INITIAL UFC 236 CARD ANNOUNCED

The UFC has been extremely busy over the past week, announcing a number of new bouts for upcoming fight cards. One of those cards is UFC 236, that takes place April 13 in State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Check out my ideas on the main event between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier here, and also my thoughts on another newly-announced bouts are below.
Eryk Anders vs. Khalil Rountree, UFC 236
Added to UFC 236 is a fascinating light heavyweight bout between Eryk Anders and Khalil Rountree. Anders (11-3) is just 3-3 from the UFC and is coming off of a decision loss to Elias Theodorou. He’s chosen to make the move up to light heavyweight forever and not cutting all that weight should help . Rountree (7-3, 1 NC) is currently 3-3, 1 NC from the UFC and is coming from a KO loss to Johnny Walker. While Rountree has much more expertise battling as a light heavyweight and is a proven knockout artist, I still believe in Anders and think he’s more potential than that which he is shown in the UFC up to now. The opening line should be close to a Select ’em, but my ancient lean is towards Anders.
Paige VanZant vs. Poliana Botelho, UFC 236
Women’s flyweights Paige VanZant and Poliana Botelho will battle at this event. VanZant (8-4) is currently 5-3 in the UFC and is coming off of a submission win over Rachael Ostovich. Botelho (7-2) is 2-1 at the UFC but dropped by entry to Cynthia Calvillo in her final fight. I would undoubtedly favor VanZant for the win and predicated on her popularity I would not be shocked if the line was massively skewed in her favor.
Wilson Reis vs. Alexandre Pantoja, UFC 236
At a rare flyweight fight, Wilson Reis takes on Alexandre Pantoja. Reis (23-9) is 7-5 in the UFC and defeated Ben Nguyen by decision in his final bout. Pantoja (20-3) is 4-1 in the UFC and is coming off of two straight wins over Brandon Moreno and Ulka Sasaki. Reis is a good veteran but all the upside here is with Pantoja and that I expect him to be a small favorite at open. Anticipate the loser of this struggle to be published because the UFC cuts virtually every flyweight coming from a loss.
Ovince Saint-Preux vs. Nikita Krylov, UFC 236
In a rematch nobody asked for, Ovince Saint-Preux takes on Nikita Krylov at a light heavyweight bout. St-Preux (23-12) is 11-7 in the UFC and is coming off of a decision loss to Dominick Reyes. He is a gatekeeper in 205lbs and is no longer a real title contender. Krylov (24-6) is 6-4 in the UFC and has been submitted by Jan Blachowicz in his last bout. OSP and Krylov previously met at UFC 171 at 2014, with OSP winning by submission. I’m not exactly sure why the UFC believed this rematch was necessary, but given their initial battle went and how bad Krylov’s submission defense is, I would prefer OSP to overcome him again.
Montel Jackson vs. Andre Soukhamthath, UFC 236
And finally, bantamweights Montel Jackson and Andre Soukhamthath match. Jackson (7-1) chose to Ricky Simon in his UFC debut but bounced back well with a submission win over Brian Kelleher. Soukhamthath (13-6) is just 2-3 in the UFC but beat Jonathan Martinez by choice in his last fight. Soukhamthath is too inconsistent to trust, and that I expect Jackson to be favored here.
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