a late finish very possible.
Prediction: Fili via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Prediction: Fili via KO/TKO
