This should be a fun exercise for as long as it lasts, as two
flyweights look for their first UFC win. Lacerda has been an
exciting but frustrating fighter thus far in his UFC career, as he
has squandered some hot starts. “Miojo” made his debut in late 2021
against Jeff Molina
and found some success as a grappler, but he burned himself out
after the first round; and his April showing against Francisco
Figueiredo did not even get that far, with Lacerda tapping to a
kneebar that Figueiredo found in the first scramble of the fight.
It is a shame, because Lacerda supplements his grappling with a
flashy striking game and a high pace when everything is clicking.
He will need to mind his cardio and defense against Altamirano.
Mexico’s Altamirano is a scrapper who is also content to set a fast
pace. In the case of “El Magnifico,” his margins are a bit thin due
to his lack of high-level athleticism and finishing ability.
However, Altamirano has shown a consistent ability to survive,
which should serve him well here—even if he has a tendency to give
up takedowns, which should make this first round some particularly
precarious going. The pick is Altamirano via second-round
submission.