Odds provided by Duelbits accurate as of 10/1/2025

Magomed Ankalaev -270 vs. Alex Pereira +215

The rematch between the top two Light Heavyweights in the world goes down here in our main event. Magomed Ankalaev is an imposing striker with heavy power and very sharp defense, as he showed by limiting Pereira's offense in their first fight. Alex Pereira is an always dangerous kickboxer who defended the title three times, winning each by knockout, before losing to Ankalaev last time out in a fight where he showed very good grappling defense.

I backed Ankalaev the first time these two fought, and I'm picking him again to secure a finish this time as we have typically seen, championship rematches become even more dominant than the first matchup and rarely result in the former champion reclaiming the title.

Prediction: Ankalaev by 2nd Round KO

Merab Dvalishvili -400 vs. Cory Sandhagen +300

The Bantamweight title is on the line here in this very interesting co-main event. Merab Dvalishvili is an unbelievably high-paced wrestler who has worn down every top Bantamweight with his relentless pressure, most recently finishing Sean O'Malley in their rematch. Cory Sandhagen is a long striker who utilizes his reach effectively and maintains a high output, while also possessing decent grappling skills that he employed to finish Deiveson Figueiredo in his last fight.

At these odds, I have to go with Sandhagen, as his reach, combined with his skill set, makes this a very competitive fight where I could see him taking the early rounds and never looking back. With that, Cory Sandhagen is this week's Underdog Best Bet of the Week.

Prediction: Sandhagen by Decision Bet: Sandhagen MoneyLine (Best Bet)

Jiri Prochazka -175 vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. +142

An incredible matchup here between two always exciting strikers at Light Heavyweight. Jiri Prochazka is a wild fighter with an unorthodox striking style that relies on his power and durability to land his own big shots and break opponents. Khalil Rountree Jr. is a Muay Thai fighter with good kicks and heavy hands, although he can be low output at times and leaves himself open when throwing.

I lean towards Prochazka here as he is the much more aggressive fighter whose durability I trust more, although I am not keen to back either man in this volatile matchup.

Prediction: Prochazka by 1st Round KO

Josh Emmett +360 vs. Youssef Zalal -500

High stakes matchup here between ranked Featherweights. Josh Emmett is a stocky boxer with a powerful overhand right and good durability, although he has slowed down in recent years with his age. Youssef Zalal is a slick fighter with good movement on the feet and a sneaky submission game.

I'll go with Zalal here as his speed advantage will be too significant for Emmett to overcome at this stage of his career.

Prediction: Zalal by Decision

Joe Pyfer -263 vs. Abus Magomedov +205

Big Middleweights square off in this one to open the main card. Joe Pyfer is a big and powerful fighter with good hands and a strong top game on the ground as well. Abus Magomedov is a dangerous striker with solid wrestling that he uses on occasion as well, although cardio has been an issue for him several times.

I like Pyfer here as he is the harder hitter while also being more durable and having better cardio.

Prediction: Pyfer by 2nd Round KO

Edmen Shahbazyan -313 vs. Andre Muniz +240

Clash of styles here between finishers at Middleweight. Edmen Shahbazyan is a dangerous striker with serious power early, although his cardio has been an issue throughout his career. Andre Muniz is a skilled grappler looking to get back on track after being finished in three of his last four fights, with the other being a controversial split decision win.

This is a good matchup for Shahbazyan as he can stuff the takedowns early and land big shots, which I don't see Muniz surviving.

Prediction: Shahbazyan by 1st Round TKO

Farid Basharat -455 vs. Chris Gutierrez +340

Big test here for a solid prospect at Bantamweight. Farid Basharat is an undefeated grappler who returns after nearly a year away from the octagon. Chris Gutierrez is a solid striker with good low kicks and solid boxing, although his fight IQ has been questionable at times.

I'll pick Basharat to get a decision win here as I feel his grappling advantage will be too much for Gutierrez to overcome.

Prediction: Basharat by Decision

Daniel Santos -145 vs. Joo Sang Yoo +118

Fun matchup here between Featherweights who know how to put on a show. Daniel Santos is an aggressive and tough fighter with a well-rounded game, effectively blending his striking and wrestling skills. Joo Sang Yoo is an undefeated striker who comes in off a highlight reel knockout over Jeka Saragih just thirty seconds into his debut.

I'll go with Santos here as he is the more proven fighter who has shown a more well-rounded game.

Prediction: Santos by 3rd Round TKO

Macy Chiasson -208 vs. Yana Santos +165

Veterans face off, looking to push up in the ranks here at Bantamweight. Macy Chiasson is a strong wrestler who has competed with many of the best in the division, proving her size can give many women problems. Yana Santos is a solid kickboxer who comes in having won her last two, showing she still has some left in the tank.

I'm picking Chiasson here as she has a big advantage on the ground, and I see her using her physicality to force clinches and dominate from there.

Prediction: Chiasson by Decision

Patchy Mix -286 vs. Jakub Wiklacz +225

Interesting clash here between Bantamweights looking to prove they belong. Patchy Mix is a slick grappler with a great ability to get the back and finish, although his striking is not great, as we saw in his UFC debut against Mario Bautista, where he was outboxed the entire fight. Jakub Wiklacz makes his debut here as a dangerous submission artist who has not lost in his last seven fights.

I like Mix to get his first UFC win, as this is a big step down from his last fight, and he will likely have a much easier time getting his grappling going here.

Prediction: Mix by 2nd Round Submission

Punahele Soriano -286 vs. Nikolay Veretennikov +225

Hard-hitting strikers collide here at Welterweight. Punahele Soriano looks to keep his momentum at this weight as a southpaw with a deadly left hand that he used to finish Uros Medic in under a minute, his last time out. Nikolay Veretennikov is a tough kickboxer with good length, although his volume and cardio leave something to be desired.

I'm taking Soriano to get a decision here as he is the younger and more athletic fighter with more power in his hands and the ability to mix in some grappling. However, Veretennikov has proven difficult to finish on the feet, and Soriano is not known for his grappling, leading me to see value in the decision.

Prediction/Bet: Soriano by Decision

Ramiz Brahimaj +230 vs. Austin Vanderford -294

Welterweights coming off impressive finish wins square off in this one. Ramiz Brahimaj is a dangerous submission grappler with some good power in his hands, as he showed against Mickey Gall, although he still has yet to win a decision as a pro. Austin Vanderford comes in off a strong debut, where he used his wrestling to dominate and finish Nikolay Veretennikov.

I lean towards Vanderford here as he has a good enough ground game to avoid the submissions of Brahimaj and grind him down in the later rounds.

Prediction: Vanderford by Decision

Veronica Hardy -667 vs. Brogan Walker +450

Flyweights looking to get back in the win column open the card here. Veronica Hardy is a skilled grappler who has made tremendous improvements since taking a three-year hiatus, having won three of her last four. Brogan Walker is a veteran of The Ultimate Fighter, having shown decent wrestling on the show, although she has struggled against other strong grapplers and has been away for over two years.

I'm picking Hardy here as she has proven to be a different caliber of fighter than Walker, although this price is way too much for me to do anything with.

Prediction: Hardy by Decision