UFC 262: Ronaldo Souza vs Andre Muniz- Preliminary Card Prediction and Analysis

Published 05/12/2021, 11:02 PM EDT

The marquee preliminary card fight for UFC 262 sees middleweight great Ronald ‘Jacare’ Souza take on Andre Muniz. The clash between the two Brazilians could very well be a passing of the torch moment given Souza’s recent skid. The fight is a massive opportunity for surging 185-pounder Andre Muniz who is keen to make a giant splash.

The middleweight division has had a spotlight on it ever since high-profile champion Israel Adesanya took over the reins. The divisional elites have been engaged in somewhat of an unofficial tournament through the last month with several Fight Night main event slots. Both Souza and Muniz aren’t currently in that conversation, however, a statement performance is sometimes all you need in MMA.

The Story Behind Michael Chandler’s Nickname- ‘Iron’

Article continues below this ad

UFC 262: Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza vs Andre Muniz

‘Jacare’ Souza is on a three-fight losing streak and given the way veteran statesmen are being let go, he’s in a precarious position. However, his losses have only come to the very best that middleweight has to offer. He was knocked out in shocking fashion by Kevin Holland in his last outing and will want to bounce back.

Ronaldo Souza has shown that he’s a dangerous candidate when his back is against the wall and he has power in both hands. With a game-changing overhand right, Souza’s set-ups are almost as dangerous as his finishing abilities. Moreover, Muniz’s overzealousness towards the latter portion of the fight could entail a grappling exchange in Ronaldo Souza’s favor.

Article continues below this ad

Andre Muniz, who is on a six-fight win streak, is coming off an armbar submission win over Bartosz Fabinski. His activity rate hasn’t been up to par for a surging fighter. However, he’ll be keen to change that. ‘Jacare’ Souza is a huge step-up in competition and will be an appropriate litmus test to gauge his ceiling going forward.

Muniz, who has his fundamentals well centered in place, will rely on low leg kicks to tire of Souza’s indomitable base. However, he’ll have to be wary about getting a limb snatched up by Ronaldo Souza who’s a tyrant on the ground. More seasoned grapplers have fallen to ‘Jacare’s wizardry on the ground and Muniz will benefit from staying on the outside.

Article continues below this ad

Prediction: Ronald ‘Jacare’ Souza to claim a second-round TKO victory

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Darryl Pinto is a senior MMA writer at EssentiallySports. He is currently pursuing his graduate degree in Mass Media (with a specialization in Journalism) out of Xavier’s College and has a year's experience in his current role. Darryl specializes in predictions, reporting, and covering UFC events live.

UFC 262: Ronaldo Souza vs Andre Muniz- Preliminary Card Prediction and Analysis

UFC 262: Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza vs Andre Muniz

Trending

“Bubble Gut From High HGH Abuse” – Joe Rogan’s Dire Health Concern Flares Up as Fans Worry About UFC Commentator

“He Cannot Push Me” – Islam Makhachev Exposed 6-Time Wrestling Champ Jordan Burroughs in Front of Daniel Cormier Last Year

Violently Threatening Conor McGregor Takes a Bad Turn for 50 Cent as UFC World Condemn Rapper After Old Beef Resurfaces

Alex Pereira’s Offical Status for Tom Aspinall Confirmed by UFC 300 Star’s Team

Dana White Confirms Big Change in UFC 300 Bonus for Max Holloway After Justin Gaethje’s Devastating KO