Liam Lindsay


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.


Ilia Topuria Ends 13-Year Journey with  Coach Jorge Climent

UFC Vegas 106: Burns vs. Morales takes place in the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. Here are the results from the card.

# **Prelims**

## **Women’s Strawweight Bout: Tecia Pennington vs. Luana Pinheiro**

**Result:** *Tecia Pennington def. Luana Pinheiro via Decision (Unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) - Round 3, 5:00*

## **Flyweight Bout: Park Hyun-sung vs. Carlos Hernandez**

**Result:** *Carlos Hernandez def. Park Hyun-sung via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) - Round 1, 2:26*

## **Women’s Strawweight Bout: Elise Reed vs. Denise Gomes**

**Result:** *Denise Gomes def. Elise Reed via TKO (punches) - Round 2, 0:30*

## **Women’s Bantamweight Bout: Luana Santos vs. Tainara Lisboa**

**Result:** *Tainara Lisboa def. Luana Santos via Submission (Americana) - Round 2, 4:59*

## **Featherweight Bout: Yadier del Valle vs. Connor Matthews**

**Result:** *Yadier del Valle def. Connor Matthews via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) - Round 1, 2:54*

## **Lightweight Bout: Jared Gordon vs. Thiago Moisés**

**Result:** *Jared Gordon def. Thiago Moisés via TKO (Overhand Right to Ground Punches) - Round 1, 3:37*

## **Lightweight Bout: Gabriel Green vs. Matheus Camilo**

**Result:** *Gabriel Green def. Matheus Camilo via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) - Round 2, 3:43*

# **Main Card**

## **Featherweight Bout: Julian Erosa vs. Melquizael Costa**

**Result:** *Melquizael Costa def. Julian Erosa via Decision (Unanimous) - Round 3, 5:00*

## **Middleweight Bout: Nursulton Ruziboev vs. Dustin Stoltzfus**

**Result:** *Nursulton Ruziboev def. Dustin Stoltzfus via Decision (Unanimous) - Round 3, 5:00*

## **Lightweight Bout: Mairon Santos vs. Sodiq Yusuff**

**Result:** *Mairon Santos def. Sodiq Yusuff via Decision (Unanimous) - Round 3, 5:00*

## **Welterweight Bout: Michael Morales vs. Gilbert Burns**

**Result:** *Michael Morales def. Gilbert Burns via TKO - Round 1, 3:39*


UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Morales Results

Douglas Vegas Bets

The UFC is back in the Apex tomorrow, headlined by a Welterweight matchup between former title challenger Gilbert Burns and undefeated prospect Michael Morales. The official weigh-ins took place today, here are the results.

## Main Card 7 PM EST

**Welterweight:** Gilbert Burns (170) vs. Michael Morales (170.5)

**Light Heavyweight:** Paul Craig (205) vs. Rodolfo Bellato (205.5)

**Lightweight:** Sodiq Yusuff (155.5) vs. Mairon Santos (155.5)

**Middleweight:** Nursulton Ruziboev (185.5) vs. Dustin Stoltzfus (185.5)

**Featherweight:** Julian Erosa (145) vs. Melquizael Costa (145)

## Prelims 4:00 PM EST

**Lightweight:** Matheus Camillo (155) vs. Gabe Green (154.5)

**Lightweight:** Jared Gordon (156) vs. Thiago Moises (155.5)

**Bantamweight:** Luana Santos (136) vs. Tainara Lisboa (135.5)

**Featherweight:** Connor Matthews (145) vs. Yadier DelValle (145.5)

**Strawweight:** Denise Gomes (115) vs. Elise Reed (115)

**Flyweight:** Hyun Sung Park (125.5) vs. Carlos Hernandez (126)

**Strawweight:** Luana Pinheiro (115.5) vs. Tecia Pennington (114.5)

UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Morales Weigh-In Results

The UFC is back in the Apex this week, with Welterweight contenders Gilbert Burns and Michael Morales squaring off in the main event. I went over that fight and every other matchup on the card to give my predictions, and for the first time, there are two Underdog Best Bets of the Week, so let's get into it.

**Odds provided by Duelbits accurate as of 5/14/2025**

## Gilbert Burns +440 vs. Michael Morales -625

In our Welterweight main event, it's a big-time veteran vs. prospect matchup. Gilbert Burns is a tough veteran with solid boxing and dangerous grappling, although he has slowed down with age, which has resulted in him losing three straight. Michael Morales is an undefeated striker who is big for the weight and uses his size well to manage distance and pick apart opponents.

I'm picking Morales to get a late finish here as I have a hard time seeing Burns find much success in this matchup, with the striking, size, and youth advantages all massively on the side of Morales.

Prediction: Morales by 4th Round TKO

## Paul Craig +390 vs. Rodolfo Bellato -556

Finishers clash here at Light Heavyweight in this can't-miss co-main event. Paul Craig is a veteran who has made a career of using his very tricky ground game to submit opponents, although more are figuring out how to gameplan against him, causing him to lose three straight fights. Rodolfo Bellato is a dangerous striker who has shown a lot of resolve through two UFC fights, both of which he had to come back from early knockdowns.

This is a good matchup for Bellato as he won't have to worry about the striking danger as much as his last few, and he has never been submitted in his professional career.

Prediction: Bellato by 1st Round KO

## Sodiq Yusuff +106 vs. Mairon Santos -130

Normally competing at a lower weight class, these two will meet at Lightweight for this short-notice clash. Sodiq Yusuff is a tough and hard-hitting striker who returns here from over a year away from the octagon. Mairon Santos is a slick Muay Thai striker coming off a controversial decision win over Francis Marshall.

I lean towards Santos here as he is the younger fighter who has been more active, and I don't think Yusuff has the style to give Santos the issues Marshall did.

Prediction: Santos by Decision

## Nursulton Ruziboev -303 vs. Dustin Stoltzfus +240

Middleweight finishers go head to head in this exciting matchup. Nursulton Ruziboev is a big and powerful striker with many first-round knockouts wins on his record, although when extended later into fights, he tends to struggle, and his grappling hasn't looked great at the UFC level. Dustin Stoltzfus is a well-rounded finisher who has had some great showings, like his win over Marc-Andre Barriault and Punahele Soriano, but he has also suffered a few knockout losses to Brunno Ferreira and Abus Magomedov.

I had to take Stoltzfus at these big underdog odds, as he will have the edge in grappling and cardio. If he can avoid taking the early damage that cost him the Ferreira fight, where he had a lot of early success, he can take over in the later stages here against a tired Ruziboev. With that, Dustin Stoltzfus MoneyLine is one of this week's Underdog Best Bets of the Week.

Prediction: Stoltzfus by 3rd Round Submission (Best Bet)

## Julian Erosa +147 vs. Melquizael Costa -182

Fun to watch Featherweights open the main card with this one. Julian Erosa is an all-action brawler with great pace and a dangerous submission game, although his durability has failed him several times. Melquizael Costa looks to build on a strong start to the year after showing his strong grappling in wins over Andre Fili and Christian Rodriguez.

I'll take Costa here as he has the grappling at match Erosa, and his striking is good enough to capitalize on Erosa's chin.

Prediction: Costa by 2nd Round TKO

## Matheus Camillo -233 vs. Gabe Green +185

Interesting matchup here at Lightweight in our featured prelim. Matheus Camillo makes his debut here as an interesting young prospect with good finishing skills and strong defensive wrestling. Gabe Green returns down a weight class from several years ago when he lost his last two fights to Ian Garry and Bryan Battle after showing promise by beating Yohan Lainesse and Phil Rowe with his pressure and grappling game.

I'm going with Green at these odds as he has the high-level experience and is at a better weight class for him, although I am not eager to bet on him, considering his lengthy layoff.

Prediction: Green by Decision 

## Jared Gordon -118 vs. Thiago Moises -104

Lightweight veterans collide in this solid prelims clash. Jared Gordon is a gritty, experienced fighter with good boxing and clinch work who comes into this one off a controversial loss to Nasrat Haqparast, where many people thought he won. Thiago Moises is a strong grappler with good leg kicks, although he lacks volume and has seemingly slowed down from earlier in his career.

I like Gordon in this one as he is the more active striker and can defend Moises's grappling attacks.

Prediction: Gordon by Decision

## Luana Santos -172 vs. Tainara Lisboa +141

Two women with high finish rates go head to head here at Bantamweight. Luana Santos moves up in weight here and looks to use her strong Judo base to get her grappling game going early. Tainara Lisboa looks to extend her five-fight win streak here, with four wins coming inside the distance, showing her aggressive style.

I lean towards Santos's experience in this one, as she has proven her skills against much more experienced opposition.

Prediction: Santos by Decision

## Connor Matthews +350 vs. Yadier DelValle -476

Featherweights are looking to pick up their first UFC win as they square off in this one. Connor Mattews is a pressure fighter with solid boxing and a good ground game that he doesn't use as much as I think he should, as he is now looking to bounce back from two straight knockout losses to start his UFC run. Yadier DelValle makes his debut here off of Dana White's Contender Series with an undefeated record after an impressive display of his sharp striking.

I'm picking DelValle here as he is the much cleaner and more defensively responsible striker, and I believe his defensive grappling will hold up even if Matthews tries to grapple.

Prediction: DelValle by Decision 

## Denise Gomes -588 vs. Elise Reed +420

Strawweight strikers face off in this fun matchup. Denise Gomes is a dangerous finisher with incredible power for the weight class, which she showed in her early knockout win over Yazmin Jauregui. Elise Reed is a solid boxer, although her grappling is a major concern, with her having suffered four finish losses in the UFC, all on the ground.

I'll take Gomes to finish here, as Reed will be willing to strike with her, but she doesn't have nearly the same firepower, and if this goes to the ground, Gomes has a big advantage.

Prediction: Gomes by 1st Round TKO

## Hyun Sung Park -179 vs. Carlos Hernandez +145

Flyweights looking to establish themselves in the division square off in this one. Hyun Sung Park is an unbeaten finisher with good grappling, which he showed on The Road to UFC, and striking, which he used to finish Shannon Ross in his debut. Carlos Hernandez is a well-rounded fighter who has proven he can handle the lower-level competition in the UFC, as he has only lost to skilled guys like Allan Nascimento and Tatsuro Taira and had good performances whenever he has taken a step down.

I've got Hernandez in this one, as he is the much more experienced and proven fighter who has faced tougher competition and shown he can handle adversity and push through to win. With that, Carlos Hernandez MoneyLine is this week's second Underdog Best Bet of the Week.

Prediction: Hernandez by Decision (Best Bet)

## Luana Pinheiro +255 vs. Tecia Pennington -333

A fun matchup here at Strawweight kicks the card off. Luana Pinheiro is an early blitzing fighter with several first-round finishes on her record, although her cardio issues have been a major reason she has lost her last three, including being finished twice. Tecia Pennington is a veteran striker who keeps a high pace and is very strong, which makes her difficult to grapple and has resulted in her never suffering a finish loss.

Pennington should handle this one, as she will be putting the pressure the whole time with her huge cardio advantage, likely helping her separate herself late.

Prediction: Pennington by Decision

UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Morales Odds Breakdown

On Instagram Live today, Dana White announced that Dricus Du Plessis would make his next defense of his Middleweight title against Khamzat Chimaev to headline UFC 319. This fight is scheduled for August 19th at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

## Announcement: Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev Middleweight Title Fight

This will be the third title defense for Du Plessis and his fourth straight PPV Main event, the most recent being UFC 312 against Sean Strickland. This is Chimaev's first title fight, which he earned with a quick finish of Robert Whittaker at UFC 308.

Who are you picking in this huge Middleweight clash? Let us know in the comments.

Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev set for UFC 319

Dana White went on Instagram live to confirm that former Featherweight champion Ilia Topuria will take on Charles Oliveira for the vacant Lightweight title in the headliner of International Fight Week. This fight is scheduled for June 28th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

## Announcement: Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira Vacant Lightweight Title Fight

This means Islam Makhachev is vacating his title to move up to Welterweight following the results at UFC 315. This will be Topuria's first fight since his knockout win over Max Holloway at UFC 308. For Oliveira, this will be his first fight since he won a decision over Michael Chandler at UFC 309.

## Full UFC 317 Card

Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira, Lightweight Title Fight

Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Kara-France, Flyweight Title Fight

Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov, Middleweight

Renato Moicano vs. Beneil Dariush, Lightweight

Jhonata Diniz vs. Justin Tafa, Heavyweight

Brandon Royval vs. Manel Kape, Flyweight

Jack Hermansson vs. Gregory Rodrigues, Middleweight

Viviane Araujo vs. Tracy Cortez, Flyweight

Who are you picking in this incredible Lightweight matchup? Let us know in the comments.

Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira to Headline UFC 317

The UFC is back with a stacked card of PPV action tomorrow from the Bell Center in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, headlined by Belal Muhammad defending his Welterweight title against Jack Della Maddalena. The official weigh-ins took place today, here are the results.

## Main Card 10 PM EST

**Welterweight Title Fight:** Belal Muhammad (170) vs. Jack Della Maddalena (170)

**Flyweight Title Fight:** Valentina Shevchenko (124) vs. Manon Fiorot (125)

**Featherweight:** Jose Aldo (143) vs. Aiemann Zahabi (142)

**Flyweight:** Alexa Grasso (126) vs. Natalia Silva (126)

**Lightweight:** Benoit Saint-Denis (156) vs. Kyle Preploec (156)

## Prelims 6:30 PM EST

**Welterweight:** Mike Malott (171) vs. Charles Radtke (171)

**Flyweight:** Jessica Andrade (126) vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius (124)

**Light Heavyweight:** Modestas Bukauskas (203) vs. Ion Cutelaba (205)

**Light Heavyweight:** Navajo Stirling (205) vs. Ivan Erslan (205)

**Middleweight:** Marc-Andre Barriault (185) vs. Bruno Silva (187)*

**Featherweight:** Daniel Santos (146) vs. Jeong Yeong Lee (146)

**Bantamweight:** Brad Katona (136) vs. Bekzat Almakhan (136)

*Fighter Missed Weight

UFC 315 Weigh-In Results

The UFC is back on PPV this weekend, headlined by a pair of title fights with Belal Muhammad defending his Welterweight title against Jack Della Maddalena and Valentina Shevchenko defending her Flyweight belt against Manon Fiorot. It all goes down from the Bell Center in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and I went over every fight on the card to give my predictions, including the Underdog Best Bet of the Week, so let's get into it.

**Odds provided by Duelbits accurate as of 5/7/2025**

## Belal Muhammad -208 vs. Jack Della Maddalena +165

The Welterweight title is on the line in this main event matchup. Belal Muhammad is a pressure fighter with top-tier wrestling, cardio, and solid boxing, although he lacks much finishing threat, having not dropped anyone in the UFC yet. Jack Della Maddalena is a boxer with solid combination punching and good killer instinct, but his grappling is a major concern, with him having given little resistance when facing takedown attempts from Bassil Hafez and Gilbert Burns.

This is a tough fight to call, but I'll pick JDM at these odds as he has a few key factors on his side, mainly age and finishing upside. His layoff and injury are concerning, but Muhammad has also only fought once in the last two years and is coming off an injury of his own.

Prediction: Della Maddalena by 2nd Round TKO

## Valentina Shevchkenko +112 vs. Manon Fiorot -137

This much anticipated Flyweight title fight goes down here in the co-main event. Valentina Shevchenko is a well-rounded fighting machine with a kickboxing background that shows with the speed in her kicks and a wrestling game that she used to dominate Alexa Grasso, although her age is becoming a concern with her now being thirty-seven and having been actively fighting for a very long time. Manon Fiorot has long been touted as a future champion by many, including myself, in large part due to her skillful kickboxing and incredible strength for the division, which has helped her earn wins over big names like Erin Blanchfield and Rose Namajunas.

I have always believed that Fiorot would be a champion, and I feel this is the day she does it. Her striking speed and physicality in the grappling give her an edge here over a slowing Shevchenko, which I believe she will use to take a decision win.

Prediction: Fiorot by Decision

## Jose Aldo -208 vs. Aiemann Zahabi +170

A legend returns against a veteran making a strong run at Bantamweight. Jose Aldo is a powerful and technical striker with incredible boxing and strong low kicks, although he has been held against the cage a lot in recent matchups with Merab Dvalishvili and Mario Bautista. Aiemann Zahabi is a good striker with a very sharp right hand who comes in having his last five fights, including a win over Pedro Munhoz and two first-round knockouts.

I'll go with Aldo here, as I see his strikes landing with much more impact in what will be a back-and-forth striking match.

Prediction: Aldo by Decision

## Alexa Grasso +190 vs. Natalia Silva -238

Top contenders square off at Flyweight here, just before the title is on the line. Alexa Grasso is a former champion who got there using her technical boxing skills and dangerous submission game. Natalia Silva is a slick kickboxer who comes in with six straight wins to start her UFC career, including wins over contenders Jessica Andrade and Jasmine Jasudavicius.

I like Silva to win a decision here. Her movement and speed could give Grasso trouble tracking her down to fire-off combinations as Silva picks her apart to win the minutes.

Prediction: Silva by Decision

## Benoit Saint-Denis -1111 vs. Kyle Prepolec +640

A short-notice replacement comes in to keep a fun Lightweight matchup on the card. Benoit Saint-Denis is an offense finisher with good power in his hands and a smothering grappling attack; the concern is his defense, as he is very hittable and was controlled by Renato Moicano. Kyle Prepolec begins his second UFC run here, and he is a dangerous striker coming in off three straight first-round knockout victories, although they were against lower-level opponents.

Saint-Denis should get back in the win column with a finish here, as he has a massive advantage on the ground.

Prediction: Saint-Denis by 1st Round Submission

## Marc-Andre Barriault -152 vs. Bruno Silva +123

Veteran Middleweight brawlers go head to head in this prelim matchup. Marc-Andre Barriault is a tough pressure fighter with solid boxing, although he comes in having lost three straight, with the last two being first-round knockouts. Bruno Silva is a durable striker with solid knockout power, although, with age, he has significantly slowed down.

I like Barriault in this one, as he will be the much higher-output fighter who I believe has more left in the tank.

Prediction: Barriault by Decision

## Mike Malott -196 vs. Charles Radtke +160

Finishers square off in what should be a fun one at Welterweight. Mike Malott is a strong grappler with solid striking, although I have some concerns about his durability after his late collapse against Neil Magny. Charles Radtke is a decent boxer with solid power, and he showed that when he knocked out Gilbert Urbina and Matthew Semelsberger, but he lacks much of a ground game to speak of.

I've got Malott to win by submission here, as he has a much more proven ground game, and Radtke has not faced anyone with his submission skills before.

Prediction: Malott by 1st Round Submission

## Jessica Andrade +240 vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius -313

Flyweight contenders collide in this high-stakes prelim clash. Jessica Andrade is a former champion at Strawweight, with dangerous power in her striking, although she struggles when facing strong grapplers. Jasmine Jasudavicius is a tough, high-paced grappler with good submissions and ground and pound that she uses to wear down her opponents.

I really like Jasudavicius in this matchup and believe she can get a late finish here if she uses her usual style of grappling and pace, which is a nightmare for Andrade, especially at this stage of her career.

Prediction: Jasudavicius by 3rd Round Submission

## Navajo Stirling -286 vs. Ivan Erslan +220

Prospects square off here early on the card at Light Heavyweight. Navajo Stirling is an up-and-coming striker with an undefeated record after six fights, including a UFC debut win over Tuco Tokkos. Ivan Erslan is a big puncher who comes in with a lot of first-round finishes on his record, although he often struggles when extended past the first five minutes.

I'll pick Stirling here as he is defensively responsible enough to avoid the big shot early, which means he will likely take over in the later rounds.

Prediction: Stirling by 3rd Round TKO

## Modestas Bukauskas -110 vs. Ion Cutelaba -111

Exciting Light Heavyweight finishers go head to head in this must-see matchup. Modestas Bukauskas is a solid kickboxer who has won four of his five fights since returning to the UFC, including two straight finishes. Ion Cutelaba is an ultra-aggressive finisher with big power in his wild boxing and a surprisingly technical grappling attack that he used to finish Ibo Aslan in the first round of his last fight.

I lean towards Cutelaba as he is the more dangerous striker with the grappling upside.

Prediction: Cutelaba by 1st Round KO

## Daniel Santos +101 vs. Jeong Yeong Lee -123

Short-notice replacement steps in to save a fight here at Featherweight. Daniel Santos is an all-action fighter, as you would expect with him coming from the Chute Boxe gym in Brazil. Jeong Yeong Lee is a tough brawler willing to stand and trade, but he also showed some decent grappling skills in his win over Blake Bilder.

I'll go with Santos in this one as I feel he is the more dangerous of the two in a fight where both men will be landing.

Prediction: Santos by 2nd Round TKO

## Brad Katona +139 vs. Bekzat Almakhan -172

Bantamweights are looking to move up through the deep division clash in this one. Brad Katona remains the only two-time winner of The Ultimate Fighter, but now he is a veteran with a well-rounded game. Bekzat Almakhan returns from a long layoff here following his short-notice bout, where he gave Umar Nurmagomedov an early scare with a good right hand before being outwrestled to a decision loss. 

I've got Katona in this one, as he is the much more experienced and well-rounded fighter with durability that I trust, as he has never been finished. With that, Brad Katona MoneyLine is this week's Underdog Best Bet of the Week.

Prediction: Katona by Decision (Best Bet)

UFC 315 Odds Breakdown

The UFC is back tomorrow, headlined by top Bantamweight contenders Cory Sandhagen and Deiveson Figueiredo going head to head from the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. The official weigh-ins took place today; here are the results.

## Main Card 10 PM EST

**Bantamweight:** Cory Sandhagen (135) vs. Deiveson Figueiredo (135)

**Middleweight:** Reinier de Ridder (185.5) vs. Bo Nickal (185.5)

**Welterweight:** Santiago Ponzinibbio (170) vs. Daniel Rodriguez (170.5)

**Bantamweight:** Montel Jackson (136) vs. Daniel Marcos (135.5)

**Bantamweight:** Cameron Smotherman (135.5) vs. Serhiy Sidey (135.5)

**Lightweight:** Jeremy Stephens (155) vs. Mason Jones (155.5)

## Prelims 7 PM EST

**Bantamweight:** Yana Santos (136) vs. Miesha Tate (135.5)

**Middleweight:** Azamat Bekoev (185.5) vs. Ryan Loder (185.5)

**Strawweight:** Marina Rodriguez (115.5) vs. Gillian Robertson (115.5)

**Bantamweight:** Gaston Bolanos (135.5) vs. Quang Le (135.5)

**Heavyweight:** Don'Tale Mayes (259) vs. Thomas Petersen (250)

**Flyweight:** Juliana Miller (126) vs. Ivana Petrovic (125.5)

UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo Weigh-In Results

The UFC keeps rolling this weekend with another action-packed card headlined by a matchup of Bantamweight contenders, with Cory Sandhagen taking on former Flyweight Champion Deievson Figueiredo in the main event from the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. 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 5/1/2025**

## Cory Sandhagen -526 vs. Deiveson Figueiredo +380

Two top-five contenders are looking to get their shot at the Bantamweight belt clash here. Cory Sandhagen is a very technical fighter with a well-rounded attack that includes diverse striking and solid offensive wrestling while being durable and tough to grapple with his length. Deiveson Figueiredo is a violent finisher with big power that he showed off by dropping Marlon Vera in his last win, but his ground game is not to be slept on as he holds submission wins over Alex Perez and Cody Garbrandt.

I like Sandhagen to win a decision as he is the younger, longer fighter and is durable enough to take Figueiredo's best shots and return with a higher volume.

Prediction: Sandhagen by Decision

## Reinier de Ridder +255 vs. Bo Nickal -333

It's a grappler's dream in this Middleweight co-main event. Reinier de Ridder looks to continue his UFC run here after earning submission wins against Kevin Holland and Gerald Meerschaert in his first two fights with the promotion. Bo Nickal faces yet another test here as one of the biggest prospects in MMA history with his impressive wrestling credentials and fast rise to the rankings, partly due to a quickly developed striking game but primarily because of the dominant ground game he is known for.

I lean towards Nickal here. He has the wrestling to dictate where this fight takes place, and I believe he will hold striking and cardio advantages.

Prediction: Nickal by Decision

## Santiago Ponzinibbio -112 vs. Daniel Rodriguez -109

Veterans strikers square off here in this Welterweight matchup. Santiago Ponzinibbio is a dangerous kickboxer coming off a knockout win against Carlston Harris, where he showed yet again that his power carries late in fights. Daniel Rodriguez is a tough boxer with decent power, although he has clearly slowed down with his age.

I'll go with Rodriguez here as he is the more durable guy in what will be a close striking match where both men land. 

Prediction: Rodriguez by 3rd Round TKO

## Montel Jackson -208 vs. Daniel Marcos +165

Bantamweights looking to work their way into the rankings of this deep division go head-to-head in this one. Montel Jackson is huge for the weight class and carries the power that comes with that, as he showed in his quick knockout wins against Da'Mon Blackshear and Rani Yahya. Daniel Marcos is an undefeated striker with good boxing and low kicks, although his volume leaves some to be desired.

I like Jackson in this one as he is the longer and more powerful guy with a more well-rounded game.

Prediction: Jackson by Decision

## Cameron Smotherman +111 vs. Serhiy Sidey -135

Rising Bantamweight prospects look to make a name for themselves here. Cameron Smotherman returns here after an impressive short-notice debut where he showed his high-volume striking skills, winning all three rounds as a big underdog to Jake Hadley. Serhiy Sidey is a tall and long guy for the weight who carries solid power and has proven he can keep a high pace in tough fights like he did against Ramon Taveras and Garrett Armfield.

I'll go with Sidey here as I see him using his reach to land on Smotherman frequently and he has shown he is very durable and willing to try and mix in grappling.

Prediction: Sidey by 1st Round TKO

## Jeremy Stephens +400 vs. Mason Jones -556

Two Lightweights returning to the UFC collide here in this fun matchup. Jeremy Stephens is back in the UFC for his hometown show here, and his age is an obvious concern, but he remains the dangerous striker that we have seen compete in bare-knuckle fights and boxing over the last few years. Mason Jones earned his way back into the promotion with a four-fight win streak after a tough first stint where he showed lots of promise in wars against Mike Davis and David Onama, but he was cut after a loss to Ludovit Klein.

Jones should handle business here as he is much younger, more well-rounded, and more durable than Stephens. 

Prediction: Jones by Decision

## Yana Santos +120 vs. Miesha Tate -147

Veteran Bantamweights looking to make a final push to the title square off here. Yana Santos is a well-rounded and experienced fighter with solid volume striking and clinch work. Miesha Tate is a former champion with a strong ground game, although she has not been active in recent years, having last fought in December of 2023.

I lean towards Santos only because she is the slight underdog in a tough-to-predict matchup where she has both fought and won more recently.

Prediction: Santos by Decision

## Azamat Bekoev -400 vs. Ryan Loder +300

Middleweights looking to establish themselves as real threats to the division face off in this one. Azamat Bekoev looks to build off a strong debut win here after getting a first-round knockout where he showed his finishing skills translate well to this level. Ryan Loder makes his debut here after winning The Ultimate Fighter with a run that showcased his wrestling game and some basic striking skills.

At these odds, it's tough, but I'll still pick Bekoev as he is the more dangerous and experienced fighter.

Prediction: Bekoev by 2nd Round TKO

## Marina Rodriguez +240 vs. Gillian Robertson -313

Clash of styles here in this matchup of Strawweight contenders. Marina Rodriguez is a high-volume kickboxer who has proven she is one of the most skilled strikers in the division, although her ground game has given her trouble as she has been held down in losses to Virna Jandiroba and Iasmin Lucindo. Gillian Robertson is a very skilled grappler who has been on a good run since moving down to this weight class, including three straight wins.

This is a good matchup for Robertson to get her ground game going early, as that is where she has had success, and Rodriguez has struggled.

Prediction: Robertson by 3rd Round Submission

## Gaston Bolanos -143 vs. Quang Le +117

This is a fun matchup of exciting Bantamweights here on the prelims. Gaston Bolanos is a solid striker who puts combinations together well and keeps a good pace over three rounds. Quang Le is an aggressive finisher with a solid ground game, although he tends to brawl on the feet and gets hit a lot as a result.

I like Le here because he can keep the striking competitive or even hurt Bolanos as Cortavious Romious did and has a clear advantage in the grappling. With that, Quang Le MoneyLine is this week's Underdog Best Bet of the Week!

Prediction: Le by 2nd Round Submission (Best Bet)

## Don'Tale Mayes +200 vs. Thomas Petersen -256

Heavyweights square off here, each looking to bounce back from tough losses. Don'Tale Mayes is a big and athletic guy for the division, although he doesn't throw strikes with much thought behind them. Thomas Petersen is a solid grappler with decent boxing skills, although he is very hittable and relies on his toughness too often.

I'll pick Petersen here, as he is the better grappler with better cardio, and I wouldn't be surprised if he won the striking as well.

Prediction: Petersen by Decision

## Juliana Miller +190 vs. Ivana Petrovic -238

Flyweight finishers look to return to the win column as they square off to open the card here. Juliana Miller returns from a long layoff here after a tough start to her UFC run, following her winning season of The Ultimate Fighter with her aggressive, high-paced style. Ivana Petrovic is a strong grappler with good submission skills and cardio, which has helped her earn three finishes in the third round or later.

I lean towards Petrovic here as she has been more active and much more experienced.

Prediction: Petrovic by Decision

Lewis McGrillen-Evans