LFA 229 delivers another intriguing clash as Diego Bianchini takes on Yuri Neles in a battle that pits youthful grappling precision against veteran versatility.
Diego Bianchini
Last 3 bouts
Lose. Jeff Creighton (decision)
Win. Bakhromjon Mashrapov (submission)
Win. Alberto Galera (submission)
Fighting style
Grappling‑first welterweight with strong submission ability and improving striking.
Strengths
High submission rate (majority of wins via submission)
Comfortable controlling scrambles and ground positions
Good fundamentals and fight IQ
Can grind out wins even when under pressure
Weaknesses
Striking not yet elite compared to grappling
Recent loss shows decision outcomes can slip if unable to control exchanges
Has shown some difficulty against high‑level wrestlers/strikers
Keys to victory
Close distance and initiate grappling early
Hunt submissions before Neles settles
Avoid prolonged striking battles
Use positional control to rack up rounds
Yuri Neles
Last 3 bouts
Win. Otacilio de Oliveira (decision)
Win. Alexey Lyapunov (TKO)
Win. Gilberto Santana (submission)
Fighting style
Balanced fighter with mix of striking and grappling; dangerous from transitions.
Strengths
Versatile finishing ability
Experience across multiple promotions and styles
Powerful strikes when he lands clean
Comfortable in scrambles and position changes
Weaknesses
Has suffered more losses than ideal at this stage
Inconsistent momentum in recent years
Can be controlled by technical grapplers
Keys to victory
Keep the fight dynamic and avoid prolonged top control by Bianchini
Use striking to set up takedown counters
Be opportunistic in scrambles and transitions
Capitalize on openings rather than forcing positions
Odds
Diego Bianchini -649
Yuri Neles +400
