Evan Montgomery

Daniel Cormier applauded UFC matchmakers on Alex Pereira's rise to the title picture.

On his show "DC and RC", the former champ stated, "The UFC matchmaking [is] perfect with this guy. Because they never really let him fight a Marvin Vettori or anyone that can, like, stymie him and hold him against the side of the Octagon, and now you get him and Izzy". 

Alex Pereira debuted at 4-1 in the UFC, starching Andreas Michailidis with a flying knee and overwhelming Bruno "Blindado" Silva in a decision. He finished Sean Strickland in the first round at [UFC 276](https://verdictmma.com/news/ufc-276-post-fight-review/122) this past weekend in a title eliminator. 

Primarily faced with strikers in his ascent to the title, Michailidis remains the most credentialed grappler Pereira has faced to this point. With a division of killers like Marvin Vettori, Derek Brunson, and Andre Muniz, it seems more than likely Pereira is getting preferential treatment.

The push for Pereira makes clear sense from a promotional standpoint. The Brazilian powerhouse holds two victories over Middleweight champion Israel Adesanya in kickboxing, including a stunning knockout. With Adesanya's continued dominance, Pereira remains an explosive test and compelling rematch for the Middleweight kingpin.

Daniel Cormier Calls Out 'Perfect UFC Matchmaking' For Alex Pereira

UFC 313 is underway at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Below are the results and live updates for each fight:  

## **Prelims**  

## **Middleweight Bout: Djorden Ribeiro dos Santos vs. Ozzy Diaz**  

**Result:** Ozzy Diaz def. Djorden Ribeiro dos Santos via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).  

## **Featherweight Bout: Mairon Santos vs. Francis Marshall**  

**Result:** Mairon Santos def. Francis Marshall via Split Decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28).  

## **Welterweight Bout: Alex Morono vs. Carlos Leal**  

**Result:** Carlos Leal def. Alex Morono via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:16.  

## **Middleweight Bout: Brunno Ferreira vs. Armen Petrosyan**  

**Result:** Brunno Ferreira def. Armen Petrosyan via Submission (armbar) – Round 2, 4:25.  

## **Flyweight Bout: Joshua Van vs. Rei Tsuruya**  

**Result:** Joshua Van def. Rei Tsuruya via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).  

## **Main Card**  

## **Lightweight Bout: King Green vs. Maurício Ruffy**  

**Result:** Maurício Ruffy def. King Green via KO (wheel kick) – Round 1, 2:07  

## **Women's Strawweight Bout: Amanda Lemos vs. Iasmin Lucindo**  

**Result:** Amanda Lemos def. Iasmin Lucindo via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)  

## **Lightweight Bout: Jalin Turner vs. Ignacio Bahamondes**  

**Result:** TBD  

## **Lightweight Bout: Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev**  

**Result:** TBD  

## **Light Heavyweight Main Event: Alex Pereira (c) vs. Magomed Ankalaev**  

**Result:** TBD







UFC 313: Pereira vs. Ankalaev Live Results

Power Slap 12 took place at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas on March 7, 2025. Below are the results for each contest:

## **Middleweight Bout: Wesley “All The Smoke” Drain vs. Ke’ali’i “The Chief” Kanekoa**

**Result:** Ke’ali’i “The Chief” Kanekoa defeated Wesley “All The Smoke” Drain by Knockout in Round 2.

## **Heavyweight Bout: Wes “The Boom” Mena vs. Aaron “The Colossus” Turner**

**Result:** Wes “The Boom” Mena won by Majority Decision (28-28, 29-27, 29-27). 

## **Lightweight Bout: Anthony “Da Kiing” Defrank vs. Reiley “Slap Shady” Montoya**

**Result:** Reiley “Slap Shady” Montoya defeated Anthony “Da Kiing” Defrank by Knockout in Round 1.

## **Welterweight Bout: Christapher “KO Chris” Thomas vs. Christopher “Full Metal” Debow**

**Result:** Christapher “KO Chris” Thomas won by Knockout in Round 2.

## **Heavyweight Bout: Dorian “Disturbing the Peace” Perez vs. Pono “Da Hawaiian Assassin” Pau**

**Result:** Dorian “Disturbing the Peace” Perez won by Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).

## **Women’s Flyweight Bout: Paige “12 Gauge” VanZant vs. Mikael-Michelle Brown**

**Result:** Paige “12 Gauge” VanZant secured a Unanimous Decision victory (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).

## **Lightweight Title Match: Robert “The Real Deal” Trujillo vs. Dakota “The Maritime Menace” McGregor**

**Result:** Robert “The Real Deal” Trujillo won by Unanimous Decision (50-43, 50-44, 49-45).

## **Middleweight Title Match: Isaih “The Puerto Rican Pretty Boy” Quinones (C) vs. Branden “The Butcher” Bordeaux**

**Result:** Branden “The Butcher” Bordeaux defeated Isaih “The Puerto Rican Pretty Boy” Quinones by TKO in Round 1 to claim the Middleweight Title.

For more details, visit the official Power Slap website.



Power Slap 12 Results

Douglas Vegas Bets

The UFC is back on PPV tomorrow for UFC 313 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. It will be headlined by Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira defending his title against top contender Magomed Ankalaev. The official weigh-ins took place today; here are the results.

## Main Card 10 PM EST

**Light Heavyweight Title Fight:** Alex Pereira (205) vs. Magomed Ankalaev (205)

**Lightweight:** Justin Gaethje (156) vs. Rafael Fiziev (156)

**Lightweight:** Jalin Turner (154.5) vs. Ignacio Bahamondes (156)

**Strawweight:** Amanda Lemos (116) vs. Iasmin Lucindo (115.5)

**Lightweight:** King Green (155.5) vs. Mauricio Ruffy (155.5)

## Prelims 6:30 PM EST

**Heavyweight:** Curtis Blaydes (262) vs. Rizvan Kuniev (264.5)

**Middleweight:** Brunno Ferreira (186) vs. Armen Petrosyan (186)

**Welterweight:** Alex Morono (171) vs. Carlos Leal (169)

**Featherweight:** Mairon Santos (145.5) vs. Francis Marshall (146)

**Flyweight:** Rei Tsuruya (125.5) vs. Josh Van (125.5)

**Featherweight:** Chris Guttierez (144.5) vs. John Castaneda (145)

**Middleweight:** Ozzy Diaz (185.5) vs. Djorden Santos (185.5)

UFC 313 Weigh-In Results

The UFC is back on PPV this weekend with a massive card from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Headlined by one of the biggest stars in the sport, Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira, as he is set to take on Magomed Ankalaev. I went over that matchup and every other fight on the card to give my predictions and best bet, so let's get into it.

**Odds provided by DuelBits accurate as of 3/6/2025**

## Alex Pereira -122 vs. Magomed Ankalaev +100

The long-awaited clash of the two best Light Heavyweights in the world is finally upon us. Alex Pereira is an incredibly powerful kickboxer who has knocked out his last four opponents, with three being former champions, although his grappling is very basic, having shown nothing more than the ability to hold opponents in guard. Magomed Ankalaev is a very technically sound fighter with strong striking that he used to break down Aleksandar Rakic in his last fight and a wrestling game that proved strong against Jan Blachowicz in the later stages of that fight.

I'm taking Ankalaev here as I feel he is not very outmatched on the feet and will have the option to mix in the grappling while also being five years younger. This is also the best price we have ever gotten on Ankalaev across his career, and with that, Magomed Ankalaev Moneyline is this week's best bet of the week.

Prediction: Ankalaev by 3rd Round KO (Best Bet)

## Justin Gaethje +135 vs. Rafael Fiziev -167

It's a short notice Lightweight rematch between two of the most violent men in the division. Justin Gaethje is a dangerous striker known for big knockouts and devastating leg kicks, although he has taken a lot of damage over his career and is coming off a very rough knockout loss to Max Holloway. Rafael Fiziev looks for revenge here, and he will do so with his Muay Thai style, which has always looked strong early in fights, although his cardio has been inconsistent.

I like Fiziev to take the win this time as although he is coming off an injury he has been prepared to return for some time and he is the much younger and less weathered fighter who was a larger favorite last time these two met.

Prediction: Fiziev by 1st Round KO

## Jalin Turner +104 vs. Ignacio Bahamondes -128

Two very tall Lightweights square off in this interesting matchup. Jalin Turner is a striker with real one-shot power, but he struggles when facing adversity, as he did against Renato Moicano and Dan Hooker. Ignacio Bahamondes is a skilled kickboxer who is coming off a breakout performance against Manuel Torres, where he showed improved defense and fantastic counter striking.

I'll go with Bahamondes here, as I trust him more if the fight gets extended and he has more momentum coming in having won five of his last six, while Turner has lost three of his last four.

Prediction: Bahamondes by 3rd Round KO

## Amanda Lemos +112 vs. Iasmin Lucindo -137

Strawweights on the verge of title contention go head to head here. Amanda Lemos is one of the most powerful women in the division with, the ability to finish at any time, although her ground game has let her down on several occasions. Iasmin Lucindo is a young and well-rounded fighter who has quickly made her way to the top of the division and is coming off a win over Marina Rodriguez, where she showed her skills on the ground.

I lean towards Lucindo here as she is the younger fighter and Lemos has consistently struggled against fighters with strong ground games like Lucindo has shown.

Prediction: Lucindo by Decision

## King Green +370 vs. Mauricio Ruffy -500

Exciting Lightweights open the main card in what should be a fun one. King Green is known for his hands-down, high-volume boxing style which has kept him in or near the rankings late into his career, although his chin has looked suspect lately, and Paddy Pimblett finished him quickly. Mauricio Ruffy has quickly become a very popular prospect with his slick striking style that has earned him two impressive wins to start his UFC career.

I'll pick Ruffy to get a finish in this one as he has the power to do real damage to an aging Green. Although I could see Green making this a close fight if his durability holds up so at these odds this fight is a pass from a betting standpoint. 

Prediction: Ruffy by 1st Round TKO

## Curtis Blaydes -345 vs. Rizvan Kuniev +260

Heavyweight finishers look to make a statement here in the featured prelim. Curtis Blaydes is one of the best wrestlers in the division and has solid striking, although at times, he is too comfortable striking, and his durability has failed him several times. Rizvan Kuniev makes his debut here as a decently well-rounded fighter with an overturned win against Renan Ferreira in the PFL.

At these odds, it's tough to trust Blaydes with his history, but I feel he is the better fighter anywhere the fight goes with a lot more high-level experience, so I'll go with Blaydes to get a finish.

Prediction: Blaydes by 2nd Round TKO

## Rei Tsaruya +155 vs. Joshua Van -189

Young Flyweight prospects collide in this fun matchup. Rei Tsaruya is an undefeated grappler coming off a debut win over Carlos Hernandez, where he was tested in a back-and-forth fight. Joshua Van is a strong striker who has competed with solid UFC competition already and proven to be dangerous, showing much improved grappling defense in his win over Cody Durden.

I'll go with Van to defend the grappling and do more damage on the feet although with his tendency to start slow I could see this turning into a close fight if Tsaruya can get the grappling going early.

Prediction: Van by Decision

## Brunno Ferreira +122 vs. Armen Petrosyan -149

Exciting Middleweight strikers square off in this interesting clash. Brunno Ferreira is a wild and dangerous fighter, with all his wins coming by finish, including a devastating spinning elbow against Dustin Stoltzfus. Armen Petrosyan is a kickboxer who has proven a solid test for rising prospects with his wins over Gregory Rodrigues and Christian Leroy Duncan.

I'm picking Petrosyan here as he is the much more technical striker who I see winning the minutes of this fight, although the finishing upside is firmly on the side of Ferreira.

Prediction: Petrosyan by Decision

## Alex Morono +520 vs. Carlos Leal -769

Veteran Welterweights look to build momentum here. Alex Morono has always been a solid and consistent fighter, although he has slowed down over time, and he has always had durability issues. Carlos Leal comes in off an impressive UFC debut where he should've gotten the win over a tough Rinat Fakhretdinov with his solid grappling defense and hard-hitting striking.

Leal should handle business and get a finish here, as he is in his prime while Morono is on the way out. Still, this betting line offers no value.

Prediction: Leal by 2nd Round TKO

## Mairon Santos -323 vs. Francis Marshall +250

Up-and-coming Featherweights square off here in this solid prelim matchup. Mairon Santos comes in after winning his season of The Ultimate Fighter, where he showed a patient and dangerous kickboxing game along with strong takedown defense. Francis Marshall is a young and well-rounded fighter with strong wrestling and a striking game that helped him finish Marcel Rojo back in his UFC debut. 

I like Marshall as a big underdog here as I feel if he can make this an ugly fight where he forces a lot of grappling exchanges he can out work Santos despite being at a striking disadvantage.

Prediction: Marshall by Decision

## Chris Guttierez -106 vs. John Castaneda -115

Usual Bantamweights clash here on short notice up at Featherweight. Chris Guttierez is a solid veteran who steps in here, he is known for his leg kicks, which have given lots of opponents serious trouble. John Castaneda was meant to fight last week but shifts to a new opponent now after the late cancellation, he is a high pace grappler who has basic striking but can be hittable.

I lean towards Castaneda here, as I feel he will be the one pressing the action with the grappling upside.

Prediction: Castaneda by Decision

## Ozzy Diaz +155 vs. Djorden Santos -189

Middleweights, each looking for their first UFC win, open the card here. Ozzy Diaz is a dangerous finisher who is looking to bounce back from a debut that saw him suffer a third knockout loss in his career, showing his kill-or-be-killed style. Djorden Santos makes his debut off an impressive upset win over Will Currie on Dana White's Contender Series.

I'll pick Santos in this one as he is the much more responsible fighter who has taken less damage and is coming off a win over someone who many would consider a tougher opponent.

Prediction: Santos by 2nd Round TKO

UFC 313 Odds Breakdown

With UFC 313 just days away, the featured fighters on the card shared at media day their final thoughts ahead of fight night. Here are the biggest takeaways from UFC 313 media day.

## **Magomed Ankalaev on His Second UFC Title Shot**

Magomed Ankalaev has been waiting for his chance to fight for UFC gold again. After his controversial draw against Jan Blachowicz at UFC 282, he believes he already earned the belt—but he’s not dwelling on the past.

> “I deserved to win the title when I fought Jan Blachowicz. But, I don’t consider myself the uncrowned king of the Light Heavyweight division." - Magomed Ankalaev

Now, he’s fully focused on making the most of this opportunity, having another title shot in his eyes since his first fight with Johnny Walker over a year ago.


## **Ignacio Bahamondes Ready for War**

Ignacio Bahamondes has a tough test ahead of him against Jalin Turner, but he’s embracing the challenge. Knowing Turner’s reputation as a dangerous finisher, Bahamondes is prepared to go all in. With a victory this weekend, Bahamondes will likely find himself ranked inside the top-15 at Lightweight.

> “Jalin Turner is one of the best in the world. I’m ready to give everything and get the finish.” - Ignacio Bahamondes

## **Rafael Fiziev Predicts Chaos Against Gaethje**

Rafael Fiziev is no stranger to high-action fights, and he expects nothing different when he steps into the octagon. He referenced his past battle with Justin Gaethje as an example of the kind of fight he delivers.

> “When people like Justin and I go into the octagon, we’re usually going to the hospital after.” - Rafael Fiziev

Fiziev hasn't fought in nearly two years, and is eager to re-introduce himself and his fighting style to the world this weekend in the co-main event.

## **Justin Gaethje Reflects on Max Holloway Fight**

Gaethje is coming off a tough loss to Holloway at UFC 300, a fight where he suffered a fifth round KO to the former Featherweight Champion. Speaking at media day, he shared that he recently rewatched the bout for the first time.

> “I just watched the Max Holloway fight back for the first time today. I thought I fought well, Max was just great on the night.” - Justin Gaethje

Gaethje now on Rafael Fiziev in a highly anticipated rematch, with a ranking inside the top-5 at stake.

## **Jalin Turner Talks Loss to Renato Moicano**

Jalin Turner reflected on his past fight with Renato Moicano, admitting he was unprepared for his opponent’s ground game. Turner was able to drop Moicano in their fight back at UFC 300, but was unable to capitalise and eventually lost by TKO.

> “I thought I was well suited to deal with Renato Moicano’s jiu jitsu, but he felt heavy on top. I wasn’t prepared.” - Jalin Turner

## **Alex Pereira**

Alex Pereira was asked at UFC 313 media day if he was the biggest star in the sport currently, up against names such as Sean O'Malley and Israel Adesanya. Poatan believes he is.

> "I believe so, I had a busy year last year with great success. I'm just going to keep on doing this work. - Alex Pereira




UFC 313 Media Day Highlights

UFC Fight Night is underway at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Below are the results and live updates for each fight:  

## **Prelims**  

## **Flyweight Bout: Charles Johnson vs. Ramazonbek Temirov**

**Result:** **Ramazonbek Temirov def. Charles Johnson via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).**  

## **Women's Flyweight Bout: J.J. Aldrich vs. Andrea Lee**  

**Result:** **J.J. Aldrich def. Andrea Lee via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).** 

## **Catchweight (148 lbs) Bout: Lucas Almeida vs. Danny Silva**  

**Result:** Danny Silva def. Lucas Almeida via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29).*  

## **Featherweight Bout: Jose Mariscal vs. Ricardo Ramos**  

**Result:** *Chepe Mariscal def. Ricardo Ramos via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)*  

## **Heavyweight Bout: Austen Lane vs. Mario Pinto**  

**Result:** *Mario Pinto def. Austen Lane via KO (right hook) – Round 2, 0:39*  

---

## **Main Card**  

## **Welterweight Bout: Danny Barlow vs. Sam Patterson**  

**Result:** **Sam Patterson def. Danny Barlow via KO (punches) – Round 1, 3:10**

## **Featherweight Bout: Hyder Amil vs. William Gomis**  

**Result:** *Hyder Amil def. William Gomis via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)*  

## **Lightweight Bout: Nasrat Haqparast vs. Esteban Ribovics**  

**Result:** *Nasrat Haqparast def. Esteban Ribovics via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)**

## **Middleweight Bout: Cody Brundage vs. Julian Marquez**  

**Result:** *Cody Brundage def. Julian Marquez via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:45**  

## **Flyweight Main Event: #6 Manel Kape vs. #8 Asu Almabayev**  

**Result:** *Manel Kape def. Asu Almabayev via TKO (punches), round 3 (2:15)**

UFC Fight Night: Kape vs. Almabayev Live Results

The UFC is back tomorrow with another fight night card of action headlined by Flyweight contenders Manel Kape and Asu Almabayev squaring off. The official weigh-ins took place today, here are the results.

## Main Card 7 PM EST

**Flyweight:** Manel Kape (126) vs. Asu Almabayev (126)

**Middleweight:** Cody Brundage (186) vs. Julian Marquez (186)

**Lightweight:** Nasrat Haqparast (156) vs. Esteban Ribovics (156)

**Featherweight:** Hyder Amil (146) vs. William Gomis (146)

**Welterweight:** Danny Barlow (170.5) vs. Sam Patterson (170.5)

## Prelims 4 PM EST

**Heavyweight:** Austen Lane (249.5) vs. Mario Pinto (246.5)

**Featherweight:** Ricardo Ramos (146) vs. Chepe Mariscal (146)

**Catchweight:** Douglas Silva de Andrade (140) vs. John Castaneda (140)

**Featherweight:** Danny Silva (145.5) vs. Lucas Almeida (148)

**Flyweight:** Andrea Lee (126) vs. JJ Aldrich (126)

**Flyweight:** Charles Johnson (125) vs. Ramazan Temirov (125.5)

*The Flyweight matchup between Luana Carolina and Montana De La Rosa has been canceled due to Carolina having issues during her weight cut

UFC Fight Night: Kape vs. Almabayev Weigh-In Results

The UFC is back this weekend with another action-packed card from the Apex headlined by Flyweight contender Manel Kape taking on the fast-rising Asu Almabayev. I went over that fight and every other matchup on the card to give my picks and best bets.

**Odds provided by Duelbits accurate as of 2/27/2025**

## Manel Kape -217 vs. Asu Almabayev +175

It's not the original matchup, but we still have a pivotal Flyweight matchup in our main event. Manel Kape is an electric striker with blazing speed and serious power, as he showed in his dominant win over Bruno Silva last year. Asu Almabayev is a grappler who has won his first four UFC fights, including a solid performance against Matheus Nicolau, where he showed his striking is also dangerous.

I'll go with Kape here, as he has the striking advantage, and his takedown defense is solid. It could be close early, but over five rounds, I like Kape to get into a rhythm and separate himself.

Prediction: Kape by Decision

## Cody Brundage +103 vs. Julian Marquez -125

Middleweight finishers square off in this fun co-main event. Cody Brundage is a solid wrestler with some power in his hands, although he isn't great at anything and has struggled when stepping up in competition. Julian Marquez is a brawler with solid output and toughness, although his defensive fundamentals are lacking, which has caused him to suffer three knockout losses in a row.

I lean towards Marquez here, with him being the more powerful and higher-output striker and Brundage not handling early adversity well. His wrestling is also not bad, which makes it difficult for me to see Brundage having enough success there.

Prediction: Marquez by 1st Round TKO

## Nasrat Haqparast +215 vs. Esteban Ribovics -278

Violence is expected in this matchup of Lightweight strikers. Nasrat Haqparast is a good boxer who is very durable, but he lacks much else in his game, with little kicking or grappling to speak of. Esteban Ribovics is a high-volume kickboxer with tremendous power and a sneaky submission game; he broke out last year with a huge knockout of Terrance McKinney and a war with Daniel Zellhuber.

I'm taking Ribovics to get a finish in this one, as he will be the much more active fighter with more diverse and dangerous striking, along with not having to worry about any grappling threat on the other side.

Prediction: Ribovics by 3rd Round KO

## William Gomis -213 vs. Hyder Amil +170

Featherweights who both have yet to taste defeat in the UFC square off here. William Gomis is a tall kickboxer who is good at maintaining range, which helped him avoid the power of Joanderson Brito and win a decision in his last fight. Hyder Amil is a powerful brawler coming off a wild knockout win over Jeong Yeong Lee, where they traded hard shots until Lee couldn't take the power of Amil anymore.

I see Gomis avoiding a brawl here and picking Amil apart at a distance, as we have seen him execute a similar game plan against much more proven opponents.

Prediction: Gomis by Decision

## Danny Barlow -333 vs. Sam Patterson +255

Top Welterweight prospects go head to head in this fantastic matchup. Danny Barlow is an undefeated striker known for the power in his hands, although his technique is not the cleanest, and he lacks experience. Sam Patterson is a skilled grappler who has finished both his fights since moving up in weight with first-round submissions, although he has suffered several early knockout losses, which is cause for concern.

I'll pick Patterson to get the upset here, as he will have a big grappling advantage here, with Barlow having been put in very bad spots by much lower-level guys. With that, Sam Patterson is this week's bet of the night.

Prediction: Patterson by 1st Round Submission (Best Bet)

## Austen Lane +400 vs. Mario Pinto -556

Interesting matchup here at Heavyweight sees an unbeaten prospect make their debut. Austen Lane is a decent athlete who has shown a well-rounded offensive game however, his defense is a major concern, with him consistently reacting poorly to big shots. Mario Pinto makes his debut here off a win on Dana White's Contender Series, where he showed his power, but he also has a solid ground game and the ability to drag fights into deep waters.

Pinto should take this one, as he has better striking and should be able to defend the wrestling of Lane enough to land a knockout.

Prediction: Pinto by 2nd Round TKO

## Ricardo Ramos +340 vs. Chepe Mariscal -476

It's a fun matchup here at Featherweight. Ricardo Ramos is an interesting fighter with solid wrestling and a signature spinning elbow that has finished several opponents, although his durability has failed him on several occasions. Chepe Mariscal enters this one having won his first four UFC fights with a well-rounded game that includes good fundamental striking and solid wrestling, although he has been finished several times outside of the UFC, raising some concern.

I'll pick Mariscal here, but these odds feel far too wide as he has had some close fights, and Ramos has wins over some quality competition.

Prediction: Mariscal by Decision

## Douglas Silva de Andrade +245 vs. John Castaneda -313

Bantamweight veterans collide in this one. Douglas Silva de Andrade is a tough veteran with a well-rounded game, including strong boxing and good submission skills. John Castaneda is a high pace grappler who puts the pressure on his opponents from the start with volume striking before mixing in his smothering ground game like he did with Miles Johns.

I like Castaneda to get a late finish here as he is going to be putting on the pressure all fight on at his age I'm not sure Silva de Andrade can keep up.

Prediction: Castaneda by 3rd Round Submission

## Lucas Almeida +175 vs. Danny Silva -217

Featherweight strikers square off here in this fun matchup. Lucas Almeida is a skilled striker coming off an impressive win over Timmy Cuamba, although he has shown weakness on the ground against Pat Sabatini, and Andre Fili dominated him. Danny Silva is a high-volume puncher who had an impressive win on Dana White's Contender Series and is coming off a debut win over Josh Culibao.

I've got Silva in this one as he is going to be the much higher-output fighter with the grappling upside, although the power advantage will likely be with Almeida.

Prediction: Silva by 2nd Round TKO

## Andrea Lee +165 vs. JJ Aldrich -208

Experienced Flyweights look to get things back on track here. Andrea Lee is a veteran who has competed with many of the division's best and looks to break her five-fight losing streak here. JJ Aldrich has shown flashes of potential, like the first round against Erin Blanchfield and the last round against Veronica Hardy, although she struggles to put together complete performances over solid competition.

I'll go with Aldrich here, as she is the younger fighter who has still proven capable of winning fights at this level.

Prediction: Aldrich by Decision

## Charles Johnson -125 vs. Ramazan Temirov +102

Must see action here early on the card at Flyweight. Charles Johnson has become a fan favorite, with him constantly fighting and showing great cardio and pace, having taken over late against several opponents. Ramazan Temirov is a very hard hitter for this division, who comes into this off of five straight first-round knockout wins, including his UFC debut over CJ Vergara.

I'm taking Temirov here as I believe his power will cause Johnson trouble although this could end up being a close fight if Johnson can drag it into the later stages.

Prediction: Temirov by Decision

## Montana De La Rosa +115 vs. Luana Carolina -141

Flyweights open the card, each looking to push their way up in the division. Montana De La Rosa is a solid grappler who has competed with a lot of tough competition, like Maycee Barber and Tatiana Suarez. Luana Carolina is a good striker who comes into this on a three-fight win streak, where she has done well to keep her opponents at range.

I lean towards De La Rosa here, with her being the better grappler who has competed with higher-level competition.

Prediction: De La Rosa by Decision

UFC Fight Night: Kape vs. Almabayev Odds Breakdown

Liam Lindsay

UFC Vegas 103 is set for Saturday at the UFC Apex, and fighters took to media day to discuss their matchups, preparations, and what’s at stake in their bouts.

## Manel Kape Ready to Make a Statement

Manel Kape exuded confidence in his interview and is eyeing a title shot following a victory over Asu Almabayev. 

> "This is still a number one contender fight. Brandon pulled out—if I had beaten him, I'd be fighting for a title." - Manel Kape

Kape is ranked #6 but has only one recent loss, a split decision against Muhammad Mokaev, which was a strange fight overall. Kape will likely move into the top five with a victory over Almabayev, so a title shot wouldn’t be out of the question.

## Asu Almabayev Talks Opponent Switch

With a perfect 4-0 UFC record, Almabayev jumped at the opportunity to face Kape in the main event. He was originally scheduled to face Steve Erceg; however, Erceg is now fighting Brandon Moreno at UFC Mexico City, so Almabayev stepped in for Brandon Royval. “I wrote to my managers right away and said I’m ready to fight." The Kazakh fighter sees this as his chance to prove he belongs in the title conversation, and with the volatile flyweight division, anything could happen.

## Cody Brundage Returns with Renewed Focus

Cody Brundage returns in the co-main event following his no-contest against Abdul Razak Alhassan. He spoke to the media about taking time off to reset. - 

> “I fought six times in 14 months… I needed to step back and decide if this is what I wanted to keep doing.” - Cody Brundage

Brundage admits that he struggled with retirement questions but now feels refreshed and is looking to make a statement against Julian Marquez.

## Julian Marquez Knows He Needs a Win

After three straight losses, Marquez has had time to reassess. Despite being a must-see fighter, he recognizes that he needs to bounce back this weekend. “Nothing’s more embarrassing than getting knocked out in front of millions, but each fight isn’t who I am.” Marquez also mentioned that he and Cody Brundage have trained together in the past but doesn’t hold any ill will toward Brundage for taking the matchup.

## Nasrat Haqparast Eyes the Top 15

Haqparast, now in his 14th UFC fight, believes a win over Ribovics puts him right on the doorstep of the rankings. He's riding a four-fight winning streak, including victories over Jared Gordon and Jamie Mullarkey. “I’ve been here eight years. It’s about consistency and longevity. I think it’s a big accomplishment to survive in the UFC when you're so young.” Haqparast believes he’s entering his prime despite his long UFC career and feels that a win over Ribovics will earn him a ranking in the division.

Which fight are you most excited about on Saturday night? As a member of the Verdict community, let us know with a comment below.

UFC Fight Night: Kape vs. Almabayev Media Day Recap

The main event has been set for UFC Kansas City as Light Heavyweights Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr. are set to go head-to-head in a huge matchup for the division. This fight is scheduled for April 26th from the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. 

## Announcement: Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. Light Heavyweight

Hill will look to bounce back here after losing his last fight to Jiri Prochazka at UFC 311 earlier this year. Rountree Jr. comes into this off a loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 307 where many were impressed with his effort.

## UFC Kansas City Full Card

Jamahal Hill vs. Khaili Rountree Jr., Light Heavyweight

Michel Pereira vs. Abus Magomedov, Middleweight

Giga Chikadze vs. David Onama, Featherweight

Ikram Aliskerov vs. Andre Muniz, Middleweight

Anthony Smith vs. Mingyang Zhang, Light Heavyweight

Ahmad Hassanzada vs. Mitch Ramirez, Lightweight

Jaqueline Amorim vs. Polyana Viana, Strawweight

Cameron Saaiman vs. Malcolm Wellmaker, Bantamweight

Chelsea Chandler vs. Joselyne Edwards, Bantamweight

Matt Schnell vs. Jimmy Flick, Flyweight

Who are you picking in this fantastic Light Heavyweight clash? Let us know in the comments.