Preview: UFC Vegas 108 Prelims

Men’s Flyweights

Felipe Bunes (14-7, 1-1 UFC) vs. Rafael Estevam (13-0, 2-0 UFC)

Odds: Estevam (-500); Bunes (+375)

The good news for Bunes is that the UFC found him a replacement opponent after Andre Lima was forced to pull out of their scheduled matchup. The bad news is that the undefeated Estevam might be the hottest prospect in the division, arguably even over Hyun Sung Park, who was drafted for short-notice headliner duty.

Bunes has been a solid addition to the flyweight roster himself since joining last year as the outgoing Legacy Fighting Alliance champ. His first-round armbar win over Jose Johnson in January was beautiful work, but even his debut loss to Joshua Van was not a bad showing. One, Van might be the champion by the end of this year, and two, Bunes was doing well before running afoul of his opponent’s terrifying power, hurting Van in the first round to get out ahead on the scorecards.

Bunes is a big flyweight whose striking occasionally looks stiff but is generally quite effective, especially offensively. He is a good wrestler and an excellent grappler, equally adept at working deliberately from guard or snatching something nasty in transition. At 35, he may not have a big window of time in which to work, but for the moment he is an underrated threat.

If Estevam is an underrated threat, he probably won’t be for much longer, and if he gets past Bunes on Saturday, don’t expect to see him on too many more Apex undercards. The 28-year-old Brazilian is big, athletic and well-rounded, and thrives when he is the aggressor. At his best, Bunes comes forward with strikes, keeping his opponent on his heels until he can either back them into the fence, where he tees off, or sees an opportunity to bring the fight to the ground. The only real obstacle in Estevam’s way thus far has been his activity rate; it took him two and a half years to make his second appearance in the UFC, which may explain his willingness to step up on short notice here.

There is every possibility that this fight will look much closer than the 5-to-1 odds might imply. Bunes is quite good, and Estevam is a large flyweight making a weight cut on short notice; don’t be surprised if the younger man gets out to a hot start, then flags late and has to hold on for the victory. That is the pick here: Estevam by decision.



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