The LFA 201 event in São Paulo, Brazil, on February 8th, promises an electrifying lineup, with a mix of rising prospects and seasoned fighters competing across several weight classes. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the main card and my predictions for each bout.
Rafael Pereira vs. Janderson Barreto (Featherweight)
Rafael Pereira enters this fight on a scorching seven-fight win streak, with four finishes. Known for his entertaining style, Pereira thrives on chaos, often dropping his hands like Bobby Green to draw opponents into striking exchanges. His Muay Thai base makes him a dangerous striker, and he’s no slouch on the ground, with the ability to scramble and threaten submissions. However, his gas tank is a concern, especially in longer fights.
Facing him is Janderson Barreto, a 23-year-old prospect with an unblemished 9-0 record making his LFA debut. Despite his youth, Barreto’s height and reach advantage could trouble Pereira. While Pereira’s experience and unpredictability make him a popular pick, I’m leaning toward Barreto. If he survives the early storm, his composure and reach can carry him to a decision victory.
Prediction: Barreto by Decision.
Andre Vieira vs. Vladimir Dayneko (Heavyweight)
Andre Vieira, 35, is a latecomer to MMA with 12 professional fights under his belt. His most recent outing was a loss to Mario Piazzon, a promising heavyweight prospect, making him 0-1 in the LFA. Vieira’s durability will be tested against Vladimir Dayneko, a surging fighter on a five-bout win streak, all first-round finishes.
Dayneko’s skill set may not be UFC-ready, but he’s dangerous on the regional circuit and should be a step ahead of Vieira. Expect Dayneko to capitalize on his power and finishing ability.
Prediction: Dayneko by 1st Round KO.
Paulo Henrique vs. Vladimir Kanunnikov (Lightweight)
Paulo Henrique is a well-traveled veteran who has competed globally, including a stint in the PFL Challenger Series. Though talented, Henrique’s recent submission loss to Raul Tutarauli exposes vulnerabilities in his grappling defense.
Vladimir Kanunnikov, with a 17-2 record, brings a grinding, methodical style reminiscent of Grant Dawson. While not flashy, his ability to control opponents on the ground gives him a significant edge. Henrique’s scrambling ability won’t be enough to overcome Kanunnikov’s suffocating top control.
Prediction: Kanunnikov by Decision.
Jose Delano vs. Abu Muslim Alikhanov (Featherweight)
Jose Delano is a former LFA featherweight champion with a solid 5-1 record in the promotion. Despite a loss to UFC contender Gabriel Santos, Delano remains a formidable and well-rounded fighter.
Abu Muslim Alikhanov, a 7-0 Dagestani prospect, brings the typical hype associated with fighters from the region. However, his record is padded with weaker competition, and Delano’s experience against higher-caliber opponents should give him the edge.
Prediction: Delano by Decision.
Marcos Degli vs. Lincon Santos (Interim Flyweight Title)
Marcos Degli, 24, is on a nine-fight win streak and has proven himself as one of the top flyweights in South America. His size, strength, and ground-and-pound ability make him a dangerous opponent, but weight management could be an issue after missing weight in his last fight.
Lincon Santos, a skilled finisher, has six stoppages in nine wins. While well-rounded, he’ll struggle to match Degli’s physicality and knockout power. Expect Degli to finish this fight before the third round.
Prediction: Degli by 2nd Round KO.
Rose Conceição vs. Lany Silva (Strawweight Title)
Rose Conceição, the reigning strawweight champion, is looking to rebound after falling short on Dana White’s Contender Series. While her grappling is her strong suit, questions about her readiness for the next level remain.
Lany Silva, a highly touted striker with a kickboxing background, has the edge in stand-up exchanges but lacks the grappling depth of her opponent. This fight will hinge on Silva’s takedown defense. If Silva keeps it standing, she can outpoint Conceição over five rounds.
Prediction: Silva by Decision.
Final Thoughts
LFA 201 showcases a diverse roster of fighters, each with unique skill sets and intriguing matchups. While the card is stacked with potential, I’m particularly excited to see whether rising prospects like Lany Silva, Janderson Barreto and Marcos Degli can live up to the hype and make their case for a shot at the next level.
