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The Prelims are behind us and it's time for the Main Card of UFC 302 as we're set for another betting prediction and pick. The opening bout will take place in the Welterweight (170) Division as Jamaica's Randy Brown will take on Brazil's Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos. Check out our UFC odds series for our Brown-Zaleski prediction and pick.
Randy Brown (18-5) has gone 12-5 during his UFC career since 2016. He's quietly gone 6-1 over his last seven fights with his only loss coming to Jack Della Maddalena via submission. Aside from that, Brown is on a two-fight winning streak and most recently finished Muslim Salikhov with a right hand in the first round. Brown stands 6'3″ with a 78-inch reach.
Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (24-7-1) has gone 10-3-1 during his UFC stint since 2015. His most recently fight ended in a majority draw as he battled Rinat Fakhretdinov in a tight contest. Prior to that, Zaleski went 5-2 in his previous seven fights notching unanimous decisions and submissions during that stretch. He stands 5'11” with a 73-inch reach.
Here are the UFC 302 Odds, courtesy of BetOnline.
UFC 302 Odds: Randy Brown-Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos Odds
Randy Brown: -175
Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos: +150
Over 2.5 rounds: -130
Under 2.5 rounds: +100
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Why Randy Brown Will Win
Randy Brown has been extremely impressive over his last seven fights and he's had to face names like Jack Della Maddalena, Khaos Williams, and Muslim Salikhov during that stretch. He was clearly out-grappled during his fight with Maddalena, but he's since entered a few grappling competitions and has been working on his jiu jitsu defense. He has a very strong frame so with the proper technique, we could see his grappling take some massive leaps.
Either way, Randy Brown will have a stern advantage on the feet during this fight and he's one of the best in the division with using his long frame to control the distance. Brown also does a ton of work with his leg kicks, so expect him to keep Zaleski guessing as he changes levels with the strikes. Neither fighter is very keen on shooting for takedowns, so Brown will be comfortable with settling in and finding his striking range in the center of the octagon. We've only seen him get better over the last few years, so expect him to come into this bout in his best form yet.
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Why Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos Will Win
Elizeu Zaleski continues to make a name for himself in the UFC with his dangerous striking that sets up his lethal jiu jitsu. While he's got three wins by submission on his record, he's much more willing to stand and search for the knockout if he can. When sensing his opponent is hurt, Zaleski wastes no time in jumping to mount and going for the finish with a barrage of punches. If he can stun and stumble Randy Brown early in this one, we could see a quick night out of his as he chases the finish.
Elizeu Zaleski will have to work around the reach of Randy Brown and we've seen him use his leg kicks as an offensive tactic against longer opponents in the past. He's very aggressive in the way he throws them along with his punches, so expect him to march forward and keep throwing until something sticks. He may have to be the one pushing the pace and forcing Brown to back up in hopes of neutralizing some of his offense at range.
Final Randy Brown-Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos Prediction & Pick
This will be an exciting fight to open the UFC 302 Main Card and with both men being willing strikers, we should see a tense back-and-forth affair through the opening stages. Both men will use some time to feel their opponent out before unleashing their full arsenal of strikes.
As the underdog, Elizeu Zaleski has a better chance to start fast and stun Randy Brown while both fighters are still fresh. Brown will be much more patient in gauging the distance and using his front kick to create separation and fight where he's most comfortable.
I expect this fight to be very close through the first round with neither fighter wanting to give an inch. Ultimately, I think Zaleski will be frustrated in trying to reach Brown and eventually tie him up along the fence. Randy Brown has too many striking tools and he's extremely strong in the clinch, so I expect him to reject Zaleski and continue fighting this bout at range. Let's ride Brown to pick-and-pop his way to a decision win here.
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Final Randy Brown-Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos Prediction & Pick: Randy Brown (-175)
