Preview: UFC on ESPN 48 Prelims

Featherweights

Joanderson Brito (14-3-1, 2-1 UFC) vs. Westin Wilson (16-7, 0-0 UFC)

ODDS: Brito (-1400), Wilson (+850)

Title contention does not appear to be in his future, but Brito is carving out a niche as one of the most exciting fighters on the UFC roster. “Tubarao” fights behind a style very much built around aggression first and figuring out the rest later, and he is better with that approach than most. Brito is dangerous as both a knockout and submission artist and has a surprising ability to carry that power and aggression for an entire fight. Brito’s UFC debut was a loss to Bill Algeo that proved he does not have much of a backup plan against someone who can beat him skill for skill, but he has rebounded with quick and brutal wins over Andre Fili and Lucas Alexander heading into this bout against a late replacement. Wilson’s UFC career should at least be entertaining for as long as it lasts, as he fights with an offensively focused style, looking to use his long frame as either a range striker or an aggressive submission artist. However, that size advantage comes with the cost of a speed deficit, and Wilson has been caught and knocked out by better athletes in the past; and he likely does not have an answer for Brito’s explosive offense here. The pick is Brito via first-round knockout.

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