ClutchPoints shouldn’t be affiliated with, endorsed by, or in any way connected to any sportsbook. Gambling shouldn’t be offered on this website in any form.
We’re back with one other betting prediction and pick because the UFC Houston Predominant Card gets underway with this opening bout within the Middleweight (185) Division. Exciting finishers will go to battle as Texas’ own Zach Reese fights Brazil’s Michel Pereira to kick-off the Predominant Card. Check our UFC odds series for the Reese-Pereira prediction and pick.
Zach Reese (10-2) has gone 4-2-0-1 since joining the UFC roster. He submitted Jackson McVey during his last fight within the second round, a robust response following his ‘No Contest’ result against Sedriques Dumas. He’ll look to proceed trending in the appropriate direction because the short underdog. Reese stands 6-foot-4 with a 77-inch reach.
Michel Pereira (31-14) is 9-5 since joining the UFC in 2019. After posting an eight-fight winning streak from 2020 to 2024, Pereira has dropped his last three bouts heading into this one against top talent throughout the division. He stands 6-foot-1 with a 73-inch reach.
UFC Houston Odds, courtesy of DraftKings.
UFC Houston Odds: Zach Reese-Michel Pereira Odds
Zach Reese: +130
Michel Pereira: -155
Over 1.5 rounds: +114
Under 1.5 rounds: -145
*Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)*
Why Zach Reese Will Win
- Last Fight: (W) Jackson McVey – SUB (rear naked choke, R2)
- Last 5: 3-1-1
- Finishes: 5 KO/TKO, 3 SUB
Typically a knockout threat, Zach Reese showed off a few of his grappling chops with a fast submission over Jackson McVey during his last fight. It was the right definitive victory following his ‘No Contest’ against Sedriques Dumas where Reese landed an accidental groin strike that ultimately ended the fight. He looked sharp and decisive his last trip against McVey, so expect him to proceed mounting momentum as he searches for one more finish.
Reese could have a slight size advantage here but he needs to be cautious of the veteran savvy from Michel Pereira. Reese’s chin is not impervious to getting caught and he’ll have to be wary of the chaotic exchanges from the pocket. Nevertheless, he’s younger and more durable than his opponent and will like his possibilities if things get scrappy within the boxing.
Reese could have more power at his disposal and while he’s the more decisive puncher, he isn’t particularly fluid with mixing his combos. His success begins with the jab and if he’s capable of discover a home in that early, it’s only a matter of time before he lands a right hand he’ll be loading up the whole fight.
Why Michel Pereira Will Win
- Last Fight: (L) Kyle Daukaus – TKO (ground strikes, R1)
- Last 5: 3-2
- Finishes: 11 KO/TKO, 8 SUB
Michel Pereira hasn’t been capable of catch a break since losing his winning streak, getting knocked out twice and UD’d by Abus Magomedov during his last three fights. Still, he cant rest assured knowing his losses have come against some serious prospect and he needs to be given a more manageable task in Reese this time around. Still, Pereira might want to make some form of changes and return to the identical form we saw during his winning streak.
Michel Pereira could be very versatile along with his offense and can use unique angles in throwing his strikes. His footwork and movement is a trademark of his fighting style, so he could stand to see some success against a stiffer opponent in Reese. Pereira could have to work his angles perfectly because the shorter fighter, but expect him to be effective when he’s capable of land.
Despite the losses, Michel Pereira has been capable of keep his energy at a high level and comes into each bout with a ton of confidence in his abilities. This is often a matchup he would thrive in considered the chaotic nature, but his chin has shown to be compromised over the previous couple of fights as he should avoid any dangerous openings.
Final Zach Reese-Michel Pereira Prediction & Pick
This fight is not expected to last very long as these two fighters should immediately start trading once they meet in the middle of the cage. Reese is the more imposing fighter and we’ve to love his knockout upside given Pereira’s willingness to have interaction in a war. Pereira, then again, could easily be the more convincing side if he’s capable of show up in top shape and execute a patient game plan.
I expect Zach Reese to be a bit sharper within the opening round of this fight, ultimately landing an enormous strike that puts Pereira away. Reese is quick to complete the fight with follow-up shots and at this point of his profession, Michel Pereira’s chin is a serious knockout risk. Let’s roll with the slight underdog as the entire barely hits over.
Final Zach Reese-Michel Pereira Prediction & Pick: Zach Reese (+130); OVER 1.5 Rounds (+114)