Donte Johnson vs. Cesar Almeida prediction, odds, pick for UFC 334 appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
UFC 334: Gane vs. Hokit kicks off the preliminary card with an explosive middleweight matchup between undefeated prospect Donte Johnson and Brazilian kickboxer Cesar Almeida. Check out our UFC 334 odds series for our Johnson-Almeida prediction and pick.
Advertisement
Donte Johnson (9-0) has surged to a 3-0 UFC record since earning his contract on the Contender Series in August 2025. After submitting Sedriques Dumas and outpointing Cody Brundage, the 27-year-old prospect knocked out Eric McConico in 98 seconds at UFC 330 in August as he comes into his fight this weekend against Cesar Almeida.
Cesar Almeida (7-3) steps in to rebound from a unanimous decision loss to Cezary Oleksiejczuk. Prior to that setback, the 38-year-old former GLORY kickboxer knocked out Abdul Razak Alhassan in the first round and defeated Ihor Potieria via unanimous decision as he comes into his fight this weekend against Donte Johnson.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
UFC 334 Odds, courtesy of DraftKings
Advertisement
UFC 334 Odds: Donte Johnson-Cesar Almeida Odds
Donte Johnson: -185
Cesar Almeida: +154
Over 1.5 rounds: -135
Under 1.5 rounds: +105
Why Donte Johnson Will Win
Donte Johnson possesses the exact athletic profile and well-rounded skillset required to exploit Cesar Almeida’s glaring defensive grappling holes. At 27 years old, Johnson is 11 years younger than the 38-year-old Brazilian and enters Madison Square Garden riding massive momentum with eight finishes in nine career wins.
While Johnson is known for his explosive knockout power—having flattened Eric McConico in 98 seconds in August—he has shown impressive tactical maturity in the UFC. He submitted Sedriques Dumas with a second-round guillotine in his debut and landed 100 percent of his takedown attempts in a three-round win over wrestler Cody Brundage.
Advertisement
Almeida is a decorated kickboxer, but both of his recent losses to Roman Kopylov and Cezary Oleksiejczuk occurred when opponents mixed in takedowns and controlled him on the canvas. Despite standing five-foot-eight, Johnson boasts a long 74-inch reach and explosive level changes that allow him to close distance in the blink of an eye.
If Johnson uses his speed to threaten on the feet before ducking under Almeida’s counter hooks to hit a blast double-leg, he will dominate Almeida on the mat.
Why Cesar Almeida Will Win
Cesar Almeida is a world-class kickboxer who holds a win over Alex Pereira in the kickboxing ring and possesses the technical counter-striking to punish an aggressive young prospect like Donte Johnson. Standing six-foot-one, Almeida enjoys a five-inch height advantage over the five-foot-eight Johnson.
Advertisement
Johnson loves to blitz forward into the pocket throwing heavy, looping combinations, which has worked against lower-level strikers like Eric McConico and Darion Abbey. However, charging straight at a seasoned veteran like Almeida is how Abdul Razak Alhassan got knocked out cold in the first round when he tried to trade hooks with “Cesinha”.
Almeida is remarkably composed under fire, keeping a high tight guard before firing devastating short left hooks, uppercuts and knees down the middle. Because Johnson is five inches shorter, his head will be right at chest level whenever he steps into the pocket or ducks his head for a takedown entry.
If Almeida frames off Johnson’s initial clinch attempts, uses his jab and calf kicks to control range and times an uppercut or knee as Johnson rushes in, he will hand the unbeaten American his first loss by knockout.
Final Johnson-Almeida Prediction & Pick
Donte Johnson is the pick to stay undefeated because his youth, speed and ability to mix in takedowns give him a clear strategic path against a 38-year-old kickboxing specialist. While Cesar Almeida is dangerous if Johnson carelessly stands in front of him and trades hooks, Johnson has already proven he is more than just a reckless brawler.
Click Above to Subscribe
In his fights against Sedriques Dumas and Cody Brundage, Johnson showed he is more than willing to wrestle, scramble and hunt submissions when the matchup calls for it. Almeida’s last two losses against Roman Kopylov and Cezary Oleksiejczuk exposed how much the Brazilian struggles to get off his back once taken down.
Advertisement
Even though Johnson gives up five inches in height, he matches Almeida’s 74-inch reach and possesses a massive speed advantage in the opening exchanges. Expect Johnson to use feints and explosive hand speed to back Almeida toward the fence before changing levels to put the veteran on the canvas.
From top position, Johnson’s heavy ground-and-pound and submission threats will wear Almeida down, leading to either a second-round finish or a dominant decision after passing the 1.5-round mark.
Final Donte Johnson-Cesar Almeida Prediction & Pick: Donte Johnson (-185), OVER 1.5 rounds (-135)
Related: Ciryl Gane vs. Josh Hokit prediction, odds, pick for UFC 334
Related: Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes prediction, odds, pick for UFC 334