The UFC returns to Seattle with an exciting card full of high-stakes matchups. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main fights, their overviews, and my predictions.
Modestas Bukauskas vs. Raffael Cerqueira
Overview: Bukauskas is returning strong after a serious knee injury, with three wins in his last four fights. Cerqueira, an up-and-coming fighter, has impressive knockout power but has faced less competition at the highest levels.
Prediction: Bukauskas
Value Prediction: Cerqueira by KO/TKO (Cerqueira has knockout power and could surprise Bukauskas)
Nursulton Ruziboev vs. Eric McConico
Overview: Ruziboev is a strong grappler with a well-rounded skill set, while McConico will need to defend against Ruziboev’s ground game to have a chance.
Prediction: Ruziboev
Value Prediction: Ruziboev by Submission (Ruziboev’s grappling should be too much for McConico)
Austin Vanderford vs. Nikolay Veretennikov
Overview: Vanderford is known for his wrestling and control, and Veretennikov will need to keep the fight on the feet to have an edge in this matchup.
Prediction: Veretennikov
Value Prediction: Veretennikov by KO/TKO (Veretennikov’s striking may catch Vanderford off guard)
Ricky Simon vs. Javid Basharat
Overview: Simon has lost a bit of momentum in recent fights, and Basharat’s striking is too clean and technical for Simon. While Basharat doesn’t possess much knockout power, his sharp striking should outpoint Simon throughout the fight.
Prediction: Basharat
Value Prediction: Basharat by Decision (Basharat’s clean striking should control the fight, and a KO isn’t likely due to his lack of power)
Nick Klein vs. Mansur Abdul-Malik
Overview: Abdul-Malik has aggressive striking and power, while Klein will need to avoid getting caught early to survive.
Prediction: Abdul-Malik
Value Prediction: Abdul-Malik by KO/TKO (Abdul-Malik has powerful striking and may finish Klein early)
Andre Fili vs. Melquizael Costa
Overview: Fili brings a wealth of experience and sharp striking, despite having a number of losses on his record. These losses came against some of the toughest names in the division, and his striking is still slick and high-level enough to get the job done. Costa is still a rising prospect looking to make his mark.
Prediction: Fili
Value Prediction: Fili by Decision (Fili’s experience and striking will be key in a close bout)
Ion Cutelaba vs. Ibo Aslan
Overview: Cutelaba is known for his aggressive fighting style and knockout power, while Aslan is still finding his footing in the UFC. Aslan looked impressive in his last outing and could present a challenge to Cutelaba.
Prediction: Aslan
Value Prediction: Cutelaba by KO/TKO (Cutelaba’s aggressive style is likely to overwhelm Aslan)
Alonzo Menifield vs. Julius Walker
Overview: Menifield has destructive knockout power, while Walker has been impressive on the regional scene. Walker also has the ability to blitz in with takedowns, which could pose a challenge to Menifield’s aggressive striking style.
Prediction: Menifield
Value Prediction: Menifield by KO/TKO (Menifield’s knockout power is dangerous from the start)
Jean Silva vs. Melsik Baghdasaryan
Overview: Baghdasaryan is an explosive striker with knockout power, while Silva is on an incredible streak, picking up momentum. Silva has the ability to use both his striking and grappling to take the fight wherever he likes it, making him a well-rounded and dangerous opponent for Baghdasaryan.
Prediction: Silva
Value Prediction: Silva by TKO/KO (Silva’s momentum and well-rounded game should allow him to finish Baghdasaryan)
Rob Font vs. Jean Matsumoto
Overview: Font is a seasoned veteran with sharp striking and movement, while Matsumoto will look to test his skills against an experienced opponent.
Prediction: Font
Value Prediction: Font by Decision (Font’s experience and jab will control the fight for 3 rounds)
Brendan Allen vs. Anthony Hernandez 2
Overview: The rematch between these two grapplers will be a battle of ground control, with Hernandez looking to avenge his earlier loss. Allen has the ability to control the fight in the grappling exchanges and will have an edge from winning their first fight.
Prediction: Allen
Value Prediction: Allen by Decision (Allen’s grappling control and experience in their first bout should give him the edge)
Main Event: Henry Cejudo vs. Song Yadong
Overview: Cejudo, a former Olympic gold medalist and two-division champion, takes on the rising star Yadong, known for his powerful striking and dynamic style.
Prediction: Cejudo
Value Prediction: Cejudo by Decision (Cejudo’s wrestling and experience will likely neutralize Yadong’s striking, leading to a dominant performance)
These matchups promise an action-packed night of fights in Seattle. With top fighters vying for position in their respective divisions, don’t miss the exciting drama that will unfold!
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