Preview: UFC Vegas 104 Prelims

Flyweights

Andre Lima (10-0, 3-0 UFC) vs. Daniel Barez (17-6, 1-1 UFC)

ODDS: Lima (-355), Barez (+280)

Lima remains a solid prospect and a talent to watch, but that has still been overshadowed by the strangeness of his UFC debut in March 2024. He was having a fun scrap with a fellow newcomer when Igor da Silva suddenly and inexplicably decided to bite Lima in the arm, granting “Mascote” the disqualification victory. Since then, Lima has racked up two impressive victories against Mitch Raposo and Felipe dos Santos, even if neither particularly lit the world on fire. Lima mostly uses his athleticism and skills to pick his spots and use more of a neutralizing style, either sniping at his opponent from range or pivoting to his wrestling as needed. Lima does seem to have the chops to keep up the pace if he’s ever forced to do so, which might come here against Spain’s Barez. A lot of Barez’s regional success wasn’t against the best competition, but he was still overdue for the UFC call he got in 2023. He has put on two exciting wars since. Barez’s approach is mostly centered around throwing out volume with a solid amount of power, which can often run him into trouble or cause him to tire out. Jafel Filho was able to suddenly turn things around and finish him inside of a round, but Barez rebounded with a decision win over Victor Altamirano in September. Having just taken apart another highly aggressive fighter in dos Santos, Lima figures to be able to coast this one out, as well. The hope is that Barez at least makes Lima work enough for this to be entertaining. The pick is Lima via decision.

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