Michel Pereira vs. Ihor Potieria: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

A pair of fighters testing themselves in the 185-pound division clash in the main card of UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Homeboy Michel Pereira is the huge favorite to continue his remarkable winning streak when he takes on Ukranian Ihor Potieria. While Pereira recently moved from welterweight to middleweight, Ihor Potieria was a light heavyweight slugger. The Ukranian should expect a hostile reception from the Brazilian crowd following his defeat of legendary Brazilian Mauricio Rua last year.

MMA: UFC Middleweight

Where to Watch: PPV (ESPN)

Venue: Farmasi Arena, Rio de Janeiro

Date: 05.05.2024 05:30

Last year, Michel Pereira returned to the middleweight position with a pair of finishes against Andoe Petroski and Michel Oleksiejczuk. The wins took the 30-year-old BJJ black belt to seven wins on the bounce and are drawing attention to him as a potential contender at 185. At the bigger weight, Pereira continues to retain his quick and powerful attributes in front of his home countrymen; Pereira may aim to finish Poteiria inside the distance.

• Age: 30
• Height: 6’1”
• Weight: 185lbs (84kg)
• Reach: 73”
• Record: 30-11-2 (NC)

The DWCS grad has gone 2-3 since his 2022 debut in the UFC. A poor record of 205 pounds prompted the Ukrainian to drop to middleweight. Early this year, Ihor Potieria defeated Robert Bryczek to return to the win column after two losses. However, Potieria botched the weight cut, and the fight happened at catchweight instead of middleweight. Hopefully, the 27-year-old will sort out his weight issues and put up a fight in Rio.

• Age: 27
• Height: 6’3’’
• Reach: 75”
• Weight: 185lbs (84kg)
• Record: 21-5

Ihor Potieria is a 5.50 underdog on Bet365, with the favorite at 1.80 to win by KO/TKO. On Betway, over 1.5 is priced at 1.90, and yes, for the fight, going the distance listed at 4.30. Michel Pereira's winning by submission is 2.45 on 1XBET, while Potieria's winning by KO/TKO or points is 5.3 odds. Read more.