The UFC returns to the Apex in Las Vegas with an exciting card featuring key divisional battles and rising contenders looking to make a statement.
When is UFC Fight Night 253? UK – the preliminary card starts at 9:00pm on Saturday 1st March 2025, followed by the main card at 12:00am (Sunday) / USA – 4:00pm/7:00pm ET and 1:00pm/4:00pm PT
Where is UFC Fight Night 253? UFC Apex, Las Vegas, USA
What TV channel is UFC Fight Night 253 on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 253? UK – TNT Sports subscribers can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass
Here’s a breakdown of the top fights along with predictions.
Montana De La Rosa vs. Luana Carolina
Overview: Neither fighter seems to have the finishing caliber to put the other away, making this likely a competitive decision bout. Carolina is riding a three-fight win streak and is stepping up in competition, while De La Rosa has fought a higher caliber of opponents but hasn’t been able to string together momentum or consistent wins. Carolina’s ability to keep the fight standing could give her the edge.
Prediction: Carolina
Value Prediction: Carolina by Decision (Her striking and recent form could be enough to take a close fight)
Charles Johnson vs. Ramazan Temirov
Overview: Johnson is a well-rounded fighter with solid striking and movement, while Temirov is a powerful wrestler who thrives in grinding fights. Johnson’s ability to maintain range and avoid prolonged grappling exchanges should give him the advantage over three rounds.
Prediction: Johnson
Value Prediction: Johnson by Decision (Superior striking and movement should keep him ahead)
Andrea Lee vs. JJ Aldrich
Overview: Lee has a solid kickboxing base with good takedown defense, while Aldrich is a durable fighter with a technical boxing approach. However, Lee is on an awful run of five straight losses, making it difficult to see a sudden turnaround in her form. Aldrich’s sharper striking and ability to push the pace should give her the edge.
Prediction: Aldrich
Value Prediction: Aldrich by Decision (Sharper striking and volume should edge it out)
Lucas Almeida vs. Danny Silva
Overview: Almeida is an aggressive striker with a tendency to brawl, while Silva is a composed counter-striker with knockout power. If Almeida pushes forward recklessly, Silva may capitalize.
Prediction: Silva
Value Prediction: Silva by Decision (Silva’s technical striking should allow him to control the exchanges)
Douglas Silva De Andrade vs. John Castaneda
Overview: De Andrade is a dangerous striker with explosive power, while Castaneda is a durable, well-rounded fighter who can mix in striking and grappling. This could be a closely contested fight.
Prediction: Castaneda
Value Prediction: Castaneda by Decision (Better ability to mix it up should make the difference)
Ricardo Ramos vs. Chepe Mariscal
Overview: Ramos is an unpredictable striker with strong submissions, while Mariscal is a gritty, pressure-heavy fighter with great durability. If Ramos can’t land something flashy early, Mariscal’s pace could wear him down.
Prediction: Mariscal
Value Prediction: Mariscal by Decision (Relentless pressure and toughness should help him take control)
Austen Lane vs. Mario Pinto
Overview: Lane is a powerful but somewhat reckless striker, while Pinto is a more technical heavyweight who could expose Lane’s defensive gaps. If Lane lands early, it could be over fast.
Prediction: Pinto
Value Prediction: Pinto by KO/TKO (Lane’s defense leaves him vulnerable to clean counters)
Danny Barlow vs. Sam Patterson
Overview: Barlow has explosive power and strong athleticism, while Patterson is a slick submission artist who will not be as drained as it is a fight at 170 rather than 155, making a knockout less likely. Patterson is a rangy striker who struggles with pressure, but if he can control the grappling exchanges, he has a strong path to victory.
Prediction: Patterson
Value Prediction: Patterson by Submission (Patterson’s grappling could be the key factor in securing a finish)
William Gomis vs. Hyder Amil
Overview: Gomis is a technical and patient striker, while Amil is a scrappy, high-paced fighter who thrives in wild exchanges. If Gomis keeps it clean, he should have the edge.
Prediction: Gomis
Value Prediction: Gomis by Decision (His technical approach should help him control the fight)
Nasrat Haqparast vs. Esteban Ribovics
Overview: Haqparast is a powerful counter-striker with solid takedown defense, but he often overuses his straight punches, making him predictable. Ribovics is an aggressive finisher with high volume and could take advantage of Haqparast’s predictable offense. This fight could be a high-paced striking battle.
Prediction: Ribovics
Value Prediction: Ribovics by KO/TKO (Aggressive style and finishing instinct give him the edge)
Cody Brundage vs. Julian Marquez
Overview: Brundage is a strong wrestler with power in his hands, while Marquez is a brawler with great durability and a knack for late comebacks. If Brundage can control the fight early and impose his wrestling, he should be able to take a decision victory.
Prediction: Brundage
Value Prediction: Brundage by Decision (Wrestling control should help him edge it out)
Main Event: Manel Kape vs. Asu Almabayev
Overview: Kape is an explosive and dangerous striker with high-level experience, while Almabayev is an undefeated prospect with strong wrestling and positional control. If Almabayev can chain takedowns together, he could pose problems for Kape.
Prediction: Kape
Value Prediction: Kape by KO/TKO (Power and speed should be the difference)
This card is filled with high-action fights and stylistic clashes that promise an exciting night of UFC action. With key divisional matchups and rising prospects looking to prove themselves, UFC Vegas 103 is a must-watch event!
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