Liam Lindsay

Following UFC Fight Night: Tsarukyan vs. Dariush, the entire ranked Lightweight roster is not booked for any fights. We will discuss the next seven matchups to be made in the division.

## Islam Makhachev (c) vs. Charles Oliveira (#1)

This matchup was supposed to go down at UFC 294, but Oliveira was forced out of the fight due to a cut sustained over his eye. This fight should be the next Lightweight title fight.

Makhachev carries two wins over Alexander Volkanovski, with his second one coming via head-kick TKO and a second-round submission over "Do Bronx." Oliveira still holds wins over the #2, #3, #4, and #5 ranked contenders, so his resume trumps any other contender vying for the title shot.

![ufc280.webp](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/a89735fe-3757-4c00-c5d0-522f90dc4a00/pub "Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira facing eachother for the first time at UFC 280. Credits to: Craig Kidwell - USA TODAY Sports.")

However, it's difficult to say when this matchup can take place. With UFC 297, UFC 298, and UFC 299 having confirmed headliners and Ramadan taking place just before UFC 300, we might get this fight in May/June of 2024.

## Justin Gaethje (#2) vs. Arman Tsarukyan (#4)

This is a fight between two guys who would be in contention for a title shot next if Charles Oliveira didn't exist. Gaethje is looking to make one last run at the title before calling it a career, whereas Tsarukyan is just 27 years old and just getting started.

Gaethje has rebounded from his loss vs. Oliveira with wins over Rafael Fiziev and Dustin Poirier. Tsarukyan has just secured a massive victory over Beneil Dariush, which has shot him into the Lightweight top 5.

![arman.webp](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/5c90b3a8-6e68-4044-ecca-3cc126917400/pub "Arman Tsarukyan KOing Beneil Dariush in his last fight. Credits to: Dustin Safranek - USA TODAY Sports.")

This fight deserves to be on a PPV, a potential co-headliner for UFC 299, or even a spot on UFC 300. Given the title implications, too, it would make sense to make this bout five rounds regardless of whether it's a main event, as we saw with Belal Muhammad vs. Gilbert Burns.

## Jalin Turner (#10) vs. Benoit Saint Denis (#12)

What a matchup this would be, two rising Lightweight prospects who aren't even thirty years old. Both guys are ranked just outside the top 10, and a win would be huge for either man's career. 

Jalin Turner has suffered back-to-back split-decision losses to Mateusz Gamrot and Dan Hooker but has proved in both fights he's a legitimate contender, and he solidified it this past weekend with a highlight KO over Bobby Green. Saint-Denis, alternatively, has just enjoyed the best year of his career, with three finishes over high-level opposition: Ismael Bonfim, Thiago Moises, and Matt Frevola all were victims to "God of War," and none of them made it to the third round.

![benoit.webp](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/7e2c20ee-8043-4f7b-346a-ad921e277000/pub "Benoit Saint Denis pressuring Thiago Moises in Paris, France. Credits to: Haljestam - USA TODAY Sports.")

Benoit has expressed his desire to headline a Fight Night card in Paris, France, and Jalin Turner is a game opponent who won't have any qualms facing him in his backyard. 

## Rafael Fiziev (#8) vs. Dan Hooker (#9)

It's a matchup we might have to wait a while for, but it'll be fireworks when we get it. Fiziev is currently sidelined until next year following an ACL injury in his last bout, and Hooker won't be able to train until March of 2024 due to a recurring arm injury.

Fiziev faced Mateusz Gamrot in his first UFC main event in September, but the fight was cut short when Fiziev tore his ACL in the second round, and he currently doesn't know when he can return to action. Hooker is coming off a Fight of The Year contender against Jalin Turner, where he broke his arm in the second round of the fight.

![dhooker.webp](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/81ef746b-b3f2-4047-fb74-4f09198b8000/pub "Dan Hooker fighting Jalin Turner at UFC 290. Credits to: Stephen R. Sylvanie - USA TODAY Sports.")

Hopefully, both guys recover from their injuries quickly, and we get to see this matchup in Q2 or Q3 of 2024.

## Michael Chandler (#5) vs. Conor McGregor

This fight has been in the works for over a year now. Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor participated in the 31st season of TUF at the start of 2023, which aired between May and August. A bout between the pair has been teased since, but it has yet to come to fruition in 2023.

Both Chandler and McGregor are coming off losses to Dustin Poirier but with very different outcomes. Poirier submitted Chandler in the third round for the first time in his career, and McGregor injured his leg at the end of round one, forcing the contest to be stopped.

![chandler.webp](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/d85cb850-8d83-401f-77d7-c9d70af65700/pub "Michael Chandler KOing Tony Ferguson at UFC 274. Credits to: Mark J. Rebilas - USA TODAY Sports.")

This matchup seems like the fight to make to headline UFC 300, but you never really know with Conor McGregor. However, we can assume this fight will headline a PPV due to its magnitude, but which PPV we can't know for sure.

Do you agree with these matchups, and if not, what would you change? As a member of the Verdict Community, let us know your thoughts in the comments below.


The Next Five Fights to Make in The UFCs Lightweight Division

The UFC is back in Austin, Texas, for the first time since the epic bout between Featherweights Calvin Kattar and Josh Emmett. This time, the main and co-main events are filled with top-15 Lightweight talent, and the rest of the card is stacked with talent. This is the place for the live results and play-by-play of UFC Fight Night: Dariush vs. Tsarukyan.

## Veronica Hardy vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth

**Result**:  Veronica Hardy def. Jamey-Lyn Horth via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29).

**Division**: Women's Flyweight

**Referee**: Mark Smith

The first fight of the card gets us going. Hardy opens up first and connects with a hook. Horth tries to press forward, but Hardy blitzes to get back into the center. A sharp jab knocks Horth down momentarily, securing the bigger moments of the round.

The second round is underway. Hardy stays on the outside, opting to blitz in on Horth, who can't keep Hardy grounded. Horth attempted to kick Hardy's body of Hardy but fell to the ground on a catch. Horth continues to try to get the fight to the ground and secures a takedown at the end of the round, and Hardy catches her with a big up kick to close the round out. 

Hardy starts the round fast with some quick body kicks. Horth attempts to catch Hardy with elbows when she comes in close and catches her twice. Hardy responds with a brutal body kick. They clinch against the fence, and both land big strikes. A lead elbow floors Hardy down to the canvas, but she gets back up to her feet. The two close out the contest with an exchange of strikes.


## Wellington Turman vs. Jared Gooden 

**Result**:  Jared Gooden def. Wellington Turman via rear-naked choke at 1:11 of Round 2.

**Division**: Welterweight

**Referee**: Jeff Rexroad

Gooden starts the fight with a body jab, and Turman responds with a combo upstairs. A big right-hand gets through for Turman and a leg kick. Gooden goes back to the body, and both men connect with straights. A big right hand and a flying knee get through for Turman. Turman shoots in for a huge takedown and slams Gooden onto the ground. Turman threatens the guillotine but loses it and closes out the round with ground-and-pound.

A massive lead hook for Turman opens the round out. But Gooden comes back with a massive hook and rocks Turman badly. Turman tries to clinch up, but Gooden throws him to the ground and follows up with nasty elbows. Turman tries to escape but falls into a rear-naked choke, and Turman has no choice but to tap out.


## Rodolfo Bellato vs. Ihor Potieria

**Result**:  Rodolfo Bellato def. Ihor Potieria via TKO (punches) at 4:17 of Round 2.

**Division**: Light-Heavyweight

**Referee**: Jacob Montalvo

After a touch of gloves, Bellato takes the center of the octagon. After some exchanges on the feet, Bellato shoots for a takedown but doesn't get it. Potieria starts to tee off on Bellato, who doesn't have an answer about the diverse striking. Bellato tries for another takedown but doesn't get it. Bellato lands a knee to the groin, and the action is halted. Ihor gets back to work in the middle of the cage and continues to outstrike Bellato. It was a frantic end to the round, with both guys swinging massive shots at each other. 

Potieria goes back to work but gets clipped with an elbow and a knee. Ihor lands a massive hook and drops Bellato, who somehow survives. Ihor lands massive ground-and-pound strikes and still survives. Bellato scrambles back to his feet and unloads Potieria, who lands a massive right hand and rocks Bellato again. Bellato manages to take Potieira to the ground and starts to unload with his own strikes. He moves to full mount and finishes Potieira with strikes. Comeback of the year contender!


## Drakkar Klose vs. Joe Solecki

**Result**:  Drakkar Klose def. Joe Solecki via KO (slam) 1:41 Round 1.

**Division**: Lightweight

**Referee**: Mark Smith

Solecki starts with a fast takedown attempt and gets it. However, Solecki tries to take the back, and Klose ends up in the top full guard. Scenes! Klose slams Solecki on his head, and he goes unconscious. Unbelievable knockout!


## Zach Reese vs. Cody Brundage

**Result**: Cody Brundage def. Zach Reese via KO (slam) at 1:49 of Round 1.

**Division**: Middleweight

**Referee**: Jeff Rexroad

The fight starts off fast with a fast right hand from Brundage, who shoots in on a single leg and takes Reese down. A huge uptick stuns Brundage for a moment, who enters Reese's guard. Reese tries to lock up a submission but gets slammed on his head and goes out cold. Back-to-back slam KOs!


## Miesha Tate vs. Julia Avila

**Result**:  Miesha Tate def. Julia Avila via Submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:15 of Round 3.

**Division**: Women's Bantamweight

**Referee**: Jacob Montalvo

Miesha Tate secures an early takedown and begins the fight with some control time. Tate takes Avilas back and lands some ground strikes before attempting a rear-naked choke. Tate hammered Avila with elbows, some of which strayed behind the head. It's an extremely dominant round from Tate, who finishes on top in full mount.

Avila starts the round strong with some distance strikes, but Tate immediately takes her down. Tate lands some more ground strikes and doesn't let Avila back to her feet. It was a completely dominant performance from Tate through two rounds.

Avila cannot defend the takedown and is down within thirty seconds of the start of the round. This time, she's able to sink in the rear-naked choke and finish the fight.


## Punahele Soriano vs. Dustin Stoltzfus

**Result**:  Dustin Stoltzfus def. Punahele Soriano via Submission (rear-naked choke) and 4:10 of Round 2.

**Division**: Middleweight

**Referee**: Kerry Hatley

Stoltzfus starts patiently on the back foot but gets dropped early on by Soriano. Stoltzfus attempts a takedown, but it's easily stuffed, and Soriano makes him pay for it with a big left hand. Both guys land massive overhands and rock each other. It was the same scenario again with the lead hooks, and Stoltzfus secured a huge slam takedown as Soriano got back to his feet. Massive strike sits down Soriano at the end of round 1, saved by the bell. 

The second round starts with a much more confident approach from Dustin, who is opening up more with his hands. Soriano is noticeably tired and misses his shots frequently. Dustin lands a massive body kick, Soriano returns with a left straight, and Stoltzfus returns with a huge takedown. Stoltzfus transitions to the back and attempts the rear-naked choke; He locks it in with a minute left to go in the second round.


## Clay Guida vs. Joaquim Silva

**Result**:  Joaquim Silva def. Clay Guida via Unanimous Decision

**Division**: Lightweight

**Referee**: Mark Smith

Guida is under very heavy pressure early, attempting to land with big hooks. Guida wobbles Silva, but he fires right back and hurts Guida badly with an uppercut. Silva nearly finishes the fight, but Guida survives to close the round out.

Guida immediately back on the pressure, knowing he lost the first. Guida is now mixing in takedowns with his wrestling. Silva attempts a guillotine off a takedown from Guida, but "The Carpenter" escapes it, and they get back to their feet. Guida closes the round out with some huge bombs, as it looks like Silva is fading.

Silva opens up the third round with a head kick that connects. Guida attempts more takedowns but doesn't secure any. Silva attempts another guillotine but cannot get it. The two trade until the end of the fight.

## Sean Brady vs. Kelvin Gastelum

**Result**:  Sean Brady def. Kelvin Gastelum via Submission (kimura) at 1:43 of Round 3.

**Division**: Welterweight

**Referee**: Jacob Montalvo

Brady immediately gets the fight to the ground and tries to climb onto Gastelum's back. Kelvin scrambles out and ends up on top. The two get back to their feet, and Brady appears to drop Gastelum with a left hook. Brady controls the rest of the round on the mat.

Round two starts off with a fast shot from Brady. Brady controls the entire round on top of Gastelum, who cannot get out from the smothering pressure of Brady.

It was the exact same start to round three, with Brady again getting Kelvin down. He's attempting a kimura and secures it despite resistance from Gastelum.

## Rob Font vs. Deiveson Figueiredo

**Result**:  Deiveson Figueiredo def. Rob Font via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).

**Division**: Bantamweight

**Referee**: Jeff Rexroad

Font starts the fight with lots of pressure, and Figueiredo is content on the back foot. Figueiredo attempts a takedown, but Font scrambles back up to his feet easily. He gets clipped by a big right hand and then met with a second takedown attempt. Font gets back to his feet and takes a leg kick. Font responds with a combination but gets rocked by Figueiredos's jab, then a right hand. Deiveson finishes the round strong, hurting Font bad.

Font opens round two with a leg kick and gets back on the pressure. Font lands an elbow in close. Figueiredo nets through with a right hand and then a takedown, which Font scrambles up from. It's a closer round, with both men finding success, but Deiveson ends it well with a combination.

The final round starts with a takedown from Figueiredo, and Font responded with his own and a nasty uppercut to the body. Deiveson rocks Font back with a right hand and puts the pressure on with another right and a left hook before securing a takedown and controlling the rest of the fight from on top.

## Jalin Turner vs. Bobby Green

**Result**:  Jalin Turner def. Bobby Green via TKO (punches) at 2:49 of Round 1.

**Division**: Lightweight

**Referee**: Kerry Hatley

Green starts fast with a straight punch that catches Turner, who responds with his own shot. Another right-hand gets through for Green, who has his hands down. Massive one-two stuns Green, and a follow-up right sends him crashing to the canvas. Horrible, horrible stoppage ensues. Green eats about a dozen unnecessary ground strikes before the referee finally calls it off.


## Beneil Dariush vs. Arman Tsarukyan

**Result**:  Arman Tsarukyan def. Beneil Dariush via KO (punch) at 1:04 of Round 1.

**Division**: Lightweight

**Referee**: Mark Smith

Tsarykyan comes out very fast, whereas Dariush is calculated with his guard high. Beneil throws a right hand, which clips Tsarukyan. It's over! The right-hand gets through for Tsarukyan, and that puts Dariush out cold in just over a minute.

**FOTN Bonus**: Rodolfo Bellato vs. Ihor Potieria

**Performance Bonuses**: Arman Tsarukyan, Jalin Turner, Sean Brady, Dustin Stoltzfus, Miesha Tate, Drakkar Klose, Cody Brundage, Jared Gooden.

What a phenomenal card. It's definitely a pick for the card of the Year. 



UFC Fight Night: Dariush vs. Tsarukyan Results

A massive top-5 matchup has just been confirmed. Brandon Moreno will face Amir Albazi in a five-round co-main event in Mexico City, Mexico, on February 24th at UFC Fight Night 237, first reported by Carlos Contreras Legaspi (CCLegaspi on X), later confirmed by Marcel Dorff.

**This five-round co-main event takes place in the Flyweight (125 lbs) division.**

Brandon "The Assassin Baby" Moreno holds a professional record of 21-7-2 (9-4-2 UFC) and is ranked #1 in the Flyweight division. He holds noteworthy wins over Kai Kara-France, Deiveson Figueiredo, and Brandon Royval.

Amir "The Prince" Albazi is ranked #3 in the Flyweight division and holds a professional record of 17-1 (5-0 UFC), with notable wins over Kai Kara-France, Alessandro Costa, and Zhalgas Zhumagulov.

**Official betting odds have yet to be released.**

This is a pivotal fight in the Flyweight division that could determine the next title contender. Both fighters are ranked inside the top 5 and will be fighting two months after UFC 296, where the next Flyweight title fight will occur. Moreno is coming off a split-decision loss to Alexandre Pantoja in a Fight of The Year contender, losing his title for a second time. Albazi, on the other hand, is undefeated in the UFC and coming off the right end of a close split decision with Kai Kara-France, which saw Albazi utilize his size and wrestling to secure the win.

![mp.webp](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/a3df7b80-ba20-473e-669e-c6dcbfbc7e00/pub "Brandon Moreno going to war with Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 290: Volkanovski vs. Rodriguez. Credits to: Stephen R. Sylvanie - USA TODAY Sports.")

This is a great matchup in the Flyweight division and a perfect addition to the UFC's return to Mexico. As a member of the Verdict Community, let us know your prediction for this fight in the comments below.

Brandon Moreno Co-Main Events in UFCs Return to Mexico

A banger of a matchup has just been announced. Anthony Hernandez will welcome Ikram Aliskerov to the top 15 of the Middleweight division at UFC 298: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria, which will take place on February 17th in Anaheim, California, per Damon Martin.

**This fight will occur in the Middleweight (185 lbs) division.**

Anthony Hernandez is ranked #15 in the Middleweight division and holds a professional record of 11-2-1NC (5-2 UFC), with notable wins over Edmen Shahbazyan, Jun Yong Park, and Rodolfo Vieira.

Ikram Aliskerov holds a professional record of 15-1 (2-0 UFC) and is currently unranked in the Middleweight division. He holds credible victories over Warrley Alves, Phil Hawes, and Denis Tiuliulin.

**Official betting odds have yet to be released.**

Both of these top Middleweight fighters are coming off statement performances. In his last bout, Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez broke down Shahbazyan across two rounds, before finishing him off in the third with lethal ground-and-pound. Ikram Aliskerov is fresh off his second UFC fight at UFC 294, where he secured a highlight flying-knee TKO to open the main card. Both fighters will be looking to get their biggest win of their careers, and move up into the higher ranks of the division.

```iframe
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The oddsmakers are always confident in Israel Adesanya.<br><br>He&#39;s lost 3 fights to Alex Pereira, but the oddsmakers still have him as a favorite heading into this weekend.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC287?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC287</a> <a href="https://t.co/0MF4krsH1v">pic.twitter.com/0MF4krsH1v</a></p>&mdash; Verdict (@TournamentsMMA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1715800430754541720?s=20">April 5, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
```

Who do you have winning this Middleweight matchup, and what other fights do you want to see booked on UFC 298? As a member of the Verdict Community, let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Anthony Hernandez Welcomes Ikram Aliskerov To Middleweight Rankings

A top-15 matchup has just been finalized for the first event of February in 2024. The fight will be between Roman Dolidze and Nassourdine Imavov and will take place on February 3rd in Paradise, Nevada, inside the UFC Apex, first reported by MMA Time on X (Twitter).

**This five-round fight occurs in the Middleweight (185 lbs) division.**

Roman Dolidze is the #7 ranked contender with a professional record of 12-2 (6-2 UFC). He has notable wins over Jack Hermansson, Phil Hawes, and Kyle Daukaus.

Nassourdine Imavov holds a professional record of 12-4-1NC (4-2-1NC UFC) and holds the #12 ranking in the Middleweight division. He claims noteworthy wins over Joaquin Buckley, Edmen Shahbazyan, and Ian Heinisch.

**Official betting odds have yet to be released.**

This matchup will be between two hot, rising prospects in the Middleweight division. Roman Dolidze is coming off a close decision loss to top-5 fighter Marvin Vettori back at UFC 286 in London, England. Nassourdine Imavov is coming off a frustrating No Contest to Chris Curtis due to an accidental eye poke on Curtis. This matchup allows these two fighters to bounce back into the win column and move into the division's top.

Who do you have winning this fight? As a member of the Verdict Community, let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

 Roman Dolidze vs. Nassourdine Imavov Headlines February 2nd

The UFC is back in Austin, Texas, and it's going down tomorrow. Here are the results of everyone's weight at today's weigh-ins.

## Main Card (ESPN+ 7PM ET)

**_Lightweight:_** Beniel Dariush **(156 lbs)** vs. Arman Tsarukyan **(155.5 lbs)**

**_Lightweight_** Bobby Green **(155 lbs)** vs. Jalin Turner **(156 lbs)**

**_Bantamweight:_** Rob Font **(135 lbs)** vs. Deiveson Figueiredo **(135 lbs)**

**_Lightweight_** Clay Guida **(154 lbs)** vs. Joaquim Silva **(156 lbs)**      

**_Middleweight:_** Punahele Soriano **(185.5 lbs)** vs. Dustin Stolzfus **(185.5 lbs)**

## PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+ / UFC Fight Pass 2PM ET)    

**_Women's Bantamweight:_** Julia Alvila **(135.5 lbs)** vs. Miesha Tate **(135.5 lbs)**

**_Lightweight:_** Cody Brundage **(185 lbs)** vs. Zach Reese **(185 lbs)**

**_Bantamweight:_** Chad Anhelinger **(134.5 lbs)** vs. Jose Johnson **(136 lbs)**

**_Light-Heavyweight_** Rodolfo Bellato **(205.5 lbs)** vs. Ihor Potieira **(204 lbs)**

**_Welterweight:_** Jared Gooden **(171 lbs)** vs. Wellington Turman **(171 lbs)**

**_Women's Flyweight:_** Veronica Hardy **(125.5 lbs)** vs. Jamey-Lyn Horn **(125.5 lbs)**

All fighters have weighed in successfully.

UFC Fight Night: Dariush vs. Tsarukyan Weigh-In Results

Douglas Vegas Bets

The UFC is back in front of fans with a stacked card of action from Austin, Texas, headlined by a clash of Lightweight standouts as Beneil Dariush +240 takes on Arman Tsarukyan -294. I went over each fight on the main card and gave my predictions and best bets, so let's get into it.

**Odds provided by Stake.com accurate as of 1:45 PM EST 11/30/2023**

## Beneil Dariush +240 vs. Arman Tsarukyan -294

Lightweight contenders square off in this crucial main event. Beneil Dariush looks to return to his winning ways using his well-rounded offensive attack that features fight-ending power and an incredible grappling game, although he has had several brutal weight cuts and has been knocked out multiple times. Arman Tsarukyan has been one to watch since his debut, where he fought well against current champion Islam Makhachev, and since then, he has only continued to round out his game, which is best known for a vicious ground and pound attack.

I got in early on Tsarukyan, and I'm glad I did, as the current price makes him difficult to bet against a tough test in Dariush, although I still am confident he will get it done, likely via knockout. 

Pick: Tsarukyan O/U: Under 3.5 -108

## Jalin Turner -217 vs. Bobby Green +180

Short notice replacement here saves a great fight at Lightweight. Jalin Turner steps in here, which is interesting as he has had trouble making weight even with a proper camp; despite that, he is a dangerous finisher with powerful striking and an opportunistic submission game. Bobby Green is an entertaining fighter with a unique hands-down style; he is a volume puncher with slick head movement and an underrated ground game when needed.

I like Turner here, even on short notice, although I will pass betting on him as I could see this fight turning quickly if it gets to round three with Green's perceived cardio edge. 

Pick: Turner O/U: Over 1.5 -189

## Rob Font -133 vs. Deiveson Figueiredo +114

A Bantamweight firefight goes down here as two hard hitters go head to head. Rob Font is an excellent volume striker with one of the best jabs in the sport; my concern is with his defense, as he is hittable and has not taken punches well in several fights lately when facing other hard hitters. Deiveson Figueiredo moves up in weight here, and I'm excited to see it as he is known for his power and frantic pace, which may only increase with him being less diminished on fight day.

I've got Figueiredo as the underdog in this one, as his power punching and grappling can get him the win here.

Pick: Figueiredo O/U: Under 2.5 -109

## Sean Brady -122 vs. Kelvin Gastelum +104

It's an interesting matchup between Welterweights looking to enter contention. Sean Brady is a very strong grappler with good control and submission; his problem is with his striking and cardio, which looked terrible against Michael Chiesa and Belal Muhammad. Kelvin Gastelum moves back down in weight here after a long run up at Middleweight; he has fought the toughest competition in the world and held his own with a granite chin and high-pace striking.

I'll take Gastelum in this one as I see his volume overwhelming Brady. 

Pick: Gastelum O/U: Under 2.5 -103

## Clay Guida +260 vs. Joaquim Silva -323

Lightweight veterans collide here in this fun matchup. Clay Guida is a forward-moving wrestler with good cardio, although his age is a concern at this point as he is over forty. Joaquim Silva enters this off an impressive showing despite a loss against Arman Tsarukyan, where he showed his dangerous power, nearly finishing the highly touted prospect. 

Silva should take this one, as he was very impressive last time out against a much tougher opponent. 

Pick: Silva O/U: Under 2.5 -133

## Punahele Soriano -286 vs. Dustin Stoltzfus +230

Middleweight finishers matchup here to start the main card. Punahele Soriano is a very athletic guy whom I had high hopes for early in his UFC run; despite some falters along the way, he is still a hard hitter with no quit and a great team behind him, giving me hope he can still reach his potential. Dustin Stoltzfus is a decent grappler coming back after a year off from a quick knockout loss to Abus Magomedov; he only has one win in five UFC appearances and has not shown much promise along the way. 

I like Soriano to get a finish in this one as he is very explosive and dangerous, which will be too much for Stoltzfus. 

Pick: Soriano O/U: Under 1.5 +104

## [DougLasVegasBets.net](https://douglasvegasbets.net) Plays

Arman Tsarukyan -175

Deiveson Figueiredo +160

Kelvin Gastelum +100

Punahele Soriano + Melquizael Costa -105

UFC Fight Night: Dariush vs. Tsarukyan Predictions

Per Chatri Sityodtong at a press release in Japan, ONE Championship will return to Tokyo, Japan, on January 28th for ONE 165. The headliner will be a Kickboxing Superfight between the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai world Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon and one of the greatest pound-for-pound kickboxers, Takeru Segawa—five-three minute rounds in the Flyweight division. This will be the the first time ONE Championship has gone to Japan since October 2019, and the fourth time in the promotions history.

Rodtang Jitmuangnon is coming off a razor-thin decision loss to Superlek Kiatmuu9 in one of the greatest fights of the year and will look to replicate a similar performance by putting constant pressure on Takeru.

Takeru holds an astonishing 42-3 Kickboxing record and is the former K-1 Super-Featherweight, Featherweight, and Super-Bantamweight Champion. He will be making his debut ONE Championship in his home country, looking to announce his arrival in ONE with a statement victory over one of their biggest stars.

```iframe
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The oddsmakers are always confident in Israel Adesanya.<br><br>He&#39;s lost 3 fights to Alex Pereira, but the oddsmakers still have him as a favorite heading into this weekend.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC287?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC287</a> <a href="https://t.co/0MF4krsH1v">pic.twitter.com/0MF4krsH1v</a></p>&mdash; Verdict (@TournamentsMMA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ONECHAMPJP/status/1730152539667190264?s=20">April 5, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
```


Also on the card is a Lightweight MMA bout between Shinya Aoki and Sage Northcutt, which will be the co-main event. 

What's your prediction for these matchups? As a member of the Verdict Community, let us know in the comments below.

ONE Championship Returns to Japan For Mega Event in January

The former UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling has announced that he'll be having his next fight inside the UFC in the Featherweight (145 lbs) division. The announcement came via Demetrious Johnson's podcast, MightyCast (Mighty Gaming) on YouTube.

Sterling is coming off his first loss since 2017, losing to Sean O'Malley at UFC 292 for the Bantamweight title. With his close friend and teammate, Merab Dvalishvili, closing in on a tlte shot in the same division, and weight cuts becoming increasingly harder for the large 135er, the move makes a lot of sense. When asked about what the future holds, this is what "Funkmaster" had to say.

```iframe
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The oddsmakers are always confident in Israel Adesanya.<br><br>He&#39;s lost 3 fights to Alex Pereira, but the oddsmakers still have him as a favorite heading into this weekend.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC287?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC287</a> <a href="https://t.co/0MF4krsH1v">pic.twitter.com/0MF4krsH1v</a></p>&mdash; Verdict (@TournamentsMMA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MightyMouse/status/1729995721640910867?s=20
">April 5, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
```

Sterling also previously called out Max Holloway, the #1 ranked Featherweight contender, which could be an incredible stylistic matchup if the fight is made. 

> I don't think there's anyone else to turn to. That's the guy who's banishing all the other contenders one by one. UFC 300 could be a fire card, or maybe in March. - Aljamain Sterling on fighting Max Holloway

What do you think of Sterling's move to the 145 lbs division? And who would you like to see him make his Featherweight debut against? As a member of the Verdict Community, let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Former UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling Annouces Move To New Division

Michael "Venom" Page (or "MVP) is one of the largest MMA personalities outside of the UFC. The British striking phenom developed a name for himself and a large fanbase during his years throughout Bellator, where he developed a 17-2 record inside the promotion. On top of that, Page also has a professional boxing record of 2-0, a majority-decision loss in Bare Knuckle Boxing to Mike Perry, and an overall MMA record of 21-2, including eighteen finishes.

"MVP" has announced via the MMA Hour he's been "flirting" with the UFC but hasn't made any official announcements about his signing to the promotion. But, a recent leak courtesy of "FULL SEND PODCAST" on YouTube might've spoiled the surprise of Page's arrival in the UFC.

```iframe
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The oddsmakers are always confident in Israel Adesanya.<br><br>He&#39;s lost 3 fights to Alex Pereira, but the oddsmakers still have him as a favorite heading into this weekend.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC287?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC287</a> <a href="https://t.co/0MF4krsH1v">pic.twitter.com/0MF4krsH1v</a></p>&mdash; Verdict (@TournamentsMMA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThaWeasle/status/1729588139230957997?s=20
">April 5, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
```

You can make out "M. Page" on the bottom right of the image and his opponent, the #12 ranked UFC Welterweight Kevin Holland. His name also comes under the rest of the main card for UFC 297, so it's safe to assume this matchup is targeted for the PPV of Strickland vs. du Plessis. However, neither Page nor Holland have announced the bout on their social media, so this isn't official yet.

What do you think of this matchup? And who do you have winning it? As a member of the Verdict Community, let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Michael "Venom" Page x UFC Teased For Potential Debut vs. Ranked Welterweight 

Height

Reach

Division

Born

Birthplace

Fighting Out Of

Phuket Top Team (2015–2017), Tiger Muay Thai (2017–present), Kill Cliff FC (2021–present)