Preview: UFC on ESPN 30 Prelims

Bantamweights

NR | Leomana Martinez (8-2, 0-0 UFC) vs. NR | Guido Cannetti (8-5, 2-4 UFC)

ODDS: Martinez (-320), Cannetti (+260)

Cannetti may not be long for the UFC, but at least the Argentinian makes for a fun fight every time out. Cannetti was one of the villains on the inaugural season of “The Ultimate Fighter Latin America” and apparently left enough of an impression that the promotion kept him on even after losing his bout to Enrique Briones. Of course, he was not exactly set up for success in his next bout, as he was put in an obvious spot to lose to Hugo Viana in order to kick off UFC 190 in Brazil with a hometown win. However, Cannetti managed the upset win, and he has done just enough to hang on the roster since, mostly on the back of aggression and athleticism—the latter of which Cannetti has to a surprising level despite now being 41 years old. He will look to break a two-fight losing streak against an Octagon newcomer in Martinez, who is an interesting prospect to watch. Martinez made it to Dana White’s Contender Series in 2020 on a string of knockouts but fell short in his attempt to earn a UFC contract, getting submitted by Drako Rodriguez in quick fashion. Martinez picked up right back where he left off on the regional scene, scoring two knockouts in a combined 92 seconds and getting the UFC call as a result. Based on his film, Martinez’s ability to score a knockout is a bit surprising; he does not read as a particularly powerful athlete, but it is also hard to argue with the results at this point, as he has finished some otherwise durable competition without much difficulty. That should continue in his promotional debut. Cannetti is dangerous early but often gets too wild for his own good without an early finish, at which point a potent opponent can finish him rather easily. Martinez fits the bill, so “Manaboi” via first-round knockout is the pick.