The anticipation for UFC Fight Night 247 is building, particularly with the intriguing matchup between Gaston Bolanos and Cortavious Romious scheduled to take place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. This bout is a significant one for both fighters, highlighting contrasting trajectories and stylistic approaches that could play a pivotal role in determining the outcome.
Gaston Bolanos enters this fight with a professional record of 7-4 and a mixed bag of experiences in the UFC, having achieved a 1-1 scorecard in the promotion. At 32 years old, Bolanos is looking to build on his recent performances, especially after facing disappointment in his last outing against Marcus McGhee, who managed to finish him. Known for his striking capabilities, Bolanos aims to leverage his experience from Bellator to secure a victory and stay above the .500 benchmark in his UFC career.
Being a seasoned fighter, Bolanos has shown a willingness to adapt and improve his skills, particularly in grappling—a crucial factor that could play to his advantage against a newcomer like Romious. His prior victory against Aaron Phillips showcased his potential and resilience in the octagon. However, it’s essential to recognize that the pressure to perform well following a loss can weigh heavily on a fighter, potentially affecting their mindset heading into the bout.
Conversely, Cortavious Romious is set to make his UFC debut with an MMA record of 9-2. He earned his spot in the promotion through a decisive victory over Michael Imperato during Dana White’s Contender Series. While Romious is entering the octagon on a two-fight winning streak, there are lingering questions surrounding his fight IQ and adaptability under pressure. Despite winning his last fight, he showed moments of questionable decision-making that raised eyebrows among analysts and fans alike.
His previous performance, although successful, left many unconvinced about his readiness for the UFC. The fight showcased some weaknesses, particularly when he disregarded tactical advice from his corner. If he exhibits similar tendencies against a skilled striker like Bolanos, he may find himself outmatched. The stakes are high, and debut jitters along with the pressure of performing could play a significant role in his efficiency.
In this matchup, it is imperative to consider not only the fighters’ records but also their inherent styles and mental fortitude. Bolanos, as a striker, will likely look to dominate the stand-up exchanges, while Romious, being well-rounded, might opt for a grappling approach, particularly with the use of the smaller octagonal space. This environment could provide opportunities for Romious to assert control if he can effectively impose his grappling.
Nevertheless, predictions suggest that Bolanos is likely to secure a victory through a competitive decision. The betting lines reflect a common sentiment among fans and bookies, favoring Romious—listed at -215 versus Bolanos at +172 on FanDuel. This line may not fully encapsulate the uncertainty surrounding Romious’s debut and Bolanos’s solidifying experience.
Ultimately, fight night promises to be showcases of skill and strategy, where both Bolanos and Romious have everything to gain. As they approach the octagon at approximately 8:05 p.m. ET, the outcome remains uncertain, fueling further interest in what could be an electrifying clash.