UFC Fight Night: Joanderson Brito vs Isaac Thomson Preview & Prediction
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Australian prospect, Isaac Thomson, makes his UFC debut at the eleventh hour, stepping in to face Joanderson Brito after an injury forced Melsik Baghdasaryan from the card.
Joanderson Brito vs Isaac Thomson facts
What time are Joanderson Brito and Isaac Thomson expected to walk out?
Where is UFC Fight Night: Royval vs Kape? UFC Apex, Enterprise, USA
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night: Royval vs Kape? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC Fight Night: Royval vs Kape
What TV channel is UFC Fight Night: Royval vs Kape on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night: Royval vs Kape? UK – TNT Sports subscribers can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC Fight Night: Royval vs Kape main card
Brandon Royval vs Manel Kape (Flyweight)
Giga Chikadze vs Kevin Vallejos (Featherweight)
Cesar Almeida vs Cezary Oleksiejczuk (Middleweight)
Melquizael Costa vs Morgan Charriere (Featherweight)
Kennedy Nzechukwu vs Marcus Buchecha (Heavyweight)
King Green vs Lance Gibson Jr. (Catchweight - 160 lb)
UFC Fight Night: Royval vs Kape prelims
Amanda Lemos vs Gillian Robertson (Women’s Strawweight)
Joanderson Brito vs Isaac Thomson (Featherweight)
Neil Magny vs Yaroslav Amosov (Welterweight)
Sean Sharaf vs Steven Asplund (Heavyweight)
Melissa Croden vs Luana Santos (Women’s Bantamweight)
Allen Frye vs Guilherme Pat (Heavyweight)
Jamey-Lyn Horth vs Tereza Bleda (Women’s Flyweight)
Joanderson Brito: Winless in 2025, "Tuburao" looks to close out the year with a victory
Earning his shot at the UFC following a technical decision victory over the highly touted Diego Lopes on the Contender Series, Joanderson Brito (17-5-1) initially appeared to be destined for the 145 pounds rankings. After dropping his debut to Bill Algeo by decision, "Tuburao" proceeded to rattle off five consecutive wins, a streak that saw him maintain a 100% finish rate to boot. Unfortunately, he's had mixed fortunes of late, snapping his impressive streak with back-to-back decision defeats to William Gomis and Pat Sabatini. With that being said, said losses came with a degree of controversy; both fights were razor close and many argued that the Brazilian had done enough to earn the nod.
Isaac Thomson: The Aussie prospect makes his debut on short notice, stepping in on less than a week's notice
With eleven professional MMA fights at the age of just 23, Isaac Thomson (9-2) has the look of an extremely solid prospect about him. With nine fights in LFA already under his belt, Thomson has scored five finishes in his young career to date, and brings a three fight win streak with him to the cage on Saturday night. At 5'11, the Australian is big for the division, boasting a 72.5 inch reach to complement his imposing frame. Fighting out of Team Alpha Male in Sacramento, the future appears to be bright for the young mixed martial artist. Outside of a decision defeat to Shaheen Santana last year, Thomson hasn't lost since a TKO setback during the early stages of his career.
Joanderson Brito vs Isaac Thomson prediction
Thomson has looked decent throughout his LFA tenure to date, going 7-2 against increasingly tougher levels of competition. He's got the ability to finish a fight, but he's also proven himself capable of winning a decision when he isn't able to get his opponent out of there, demonstrating impressive levels of composure and fight IQ for his tender age.
However, this is a steep step up for the 23 year old Aussie. Brito may be staring down the barrel of a third consecutive UFC loss, but he remains the very definition of a tough out. The Brazilian has an iron chin and is equally capable of finishing the fight by knockout or submission. Both of his recent defeats were competitive fights against solid fighters, with some arguing that "Tuburao" had done enough to earn the victory on both occasions.
With a full camp of preparation behind him, it would be easier to make an argument for Thomson to potentially score the upset. However, it's a stiff ask against a veteran of Brito's caliber on less than a week's notice. Look for the Aussie to start strong, only to eventually wilt under the Brazilian's relentless pressure. Thomson will be back, but the pick is for Brito to snap his two fight losing skid.
Prediction: Joanderson Brito to win
