Verdict MMA

It’s official. Francis Ngannou will take on Tyson Fury in a professional boxing fight on October 28th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani confirmed the news on Tuesday morning on Twitter.

```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/arielhelwani/status/1678766773339062274?s=20">April 5, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
```

The news comes after months of speculation about what Ngannou would do after deciding not to sign with the UFC. The game plan is clear now. He’ll fight Tyson Fury in October in boxing, then return to MMA in early 2024 with the PFL. 

There was a lot of speculation regarding the rules of the fight and whether it would be an exhibition fight. Helwani confirmed that this wouldn’t be an exhibition and that Ngannou and Fury would compete under the standard rules of professional boxing. 

Tyson Fury has been discussed by MMA fans quite recently, with UFC President Dana White offering him an opportunity to fight Jon Jones in the UFC. Fury ultimately chose Ngannou to be his next opponent.

Francis Ngannou vs. Tyson Fury is official for October 28th

Douglas Vegas Bets

This weekend, the UFC makes history by heading to the Las Vegas Sphere for Riyadh Season Noche UFC, headlined by Bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley defending his title against top contender Merab Dvalishvili. I went over that fight and every other fight on this historic card to give my predictions and best bets, so let's get into it.

**Odds provided by Duelbits accurate as of 9/11/2024**

## Sean O'Malley -133 vs. Merab Dvalishvili +109

The main event features a highly anticipated clash between rivals for the Bantamweight title. Sean O'Malley has become one of the biggest names in the sport and looks to make his second title defense here after a very impressive performance against Marlon 'Chito' Vera earlier this year at UFC 299. In that fight, he showed off his incredibly diverse striking attack with flashy kicks, fast hands, devastating knees, and impressive cardio by maintaining a high output over five rounds. Merab Dvalishvili finally challenges for UFC gold here after having some fantastic showings against former champions Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo, where he showed his ability to mix pace and wrestling is unmatched across the entire organization. There are some concerns about his durability, with Marlon Moraes and Cejudo catching him early, and in Moraes's case, he was nearly finished having to run away to create space.

If this fight gets out of the early stages, I see the pressure of Dvalishvili being too much for O'Malley to handle. With the success Petr Yan had wrestling against O'Malley, I expect Dvalishvili to be able to get this fight to the ground early and often to dominate his way to a decision win.

Prediction: Dvalishvili by Decision

## Alexa Grasso -139 vs. Valentina Shevchenko +113

The trilogy will be completed here at Flyweight as the two coaches from the most recent season of The Ultimate Fighter look to settle the score once and for all. Alexa Grasso burst onto the scene with her shocking submission win over Shevchenko in the first meeting. She established she was here to stay in the rematch, where she dropped Shevchenko and showed an impressive skillset despite the fight ending in a draw. Valentina Shevchenko was the most dominant champion in the UFC for some time, with it seeming as though nobody was on her level over her nine-fight win streak. She was known for her kickboxing skills early in her run but has shown a lot of development on the ground, having used her skills there to finish challengers like Jessica Andrade and Katlyn Chookagian.

I lean towards Grasso here as she is the much younger fighter who could still be improving, while Shevchenko is likely nearing the end of her run at the top.

Prediction: Grasso by Split Decision

## Brian Ortega +147 vs. Diego Lopes -182

Hopefully, we will finally see these two Featherweights face off in the octagon after a fight day cancellation the last time they were booked. Brian Ortega is a super durable grappling specialist who often has to survive early onslaughts to come from behind and get the win, as he did his last time out against Yair Rodriguez, who dropped him in round one before Ortega took over to get a submission win. Diego Lopes has become a fan favorite with his wild style, which has led him to four straight victories, including three first-round finishes. His last fight with Dan Ige raised some concerns about his cardio, as he looked exhausted in the final round despite being the one with more notice for the fight.

I'll take Ortega here as he is the more defensively responsible fighter with much better cardio and experience against high-level competition. I see him dragging this fight into deep waters and taking over.

Prediction: Ortega by 3rd Round Submission

## Daniel Zellhuber -233 vs. Esteban Ribovics +185

This matchup at Lightweight has Fight of the Night written all over it as two dangerous finishers go head to head. Daniel Zellhuber is a tall and long striker who has clearly improved since a lackluster debut against Trey Ogden, showing his power and output in his last outing, a win over Francisco Prado. Esteban Ribovics is a wild, fast-paced striker with big power, which he showed against Terrance McKinney in his last fight, and a sneaky submission game, particularly a nice kimura. 

I'll go with Ribovics as the underdog here, as I see him being the much higher-output fighter with more knockout power in a fight where one shot can change everything.

Prediction: Ribovics by 2nd Round KO

## Ronaldo Rodriguez -137 vs. Ode Osbourne +111

Flyweights open the main card with this fun matchup. Ronaldo Rodriguez impressed many with his debut win over Denys Bondar, in which he showed his finishing ability by grabbing the choke in round two. Ode Osbourne looks to get back on track here after back-to-back submission losses. He is a skilled and experienced fighter with solid hands and a decent wrestling game, which he used to beat Charles Johnson, although his fight IQ is questionable at times.

I will go with Osbourne here as I'm not sold on Rodriguez being ready for UFC competition yet, and when he cannot finish opponents, he can struggle.

Prediction: Osbourne by Decision

## Irene Aldana -111 vs. Norma Dumont -110

Bantamweights looking to push their way into the title picture go head to head here in the featured prelim. Irene Aldana is a powerful and durable striker coming off a war with Karol Rosa, where she gritted out a tough decision win. Her grappling has given her issues in the past, such as her loss against Holly Holm and her comeback win over Macy Chiasson. Norma Dumont will look to extend her four-fight win streak here in her second appearance since she has moved down in weight. She is fairly well rounded with decent boxing that hurt Chelsea Chandler and solid wrestling as well.

I'll pick Dumont here, but I am not confident. She has the grappling advantage to get it done, although if she is forced to strike for extended periods of time, she could be in trouble.

Prediction: Dumont by Decision

## Manuel Torres -123 vs. Ignacio Bahamondes +101

Up and coming Lightweights square off in this phenomenal matchup. Manuel Torres quickly caught the attention of many fans by finishing six straight opponents in the first round, including his first three UFC appearances with two knockouts and a submission, proving he is dangerous wherever the fight goes. Ignacio Bahamondes is a very tall kickboxer who has grown in the UFC, showing dangerous power in his kicks against Roosevelt Roberts and Christos Giagos. However, his wrestling has been a weak point, as we saw against Ludovit Klein. 

Another tough fight to call here, but I'll go with Torres as he has the grappling upside and is also the more dangerous striker despite the reach disadvantage.

Prediction: Torres by 1st Round Submission

## Yazmin Jauregui -476 vs. Ketlen Souza +350

A very bright prospect will return to action here at Strawweight. Yazmin Jauregui is a very entertaining fighter with a high-paced striking style that has helped her win three of her first four fights in the UFC, including a very impressive debut against Iasmin Lucindo. However, Denise Gomes quickly finished her with a barrage of punches, which raised some concerns. Ketlen Souza comes into this off her first UFC win, although it was against a low-level opponent that she failed to finish. She has shown durability issues throughout her young career, having been finished in all four of her losses. 

I see Jauregui getting a finish in this one. Her striking and power advantage will break Souza as the fight goes on.

Prediction: Jauregui by 2nd Round KO

## Edgar Chairez +180 vs. Joshua Van -227

This is a short-notice clash here at Flyweight. Edgar Chairez is a very tough striker who showed some grappling skills in his last fight against Daniel Lacerda, and he also survived three rounds with the now highly-ranked Tatsuro Taira. Joshua Van steps in here on short notice with not much of a layoff since his knockout loss to Charles Johnson. He was winning that fight going into round 3 and has a very promising skillet with good boxing and a decent ground game despite some past submission defense concerns.

I lean towards Van here, with him having a cardio advantage that I see him using to take this fight down the stretch.

Prediction: Van by Decision

## Raul Rosas Jr. -833 vs. Aoriqileng +540

Bantamweights kick things off with one of the biggest prospects in the sport taking on his next challenge. Raul Rosas Jr. is the youngest fighter in the UFC, but that has not stopped him from winning three of his first four opponents in the organization by stoppage. His submission game is where he really shines, although his striking is dangerous, as well as he showed with his quick knockout win over Terrance Mitchell. Aoriqileng is a solid striker who showed his toughness in his last fight against Daniel Marcos, which ended in bizarre fashion after multiple low blows on both sides. His grappling is questionable, with many of his losses coming from credentialed wrestlers like Cody Durden.

I believe the grappling advantage from Rosas Jr. will be too much for Aoriqileng to overcome. Rosas will get the fight to the ground and score a quick submission win here.

Prediction: Rosas Jr. by 1st Round Submission

UFC 306 Odds Breakdown

ROUNDHOUSE MMA

Almost one year ago, UFC president Dana White attended a U2 concert with former NFL quarterback Tom Brady at the brand-new Sphere in Las Vegas. Dana fell in love with the event's production, and one year later, the UFC will be the first to hold a live sporting event at the Sphere on one of the biggest cards of the year. The event itself is a celebration of combat sports in Mexico, and Dana White refers to the event as "a love letter to the Mexican people." Noche UFC, as the event is subtitled, will contain a vast amount of inclusive features that are specific to the event. This is a one-time event, an event that has a lot of hype around it. Fans are excited to see how the UFC spent $20 million dollars to produce this event, and you will not want to miss this one. 

Ahead of Saturday, what do we know? The UFC has largely kept this event a secret, but Dana White and the production team have revealed glimpses of what to expect ahead of Saturday. Here's a breakdown of everything fans know regarding the production and execution of this event. 

[dana-white-ufc-sphere.jpg.webp](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/74be2a57-76f6-404e-67fb-98074cc4d700/public "Dana White and the UFC production team preview test runs of the Sphere prior to UFC 306. Credit to: Shakiel Mahjouri of CBS Sports")

## Obviously... the FIRST Live Sporting Event Ever at the Sphere

This is monumental. The UFC kept fans engaged during the COVID-19 pandemic by introducing "Fight Island," and having fights at the UFC Apex, and now they will be the first to hold a live sporting event at this futuristic venue. Previously, the Sphere strictly held concerts, but this will be the first time we see a combat sports show, let alone sports, at the Sphere. 

## The First Ever 1080p Broadcast in ESPN History

ESPN has never recorded a live broadcast in 1080p, until now. The UFC has always done a spectacular job in producing the event, but UFC 306 will take that production to the next level, and fans will be able to watch the event with crystal clear quality. Dana White says that the goal of this event is to make fans at home feel like they're actually at the Sphere watching the fights. 

## Haptic Seat Feedback

Never been done before, the seats at the Sphere will incorporate "live feedback," which will give fans a whole new experience with watching fights live. The seats will vibrate and respond directly to strikes landed, takedowns, and fight-finishing sequences allowing fans to feel like they are inside the cage. You won't find this in any other arena. 

![Noche_Fight_Kits_20240808_JB_0111_resized.JPG](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/d4d3b49c-ae63-4488-75d7-adc7adc6a700/public "Noche UFC exclusive fighter kits. Credit to: UFC Store/UFC Instagram")

## Special Fight Kits

Venum has produced authentic fight kits specific to this event. The collection itself "symbolizes national pride and cultural heritage." Fighters are given three colors to choose from: red, green, and black, in which the colorways pay tribute to the Mexican flag. Walkout hoodies and shirts will feature primordial Aztec gods at the chest, with various symbols representing Mexican history and culture. Similar symbols will also appear on the fight shorts as well. 

## UFC Event "Rebrand" to Riyadh Season Noche UFC

The original UFC events, such as UFC 12: Judgement Day, for example, had names tied to the event. We have never seen anything like this until this weekend, but the UFC has granted a sponsor the title partner status. UFC 306 will be rebranded to Riyadh Season Noche UFC. 

## Octagon Girls

All eight octagon girls for this weekend's card have Mexican ties. Six are Mexican-born, and two will be second-generation Mexicans. 

## A Different Level of Production

The production level for this event will be out of this world. Fans in attendance can listen to live audio for the whole event in Spanish if they choose to. The UFC has also hired award-winning directors and producers to help this event follow through. These people have worked on high-caliber events like Taylor Swift concerts, the Super Bowl, and the Oscars, and have won multiple Emmys, Oscars, Golden Globes, and Grammys. Dana White has stated that he would like this event to be nominated for, and potentially win a similar award. Multiple production trucks have been added to help execute this event, and will just add to the level of preparation and execution for this event.

As for the event itself, Dana White has talked a lot about how the fights will play out inside the Sphere. Dana wanted to highlight the Sphere, but not take anything away from the fights while they are going on. Before each fight at Noche UFC, the audience will be taken through a historical journey on the combat sports history of Mexico. The Sphere will display segments of six 90-second clips, known as "films," and will start in the past, and end in the future. These films will only take place prior to each fight, and when there is action inside the cage, the films will transition into different "worlds" that will take up the gigantic LED screens around them. 

## A Record-Breaking Gate and PPV Numbers

Noche UFC has already broken the record for the largest gate in UFC history, surpassing more than $23 million dollars in revenue. This card surpassed other large events in the UFC's history like UFC 229, UFC 205, and UFC 300. This event is also trending to break records pay-per-view-wise, and this has the potential to become one of the biggest PPV events of all time, surpassing UFC 229 headlined by Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor. 

![Downloader-La-789776.jpg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/56e48edb-5079-43a5-f14f-7d335947fa00/public "Dana White discusses with Laura Sanko following Dana White's Contender Series. Credit to: Chris Unger of Getty Images/Zuffa LLC.")

## Finally... Easter Eggs? And a Prize?

Dana White revealed Tuesday night following Dana White's Contender Series that various Easter eggs will be hidden throughout the six 90-second movies that will play in between fights. Dana did not reveal anything regarding the specifics of these "Easter Eggs," but has told the media and fans that a $25,000 prize will be given to a viewer that is able to decipher these hidden eggs. Fans will surely be more engaged and tuned into the event than ever before. 

With the event in just a few days, Noche UFC has become a once-in-a-lifetime event. Whether you are at the Sphere itself or watching at home, the overall goal and theme of this event is to celebrate the achievements of Mexican fighters like Cain Velasquez, Brandon Moreno, and Alexa Grasso, and for the UFC the show its appreciation for the Mexican people. This show represents the future of how a live sporting event can be played out. 



Everything We Know About the UFC's First Event at the Sphere

The stage is set for a historic and monumental card at the Sphere in Las Vegas this weekend that will showcase what Dana White refers to as "a love letter to the Mexican people." Mexican combat history goes back a long time, and several key figures have made their mark in the UFC, and have put this country on the map. This card is centralized around Mexican fighters, culture, and history. As the Sphere lights up and mesmerizes fans for the first and only time, it's the perfect moment to reflect on the top five Mexican fighters making waves in the octagon today. These athletes are not only competing at the highest level but are also paving the way for the future of Mexcian combat sports. 

## Brian Ortega

Brian Ortega kicks off this list as one of the most beloved Mexican fighters in the sport. The jiu-jitsu practitioner started his career 14-0 (1 NC) and earned his way to a title shot after defeating the likes of Frankie Edgar, Cub Swanson, Renato Moicano, and Clay Guida. Ortega ultimately fell short when it came time to fight for the belt, but showed immense toughness, heart, and Mexican spirit in both of those fights against Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski, despite losing those fights. Ortega has never won a UFC title but is a staple of Mexican fighting spirit, and you can never count him out in a fight. 

## Irene Aldana

Irene Aldana made serious waves in the women's bantamweight division and is a thirteen-fight UFC veteran. The former title challenger has fought multiple former champions and owns some wins over the best bantamweights in the world. Aldana has always stuck around in the top half of the division and is always right there in line for the title. Aldana has some of the best boxing in the division and displays a crazy heart and determination inside the cage. She'll never give up on herself, and some of the wars that she's been in show.

## Yair Rodriguez

Yair Rodriguez was a dynamic prospect coming out of Mexico and quickly made a name for himself in the UFC. Winning his first six fights in the promotion, Yair got fans' attention due to his flashy and aggressive striking. Rodriguez has the best kicking game in MMA and is one of the best strikers in the sport. The former interim champion owns wins over some of the best fighters in the division's history in BJ Penn, Dan Hooker, Chan Sung Jung, Brian Ortega, and Josh Emmett. Yair is also known for his knockout over The Korean Zombie with a crazy upward elbow in the final seconds of the fight. 

## Alexa Grasso

Grasso made history in 2023 by becoming the first Mexican woman to win a UFC title when she upset one of the greatest female fighters of all time, Valentina Shevchenko to win the Flyweight title. Grasso is very well rounded, but best known for her boxing, and has shown a lot of growth in her UFC career. Nobody gave her a chance against Valentina, and she went out and proved everyone wrong in the first fight, became the first to knock Shevchenko down, and retained her title in a draw in the second fight. Grasso will serve as the co-main event on the monumental card this weekend and will try to settle the score with her rival. 

## Brandon Moreno

The first Mexican-born fighter to win a UFC title, Brandon Moreno is the face of Mexican MMA. From being the last pick on The Ultimate Fighter to winning the season and becoming a champion has made him a fan favorite and a trailblazer for Mexican fighters coming up. His epic rivalry with Deiveson Figueiredo which spanned four fights, including putting on one of the greatest fights in the division's history, was also a big moment in his career. Moreno is still fighting elite competition and although he has since lost the Flyweight title, he is always within reach of the belt. 

When you look at the faces of Mexican fighters, these are it. The amount of contribution each fighter has made towards the growth of the sport, fighting for their country, and inspiring future generations is phenomenal. This weekend, at UFC 306, several of these fighters will be on display in part of an event that honors the rich history of Mexico and combat sports. 


Top Five Mexican UFC Fighters

Liam Lindsay

UFC 309 is set to bring the heat to Madison Square Garden in November. With a growing card packed with top-tier talent and potential title implications, the event should deliver competitive matchups across several divisions. Today, we'll cover all the available information surrounding UFC 309.

## Location and Venue

UFC 309 will occur on November 16, 2024, at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. The last PPV hosted at MSG was UFC 295, which hosted Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka as they fought for the vacant Light-Heavyweight title. Also on that card, Tom Aspinall stepped in on short notice after Jon Jones pulled out vs. Stipe Miocic to defeat Serghei Pavlovich, capturing the Interim Heavyweight Championship.

This will be the company's eighth return to New York City and MSG. Other previous headliners for Maddison Square Garden include Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz, Jorge Masvidal, and Kamaru Usman.

## Confirmed Fights

Several bouts have already been signed for UFC 309:

- **Azamat Murzakanov vs. Nikita Krylov (*Light-Heavyweight*)**
- **Jonathan Martinez vs. Marcus McGhee (*Bantamweight*)**
- **Karine Silva vs. Viviane Araujo (*Women's Flyweight*)**
- **Veronica Hardy vs. Eduarda Moura (*Women's Strawweight*)**
- **Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders (*Middleweight*)**

## Rumored Fights

Although not officially confirmed, Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic is heavily favored to headline UFC 309. This highly anticipated heavyweight title fight would see Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones defend his belt against Miocic, a former champion and arguably one of the greatest Heavyweights ever. However, both men are coming off distinguishable layoffs, with Jones' last fight in March 2023, where he defeated Ciryl Gane for the Heavyweight title. Miocic's last fight is dated even further back, at UFC 260 in March 2021, where he was KO'd by Francis Ngannou in the second round.

## Betting Odds

Per BestFightOdds.com, Jon Jones is a massive favorite over the large underdog Stipe Miocic. Jones opened up at -350 and since has swelled to an even bigger favorite at -400. Despite the large number, this is still a smaller spot for Jones, who closed as a -750 favorite vs. Thiago Santos and a -800 over Anthony Smith.

Stay tuned for more updates and announcements as fight night approaches.

UFC 309 Date, Location, Rumors, Confirmed Fights and Betting Odds

As the UFC returns to Las Vegas for its 306th numbered event, the stakes are higher than ever for the UFC, with their highly anticipated debut at the Las Vegas Sphere. UFC 306 promises clashes with high stakes and introduces a revolutionary viewing experience. The event, headlined by a Bantamweight title fight between Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili, features a classic cliche as old as the first UFC: a striker vs. grappler matchup.

## **Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili**
**Main Event: Bantamweight Championship**  

In a thrilling showcase of contrasting styles, Sean O'Malley, the dynamic striker and current Bantamweight champion, faces the relentless wrestler Merab Dvalishvili. The fight is billed as a pick'em on the betting odds line, showcasing how tough this battle will be to predict. O'Malley will be looking to secure his second title defense, whereas Dvalishvili will look to avenge his teammate and longtime friend, Aljamain Sterling, and claim the 135 strap in the process.

## **Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko**
**Co-Main Event: Women's Flyweight Championship**  

Alexa Grasso defends her title in a trilogy bout against former champion Valentina Shevchenko. Their previous encounter ended in a draw nearly one year ago, and since then, the pair have engaged in a season of the Ultimate Fighter, spurring their rivalry to its climax here. Grasso aims to cement her status as the division's top fighter, while Shevchenko seeks to reclaim her championship and secure a much-needed victory, marking her first fight as an underdog in eight years.

## **Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes**
**Featherweight Bout**  

Brian Ortega returns to the octagon to face off against Diego Lopes in a bout that could have significant implications for the Featherweight rankings. Lopes is riding a five-fight win streak, including four finishes, whereas Ortega is coming off a career-biggest victory over Yair Rodriguez earlier this year. Both fighters have elite submission skills and good power on the feet, and both lack substantial defense, too, almost guaranteeing this will be FOTN until one man crumbles.

## **Daniel Zellhuber vs. Esteban Ribovics**
**Lightweight Bout**  

Rising stars Daniel Zellhuber and Esteban Ribovics clash in a Lightweight contest that could propel the winner into a ranking in the division. Both fighters have shown potential in their previous bouts, and the pair have a combined record of 28-2, highlighting their skillset on the regional scene of MMA. But now, it's time for both of them to test each other, and whoever emerges victorious from this fight could be looking at a big fight next in 2025.

## **Flyweight Bout**  
**Ode Osbourne vs. Ronaldo Rodriguez**

Kicking off the main card, Ode Osbourne takes on Ronaldo Rodriguez in a Flyweight bout. Both fighters are known for their speed and agility, making this an exciting match to set the tone for the night.

**Storylines to Watch:**

- **Sphere's Debut:** UFC 306 will be the first event held at the Sphere in Las Vegas, promising an innovative viewing experience with advanced visual and audio technology that could redefine live sports events.
- **Cultural Celebration:** The event coincides with Mexican Independence Day, adding a festive atmosphere and likely drawing in many fans to celebrate the holiday.

What do you think of UFC 306, and who do you have winning? As a member of the Verdict Community, let us know with a comment down below.

UFC 306 Preview

The UFC returns after a week away with an action-packed card from the Apex in Las Vegas headlined by Welterweight contenders Sean Brady and Gilbert Burns going head-to-head. I went over my prediction for that matchup and every other fight on the card, so let's get into it.

**Odds provided by Duelbits accurate as of 9/4/2024**

## Gilbert Burns +150 vs. Sean Brady -189

Grapplers clash in this main event at Welterweight. Gilbert Burns has been a top contender in the division for years, having come close to the title with his dangerous boxing and world-class jiu-jitsu skills; although he is now thirty-eight years old, he has likely seen his best days, especially coming off another knockout loss to Jack Della Maddalena. Sean Brady will enter the octagon for the first time this year after a dominant showing over Kelvin Gastelum his last time out, where he put his strong ground game on full display, earning a submission win, although when facing grapplers like Michael Chiesa and Belal Muhammad, he had trouble as the fight went on seemingly unable to handle the pressure at times.

I like Burns at these odds. We have seen Brady struggle against other high-level grapplers before, and Burns has the striking to make him pay in a stand-up battle.

Prediction: Burns by 3rd Round TKO

## Jessica Andrade +240 vs. Natalia Silva -303

It's a big test for a highly touted prospect here at Flyweight. Jessica Andrade is a dangerous knockout artist who has fought the who's who of Women's MMA across both Strawweight and Flyweight, gathering as much top-level experience as one can. Natalia Silva comes into this one after a perfect first five fights in the UFC; she has been on many people's radar as a top prospect since her impressive debut win over Jasmine Jasudavicius, and she has only improved since then.

I'll pick Silva here as she has all the skills to be a top contender in the division and is still improving, while Andrade has seen her best days.

Prediction: Silva by Decision

## Kyle Nelson +150 vs. Steve Garcia -185

Hard hitters collide in this fun Featherweight matchup. Kyle Nelson enters this one on an impressive three-fight win streak that has seen him become the first to finish Bill Algeo, along with two decision wins where he showed solid fight IQ. Steve Garcia comes into this on a streak of four straight knockout wins, showing his deadly power, although he remains very hittable and has taken a knockout loss to Maheshate Hayisaer earlier in his UFC run.

I took Nelson at these odds because I see this as a close fight in which Nelson will be the more defensively responsible of the two despite Garcia's power.

Prediction: Nelson by Decision

## Matt Schnell +255 vs. Cody Durden -333

A short-notice replacement saves a fight here at Flyweight. Matt Schnell looks to get back on track after suffering another knockout loss earlier this year, despite significant concerns about his chin, Schnell does have solid submission skills on the ground. Cody Durden steps in here as a very active and high-pressure wrestler with decent hands, having knocked out JP Buys in round one.

I'll take the dog in Schnell here, as Durden has only ever scored one UFC knockout and has durability concerns of his own, having been caught in several deep submissions.

Prediction: Schnell by 2nd Round Submission

## Trevor Peek -127 vs. Yanal Ashmouz +103

All-action Lightweights square off in this must-see matchup. Trevor Peek is an all-violence madman with little skillset to speak of, though his pure power and aggression have kept him around so far. Yana Ashmouz is a hard hitter who started his UFC run with a highlight KO of Sam Patterson, which has aged nicely.

I'll pick Peek here, but not with much confidence. He will force the action, although his defense remains questionable at best.

Prediction: Peek by 3rd Round TKO

## Rongzhu -250 vs. Chris Padilla +195

Lightweight finishers will clash in this fun matchup. Rongzhu returns after working his way back to the UFC through the Road to UFC tournament with his well-rounded finishing skills, which include knockout power and decent submissions. Chris Padilla looks to build off a UFC debut in which he survived some rough early striking exchanges before capitalizing on a mistake from his opponent to take the back and secure a choke.

I lean towards Rongzhu in this one as he is the much better striker, but both men are dangerous on the ground if it gets there.

Prediction: Rongzhu by 3rd Round TKO

## Isaac Dulgarian -2500 vs. Brendon Marotte +1000

One of the biggest favorites in UFC history will look to show why in this one at Featherweight. Isaac Dulgarian is a dominant wrestler with crazy ground and pound that has helped him finish six opponents in round one, although his cardio suffered after he could not finish Christian Rodriguez early. Brendon Marotte had a rough UFC debut, where Terrance McKinney quickly finished him, though, before the UFC, he showed some decent striking, finishing five of his eight wins by knockout.

Dulgarian is the easy pick here, as he has looked like an absolute monster early in his career and will likely continue to improve. Meanwhile, Marotte has yet to prove he belongs at this level.

Prediction: Dulgarian by 1st Round TKO

## Andre Lima -185 vs. Felipe dos Santos +150

Flyweight strikers square off in this fun matchup. Andre Lima is an undefeated kickboxer with a high knockout percentage, and when you see him fight, it is easy to see why, as he has nasty elbows and boxing behind them, which often overwhelms his opponents. Felipe dos Santos looks to build off his first UFC win here, which was a close decision over Victor Altamirano, where he struggled to show the dangerous striking that helped him have such an exciting short-notice debut against highly ranked Manel Kape.

I like Lima in this one. He is the cleaner and more dangerous striker who will land the bigger shots, leading to either a clear decision or a knockout win.

Prediction: Lima by Decision

## Gabriel Santos -270 vs. Yizha +210

Featherweights clash here, each looking to pick up their first UFC win. Gabriel Santos hasn't gotten his hand raised yet but has shown some impressive skills in his short-notice debut against Lerone Murphy, which he arguably won with his wild striking and strong grappling game, although there are some fight IQ questions after his loss to David Onama. Yizha debuts here off of the Road to UFC tournament, where he showed dangerous submission skills, although not against very high-level competition.

I'm going with Santos here. He has proven himself against much higher-level competition and should be able to handle the submission attack on the other side.

Prediction: Santos by 2nd Round KO

## Jaqueline Amorim -313 vs. Vanessa Demopoulos +245

Strawweights are each looking to extend their win streak to three as they face off here. Jaqueline Amorim is a very skilled grappler who has finished back-to-back opponents with her skills on the ground, although her cardio is still a slight concern after a complete collapse in her debut. Vanessa Demopoulos comes in having won four of her last five on paper, although some of those are very questionable decisions, including her last fight against Emily Ducote, where she struggled with eating big shots on the feet and wasn't able to have much success grappling.

Amorim's advantage on the ground is too much for Demopoulos to overcome. I see her dominating to a submission or decision victory.

Prediction: Amorim by Decision

## Andre Petroski -286 vs. Dylan Budka +225

Middleweight grapplers collide in this intriguing matchup early on the card. Andre Petroski is a strong grappler with solid wrestling and a dangerous choke game, although his cardio and striking are weak points. Dylan Budka will look to bounce back from a tough debut in which he used his clinch to control the fight until he seemingly ran out of energy and was quickly knocked out when the fight turned to strike.

There are levels of fighting, and Budka is not on the same level as Petroski right now, so I will pick the big favorite to get the job done early here.

Prediction: Petroski by 1st Round Submission

## Zygimantas Ramaska +117 vs. Nathan Fletcher -143

This Featherweight clash was initially scheduled several weeks ago before a late cancellation delayed the fight until now, and my thoughts remain largely unchanged on the matchup. Zygimantas Ramaska is a big-swinging striker who keeps an insane pace, as he showed in his one fight on the show before being pulled from the semi-final with an injury. Nathan Fletcher is a dangerous submission grappler, with six of his eight wins coming by tapout, although he spent much of his TUF fight being controlled and taken down repeatedly.

I lean towards Fletcher here. His big advantage in grappling will help him negate Ramaksa's pressure and striking threat and eventually secure a finish.

Prediction: Fletcher by 2nd Round Submission

UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Brady Odds Breakdown

The UFC returns to the Apex for another fight night, headlined by Middleweight contenders Jared Cannonier and Caio Borralho, who are looking to take another step toward the title. I went over that fight, as well as the Ultimate Fighter Finale matchups featured on the main card and every other fight on this deep card, so let's get into it.

**Odds provided by DuelBits accurate as of 8/22/2024**

## Jared Cannonier +190 vs. Caio Borralho -238

It's a big test for a Middleweight prospect in our main event as a battle-tested veteran returns. Jared Cannonier is a high-volume striker with big power and a solid clinch attack, although he is now forty years old and is coming off a tough fight with Nassourdine Imavov not long ago. Caio Borralho is an explosive and athletic grappler who showed his striking is no joke either with a knockout win over Paul Craig his last time out which extended his UFC win streak to six.

This price feels wide, considering Cannonier had better odds against Imavov just months ago. The way that fight played out didn't indicate any decline from Cannonier to me that would suggest he can't hang with Borralho.

Prediction: Cannonier by 4th Round KO

## Angela Hill -125 vs. Tabatha Ricci +102

It's an interesting veteran vs. prospect and striker vs. grappler matchup here at Strawweight. Angela Hill is a tough striker with as much experience as anyone. Tabatha Ricci is a very good grappler with dangerous submissions and improving wrestling, although her striking is still a weak point, with Tecia Pennington having success there against her in her last fight.

At these odds, I'll take Ricci, the much younger fighter with the grappling upside, although I'm expecting a close fight.

Prediction: Ricci by Split-Decision

## Ryan Loder +150 vs. Robert Valentin -189

This is the TUF Middleweight Finale, with the last two men competing to be The Ultimate Fighter. Ryan Loder is a good wrestler with decent striking basics, although he lacks much of a finishing threat against better competition. Robert Valentin is a crazy and dangerous striker with a good submission game, although his general defense is a concern as he can be taken down and hit with big shots.

This is a tough fight to call, but I'll go with Valentin as I see him carrying more of a finishing threat and being the aggressor from the start.

Prediction: Valentin by 2nd Round TKO

## Kaan Ofli +147 vs. Mairon Santos -182

This Featherweight clash will crown the first Ultimate Fighter of the season. Kaan Ofli is a strong wrestler who punches into his takedowns, where he maintains control and defends submissions well, although he doesn't move his head much when striking. Mairon Santos is a patient kickboxer who mixes up his targets very well, although he was outwrestled at times in his first fight on the show, which almost cost him.

I like Santos here. He showed solid takedown defense as fights went on and a good counter-striking game that could give Ofli trouble closing the distance.

Prediction: Santos by Decision

## Michael Morales -909 vs. Neil Magny +560

Another young prospect will face the Magny test here at Welterweight. Michael Morales is an undefeated fighter, a big and athletic striker who has had some very strong showings in his young UFC career, with wins over experienced competition like Max Griffin and Jake Matthews. Neil Magny is a durable grappler who proved he is still a tough out in his insane comeback win over Mike Malott at the beginning of this year, although he was dominated on the ground for most of that fight.

I'm going Morales to get a late finish here. He has shown crazy potential at a young age and will likely keep this one standing and land big shots for however long this goes.

Prediction: Morales by 3rd Round TKO

## Edmen Shahbazyan -303 vs. Gerald Meerschaert +235

It's a very exciting matchup here at Middleweight, with two finishers of the highest order going head-to-head. Edmen Shahbazyan was once a highly touted prospect, although, in recent years, he has shown that with his early power and the finishing threat comes a severe lack of cardio. Gerald Meerschaert is a dangerous submission artist, with the most ever in the division, being able to get them early or survive an early onslaught and take advantage of a gassed opponent.

This is exactly the kind of fight we have seen Meerschaert win by surviving an early onslaught and getting a late sub, so at this price, this has to be the pick despite the risk of an early Shahbazyan finish.

Prediction: Meerschaert by 3rd Round Submission

## Dennis Buzukja +118 vs. Francis Marshall -145

Short-notice replacement steps in for a fun fight here at Featherweight. Dennis Buzukja is a hard hitter with a big right hand who put serious damage on Connor Matthews in his last fight, although his grappling is a bit questionable, with Sean Woodson dominating that department against him. Francis Marshall takes this fight on less than a week's notice as a young wrestler with solid boxing, although he has lost his last two, including a first-round TKO against Isaac Dulgarian in his most recent performance.

I took Marshall here because, despite the short notice, I see him as the much better wrestler with the ability to keep the striking close, and he's younger.

Prediction: Marshall by Decision (Best Bet)

## Jose Medina +400 vs. Zach Reese -556

Middleweights, each with a reputation for entertaining shows, square off here. Jose Medina comes into this after having been signed off Dana White's contender series despite losing a fight where he spent much of his time taunting rather than throwing strikes back, although he did show a good chin. Zach Reese is a quick finisher with a nasty submission attack and good power, as he showed by knocking out Julian Marquez in his last fight.

I think Reese gets a quick submission here, as we have seen Medina finished by sub before, and Reese is very quick to grab chokes and armbars.

Prediction: Reese by 1st Round Submission

## Viacheslav Borshchev -227 vs. James Llontop +180

Lightweight strikers look to get back in the win column here. Viacheslav Borshchev is a very clean and technical kickboxer with good cardio, although he has been dropped in each of his last two fights, and his grappling is not very good. James Llontop is a striker with solid power and a good low kick, although he lacks much speed with his strikes and doesn't grapple offensively.

I like Borshchev here, as this will likely be a striking match where I give him a speed and power edge despite his slight durability concerns.

Prediction: Borshchev by Decision

## Josiane Nunes +175 vs. Jacqueline Cavalcanti -217

Bantamweights are looking to build momentum as they square off here. Josiane Nunes is a short and stocky fighter with a big overhand that she swings a lot, although the much bigger Chelsea Chandler overpowered her in her last fight. Jacqueline Cavalcanti looks to build off her UFC debut win against Zarah Fairn where she showed where she showed clean, high-volume striking along with a good pace over three rounds.

I'll pick Cavalcanti to take a decision here as she will be the much higher-output fighter and have a sizable height edge.

Prediction: Cavalcanti by Decision

## Zygimantas Ramaska +138 vs. Nathan Fletcher -169

Two finishers, each making their UFC debut off the recent season of The Ultimate Fighter, clash here early on the card at Featherweight. Zygimantas Ramaska is a big-swinging striker who keeps an insane pace, as he showed in his one fight on the show before being pulled from the semi-final with an injury. Nathan Fletcher is a dangerous submission grappler, with six of his eight wins coming by tapout, although he spent much of his TUF fight being controlled and taken down repeatedly.

I lean towards Fletcher here. His big advantage in grappling will help him negate Ramaksa's pressure and striking threat and eventually secure a finish.

Prediction: Fletcher by 2nd Round Submission

UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Borralho Odds Breakdown

In a crazy Middleweight showdown, Dricus du Plessis pulled off a stunning victory over Israel Adesanya, securing a submission win in the fourth round to retain his title.

The fight began with du Plessis focusing on a heavy leg kick strategy, while Adesanya responded with sharp kicks of his own. Both fighters traded hard body shots, and by the end of the first round, du Plessis was already bleeding from his forehead, but he landed a solid left hand and kept the fight competitive. 

In the second round, du Plessis took control by landing a well-timed takedown and applying relentless pressure on the ground. Although Adesanya managed to return to his feet, du Plessis kept him pressed against the cage.

Adesanya came out strong in the third round, landing a series of head and body shots, showcasing his striking. However, du Plessis remained dangerous, landing big shots of his own and even stunning Adesanya with a right hand.

After a strong start from Adesanya in the fourth, du Plessis landed a big left hook, followed by a series of powerful strikes that sent Adesanya to the canvas. Seizing the opportunity, du Plessis quickly transitioned to Adesanya's back and locked in a rear-naked choke, forcing the tap at 3:38 of the round.

```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/SpinninBackfist/status/1825032938951413851">April 5, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
```


What a main event! How did you have the fight scored going into the fourth? Let us know with a comment below.

Dricus du Plessis Defends Title in Insane UFC 305 Main Event

In the co-main event, Kai Kara-France shocked the crowd with a stunning first-round knockout victory over Steve Erceg.

From the opening bell, Kara-France appeared aggressive, quickly establishing his striking game. Erceg tried to find his footing, attempting to plant and counter, but Kara-France's speed and power proved too much. Midway through the first round, Kara-France connected with a devastating overhand that sent Erceg crashing to the canvas, and "Don't Blink" followed up with hard strikes that closed the show.

```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/SpinninBackfist/status/1825021653958422761">April 5, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
```


Is Pantoja next for Kai Kara-France? As a member of the Verdict Community, let us know in the comments below.

Kai Kara-France Secures Upset KO over Erceg at UFC 305

What a battle! Dan Hooker narrowly secures a decision victory over Mateusz Gamrot in an all-out battle.

The fight between Dan Hooker and Mateusz Gamrot showcased a high level of determination from the "Hangman." In the opening round, Gamrot dropped Hooker early and landed a flurry of ground and pound shots, but Hooker survived and managed to drop Gamrot at the end of the round.

As the fight progressed into the second and third rounds, Hooker continued to find success with his striking, mixing in kicks and body shots that visibly slowed Gamrot down. Gamrot managed to land a few shots of his own, but Hooker's striking remained the story of the fight.

```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/espnmma/status/1825016430305083641">April 5, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
```

In the end, Hooker's superior striking and ability to thwart Gamrot's takedowns earned him a well-deserved victory via split decision.

Do you agree with the decision? And what is next for Dan Hooker? As a member of the Verdict Community, let us know in the comments.