Douglas Vegas Bets

Today, Dana White broke the news that former Welterweight champion Kamaru Usman will return against Joaquin Buckley in a main event matchup. This fight is scheduled for June 14th at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

## Announcement: Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley Welterweight Main Event

This will be the first time we see Kamaru Usman in the cage since his short notice Middleweight fight with Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294, where he lost a majority decision. Joaquin Buckley will get his second straight main event here after beating Colby Covington by doctor stoppage late last year in Tampa.

Who are you picking in this pivotal Welterweight clash? Let us know in the comments below.

Kamaru Usman Returns for Main Event Against Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta

Dustin Poirier officially announced that his next and final fight will be against a two-time former opponent in the current BMF Champion, Max Holloway, at the UNO Dome in New Orleans, Louisiana. This fight will be the main event for UFC 318 on July 19th.

## Announcement: Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway Lightweight BMF Title Fight

This will be the first time we see Poirier since his epic battle with Islam Makhachev back at UFC 302, where he eventually was submitted in the fifth round. For Max Holloway, this will be his first fight since his knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 308, although his last Lightweight fight was his knockout of-the-year win against Justin Gaethje at UFC 300.

Who are you taking in this incredible Lightweight trilogy fight? Let us know in the comments.

Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway 3 for BMF Title Set to Headlined UFC 318

The UFC is back from the week away tomorrow, headlined by rising Welterweight contenders Ian Machado Garry and Carlos Prates going head to head from the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. The official weigh-ins took place today; here are the results.

## Main Card 9 PM EST

**Welterweight:** Ian Machado Garry (171) vs. Carlos Prates (171)

**Light Heavyweight:** Anthony Smith (206) vs. Mingyang Zhang (206)

**Featherweight:** Giga Chikadze (147)* vs. David Onama (146)

**Middleweight:** Michel Pereira (186) vs. Abus Magomedov (185.5)

**Welterweight:** Randy Brown (171) vs. Nicolas Dalby (171)

**Middleweight:** Ikram Aliskerov (185.5) vs. Andre Muniz (185)

## Prelims 6 PM EST

**Flyweight:** Matt Schnell (126) vs. Jimmy Flick (126)

**Lightweight:** Evan Elder (156) vs. Gauge Young (156)

**Featherweight:** Chris Gutierrez (146) vs. John Castaneda(146)

**Bantamweight:** Da'Mon Blackshear (135.5) vs. Alatengheili (136)

**Bantamweight:** Cameron Saaiman (135) vs. Malcolm Wellmaker (135)

**Strawweight:** Jaqueline Amorim (116) vs. Polyana Viana (115.5)

**Featherweight:** Timmy Cuamba (146) vs. Roberto Romero (145)

**Bantamweight:** Chelsea Chandler (134) vs. Joselyne Edwards (136)

*Fighter Missed Weight

UFC Fight Night: Machado Garry vs. Prates Weigh-In Results

The UFC is back from the week away with an action-packed card from the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, headlined by Ian Machado Garry taking on Carlos Prates in a huge Welterweight matchup. I went over that fight and every other 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 4/21/2025**

## Ian Machado Garry -139 vs. Carlos Prates +114

Fast-rising Welterweights clash here, with both eyeing a title fight with a win. Ian Machado Garry is a tall and long fighter with an incredibly well-rounded game that includes very technical striking and a ground game that has seen him take the back against guys like Shavkat Rakhomonov and Michael Page. Carlos Prates is a slick and deadly striker from the red-hot Fighting Nerds gym who has finished each of his four UFC opponents with a highlight knockout.

I'll go with Garry here as he has a clear grappling advantage and has faced high-level strikers with success before, while Prates has never faced anyone on Garry's level.

Prediction: Garry by 2nd Round Submission

## Anthony Smith +370 vs. Mingyang Zhang -526

This Light Heavyweight matchup features a former title challenger in his final walk against a dominant prospect. Anthony Smith is a tough veteran who has faced many killers over the years, although his best days are clearly behind him, with his last fight against Dominick Reyes being his eleventh knockout loss. Mingyang Zhang is a finisher who has ended his last eleven opponents inside the first round, including his first two UFC fights, where he showed his devastating power, getting both wins in less than half a round.

Zhang should get another finish here, as I don't think Smith has anything for him, and he probably won't shoot into a choke like Petrino did against Smith.

Prediction: Zhang by 1st Round KO

## Giga Chikadze +145 vs. David Onama -179

Exciting Featherweights square off in this must-see matchup. Giga Chikadze is an incredibly fast and skilled kickboxer, although his grappling is questionable, and he has struggled to stay active. David Onama is a powerful and athletic fighter who has had some brawls with opponents he should have dominated but has also shown flashes of brilliance, like his knockout against Garbiel Santos. 

I like Onama here as he can make this fight ugly where he is comfortable, and Chikadze has struggled while also being able to mix in the wrestling.

Prediction: Onama by Decision

## Michel Pereira -156 vs. Abus Magomedov +128

Fast finishers collide in this Middleweight matchup. Michel Pereira is a complete wildman with big power and freak athleticism, although his fight IQ, grappling, and cardio have all failed him at times when he can't get the early finish. Abus Magomedov is a big and dangerous striker with solid wrestling; his issue has always been cardio, as he has been noticeably slower in the later stages of all his fights that have reached the later stages.

I lean towards Magomedov as he has shown big improvements to his ground game and cardio in recent wins, which is a clear path to victory against Pereira if he can survive the always dangerous first round.

Prediction: Magomedov by Decision

## Randy Brown -238 vs. Nicolas Dalby +185

Veteran Welterweights with clashing styles square off in this one. Randy Brown is a long and slick striker with good boxing, but he trusts his head movement far too much, which often results in getting caught and hurt badly as he doesn't take damage well. Nicolas Dalby is a fast-paced wrestler with good cardio and durability that he uses to break opponents, as he did to the highly touted Garbiel Bonfim.

Brown should take this one, as he has the reach to keep Dalby at a distance and pick him apart. Also, I believe Brown's grappling is good enough to defend the takedowns of Dalby.

Prediction: Brown by Decision

## Ikram Aliskerov -667 vs. Andre Muniz +450

Middleweights looking to establish their place in the division clash here to open the main card. Ikram Aliskerov is a well-rounded finisher who had highlight knockouts in his first two UFC wins and is now looking to bounce back from his short-notice loss to Robert Whittaker. Andre Muniz is a good submission grappler, although his game lacks much else as he struggles in striking and wrestling against other grapplers like Paul Craig or Brendan Allen.

This is a good matchup for Alikerov to get another knockout as he will comfortably be able to defend the wrestling, and Muniz doesn't have much for him in the striking.

Prediction: Aliskerov by 2nd Round KO

## Matt Schnell -294 vs. Jimmy Flick +230

Flyweight grapplers are looking to get back in the win column as they square off in this one. Matt Schnell is a grappler with good submission skills, although his durability has proven a massive issue as he has been finished in three of his last four, and the he won was a fight with Sumudaerji that saw him dropped and nearly finished several times. Jimmy Flick is a tough submission artist with a flying triangle against Cody Durden on his resume, although outside of the moments he gets the finish, he is usually getting beat up.

At these odds, I'll go with Flick based on the difference in durability, as he has never been submitted, and it will be tough for Schnell to KO him.

Prediction: Flick by 3rd Round Submission

## Evan Elder -256 vs. Gauge Young +205

Short notice replacement steps up here at Lightweight. Evan Elder is a tough and high-paced fighter with well-rounded skills, as he showed in his back-and-forth war with Nazim Sadykhov and his submission against Darius Flowers. Gauge Young is a dangerous knockout puncher who failed to secure a contract on Dana White's Contender Series last season but impressed enough to get a shot now.

I'll go with Elder here as he has proven to belong at the UFC level, and while Young is dangerous, Elder is durable and more well-rounded.

Prediction: Elder by Decision

## Chris Guttierez -139 vs. John Castaneda +113

Usually, Bantamweights will try again with this matchup at Featherweight. Chris Guttierez is a veteran striker known for his strong leg kicks, solid boxing, and cardio. John Castaneda is a high-paced grinder with decent boxing skills, although he has struggled to stay active.

I lean towards Castaneda here as he is the higher-output fighter with the wrestling advantage.

Prediction: Castaneda by Decision

## Da'Mon Blackshear -385 vs. Alatengheili +285

An intriguing clash of styles goes down here in this Bantamweight matchup. Da'Mon Blackshear is a strong and skilled grappler coming off a finish over Cody Gibson, where he showed his continued improvements since joining the UFC. Alatengheili is a stocky boxer with decent wrestling, although he possesses little finishing threat, with just one UFC ending inside the distance in eight appearances.

I like Blackshear in this one, as he will have a significant advantage on the ground and won't be facing the same type of KO threat he was against guys like Montel Jackson.

Prediction: Blackshear by 3rd Round Submission

## Cameron Saaiman -106 vs. Malcolm Wellmaker -115

Two exciting Bantamweight prospects square off here. Cameron Saaiman returns here after a year away from the octagon following his first two losses, although he is still just twenty-four and has shown a well-rounded skill set. Malcolm Wellmaker makes his debut here with a decent amount of hype following a first-round knockout win on Dana White's Contender Series, his sixth finish in eight career fights.

I've got Saaiman in this one, as he is still very young but has more UFC experience. Also, I like the time off at his age and would like to see some improvements with how early he is in his career.

Prediction: Saaiman by Decision

## Jaqueline Amorim -625 vs. Polyana Viana +420

Strawweight submission artists test their skills against each other in this one. Jaqueline Amorim is a grappler coming in off three straight finish wins, showing a nasty submission game, good ground and pound, and improved cardio compared to her debut. Polyana Viana is a good submission grappler, although she has struggled when facing decent competition, which has resulted in her losing three of her last four, with her last two fights being finish losses.

This is a good spot for Amorim to test her grappling against another skilled grappler, but Amorim is on another level here and is only getting better, so I expect a finish from her here.

Prediction: Amorim by 2nd Round Submission

## Timmy Cuamba -106 vs. Roberto Romero -114

It should be a very entertaining matchup here at Featherweight early on the card. Timmy Cuamba is a fast and hard-hitting boxer with decent wrestling skills, although he has failed to get his hand raised in two UFC showings. Roberto Romero comes in off a short-notice debut against David Onama, where he had some good moments early but was overwhelmed late.

I love Cuamba in this matchup as he is the faster and technically more skilled striker who has also shown he can mix in the wrestling and keep fighting after being hurt. With that, Timmy Cuamba MoneyLine is this week's Underdog Best Bet of the Week.

Prediction: Cuamba by Decision (Best Bet)

## Chelsea Chandler +230 vs. Joselyne Edwards -294

Bantamweights looking to move up in the division open the card here. Chelsea Chandler is a big and tough fighter with solid grappling, although she has struggled to make weight, and her striking is slow. Joselyne Edwards is a very experienced veteran with a well-rounded game, although she has also struggled to make weight, having missed the mark going into her last three wins.

I'll go with Edwards here, as she is a more experienced and well-rounded fighter with a clear striking advantage.

Prediction: Edwards by Decision

UFC Fight Night: Machado Garry vs. Prates Odds Breakdown

The fighters competing at **PFL 3: Kasanganay vs. Edwards** hit the scales in Orlando ahead of Friday’s event. Quarterfinal matchups in the Middleweight and Lightweight divisions are now official, with all fighters successfully making weight. Full results below.

## Main Card

**Middleweight:** Impa Kasanganay (**185.6 lbs**) vs. Fabian Edwards (**185.6 lbs**)

**Lightweight:** Gadzhi Rabadanov (**156 lbs**) vs. Marc Diakiese (**155.2 lbs**)

**Middleweight:** Sadibou Sy (**185.8 lbs**) vs. Dalton Rosta (**185.6 lbs**)

**Lightweight:** Mads Burnell (**155.8 lbs**) vs. Jay-Jay Wilson (**156 lbs**)

**Lightweight:** Clay Collard (**155.4 lbs**) vs. Alfie Davis (**155.6 lbs**)

---

## Prelims

**Middleweight:** Josh Silveira (**185.6 lbs**) vs. Mike Shipman (**186 lbs**)

**Lightweight:** Brent Primus (**155.6 lbs**) vs. Vinicius Sacchelli Cenci (**155.8 lbs**)

**Middleweight:** Aaron Jeffery (**185.4 lbs**) vs. Murad Ramazanov (**185.2 lbs**)

**Lightweight:** Antonio Caruso (**154.6 lbs**) vs. Robert Watley (**155.6 lbs**)

PFL 3: Kasanganay vs. Edwards Weigh-In Results

The Professional Fighters League continues its 2025 World Tournament with PFL 3: Kasanganay vs. Edwards, taking place this Friday, April 18, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. This event features some stacked quarterfinal matchups in the Middleweight and Lightweight divisions.

## Main Event: Impa Kasanganay vs. Fabian Edwards (Middleweight Quarterfinal)

Former PFL Light-Heavyweight Champion Impa Kasanganay (18-5) returns to the SmartCage, moving down a weight class following his knockout loss to Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov in the PFL Finals last year. Kasanganay will be looking to put the pressure on Fabian Edwards with his boxing, to add a sixth finish to his PFL highlight reel. Fabian Edwards (13-4), the younger brother of UFC fighter Leon Edwards, fights a similar style to his brother with his precision kicks and movement. The winner of this matchup will be favored to win the whole tournament, so it's one to keep an eye on.

## Co-Main Event: Sadibou Sy vs. Dalton Rosta (Middleweight Quarterfinal)

2022 PFL Welterweight Champion Sadibou Sy (17-8-2) returns to Middleweight after a short stint at Light-Heavyweight to face prospect Dalton Rosta (9-1), a Bellator homegrown fighter. Sy, renowned for his flashy striking, aims to leverage his experience against Rosta's aggressive wrestling and knockout power. Rosta, making his PFL debut, looks to make a statement by adding Sy to his résumé.

## Gadzhi Rabadanov vs. Marc Diakiese (Lightweight Quarterfinal)

Gadzhi Rabadanov (24-4-1) is coming off a finish victory over Brent Primus in the PFL 2024 Finals, and will be looking to become a back-to-back Champion this year. He brings his relentless wrestling to the cage against England's Marc Diakiese (19-7), who's making his PFL debut after a long UFC run. Rabadanov, riding a ten-fight unbeaten streak, is known for his suffocating ground game. Diakiese will be looking to keep the fight standing so he can utilize his striking arsenal to halt the streak of Rabadanov.

PFL 3: Kasanganay vs. Edwards takes place on Friday, April 18, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. The main card airs live on ESPN2 and ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET.

PFL 3: Kasanganay vs. Edwards Preview

The Professional Fighters League returns with PFL 2: Higo vs. Alves, featuring the opening round of the Bantamweight and Women’s Flyweight tournaments. With a spot in the semi-finals on the line, fighters are looking to make a statement early in the season.

## Main Event: Leandro Higo vs. Marcirley Alves (Bantamweight Quarterfinal)
Originally scheduled to face Josh Rettinghouse, Leandro Higo (23-6) now meets Marcirley Alves (12-4) in the new main event. Higo, a former Bellator title challenger, has a depth of high-level experience and a dangerous submission game. Alves, stepping in on short notice as the Bantamweight alternative, is  Brazilian prospect riding who's fought in Bellator and LFA. Higo’s experience and composure under pressure make him the favorite, but Alves will look to play spoiler and earn himself a spot in the semi-finals.

## Co-Main Event: Liz Carmouche vs. Ilara Joanne (Women’s Flyweight Quarterfinal)
Former Bellator Women’s Flyweight Champion Liz Carmouche (22-8) makes her return to the PFL after a decision loss to Taila Santos, against Brazilian striker Ilara Joanne (12-9). Carmouche was a long reinging Champion in Bellator, and is known for her gritty wrestling style. She faces Joanne, who's comng off a victory over Shanna Young in the PFL Playoffs.

## Francesco Nuzzi vs. Mando Gutierrez (Bantamweight Quarterfinal)
In a potential fight of the night contender, Italian standout Francesco Nuzzi (10-1) takes on Contender Series alum Mando Gutierrez (10-3) in a Bantamweight quarterfinal. Nuzzi enters the PFL with a 9-fight win streak and also holds a win over UFC Fighter Benardo Sopaj. Gutierrez, known for his grappling, will aim to drag the fight into deeper waters and test Nuzzi’s takedown defense. With both men looking to make a splash in their PFL debuts, this has all-action written all over it.

## Justin Wetzell vs. Kasum Kasumov (Bantamweight Quarterfinal)
In the opening bout of the main card, rising prospect Justin Wetzell (10-2) meets Dagestani wrestler Kasum Kasumov (16-1) in another compelling Bantamweight quarterfinal. Wetzell’s striking and movement could pose problems early, but Kasumov’s smothering top game and control may dictate the pace. Kasumov’s only career loss came by decision, and he's eager to prove he’s the man to beat in the bracket. This bout will be a crucial litmus test for both fighters’ paths to the finals.

PFL 2 takes place tonight, April 11, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. The main card airs live on ESPN2 and ESPN+ at 11 p.m. ET.

PFL 2: Higo vs. Alves Preview

The UFC is back on PPV from the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, tomorrow, headlined by Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes squaring off for the vacant Featherweight title. The official weigh-ins took place today, here are the results.

## Main Card 10 PM EST

**Featherweight Title Fight:** Alexander Volkanovski (145) vs. Diego Lopes (145)

**Lightweight:** Michael Chandler (156) vs. Paddy Pimblett (156)

**Featherweight:** Bryce Mitchell (146) vs. Jean Silva (146)

**Featherweight:** Yair Rodriguez (146) vs. Patricio Pitbull (145)

**Light Heavyweight:** Nikita Krylov (206) vs. Dominick Reyes (206)

## Prelims 6 PM EST

**Featherweight:** Dan Ige (146) vs. Sean Woodson (146)

**Strawweight:** Virna Jandiroba (116) vs. Xiaonan Yan (116)

**Lightweight:** Chase Hooper (156) vs. Jim Miller (156)

**Featherweight:** Darren Elkins (145) vs. Julian Erosa (145)

**Middleweight:** Sedriques Dumas (185) vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk (186)

**Flyweight:** Sumudaerji (126) vs. Mitch Raposo (126)

**Middleweight:** Tresean Gore (186) vs. Marco Tulio (186)

**Bantamweight:** Nora Cornolle (138)* vs. Hailey Cowan (136)

*Fighter Missed Weight

UFC 314 Weigh-In Results

The UFC is back on PPV this weekend with a stacked card from the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, headlined by former Champion and fan favorite Alexander Volkanovski taking on fast-rising contender Diego Lopes for the vacant Featherweight title. I went over that matchup and every other fight on this stacked 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 4/10/2025**

## Alexander Volkanovski -128 vs. Diego Lopes +105

The newly vacant Featherweight title is on the line in this high-stakes main event. Alexander Volkanovski looks to reclaim the title he defended five times with his incredibly technical and powerful striking game, along with a dominant ground-and-pound attack and grappling defense that helped him escape a deep choke from Brian Ortega and survive a full round of Islam Makhachev being on his back. Diego Lopes has had a meteoric rise to this opportunity since coming in on short notice against Movsar Evloev less than two years ago; since then, he has won five straight fights, showing a combination of devastating power and nasty submission skills with an improved cardio game from the Dan Ige fight to the Brian Ortega fight.

I'm picking Volkanovski to get the belt back here as although I am concerned about his durability coming back from multiple knockout losses, he is the much more skilled fighter, especially on the feet, and I know he has five-round cardio. At the same time, I am not sure Lopes will be nearly as dangerous come round three, which gives him a short window to catch a very defensively responsible Volkanovski.

Prediction: Volkanovski by 5th Round TKO

## Michael Chandler +126 vs. Paddy Pimblett -156

Exciting Lightweights collide in this must-see co-main event. Michael Chandler is an always entertaining powerhouse with high-level wrestling and good power in his striking, although his defense and fight IQ have been inconsistent, to say the least. Paddy Pimblett is a dangerous grappler with decent striking, coming off a quick submission against Bobby Green, where he showed his slick skills on the ground, although his cardio has not been tested since he gassed badly against Tony Ferguson.

I'll go with Pimblett in this one, as he is a much younger fighter who is more dangerous on the ground and has good enough striking to find a finish there with Chandler's questionable durability.

Prediction: Pimblett by 2nd Round Submission

## Bryce Mitchell +185 vs. Jean Silva -233

This grudge match at Featherweight has many fans eager for violence. Bryce Mitchell is a strong wrestler with solid submission skills who has competed with strong competition over the years, such as Dan Ige, Josh Emmett, and Ilia Topuria. Jean Silva is a powerful striker who comes in having finished his first four UFC opponents, although he has yet to be tested against ranked opposition, and his grappling is questionable.

I lean towards Silva despite these being steep odds, as although I have some concerns about his takedown defense, I like his getup game, and I see Mitchell struggling to close distance without taking too much damage.

Prediction: Silva by 2nd Round TKO

## Yair Rodriguez -200 vs. Patrcio 'Pitbull' Freire +160

A fresh face with plenty of experience takes on a former title challenger in this pivotal Featherweight clash. Yair Rodriguez is a wild striker with some dangerous submissions off his back, but his wrestling is a weak point, with guys who are not wrestlers like Max Holloway being able to take him down repeatedly. Pitbull finally makes his debut here, and although his best days may be behind him, he remains a skilled and experienced striker with dangerous boxing and a good top game on the ground with a nasty guillotine.

I'm taking the newcomer in Pitbull as if he can avoid taking too much damage early, the striking will be close, and he can mix in some grappling, where he will have a significant advantage. I also trust his cardio more if this reaches the third round. With that, Patricio Pitbull Moneyline is this week's underdog best bet of the week.

Prediction: Pitbull by Decision (Best Bet)

## Nikita Krylov -182 vs. Dominick Reyes +147

Light Heavyweights are looking to push into the title picture as they square off here to open the main card. Nikita Krylov is a well-rounded finisher with a wild style who has struggled to reach the cage in recent years. Dominick Reyes looks to continue his resurgence here after back-to-back knockout wins over Dustin Jacoby and Anthony Smith, although his durability was not tested in those fights and could still be an issue with him being knocked out three times in a row before those wins.

I lean towards Krylov here as I trust him a lot more from a durability standpoint, and he has the grappling upside.

Prediction: Krylov by 1st Round TKO

## Dan Ige +143 vs. Sean Woodson -175

It's an intriguing matchup of strikers here in this Featherweight featured-prelim. Dan Ige is a stocky striker with insane durability and serious knockout power, as he has shown against Damon Jackson and Andre Fili. Sean Woodson is a tall and slick boxer who uses his reach to keep opponents at range, although when blitzed by guys like Alex Caceres, he has had trouble.

I'll pick Ige as the underdog here, as he has all the finishing upside, and I believe he can get inside Woodson's reach enough to cause more damage.

Prediction: Ige by 2nd Round KO

## Virna Jandiroba -149 vs. Xiaonan Yan +122

Strawweights looking to earn the next shot at the title go head-to-head in this one. Virna Jandiroba is a strong and dangerous grappler with excellent control on top and a submission game that she used to finish Amanda Lemos her last time out. Xiaonan Yan is a long striker who picks opponents apart at the range, but her grappling has proven to be a weak point despite some improvements shown in the Tabatha Ricci fight.

I like Jandiroba here as she has proven to have elite grappling skills for the division, and I don't believe Yan has made the necessary improvements to stop her from getting there.

Prediction: Jandiroba by 1st Round Submission

## Chase Hooper -833 vs. Jim Miller +540

Lightweight grapplers born generations apart collide in this fun matchup. Chase Hooper is a tricky grappler who has made clear improvements since joining the UFC at a very young age. Jim Miller is the most experienced man in UFC history, having shown a strong ground game and decent boxing, although his age is becoming a concern as he is forty-one and has taken a lot of damage.

Hooper is the rightful favorite here with his youth and grappling advantages. Still, these odds are very steep to take against a veteran Miller who has the striking and experience advantages. Passing on this fight from a betting perspective.

Prediction: Hooper by 2nd Round Submission 

## Darren Elkins +265 vs. Julian Erosa -345

Veteran Featherweights with a long history of entertaining fights between them square off here. Darren Elkins is a tough grappler known for his ability to take damage and grind out wins, although his age and durability have caused a decline. Julian Erosa is an exciting finisher who keeps high pace striking and has a nasty submission game that he has used on guys like Ricardo Ramos and Christian Rodriguez, although his chin is a serious concern, with him having suffered seven knockout losses.

I'll go with Erosa to get a finish here as he has a massive striking advantage along with the grappling to finish there, and he will not gas out like some of Elkins's past opponents.

Prediction: Erosa by 3rd Round TKO

## Sedriques Dumas +160 vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk -200

This is an interesting matchup at Middleweight between two exciting fighters who could use a big win. Sedriques Dumas is a tall and long fighter who has developed his game from a kickboxer to more of a grappler since joining the UFC, although he struggles with physicality. Michal Oleksiejczuk is a powerful striker who constantly pressures opponents, although his grappling has looked terrible, having been submitted three times in his last five fights.

I'm going with Oleksiejczuk as, despite his deficiencies on the ground, we saw Dumas struggle to take down Denis Tiuiulin, which leads me to believe Oleksiejczuk can keep this standing where he will do much more damage. 

Prediction: Oleksiejczuk by 1st Round KO

## Sumudaerji -175 vs. Mitch Raposo +143

It's a fun veteran vs. prospect matchup early on the card at Flyweight. Sumudaerji is a tall striker with good weapons at range but struggles with grappling, having been submitted in two of his last three fights. Mitch Raposo is a young and athletic prospect coming off a tough debut matchup against Andre Lima, where he wasn't able to show much of the well-rounded offensive game he showed on his regional tape.

I bet Raposo as the underdog here, as he has the wrestling pedigree to take this fight to the ground, and his striking is good enough to keep it close or hurt Sumudaerji as we saw Charles Johnson do.

Prediction: Raposo by 2nd Round Submission

## Tresean Gore +290 vs. Marco Tulio -385

Middleweight finishers look to make a name for themselves in this must-see matchup. Tresean Gore is a stocky striker with big power and a strong guillotine choke that he has used to secure back-to-back wins. Marco Tulio looks to build off a strong UFC debut here after showing off his dangerous knockout power against Ihor Potieria.

I'll go with Tulio to find a knockout here, as I feel he will be the higher-output fighter putting the pressure on, and I don't trust Gore's durability after Cody Brundage knocked him out.

Prediction: Tulio by 1st Round TKO

## Nora Cornelle -182 vs. Hailey Cowan +147

Bantamweights, each looking to bounce back from a loss, open the card here. Nora Cornelle is an aggressive striker with a high finishing rate for the division. Hailey Cowan returns from a two-year layoff here, having shown decent grappling skill in her UFC debut despite the loss to Jamey-Lyn Horth.

I'll pick Cornelle here as she has been the much more active fighter against tougher competition, and she will have a massive striking advantage.

Prediction: Cornelle by Decision

UFC 314 Odds Breakdown

The first round of the PFL World Tournament between the Bantamweights and Women’s Flyweights goes down tomorrow night. Here are the weigh-in results.

## Main Card

**_Bantamweight:_** Leandro Higo (**? lbs**) vs. Marcirley Alves (**? lbs**)M

**_Women’s Flyweight:_** Liz Carmouche (**126 lbs**) vs. Ilara Joanne (**124.8 lbs**)

**_Bantamweight:_** Francesco Nuzzi (**135 lbs**) vs. Mando Gutierrez (**135.8 lbs**)

**_Bantamweight:_** Justin Wetzell (**? lbs**) vs. Kasum Kasumov (**? lbs**)

## Prelims

**_Women’s Flyweight:_** Ekaterina Shakalova (**125.8 lbs**) vs. Juliana Velasquez (**126 lbs**)

**_Bantamweight:_** Matheus Mattos (**135.6 lbs**) vs. Jake Hadley (**135.8 lbs**)

**_Women’s Flyweight:_** Kana Watanabe (**125.2 lbs**) vs. Jena Bishop (**125.6 lbs**)

**_Women’s Flyweight:_** Diana Avsaragova (**125.4 lbs**) vs. Elora Dana (**124.6 lbs**)

**_Bantamweight:_** Marcirley Alves (**? lbs**) vs. Vilson Ndregjoni (**? lbs**)

PFL 2 takes place on Friday, April 11, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. The main card begins at 11:00 PM ET and on ESPN2 and ESPN+.

Melissa Balic