UFC 333: Volkanovski vs. Evloev opens the early prelims with a fight between Iasmin Lucindo and Nicolle Caliari in the women's strawweight division. Check out our UFC 333 odds series for our Lucindo-Caliari prediction and pick.
Iasmin Lucindo (18-6) steps into the Octagon recently bouncing back with a strong unanimous decision win over veteran Angela Hill following a hard-fought loss to former title challenger Amanda Lemos, as she comes into her fight this weekend against Nicolle Caliari.
Nicolle Caliari (9-4) recently captured her first promotional victory via a third-round submission over Shauna Bannon. That crucial win successfully snapped a tough two-fight skid against Carli Judice and Ernesta Kareckaite as she comes into her fight this weekend against Iasmin Lucindo.
UFC 333 Odds, courtesy of DraftKings
UFC 333 Odds: Iasmin Lucindo-Nicolle Caliari Odds
Iasmin Lucindo: -410
Nicolle Caliari: +320
Over 2.5 rounds: -298
Under 2.5 rounds: +220
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)Why Iasmin Lucindo Will Win
Iasmin Lucindo is perfectly positioned to secure a decisive victory over Nicolle Caliari at UFC 333 this weekend. The Brazilian standout brings a distinct technical striking edge and a significant four-inch reach advantage that will allow her to dictate the range early.
Caliari has historically struggled against opponents who can match or surpass her natural athleticism. Lucindo undoubtedly fits that description with her explosive power and high-level movement inside the Octagon.
Caliari absorbs a heavy amount of damage on the feet and her recent massive four-and-a-half-pound weight miss suggests a compromised training camp. Lucindo will capitalize on those defensive liabilities with her superior volume and clean boxing combinations.
While Caliari possesses legitimate submission threats on the canvas, she lacks the offensive wrestling required to ground a powerhouse like Lucindo. The 24-year-old prospect defends takedowns exceptionally well and maintains heavy hips to keep the fight exactly where she holds the biggest advantage.
Having already shared the cage with top-tier talent like Amanda Lemos and Marina Rodriguez, Lucindo brings invaluable championship-level experience into this catchweight clash. Expect her to dismantle Caliari over three rounds for a dominant decision win to kick off the card.
Why Nicolle Caliari Will Win
Nicolle Caliari possesses the perfect stylistic tools to pull off an upset victory over Iasmin Lucindo at UFC 333 this weekend. The Brazilian brings an aggressive, forward-pressure striking style that will force Lucindo onto her back foot early in the contest.
Caliari thrives when she can dictate the pace and back her opponents against the fence. While Lucindo is a powerhouse, she has historically struggled when she cannot fight on her own terms and control the center of the Octagon.
The most significant advantage for Caliari lies in her underrated submission grappling and offensive wrestling. She recently showcased those exact skills by securing a beautiful third-round submission victory over Shauna Bannon.
Article Continues BelowIf Caliari can successfully drag this fight to the canvas, she will neutralize Lucindo's dangerous striking output and raw physical power. The key for the 27-year-old will be surviving the opening onslaught and capitalizing on any defensive wrestling mistakes from her opponent.
Caliari enters this matchup with significant momentum after snapping her tough two-fight losing skid. Expect her to utilize intelligent cage control and timely takedowns to grind out a gritty, hard-fought decision win over three rounds.
Final Iasmin Lucindo-Nicolle Caliari Prediction & Pick
Iasmin Lucindo holds the decisive advantages necessary to secure a victory over Nicolle Caliari in this catchweight bout. Her technical striking, reach advantage, and explosive power will likely overwhelm Caliari on the feet early in the contest.
While Caliari possesses dangerous submission skills and solid wrestling, she often struggles when forced onto her back foot against powerful strikers. Lucindo boasts excellent takedown defense and heavy hips, making it difficult for Caliari to implement her preferred grappling game plan.
The most likely outcome is a striking clinic from Lucindo, utilizing her volume and clean boxing to piece up Caliari over three rounds. Expect Lucindo to dictate the pace, control the center of the Octagon, and cruise to a dominant unanimous decision win.
Final Iasmin Lucindo-Nicolle Caliari Prediction & Pick: Iasmin Lucindo (-410), OVER 2.5 Rounds (-298)