Exclusive: Billy Quarantillo Breaks Down His Upcoming Fight Against Bill Algeo

Billy QuarantilloUFC Featherweight Billy Quarantillo (16-4 MMA) has recently sat down to discuss his latest thoughts ahead of his first matchup of the year. Quarantillo vs. Algeo (15-6 MMA) is set for July 16th in Long Island, New York. Both fighters will be looking for a much-needed win, after both returning following losses in their last bout. […]

Billy Quarantillo

UFC Featherweight Billy Quarantillo (16-4 MMA) has recently sat down to discuss his latest thoughts ahead of his first matchup of the year.

Quarantillo vs. Algeo (15-6 MMA) is set for July 16th in Long Island, New York. Both fighters will be looking for a much-needed win, after both returning following losses in their last bout.

In a recent interview with LowKickMMA, Billy Quarantillo opened up about his next matchup, where he expressed his confidence going into the fight and why his fans should be excited to see his return to the octagon.

Quarantillo stated that: “I have never been in a boring fight since the second fight of the Ultimate Fighter… If you watch my fights usually exciting stuff happens. I have a lot of finishes, knockouts, and submissions. I’m very dangerous everywhere.”

“These last six months I’ve got to work on some many different things that no one’s seen, so I’m gonna be a better and smarter fighter than I was back in November.”

Billy Quarantillo set’s goal to get a UFC Featherweight ranking

A convincing win for the Buffalo native would surely see him enter the featherweight rankings, however, despite admitting that “- it is up for grabs next,” the 33-year-old doesn’t feel right overlooking his next opponent.

“I want this wild rollercoaster I’m on right now, which is doing all this wild stuff and having these crazy fights to keep going. I gotta go and take out Bill and keep going from there but in the meantime, over the next 7 weeks it’s all about winning this fight.”

Although Billy Quarnatillo is wary of Algeo’s threats, he feels confident he has enough tools to see the job get done.

“He’s a tough dude, he’s very good everywhere he’s got good grappling, got good striking. I really do like the matchup; I like how I match up with him everywhere the fight goes. Every fight is an opportunity for me to show a new level of my game.”

Will Billy Quarantillo finally break through the rankings?

UFC Vegas 55 Betting Preview

UFC Vegas 55In the last event before the promotion takes a week off ahead of its stacked summer schedule, Holly Holm takes on Ketlen Viera in the headline fight of UFC Vegas 55 in the Apex Arena. Both women will be hoping to solidify their status as the No.1 contender at 135lbs with a big win at […]

UFC Vegas 55

In the last event before the promotion takes a week off ahead of its stacked summer schedule, Holly Holm takes on Ketlen Viera in the headline fight of UFC Vegas 55 in the Apex Arena.

Both women will be hoping to solidify their status as the No.1 contender at 135lbs with a big win at this event. Also featured on UFC Vegas 55 is an electric co-main event between two welterweight action fighters. Michel Pereira and Santiago Ponzinibbio square off in a bout that will establish the victor as a top player in the 170lb rankings.

Fan favorites Chase Hooper, Uros Medic, Vince Morales, and Parker Porter all also feature on this card. Join LowKickMMA as we preview, predict, and hopefully win some money betting on UFC Vegas 55.

Holly Holm vs. Ketlen Viera

Former champion Holly Holm will face off against Ketlen Viera in the five-round main event of UFC Vegas 55. Holm is a true veteran of the game at this point, and has developed a round-winning style that repeatedly sees her pick-up wins against all but the very best. Ketlen Viera is a physical force at 135lbs, and has often been able to dominate her opponents.

However, whilst Viera may have moments of success, it is hard to bet against Holm in fights like this. She will consistently rack points with her in and out striking, and her takedown defense is surprisingly solid, to the point where it’s fair to presume she will frustrate much of Viera’s attempts to take the fight to the ground.

Holm can be bet at her ML, which Betway have priced at 1.40. However, her decision prop at 1.83 is equally appealing.

Chidi Njokuani vs. Dusko Todorovic

In this UFC Vegas 55 main card bout, experienced striker Chidi Njokuani takes on Dusko Todorovic. We will be taking Njokuani in this fight, on account of Todorovic’s tendency to lunge into exchanges with little to no head movement, whilst his chin remains high in the air. Njokuani hits extremely hard, and will be sure to look for the counter.

Todorovic may have some success if he can bring the fight to the ground, but he will have to weather a storm to get there. We’re betting that his chin will not hold up.

Njokuani’s ML is priced at 1.44, whilst his KO prop can be found at 1.95.

Jonathan Martinez vs. Vince Morales

One of the hidden gems of UFC Vegas 55 is buried in the preliminary card. The fight in question is the bantamweight scrap between Jonathan Martinez and Vince Morales. Both men are high-level strikers who love to let their fights play out on the feet. Morales is more of a boxer, whilst Martinez’s style is more akin to that of a traditional kickboxer.

We will take Martinez to win this one, on account of his wider arsenal of striking options on the feet. Most notably are his leg kicks, which Morales has been susceptible to in the past. We expect Martinez to fight a war of attrition, cutting down Morales’ base, whilst simultaneously utilizing high kicks and step-in knees. Look for ‘The Dragon’ to win either by decision or a late KO.

Betway places Martinez’s ML at 1.44.

Do you agree with our bets for UFC Vegas 55?

Jan Blachowicz vs. Aleksandar Raki? – LowKick MMA Staff Predictions

Jan BlachowiczThis weekend’s UFC main event features two elite light heavyweights clashing in what could well be a No.1 contender bout, with the victor likely to go on and face the winner of Glover Teixeira and Jiri Prochazka. Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz will take on surging contender Aleksandar Rakic. The two European giants […]

Jan Blachowicz

This weekend’s UFC main event features two elite light heavyweights clashing in what could well be a No.1 contender bout, with the victor likely to go on and face the winner of Glover Teixeira and Jiri Prochazka.

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz will take on surging contender Aleksandar Rakic. The two European giants are known for their finishing ability, and will undoubtedly put on an exciting and dynamic performance as they attempt to assert dominance over the 205lb landscape.

Who will pick up the win and take that next step towards title contention? Let’s see what the LowKickMMA staff have to say:

LowKick MMA Staff Predictions for Jan Blachowicz vs. Aleksandar Rakic

Frank Bonada

Excellent matchmaking here from the UFC between two elite contenders both hailing from Europe – If only the fight were taking place in Poland or Austria. Regardless, it still has the makings of an extremely competitive bout. I am currently leaning towards Blachowicz. Rakic has a reputation for being a lethal knockout artist, but since his split decision loss to Volkan Oezdemir in 2019, ‘Rocket’ has become considerably more tentative in his approach. This did allow him to pick up wins over Thiago Santos and Anthony Smith, but against the ferocious tenacity of Blachowicz, I believe this approach will crumble. Blachowicz has demonstrated the ability to keep a high pace throughout and has a number of additionally damaging attacks in his arsenal. Blachowicz by decision or late stoppage.

Prediction: Blachowicz

Ross Markey

Former champion, Jan Blachowicz has been sidelined since losing the undisputed UFC light heavyweight championship last October to Glover Teixeira – and appears to be entering this weekend’s UFC Vegas 54 rescheduled headliner against Aleksandar Rakic with a certain chip on his shoulder. Suffering a surprising submission loss to the Brazilian, a combination of age and the fact that he’s surrounded by surging contenders at 205lbs, the Pole is faced with somewhat of a crossroads fight at light heavyweight. Experience will likely play a sizeable factor in his fight with Austrian-born upstart, Rakic – as well as a certain technical edge which will force Rakic to consider all means of offense beyond his composed striking, rangy shots, and the eventual utilization of his wrestling game. Blachowicz can, however, take solace in the fact that he’s faced the likes of fellow athletic strikers such as Israel Adesanya, and former champion, Luke Rockhold – and has emerged with victories in both. I’m expecting Blachowicz to land a decision victory over Rakic in a composed outing, without an overabundance of risking taking over the course of five rounds.

Prediction: Blachowicz

Michael Gringich

Rakic is ready to take that next step and will walk away with his hand raised. He’s been lights out since his loss to Volkan Oezdemir. I see Rakic fighting a smart fight and staying along the outside while technically picking Blachowicz apart. Although, one thing that is worrisome is Rakic’s long absence from the cage. With that being said, I believe youth prevails in this one and Rakic will most likely fight the winner of Glover Teixeira and Jiri Prochazka for the title.

Prediction: Rakic

Olli Brockett

The main-event show at UFC Vegas 54 is set to be an interesting affair. Aleksander Rakic will be looking to further establish himself in the Lightweight division, with a win over the former champion Jan Blachowicz. However, despite the fact that Blachowicz is in the latter stages of his career. I believe the 39-year-old still has miles in the tank and will aim to utilize his high-level wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu to reduce Rakic’s ability to use his length and come out with a convincing decision victory this Saturday evening.

Prediction: Blachowicz

Who do you see winning this weekend?

UFC Vegas 54 Betting Preview

UFC Vegas 54Despite falling under the shadow of the recent UFC 274, UFC Vegas 54 is a card full of surprisingly interesting and high-level matchups. Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz takes on surging contender Aleksandar Rakic in the main event, with the winner likely to go on and fight for the belt next. In the […]

UFC Vegas 54

Despite falling under the shadow of the recent UFC 274, UFC Vegas 54 is a card full of surprisingly interesting and high-level matchups. Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz takes on surging contender Aleksandar Rakic in the main event, with the winner likely to go on and fight for the belt next.

In the co-main, Ryan ‘Superman’ Spann takes on the ever-entertaining Ion Cutelaba, whilst UFC veterans Davey Grant and Louis Smolka face off in an electric bantamweight scrap.

Katlyn Chookagian, Amanda Ribas, Jake Hadley, Michael Johnson, and Angela Hill also all feature on this card. Join LowKick MMA as well attempt to break down, and hopefully make some money, off of UFC Vegas 54:

Jan Blachowicz vs. Aleksandar Rakic

There are a number of ways you could play the main event of UFC Vegas 54. Both men are solid strikers, with the gas tank to go the full five rounds. Blachowicz likely has the more attritional damaging strikes, but Rakic has the reach advantage and a style that wins rounds. Blachowicz’s last fight, when he lost his title against Glover Teixeira, was one of his worst performances in the octagon to date. Whether you think this is indicative of the Pole’s future or not will likely result in you taking either man’s ML.

However, we will not be backing either side. Instead, Betway has the fight to go over 3.5 rounds at 1.83 odds. Jan Blachowicz has this ‘Polish Power’ reputation, that does not completely represent the way he fights. Nine of his UFC fights have gone to decision, with the majority of his KO wins coming against opponents now known for their durability, such as Luke Rockhold. As of late, Rakic has also been a decision machine, preferring to outpoint Thiago Santos and Anthony Smith, rather than go for the big finish.

There is still a chance this fight doesn’t go the distance, but this is more likely to happen late than early. Blachowicz vs. Rakic to go over 3.5 rounds is our first bet.

Davey Grant vs. Louis Smolka

Two solid options here in this UFC Vegas 54 bantamweight matchup. Louis Smolka has not gone to the decision in his past six UFC fights, and he takes on one of the hardest hitters in the 135lb division. Smolka’s most recent loss to Vince Morales was a brutal KO, by an opponent not known for his finishing ability. Look for Grant to land his patented body shot, hook to the head combination and put ‘Da Last Samurai’ to sleep. Davey Grant to win via KO is at 2.00 on Betway.

Alternatively, if you think Smolka has a chance at locking up one of his sneaky submissions, fight doesn’t go the distance is priced at 1.44.

Katlyn Chookagian vs. Amanda Ribas

Another bet from UFC Vegas 54 that essentially picks itself is Katlyn Chookagian to win via decision against Amanda Ribas. Chookagian is undeniably one of the best fighters in the division, especially in the striking department. However, she never finishes her opponents. All 10 of her UFC wins have gone to the judge’s scorecards. She will also have a significant size and reach advantage over Ribas, who is moving up in weight.

Chookagian by decision can be found at plus money on Betway.

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Katlyn Chookagian vs. Jennifer Maia

What are your best best for UFC Vegas 54?

Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson – UFC 274 LowKick MMA Staff Predictions

UFC 274UFC 274’s main card features two electric lightweight bouts that both have fans abuzz. Whilst the main event between Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje will take the headlines, the ‘co-co-main’ event between Michael Chandler and Tony Ferguson has the potential to steal the show. Both men are riding losing streaks right now, and a win […]

UFC 274

UFC 274’s main card features two electric lightweight bouts that both have fans abuzz. Whilst the main event between Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje will take the headlines, the ‘co-co-main’ event between Michael Chandler and Tony Ferguson has the potential to steal the show.

Both men are riding losing streaks right now, and a win at UFC 274 is imperative for either man to reinstate himself into the 155lb title picture. Chandler is a heavy betting favorite, but Ferguson has been in fine form for the entirety of fight week, looking exceptional on the scales.

Let’s see who the Lowkick MMA staff see winning this one:

LowKick MMA Staff Predictions for Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson at UFC 274

Frank Bonada

Contrary to what I imagine will be the popular opinion, I’m going to go with Tony Ferguson for this one. ‘El Cucuy‘ is undeniably out of his prime, but Michael Chandler is no spring chicken either. I believe the first round will determine how the fight plays out, in that there is a solid chance Chander will simply finish Ferguson before the start of the second. However, should Ferguson make it to round 2, Chandler will begin to lose his explosivity. It is then that Ferguson can begin to implement his own gameplan, landing lethal attritional damage on his opponent, only increasing the pressure as the fight goes on. It may be a long shot, but Ferguson by decision is my official prediction for UFC 274.

Prediction: Tony Ferguson

Ross Markey

Personally, I’ve seen something entirely different from former interim champion, Tony Ferguson this week ahead of UFC 274. I’d lean away from a cerebral moniker, and lean to a dialed-in, motivated, and composed Ferguson, even reminiscent of his most recent wins against Donald Cerrone and Anthony Pettis. However, walking the walk and appearing reinvigorated is only half the battle. Michael Chandler has proven to be one of the fastest starters in an opening round we’ve seen in the last couple years. Stylistically, it’s a less than straightforward matchup for both, to be honest, but as for Chandler – he really needs to be met with a version of Ferguson, I myself am not wholly sure exists anymore. I think collectively fans and pundits alike are hoping for a better showing from Ferguson, but the early exchanges will go a long way in determining how this one plays out. It’s really difficult to look beyond Chandler given what we know regarding Ferguson’s form and skid, so anything less than a decision choice in his favor would be naive of me.

Prediction: Michael Chandler

Lewis Simpson

Personally, Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chandler is my most anticipated bout at UFC 274. As of late, the game-plan to beat Ferguson has been put out there. With Chandler’s wrestling credentials, I expect him to hand Ferguson a fourth straight loss, which I never thought I’d say years back. The fight is there to be won relatively comfortably for Chandler if he fights smart and doesn’t play up the crowd. Ferguson thrives in the chaos and on the crowd’s energy. Chandler can not get drawn into that, which will heavily favor Ferguson. Chandler by decision for me, with Ferguson being too tough for his own good.

Prediction: Michael Chandler

Nikhil Sharma

Another great fight on UFC 274. I feel like it’s an important fight for both, especially if they want to be considered for the title again. Tony presents a big threat striking wise and while Chandler comes off as a better wrestler, I doubt he’ll take Tony down. It’ll be a fan-friendly fight that I see Chandler winning by decision. The only way Chandler loses this one is if he throws caution to the wind and gets caught.

Prediction: Michael Chandler

Alex Nikollaj

Two of the most dangerous men on the UFC roster are clashing in what could be another potential fight of the year. Chandler and Ferguson will, without a doubt, meet in the middle of that octagon and push each other to the absolute limit to see who really wants to take the steps back towards the belt. I believe the time off for Tony may have been just what he needed, but Chandler knows the danger and the challenge he has in front of him at UFC 274 and for that reason I’m picking Chandler to win. I believe he will be very smart in the cage on Saturday and will be too fast for Ferguson, beating him to the punch and controlling the action the whole time.

Prediction: Michael Chandler

Michael Gingrich

This bout has all the makings to be the fight of the night. Ferguson and Chandler just love violence and that gets everyone excited. Ferguson has lost his last few fights by being dominated on the ground. I don’t think Chandler is going to wrestle Ferguson and will be going for the finish. With that being said, I think that works in the favor of Ferguson. I think Ferguson has something to prove in this fight and will be the more technically sound fighter. I have Ferguson winning by decision. With that being said, this fight is going to be awesome and I could see it going either way.

Prediction: Tony Ferguson

Keelin McNamara

Man, oh man. When is Tony Ferguson going to catch a break? ‘El Cucuy’ has faced absolutely monstrous matchups in his last three fights, and he doesn’t exactly face an easier task here. Michael Chandler is on a slide, yes, but he still has massive firepower in his hands. Plus, he can utilize his wrestling if he really wants to. I love Tony, and the biased side of me wants to see him win. However, I see Michael Chander pushing the pace and eventually being too much. Late stoppage for Chandler at UFC 274.

Prediction: Michael Chandler

Who do you see coming out on top in this UFC 274 lightweight clash?

Rose Namajunas vs. Carla Esparza 2 – UFC 274 LowKick MMA Staff Predictions

Rose NamajunasIn the co-main of the upcoming UFC 274, strawweight champion Rose Namajunas will take on Carla Esparza, in a rematch eight years in the making. When Namajunas and Esparza fight fought, in the Ultimate Fighter season 20 finale, it was Esparza who walked away with her hand raised. ‘The Cookie Monster’ was able to lock […]

Rose Namajunas

In the co-main of the upcoming UFC 274, strawweight champion Rose Namajunas will take on Carla Esparza, in a rematch eight years in the making.

When Namajunas and Esparza fight fought, in the Ultimate Fighter season 20 finale, it was Esparza who walked away with her hand raised. ‘The Cookie Monster’ was able to lock up a rear-naked choke in round three, forcing the tap.

However, since then, Rose Namajunas has teamed up with Trevor Wittman, immensely improving her game to the point where she was able to capture, and defend, the UFC strawweight title. Esparza has also continued to improve, and how sits on a five-fight winning streak.

Rose Namajunas goes into this fight as a heavy betting favorite, with the bookies clearly backing her to avenge her early loss to Esparza. Let’s see what the LowKickMMA staff have to say:

LowKick MMA Staff Predictions for Rose Namajunas vs. Carla Esparza

Frank Bonada

I feel that this fight has a relatively simple dynamic to it, in that for Esparza to win, she must be able to implement her dangerous high-level wrestling game. Failure to do so will be catastrophic for the ‘Cookie Monster.’ Namajunas is an extremely well-rounded fighter, with lethal kickboxing that will likely light Espaza up if the fight remains on the feet. She also demonstrated her ability to deal with strong wrestlers in her most recent rematch with Weili Zhang. If Esparza cannot get her game going early, one has to think that Namajunas will run away with the fight, and as a result, I have to take ‘Thug’ Rose for this one.

Prediction: Rose Namajunas

Ross Markey

By now, we’re all well aware of the incredible story of Rose Namajunas to not just rise to strawweight supremacy – but, to do it twice in a record-setting fashion. However, the story shared by co-headline feature, Carla Esparza matches Namajunas’ tenfold. The first Invicta FC and UFC strawweight champion, Torrance native, Esparza is a trailblazer in every sense of the word. The first champion in one of the toughest divisions in the sport. Toppled by a common opponent, Joanna Jedrzejczyk soon after her UFC reign began, Esparza’s re-emergence as a title challenger, once again, is nothing short of commendable. It must also be said first and foremost, both Namajunas and Esparza have come on leaps and bounds since their first matchup back in 2014 in an inaugural title offing. Namajunas has rounded out her game splendidly, under the watchful eye of ONX Labs technician, Trevor Wittman, while Esparza has continued to stack high a résumé containing notable contenders under the guidance of Colin Oyama on the west coast. Namajunas has herself showcased those ever-developed skills in her pair of successes against Jedrzejczyk, and Zhang Weili – the latter of which last November most notably. Dynamism and creativity from Rose gets her my nod in this old-school strawweight stylistic sequel.

Prediction: Rose Namajunas

Lewis Simpson

A classic striker vs. Grappler matchup. Esparaza will have the mental edge I feel leading into this one, having already beaten Rose in the past. However, that was a long time ago, and Rose’s game has evolved massively since then. It’s worth mentioning that this was a fight Rose campaigned to get back to avenge her loss, highlighting her competitive spirit. I expect Esparza to have a successful start to the fight, utilizing her wrestling and landing takedowns frequently. As the fight plays into the later rounds, I expect Esparza’s gas tank to run out of fuel due to the constant wrestling allowing Rose to open up her striking more and put it on Esparza. As Rose has shown, she can shut anybody’s lights out in these big fights. I’m going with Rose by knockout in the late rounds after a strong start by Esparza.

Prediction: Rose Namajunas

Nikhil Sharma

I see Rose winning this one quite comfortably. Although Esparza can pressure her and bring something new to the table with her wrestling, Rose is just too well-rounded, she’s good off her back, can’t be held down, and is a threat with her submission. Maybe Esparza does something unexpected but I am going with Rose on this one.

Prediction: Rose Namajunas

Michael Gingrich

I got ‘Thug’ Rose winning this one. She’s on another level this time around, but I do think it will be a closer fight than many believe. I don’t think Esparza will be able to match Namajunas’s striking, but if she can get the fight to the ground we got a fight on our hands. On the mat with Esparza is the last thing Namajunas wants in this fight. This fight will most likely go the distance with Namjunas’s hand being raised at the end.

Prediction: Rose Namajunas

Ollie Brockett

Although Carla Esparza drew first blood against Rosa Namajunas in their Ultimate Fighter finale, I don’t see anything past Bruce Buffer screaming out “AND STILL” the only thing in question would be, by which method? Can Rosa get the job done without the need of the judges or will Esparza manage to drag the fight out for 25-minutes with her notorious wresting? Not to discredit Esparza – since she’s never looked better in her pro career – however, Namajunas’s elite boxing and much-improved ground game will end up being too much for Carla and as a result, I can confidently say she will continue her Strawweight reign.

Prediction: Rose Namajunas

Alex Nikollaj

This is a rematch 8 years in the making and it is a rematch from the Ultimate Fighter season 20 when the strawweight title was introduced. In this matchup I believe that Esparza has fewer routes to victory, in fact I think she has one route to victory and that is securing takedowns and controlling Namajunas. I believe Rose has elevated her game both physically and mentally and we’re going to see her remain the strawweight champion, Namajunas will most likely win a unanimous decision using her movement and crisp striking while defending Esparza’s takedowns.

Prediction: Rose Namajunas

Keelin McNamara

Easiest fight of the night to predict for me – I think Rose is going to absolutely walk through Carla Esparza here. Truthfully, Esparza is only getting this shot because of how thin the women’s strawweight division is. Plus, Rose is WAY better than the last time they fought. First round KO for ‘Thug.’

Prediction: Rose Namajunas