UFC Fight Night 261: Luan Lacerda vs Saimon Oliveira Preview & Prediction
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Bantamweights battle for their first UFC win as Luan Lacerda faces Saimon Oliveira in Rio in the curtain jerker at UFC Rio.
Luan Lacerda vs Saimon Oliveira facts
What time are Luan Lacerda and Saimon Oliveira expected to walk out?
Where is UFC Fight Night 261: Oliveira vs Gamrot? Farmasi Arena, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 261: Oliveira vs Gamrot? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC Fight Night 261: Oliveira vs Gamrot
What TV channel is UFC Fight Night 261: Oliveira vs Gamrot on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 261: Oliveira vs Gamrot? UK – TNT Sports subscribers can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC Fight Night 261: Oliveira vs Gamrot main card
Charles Oliveira vs Mateusz Gamrot (Lightweight)
Deiveson Figueiredo vs Montel Jackson (Bantamweight)
Vicente Luque vs Joel Alvarez (Welterweight)
Jhonata Diniz vs Mario Pinto (Heavyweight)
Ricardo Ramos vs Kaan Ofli (Featherweight)
Lucas Almeida vs Michael Aswell (Featherweight)
UFC Fight Night 261: Oliveira vs Gamrot prelims
Jafel Filho vs Clayton Carpenter (Flyweight)
Vitor Petrino vs Thomas Petersen (Heavyweight)
Beatriz Mesquita vs Irina Alekseeva (Women’s Bantamweight)
Lucas Rocha vs Stewart Nicoll (Flyweight)
Julia Polastri vs Karolina Kowalkiewicz (Women’s Strawweight)
Luan Lacerda vs Saimon Oliveira (Bantamweight)
Luan Lacerda: Submission threat seeking redemption on home soil
Luan Lacerda (12-3) returns to action looking to secure his first UFC victory after a difficult start to life in the promotion. The 32-year-old Brazilian was stopped by Da’Mon Blackshear in his last outing and previously dropped a competitive decision to Cody Stamann on debut. Despite the setbacks, Lacerda has shown flashes of real talent — particularly with his submission game, where 83% of his wins have come via submission.
Fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, he’ll enjoy the support of the home crowd this time around. Lacerda combines slick body kicks with a dangerous grappling arsenal, but he’s also been known to fade as fights go on, so pacing will be key if he wants to secure the win.
Saimon Oliveira: Fighting to keep his UFC dream alive
Saimon Oliveira (18-6) is also desperate for his first Octagon victory after three straight losses. The 34-year-old has been stopped twice in his last two fights and hasn’t won since 2021. Despite holding a 61% submission rate, Oliveira’s unorthodox striking and fragile defence have often left him vulnerable against better opposition.
Still, he remains a constant submission threat, particularly with his guillotine and back-taking ability, and he’s shown he’s willing to bite down on his mouthpiece and trade when the fight gets wild. With his UFC future potentially on the line, Oliveira will look to impress on a big card in his native country and snap this gloomy losing streak in front of a supportive Brazilian crowd.
Luan Lacerda vs Saimon Oliveira prediction
Both fighters are entering must-win territory, and with their jobs potentially on the line, expect urgency from the opening bell. While Oliveira is dangerous early, Lacerda has looked the more composed and skilled of the two, especially on the feet. If he can manage his gas tank and stay disciplined, his sharper striking and tighter submission defence should carry him through.
Prediction: Luan Lacerda to win
