Jeff Fox echoed the Pereira side, saying the Brazilian is simply going to “batter him on the feet.” Fox reminded listeners that Daukas went 2-4-(1) in his first UFC stint and is walking back in on short notice after two regional finishes. Pereira owns better strike volume, more power, and the wrestling chops to decide where the fight takes place. Given Daukas’ history of being knocked out twice and his near-total reliance on Darce attempts, Fox is comfortable eating the chalk on Pereira to cruise past a late replacement who will struggle to survive extended stand-up exchanges.

Gumby Vreeland laid the –253 on Michel Pereira, arguing Kyle Daukas’ 24 % UFC takedown accuracy won’t cut it against a strong defensive wrestler who also hits like a truck. Pereira has only been flat-lined twice in 44 pro bouts and, outside of the infamous back-flip gas-out versus Tristan Connelly, generally stuffs takedowns and scrambles well. Vreeland expects Daukas—returning on short notice after relinquishing his CFFC belt—to be forced into desperate shots from distance. Pereira’s speed, power and 94 % defensive-takedown rate should let him punish those entries and win either a striking clinic or late finish.