Liam Lindsay

The 2025 PFL World Championship continues with PFL 5: Jackson vs. Jean, as the Welterweights and Featherweights take center stage. The fighters hit the scales ahead of Thursday’s event in Nashville, with each bout part of the tournament semifinals. Full weigh-in results below.

Here is your original format updated with the **corrected weights** and **Anthony Ivy's weight miss**:

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## Main Card

**Welterweight:** Jason Jackson (**171.0 lbs**) vs. Thad Jean (**170.4 lbs**)

**Featherweight:** Jesus Pinedo (**145.2 lbs**) vs. Gabriel Braga (**145.0 lbs**)

**Welterweight:** Logan Storley (**170.6 lbs**) vs. Masayuki Kikuiri (**170.4 lbs**)

**Featherweight:** Movlid Khaybulaev (**145.4 lbs**) vs. Kim Tae‑kyun (**145.6 lbs**)

## Prelims

**Featherweight:** Jeremy Kennedy (**146.0 lbs**) vs. Ádám Borics (**145.8 lbs**)

**Welterweight (Catchweight):** Magomed Umalatov (**170.4 lbs**) vs. Anthony Ivy (**175.4 lbs**)

**Welterweight:** Joseph Luciano (**170.4 lbs**) vs. Sarek Shields (**170.0 lbs**)

**Welterweight:** Mukhamed Berkhamov (**170.6 lbs**) vs. Kendly St. Louis (**170.2 lbs**)

**Featherweight:** Alexei Pergande (**145.4 lbs**) vs. Mike Bardsley (**145.2 lbs**)

**Bantamweight:** Jason Danner (**135.8 lbs**) vs. Nathan Gilmore (**135.0 lbs**)

All fighters successfully made weight ahead of Thursday’s event at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium **except Anthony Ivy, who missed weight by 4.4 pounds**. His bout proceeds at catchweight. The prelims stream live on **ESPN+ at 7:30 p.m. ET**, followed by the main card on **ESPN2 and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET**.



PFL 5: Jackson vs. Jean Weigh-In Results

The PFL continues its 2025 World Tournament with PFL 5: Jackson vs. Jean, unfolding tonight, Thursday, June 12, at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. This event features the semifinal brackets in both the Welterweight and Featherweight divisions. Let's take a look at the key matchups. 

## Main Event: Jason Jackson vs. Thad Jean (Welterweight Semifinal)

Jason “The Ass-Kicking Machine” Jackson enters with a 19‑5 professional record, riding momentum after submitting Andrey Koreshkov in his quarterfinal matchup earlier in April, his PFL debut in 2025. Jackson is a well-rounded former Bellator Champion who's capable of winning the fight on the feet or the ground. Thad Jean, boasting an unblemished 9‑0 overall and 5‑0 PFL record, secured his semifinal spot via first-round TKO of Mukhamed Berkhamov. A talented all-rounder with quick finishes, Jean’s explosive style and athleticism make this one to watch. 

## Co-Main Event: Jesus Pinedo vs. Gabriel Braga (Featherweight Semifinal) 

Set for the co-main event is the trilogy bout between Jesus Pinedo (24‑6‑1) and Gabriel Braga (16‑2). Their rivalry dates back to April 2023 when Braga edged Pinedo by a razor-thin decision. Pinedo responded by winning the 2023 PFL Featherweight title in their second meeting, winning via TKO. In this year’s quarterfinals, Pinedo dispatched Adam Borics via first-round TKO, while Braga secured a submission win over Fredrik Dupras. The rubber match promises fireworks as Pinedo seeks to continue his momentum, and Braga looks to avenge his last loss. 

## Logan Storley vs. Masayuki Kikuiri (Welterweight Semifinal)

Logan Storley joins tonight with a 17‑3 record and a 2‑1 showing in the PFL season. A former interim Bellator champion, Storley brings championship-level wrestling and relentless pressure. His opponent, Masayuki Kikuiri (11‑2‑1), is unbeaten in the PFL World Tournament and impressed in the first round. Kikuiri’s technical striking and solid defensive wrestling make this a classic striker-vs-grappler showdown. 

## Movlid Khaybulaev vs. Kim Tae‑kyun (Featherweight Semifinal)

Featherweight action continues with former PFL champion Movlid Khaybulaev, now 22‑0‑1 with a near-flawless 8‑0‑1 record in PFL competition. Khaybulaev secured his semifinal place with a strong showing in the quarterfinals. His opponent, Kim Tae‑kyun (11‑1), also advanced convincingly and looks to showcase his well-rounded game. Expect Khaybulaev’s veteran savvy and control to clash with Kim’s striking and counter-offense. 

PFL 5: Jackson vs. Jean goes town tonight, Thursday, June 12, at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium. Prelims stream on ESPN+ at 7:30 p.m. ET, with the main card airing on ESPN2 and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET.

PFL 5: Jackson vs. Jean Preview

Douglas Vegas Bets

It's officially fight week, as Joaquin Buckley is set to take on former Welterweight champion Kamaru Usman this Saturday from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. The odds are stacked against the former champion, who is now a big underdog.

**Odds provided by Duelbits accurate as of 6/9/2025**

## Odds: Kamaru Usman +205, Joaquin Buckley -263

This will be the first time we see Usman in the cage in over a year and a half since his fight with Khamzat Chimaev, which he lost by majority decision. Joaquin Buckley gets his second straight main event after getting a stoppage win over Colby Covington late last year.

## Past Odds: Kamaru Usman

*Odds via FightOdds.io*

Kamaru Usman (+285) vs. Khamzat Chimaev (-360) UFC 294 - Loss

Kamaru Usman (-265) vs. Leon Edwards (+225) UFC 285 - Loss

Kamaru Usman (-345) vs. Leon Edwards (+315) UFC 278 - Loss

Kamaru Usman (-275) vs. Colby Covington (+250) UFC 268 - Win

Kamaru Usman (-340) vs. Jorge Masvidal (+310) UFC 261 - Win

## Past Odds: Joaquin Buckley

*Odds via FightOdds.io*

Joaquin Buckley (-209) vs. Colby Covington (+179) UFC Fight Night: Covington vs. Buckley - Win

Joaquin Buckley (-206) vs. Stephen Thompson (+176) UFC 307 - Win

Joaquin Buckley (-138) vs. Nursultan Ruziboev (+118) UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Nascimento - Win

Joaquin Buckley (-129) vs. Vicente Luque (+109) UFC Fight Night: Blanchfield vs. Fiorot - Win

Joaquin Buckley (-185) vs. Alex Morono (+160) UFC Fight Night: Dawson vs. Green - Win

## Full Card Odds

Kamaru Usman +205 vs. Joaquin Buckley -263, Welterweight

Rose Namajunas -270 vs. Miranda Maverick +210, Flyweight

Edmen Shahbazyan -189 vs. Andre Petroski +155, Middleweight

Cody Garbrandt +140 vs. Raoni Barcelos -160, Bantamweight

Alonzo Menifield +400 vs. Oumar Sy -588, Light Heavyweight

Paul Craig +275 vs. Rodolfo Bellato -357, Light Heavyweight

Michael Chiesa -357 vs. Court McGee +270, Welterweight

Malcolm Wellmaker -1429 vs. Kris Moutinho +750, Bantamweight

Cody Durden +144 vs. Jose Ochoa -179, Flyweight

Ricky Simon -169 vs. Charles Jourdain +138, Bantamweight

Phil Rowe +115 vs. Ange Loosa -141, Welterweight

Jamey-Lyn Horth -476 vs. Vanessa Demopoulos +340, Flyweight

Who do you have in this big Welterweight clash? Let us know in the comments.

Betting Odds: Joaquin Buckley Heavily Favoured Against Kamaru Usman Entering Fight Week

UFC 316 is live from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, headlined by Merab Dvalishvili defending his Bantamweight title in a rematch against Sean O'Malley. Here are the results from the card.

## Prelims

## Lightweight Bout: MarQuel Mederos vs. Mark Choinski

**Result:** MarQel Mederos def. Mark Choinski via Decision (Unanimous) (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) - Round 3, 5:00

## Lightweight Bout: Quillan Salkilld vs. Yanal Ashmouz

**Result:** Quillan Salkilld def. Yanal Ashmouz via Decision (Unanimous) (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) - Round 3. 5:00

## Featherweight Bout: Joo Sang Yoo vs. Jeka Saragih

**Result:** Joo Sang Yoo def. Jeka Saragih via KO (Punch) - Round 1, 0:28

## Women's Flyweight Bout: Ariane Lipski vs. Cong Wang

**Result:** Cong Wang def. Ariane Lipski via Decision (Unanimous) (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) - Round 3, 5:00

## Welterweight Bout: Khaos Williams vs. Andreas Gustafsson

**Result:** Andreas Gustafsson def. Khaos Williams via Decision (Unanimous) (30-27, 30-26, 30-26) - Round 3, 5:00 

## Heavyweight Bout: Serghei Spivac vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta

**Result:** Waldo Cortes-Acosta def. Serghei Spivac via Decision (Unanimous) (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) - Round 3, 5:00

## Light Heavyweight Bout: Azamat Murzakhanov vs. Brendson Ribeiro

**Result:** Azamat Murzakakhanov def. Brendson Ribeiro via TKO (Punches to Ground and Pound) - Round 1, 3:25

## Flyweight Bout: Bruno Silva vs. Joshua Van

**Result:** Joshua Van def. Bruno Silva via TKO (Punches) - Round 3, 4:01

## Welterweight Bout: Vicente Luque vs. Kevin Holland

**Result:** Kevin Holland def. Vicente Luque via Submission (D'Arce Choke) - Round 2, 1:03

## Bantamweight Bout: Mario Bautista vs. Patchy Mix

**Result:** Mario Bautista def. Patchy Mix via Decision (Unanimous) (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) - Round 3, 5:00

## Middleweight Bout: Kelvin Gastelum vs. Joe Pyfer

**Result:** Joe Pyfer def. Kelvin Gastelum via Decision (Unanimous) (29-28, 29-27, 30-27) - Round 3, 5:00

## Women's Flyweight Title Bout: Julianna Pena vs. Kayla Harrison

**Result:** Kayla Harrison def. Julianna Pena via Submission (Kimura) - Round 2, 4:52

## Bantamweight Title Bout: Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O'Malley

**Result:** Merab Dvalishvili def. Sean O'Malley via Submission (North-South Choke) - Round 3, 4:42

UFC 316 Results

The UFC is live on PPV tomorrow, headlined by a pair of Bantamweight title fights in the rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O'Malley, as well as Kayla Harrison challenging Julianna Pena for her title. The official weigh-ins took place today, here are the results.

## Main Card 10 PM EST

**Bantamweight:** Merab Dvalishvili (134) vs. Sean O'Malley (135)

**Bantamweight:** Julianna Pena (135) vs. Kayla Harrison (135)

**Middleweight:** Kelvin Gastelum (185) vs. Joe Pyfer (185)

**Bantamweight:** Mario Bautista (135) vs. Patchy Mix (135)

**Welterweight:** Vicente Luque (170) vs. Kevin Holland (170)

## Prelims 6 PM EST

**Flyweight:** Bruno Silva (125) vs. Joshua Van (125)

**Light Heavyweight:** Azamat Murzakhanov (205) vs. Brendson Ribeiro (205)

**Heavyweight:** Serghei Spivac (251) vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta (265)

**Welterweight:** Khaos Williams (170) vs. Andreas Gustafsson (170)

**Flyweight:** Ariane Lipski (132)`* vs. Cong Wang (125)

**Featherweight:** Joo Sang Yoo (145) vs. Jeka Saragih (145)

**Lightweight:** Quillan Salkilld (156) vs. Yanal Ashmouz (155)

**Lightweight:** MarQuel Mederos (155) vs. Mark Choinski (155)

*Fighter Missed Weight

UFC 316 Weigh-In Results

The UFC is back on PPV this weekend with a card headlined by two title fights as Merab Dvalishvili looks to defend his Bantamweight title in a rematch against Sean O'Malley and Julianna Pena takes on Kayla Harrison for the Women's Bantamweight title in the co-main event from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. I went over those fights and every other matchup on the card to give my picks, including the Underdog Best Bet of the Week, so let's get into it.

**Odds provided by DuelBits accurate as of 6/5/2025**

## Merab Dvalishvili -286 vs. Sean O'Malley +225

The Bantamweight title is on the line in this rematch. Merab Dvalishvili has been on a dominant run with his relentless pace and high-level grappling, having broken down every opponent he has faced since 2018, although he has been hurt early in several of his fights, like against Marlon Moraes and Henry Cejudo. Sean O'Malley is a long and sharp striker with serious knockout power and underrated cardio, as demonstrated by his impressive output against both Kris Moutinho and Chito Vera.

At these odds, I have to pick O'Malley as going into the last fight, the odds were even, and I don't believe that that result justifies this large of a shift as we saw O'Malley find some success with the striking despite not finding the knockout shot that he needed to get the victory last time. Despite Merab's success, we have still seen him hurt by less dangerous strikers than O'Malley, leaving a clear path for the now sizable underdog.

Prediction: O'Malley by 3rd Round TKO

## Julianna Pena +480 vs. Kayla Harrison -714

Strong grapplers with long championship histories clash here for the Women's Bantamweight title. Julianna Pena is a tough grappler who rushes her opponents to try and get them down, which often leaves her open to big strikes, as Amanda Nunes and Raquel Pennington both capitalized on by dropping her in her last two fights. Kayla Harrison is a freakishly strong wrestler with dominant top control and a great ability to do damage or find submissions when working from those positions.

I see Harrison dominating this matchup and securing a finish, as Pena has struggled against stronger grapplers in the past, with her takedown defense being a weak point in her game.

Prediction: Harrison by 2nd Round TKO

## Kelvin Gastelum +280 vs. Joe Pyfer -370

After a late cancellation weeks ago, these Middleweights will finally settle things here. Kelvin Gastelum is a durable and high-paced striker with good boxing skills but a questionable ground game, as seen against Sean Brady and Jack Hermansson. Joe Pyfer is a powerful finisher with knockout power in his hands and a good submission game as well, although his cardio failed him in the later rounds against Jack Hermansson.

I'll go with Pyfer to get a decision or submission here, as I see his power and physical advantages being too much for Gastelum. However, Gastelum's durability makes him difficult to knock out, which leads me to look at Pyfer's other paths to victory.

Prediction: Pyfer by Decision

## Mario Bautista +150 vs. Patchy Mix -189

The highly anticipated debut of a champion from outside of the UFC goes down here at Bantamweight. Mario Bautista is a battle-tested veteran with a well-rounded skill set and the ability to maintain a very high pace. Patchy Mix is a phenomenal grappler with expertise in working off the back, coming in with a lot of hype, although he has been away for over a year since his last fight, which I felt he lost against Magomed Magomedov, largely due to his poor striking defense.

I like Bautista at these odds because I see his game matching up well against Mix, with the striking advantage likely going to Bautista, and his grappling is stronger than that of many of Mix's opponents in Bellator. With that, Mario Bautista MoneyLine is this week's Underdog Best Bet of the Week.

Prediction: Bautista by Decision (Best Bet)

## Vicente Luque +215 vs. Kevin Holland -278

Veteran Welterweights known for putting on exciting fights square off in this one. Vicente Luque is a dangerous finisher who once had a granite chin, although that has now been cracked, and he has not looked the same in recent years. Kevin Holland is an always-exciting striker with a tricky submission game and impressive power to complement his long reach.

I'm taking Holland here, as Luque has not looked good when facing solid competition in recent years. For his flaws, Holland has a lot of physical ability, which I see as being too much for Luque to overcome.

Prediction: Holland by 1st Round TKO

## Bruno Silva +440 vs. Joshua Van -667

Flyweight prospects collide in this exciting featured prelim. Bruno Silva is a tough boxer who has demonstrated his ability to absorb punishment while still seeking the finish, as seen in his victory over Cody Durden. Joshua Van is as active as anyone on the roster and has looked better with each outing, his boxing has been tremendous, and he has significantly improved his grappling since the early days of his career.

The price on Silva is tempting, considering his finishing instinct and Van's knockout loss to Charles Johnson in mind, but I'm picking Van in this one, as I see him overwhelming Silva in the later rounds with his volume.

Prediction: Van by Decision

## Azamat Murzakanov -588 vs. Brendson Ribeiro +420

Powerful Light Heavyweights collide, looking to keep their win streaks intact. Azamat Murzakanov is a tank who comes in with an unbeaten record, including four UFC wins, three of which came by knockout, including his last against Alonzo Menifield. Brendson Ribeiro is a well-rounded finisher who comes in off an impressive submission victory against Diyar Nurgozhay, where he was a massive underdog.

Murzakanov should get the win here, as he has a significant advantage in striking skills and power, as well as being the more durable of the two.

Prediction: Murzakanov by 1st Round KO

## Serghei Spivac -141 vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta +115

Ranked Heavyweights square off here in this one. Serghei Spivac is a strong wrestler who executes takedowns well and possesses good finishing skills when on the ground; however, his striking has been an issue when he cannot establish his wrestling dominance. Waldo Cortes-Acosta is a powerful boxer who has developed a solid ground game, as he showed against Robelis Despaigne, although he cannot be trusted to push much of a pace and hasn't faced top-level competition yet.

I'll take Cortes-Acosta here, as Spivac has struggled when unable to force a grappling match, and I believe WCA has good enough wrestling to keep it upright and do enough damage.

Prediction: Cortes-Acosta by 3rd Round TKO

## Khaos Williams -192 vs. Andreas Gustafsson +155

A late change of opponents leaves us with this fun Welterweight matchup. Khaos Williams is a strong knockout puncher who looks to bounce back from his first career submission loss here after Gabriel Bonfim choked him out last fight. Andreas Gustafsson is a gritty fighter who likes to get in close and work from the clinch to overwhelm his opponents early, although when extended late into fights, he has struggled.

I'll go with Williams here as he is the more experienced fighter who has a clear striking advantage and has proven very difficult to submit.

Prediction: Williams by 3rd Round KO

## Ariane Lipski +380 vs. Cong Wang -526

It's a fun matchup here in the deep women's Flyweight division. Ariane Lipski is a skilled fighter with good finishing skills on the ground, although her performances have been inconsistent. Cong Wang is a dangerous kickboxer with real knockout power in her hands, although she has not proven much against high-level MMA competition.

I like Wang to get a finish here, as she has proven to have punishing power in her hands, and we have seen Lipski finished on several occasions.

Prediction: Wang by 2nd Round TKO

## Joo Sang Yoo -588 vs. Jeka Saragih +420

Featherweight finishers looking to make a statement square off in this prelim matchup. Joo Sang Yoo makes his debut here as an undefeated prospect who has shown a well-rounded game, although he has yet to face much tough competition. Jeka Saragih is a wild striker with dangerous power, as shown against Lucas Alexander, although he doesn't have a strong ground game, which cost him against Westin Wilson.

I like Sang Yoo to get a submission here, as we have seen Saragih struggle when forced to grapple, and Sang Yoo has a ground game good enough to dominate here.

Prediction: Sang Yoo by 1st Round Submission

## Quillan Salkilld -556 vs. Yanal Ashmouz +400

Up-and-coming lightweights square off here, looking to establish themselves in this deep division. Quillan Salkilld looks to build off an impressive debut here after knocking out Anshul Jubli in under a minute earlier this year. Yanal Ashmouz is a durable striker with a big right hand, which he showcased in his knockout win over Sam Patterson, although he is small for the division, often giving up height and reach.

I'll go with Salkilld here as he is the longer and more technical striker who has demonstrated equal, if not greater, power than Ashmouz.

Prediction: Salkilld by Decision

## MarQuel Mederos -213 vs. Mark Choinski +170

Lightweights open the card with this short-notice clash. MarQuel Mederos is a good volume striker with strong boxing, although his wrestling nearly cost him in a close fight with Austin Hubbard, where he was controlled for long stretches. Mark Choinski steps in on short notice as an undefeated submission specialist who has looked vulnerable in the striking department, including early in his last fight, where his opponent was walking him down without issue.

I lean towards Mederos here, as I see him landing hard strikes early and often. However, at these odds, it's worth noting that I have concerns that Choinski could use his grappling to control long portions of the fight.

Prediction: Mederos by 2nd Round TKO

UFC 316 Odds Breakdown

UFC Vegas 107: Blanchfield vs. Barber takes place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. Here are the results from the card.

# **Prelims**

## **Women’s Strawweight Bout: Alice Ardelean vs. Rayanne dos Santos**

**Result:** *Alice Ardelean def. Rayanne dos Santos via Decision (Unanimous) (30–27, 29–28, 29–28) – Round 3, 5:00*

## **Lightweight Bout: Bolaji Oki vs. Michael Aswell**

**Result:** *Bolaji Oki def. Michael Aswell via Decision (Unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) – Round 3, 5:00*

## **Lightweight Bout: Jordan Leavitt vs. Kurt Holobaugh**

**Result:** *Jordan Leavitt def. Kurt Holobaugh via Technical Submission (Anaconda Choke) – Round 1, 1:39*

## **Catchweight Bout (127.5 lb): Allan Nascimento vs. Jafel Filho**

**Result:** *Allan Nascimento def. Jafel Filho via Decision (Unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) – Round 3, 5:00*

# **Main Card**

## **Middleweight Bout: Zachary Reese vs. Duško Todorović**

**Result:** *Zachary Reese def. Duško Todorović via Decision (Unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) – Round 3, 5:00*

## **Women’s Featherweight Bout: Ketlen Vieira vs. Macy Chiasson**

**Result:** *Ketlen Vieira def. Macy Chiasson via Decision (Unanimous) (30–27, 29–28, 29–28) – Round 3, 5:00*

## **Light Heavyweight Bout: Dustin Jacoby vs. Bruno Lopes**

**Result:** *Dustin Jacoby def. Bruno Lopes via KO (Punches) – Round 1, 1:50*

## **Welterweight Bout: Ramiz Brahimaj vs. Billy Ray Goff**

**Result:** *Ramiz Brahimaj def. Billy Ray Goff via Technical Submission (Guillotine Choke) – Round 1, 3:16*

## **Lightweight Bout: Mateusz Gamrot vs. Ľudovít Klein**

**Result:** *Mateusz Gamrot def. Ľudovít Klein via Decision (Unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 30–27) – Round 3, 5:00*

Erin Blanchfield vs. Maycee Barber has been canceled last minute due to Barber suffering a seizure backstage before her walkout.

UFC Fight Night: Blanchfield vs. Barber Results

The UFC returns to the Apex tomorrow night, headlined by a Flyweight matchup between top contender Erin Blanchfield and surging Maycee Barber. The official weigh-ins took place today, here are the results.

## Main Card – 9 PM EST

**Flyweight:** Erin Blanchfield (125) vs. Maycee Barber (**126.5**)*

**Lightweight:** Mateusz Gamrot (156) vs. Ľudovít Klein (156)

**Welterweight:** Ramiz Brahimaj (171) vs. Billy Ray Goff (170)

**Light Heavyweight:** Dustin Jacoby (205) vs. Bruno Lopes (206)

**Featherweight:** Macy Chiasson (144) vs. Ketlen Vieira (146)

**Middleweight:** Duško Todorović (186) vs. Zachary Reese (185)

## Prelims – 6:30 PM EST

**Flyweight:** Jafel Filho (126) vs. Allan Nascimento (**127.5**)*

**Lightweight:** Kurt Holobaugh (156) vs. Jordan Leavitt (155.5)

**Lightweight:** Michael Aswell Jr. (155) vs. Bolaji Oki (155.5)

**Strawweight:** Alice Ardelean (115.5) vs. Rayanne dos Santos (116)

*Fighter has missed weight.

UFC Fight Night: Blanchfield vs. Barber Weigh-In Results

The UFC returns from a week away with a fun card of action from the Apex headlined by Flyweight contenders Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber squaring off. I went over that fight and every matchup on the card to give my predictions and the Underdog Best Bet of the Week, so let's get into it.

**Odds provided by DuelBits accurate as of 5/29/2025**

## Erin Blanchfield -244 vs. Maycee Barber +195

Flyweight contenders are looking to establish themselves as the next challenger to Valentina Shevchenko's throne. Erin Blanchfield is a physical and determined grappler with decent but not top-tier striking, which cost her against Manon Fiorot and in the early rounds against Rose Namajunas. Maycee Barber is a violent striker who pushes a hard pace, which has helped her achieve a six-fight win streak, including an impressive knockout win against Amanda Ribas.

I like Blanchfield here, as she can match the pace of Barber and has proven durable enough to take damage before getting her grappling going, which I expect she will, as we have seen Barber pressed against the cage in fights like against Miranda Maverick.

Prediction: Blanchfield by Decision

## Mateusz Gamrot -164 vs. Ludovit Klein +133

It's a clash of styles here in our Lightweight co-main event. Mateusz Gamrot is one of the best wrestlers in the UFC, with a relentless approach and great scrambling ability; however, when forced to strike, he often struggles, having been knocked down in five of his last six fights, including his most recent bout with Dan Hooker. Ludovit Klein is a lightning-fast striker who effectively mixes kicks and punches between the head and body and has also developed a solid grappling game, which he utilized to defeat Mason Jones and Roosevelt Roberts.

I've got Klein in this one, as he has shown strong takedown defense, which should allow him opportunities to work on the feet, where he will have a clear advantage.

Prediction: Klein by Decision

## Ramiz Brahimaj +275 vs. Billy Goff -357

Welterweight finishers face off here after a shuffling of opponents. Ramiz Brahimaj is a skilled submission grappler who showed significant improvement in his striking at his last outing against Mickey Gall, earning his first knockout victory in the first round. Billy Goff is a tough brawler with big power, having earned knockouts in 5 of his last six wins before losing a controversial decision in a wild fight against Trey Waters his last time out.

I'll go with Goff in this one as I don't see Brahimaj getting him down, and despite a good striking effort from Brahimaj against Gall, I am not confident he can strike with Goff.

Prediction: Goff by 2nd Round TKO

## Dustin Jacoby -200 vs. Bruno Lopes +160

Light Heavyweight strikers square off in this one. Dustin Jacoby is a veteran kickboxer who has proven he can compete with tough opposition, such as Khalil Rountree and Vitor Petrino, as seen in his last fight, where he scored a highlight-reel knockout. Bruno Lopes is a powerful puncher who swings big with his right hand and has a strong clinch game, although he has yet to face much high-level competition.

 I'm picking Jacoby here, as this is the lowest-level opponent he has faced in a long time. Although, at these odds, with his age and increasing durability concerns, I'm not eager to bet on this one.

Prediction: Jacoby by Decision

## Ketlen Viera -101 vs. Macy Chiasson -120

Two Bantamweights looking to push towards contention collide here. Ketlen Viera is a well-rounded fighter who has competed against many of the toughest women in the division and proven she can adapt in fights, as she did against Holly Holm. Macy Chiasson is a big and strong grappler for the division who comes in off back-to-back finish victories, showing her aggressive style.

I lean towards Viera in this one as I feel she is the better striker, and Chiasson will have a hard time holding her down.

Prediction: Viera by Decision

## Zach Reese -244 vs. Dusko Todorovic +190

Dangerous finishers square off in this Middleweight matchup. Zach Reese is a dangerous finisher with big power and nasty submission skills, although his defense and experience are still concerning. Dusko Todorovic is a kill-or-be-killed fighter with a good offensive skillset, although he has suffered four first-round knockout losses in the UFC, showing serious durability issues.

Reese likely gets an early finish here, as he is the younger, more dangerous, and less damaged fighter in a fight that could get wild quickly.

Prediction: Reese by 1st Round KO

## Allan Nascimento -154 vs. Jafel Filho +126

Skilled grapplers square off here at Flyweight. Allan Nascimento returns after over two years away after showing a very high-level ground game in his three UFC outings. Jafel Filho is a dangerous submission grappler who also returns after over a year away, having finished his last two opponents in the first round after having a close fight with Muhammad Mokaev in his debut.

I'll pick Nascimento here as I feel he is the better control grappler in a matchup where both men will be difficult to submit.

Prediction: Nascimento by Decision

## Jordan Leavitt -222 vs. Kurt Holobaugh +180

Experienced Lightweights go head to head in this interesting prelim. Jordan Leavitt is a skilled grappler with good scrambling ability and several first-round submissions to his name. Kurt Holobaugh is a tough veteran who likes to maintain a high pace; however, when faced with skilled wrestlers, he has been held on his back.

I like Leavitt here, as he is much younger, and Holobaugh has struggled against strong grapplers before, such as Trey Ogden.

Prediction: Leavitt by Decision

## Andreas Gustafsson -167 vs. Trevin Giles +135

Fun matchup of Welterweights here early on the card. Andreas Gustafsson makes his debut here, and he is a stocky tank with powerful punches and a bullying grappling style, although he has yet to face any real competition and has not had much success when extended late in fights. Trevin Giles is a technically sound striker who has lost to many tough opponents, including some brutal knockouts, although he has never looked completely outmatched, even against guys like Dricus Du Plessis and Michael Morales.

I bet Giles in this one, as his experience is going to play a huge factor if he can make it out of the first round. With that, Trevin Giles MoneyLine is this week's Underdog Best Bet of the Week.

Prediction: Giles by 3rd Round TKO (Best Bet)

## Michael Aswell +280 vs. Bolaji Oki -370

Short notice replacement steps in to face a Lightweight prospect here. Michael Aswell steps up a class from his usual weight on less than a week's notice here as a dangerous puncher who had a close fight with Bogdan Grad on Dana White's Contender Series. Bolaji Oki is a powerful and athletic prospect who suffered a loss to Chris Duncan in his last outing when he was caught in a choke while attempting a takedown.

Oki should get the win here as he will have a lot of physical advantages and is not at the type of experience disadvantage he was against Chris Duncan.

Prediction: Oki by 3rd Round TKO

## Rayanne dos Santos -278 vs. Alice Ardelean +220

Strawweights, each looking to end losing streaks, open the card. Rayanne dos Santos is a high-paced striker with good grappling skills, as well, although defense is not her priority. Alice Ardelean is an aggressive brawler with eight finishes in her nine wins; however, when facing competent opposition, she has struggled, with a one-win, five-loss record in fights that go to decision.

I'll take Dos Santos here, as she has proven she can handle herself against higher-level competition, and Ardelean hasn't shown much to inspire confidence.

Prediction: dos Santos by 3rd Round Submission

UFC Fight Night: Blanchfield vs. Barber Odds Breakdown


Former UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria and his coach Jorge Clement have parted ways professionally. Topuria, who holds an undefeated record of 16-0, has trained under Clement since he was fifteen years old.

## Why They Split

Clement confirmed the news in an interview with Submission Radio, sharing mixed emotions. Clement says that the split was mutual and friendly but sudden, with Topuria moving to Madrid to train in his environment. Jorge Clement expressed that he was saddened due to their long journey together but takes pride in Topuria's development since joining the UFC in 2020, where he made his debut vs. Youssef Zalal.

## Topuria's Future Plans

Despite the separation, Clement will continue to root for his former student and sees potential high-stakes matchups for Topuria against Islam Makhachev and eventually Paddy Pimblett. He also predicted that Ilia Topuria will capture the UFC Lightweight title against Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, and he'll win it via knockout.

What do you make of this move just a month away from Ilia Topuria's biggest career fight? As a member of the Verdict Community, let us know with a comment down below.


Joseph Duffy