The UFC is rapidly expanding and putting on more and more shows, and the increased number of events means an increase in roster size.
UFC Fight Night 51 comes live on Fight Pass from Brazil this weekend, boasting a bunch of young talent. In fact, many of the participants are prospects looking to establish a name.
Apart from the recognized names, there are some fresh faces on the card. In fact, a couple of fighters are set to begin their journeys with the UFC.
Two fighters are set to make their official UFC debuts this week. Let’s take a look at these new fighters.
Larissa Pacheco
Touted as one of the best prospects in WMMA, if not the top prospect, Larissa Pacheco will be making a late-notice debut against Jessica Andrade. It is a fight that will prove her blue-chip prospect status correct or incorrect.
Pacheco is just 20 years old, which is scary to think about as she can only get better from where she already is. The young fighter is explosive, athletic and technical, three things that will make her a future title challenger.
She is a devastating striker. She puts together combinations nicely, using a variety of strikes to damage her opponent’s head, legs and body.
Not only that, but she is a very good jiu-jitsu artist. Of her 10 wins, all of which are finishes, six come by way of submission. She is solid from top position, but she also has an effective guard where she frequently looks for triangle chokes and armlocks.
She will need to avoid getting in a brawl with Andrade, who throws wild punches with much power. If she stays technical and gets Andrade to a place where she’s not comfortable, Pacheco will be very successful.
Wendell Oliveira
When Wendell Oliveira was announced as a participant on The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 3, he was an early favorite to contend for the season title. That is, until he was matched up with eventual winner Warlley Alves in the elimination round to get into the house.
That is a shame, as Oliveira was likely better than most of the men in his weight class that made it into the house.
Oliveira is very experienced and well-rounded. A veteran of over 30 fights, Oliveira has proven to be a finisher, putting away 14 of his 24 victims via knockout or submission.
Oliveira is a striker first and foremost. His muay thai is a strong suit, using good kicks and knees in unison with his hands.
He is also physically imposing. He uses his strength advantageously, especially when against the cage and in the clinch.
He will face Santiago Ponzinibbio in his UFC debut, a matchup that should see him get a striking affair. If that happens, expect Oliveira to prove his worth on the feet and impress fans in the process.
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