For one final time this year, we get a card of talented fighters from outside the UFC competing for a contract at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. I went over each matchup to give my predictions and bets, so let's get into it.
Odds provided by Duelbits accurate as of 10/14/2025
Light Heavyweight will end off the season here with one final fight. Freddy Vidal gets his second shot this season after missing weight before his submission win over Felipe Franco back in week five, where he looked good in the grappling despite some concerns I had going in. Levi Rodrigues is a knockout finisher with five professional fights that have all ended with him winning by knockout; however, he has yet to face much tough competition.
I lean towards Rodrigues, as he is the more dangerous fighter with greater potential, following Vidal's uninspiring showing several weeks ago.
Prediction: Rodrigues by 1st Round KO
Experienced Bantamweights clash here in my favourite fight on the card. Juan Diaz is a clean boxer who has several five-round fights under his belt and has also been working on his submission game, having competed in grappling more recently than MMA. Won Il Kwon comes over from ONE Championship, where he challenged high-level competition and showed a kill-or-be-killed style, having not gone to decision since 2019, although it should be noted that this includes two knockout losses and one submission loss.
I'll go with Diaz here, as he is the younger fighter whose durability I trust more, and he can incorporate some grappling.
Prediction: Diaz by 2nd Round Submission
Featherweight finishers collide in this good matchup. Marwan Rahiki is a skilled striker who utilizes his length effectively while firing combinations, and has also been involved in several five-round fights, including a fourth-round submission win. Ananias Mulumba is a skilled pressure fighter who wears down opponents with solid striking and numerous takedown attempts.
I've got Rahiki, as I see him as the cleaner striker, and I'm confident enough in his grappling defence to believe he can defend any takedowns here.
Prediction: Rahiki by 2nd Round TKO
Fighters who like to put on a show clash here at Welterweight. Michael Oliveira is a powerful pressure striker with an undefeated record who constantly stalks his opponents, which has helped him earn seven knockouts in eight pro wins. Victor Valenzuela is a tough striker who comes in having finished his last five opponents, although he has been dropped early in a brawl with Bruce Whitehead.
I like Oliveira here as he is going to put the pressure on and land much harder strikes, eventually finishing Valenzuela and earning a UFC contract.
Prediction: Oliveira by 1st Round TKO Bet: Schultz + Oliveira Parlay
Dangerous Heavyweights collide here in this one. Azamat Nuftillaev is a powerhouse of an athlete who swings big hooks on the feet and has a nasty submission attack when he drags opponents to the ground. Jovan Leka is a solid striker with decent power in his hands, although he lacks elite athleticism.
I lean towards Leka in this one, as I give him the technical advantage in the striking and believe he can defend the takedowns.
Prediction: Leka by Decision
Fun matchup of grapplers at Middleweight to start the card off. Mario Mingaj is an undefeated submission specialist who uses his long legs to sink in a nice triangle, although he is comfortable being held on his back, which is concerning. Wes Shultz returns for a second shot here as a strong wrestler with an aggressive style, although other skilled wrestlers have given him issues, like his loss to Dylan Budka.
I'll go with Schultz here, as he is the better wrestler who will be in a top position during grappling exchanges, and he also has the experience advantage, having been here before.
Prediction: Schultz by Decision Bet: Schultz + Oliveira Parlay