Cesar Almeida and Cezary Oleksiejczuk are set to clash in an exciting matchup on the UFC on ESPN 73 main card this Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom offers an insightful preview of this anticipated bout.
Cesar Almeida, holding a record of 7-1 in MMA and 3-1 in the UFC, has experienced a successful run since his debut in April 2024, winning three out of his four fights. The 37-year-old fighter is on a two-fight winning streak, utilizing the momentum from his knock-out victory against Abdul Razak Alhassan earlier this year.
On the other hand, Cezary Oleksiejczuk, with a record of 16-3 and making his UFC debut after earning his contract on Dana White’s Contender Series in September, steps into the octagon riding a four-fight winning streak. At just 25 years old, Oleksiejczuk brings fresh energy and determination as he looks to make an impactful start in the UFC.
Tom highlights the intriguing dynamic of this matchup, especially given both fighters’ preference for striking rather than grappling. Almeida is known to start slowly, taking time to assess his opponents, a style honed from his kickboxing background. However, this tactic may backfire against Oleksiejczuk, who is recognized for his speed and knockout power.
While Oleksiejczuk’s quick finishes are noteworthy, Tom suggests that backing an unproven fighter with a reliance on early knockouts poses inherent risks. Conversely, he feels confident in Almeida’s experience, predicting that the seasoned fighter will weather the initial offensive from Oleksiejczuk to secure a victory on the scorecards.
As anticipation builds, current betting odds show Oleksiejczuk as the favorite at -220, while Almeida is positioned at +176, marking a significant shift in public sentiment towards the Polish fighter. Fans can tune in to watch Almeida and Oleksiejczuk make their way to the cage at approximately 11:30 p.m. ET, with the fight broadcasting live on ESPN2 and streaming on ESPN+.
This matchup not only promises an exciting display of skill but also adds an interesting storyline with the juxtaposition of youth and experience, indicative of the ever-evolving nature of mixed martial arts.