Odds provided by DuelBits accurate as of 5/1/2025

Cory Sandhagen -526 vs. Deiveson Figueiredo +380

Two top-five contenders are looking to get their shot at the Bantamweight belt clash here. Cory Sandhagen is a very technical fighter with a well-rounded attack that includes diverse striking and solid offensive wrestling while being durable and tough to grapple with his length. Deiveson Figueiredo is a violent finisher with big power that he showed off by dropping Marlon Vera in his last win, but his ground game is not to be slept on as he holds submission wins over Alex Perez and Cody Garbrandt.

I like Sandhagen to win a decision as he is the younger, longer fighter and is durable enough to take Figueiredo's best shots and return with a higher volume.

Prediction: Sandhagen by Decision

Reinier de Ridder +255 vs. Bo Nickal -333

It's a grappler's dream in this Middleweight co-main event. Reinier de Ridder looks to continue his UFC run here after earning submission wins against Kevin Holland and Gerald Meerschaert in his first two fights with the promotion. Bo Nickal faces yet another test here as one of the biggest prospects in MMA history with his impressive wrestling credentials and fast rise to the rankings, partly due to a quickly developed striking game but primarily because of the dominant ground game he is known for.

I lean towards Nickal here. He has the wrestling to dictate where this fight takes place, and I believe he will hold striking and cardio advantages.

Prediction: Nickal by Decision

Santiago Ponzinibbio -112 vs. Daniel Rodriguez -109

Veterans strikers square off here in this Welterweight matchup. Santiago Ponzinibbio is a dangerous kickboxer coming off a knockout win against Carlston Harris, where he showed yet again that his power carries late in fights. Daniel Rodriguez is a tough boxer with decent power, although he has clearly slowed down with his age.

I'll go with Rodriguez here as he is the more durable guy in what will be a close striking match where both men land.

Prediction: Rodriguez by 3rd Round TKO

Montel Jackson -208 vs. Daniel Marcos +165

Bantamweights looking to work their way into the rankings of this deep division go head-to-head in this one. Montel Jackson is huge for the weight class and carries the power that comes with that, as he showed in his quick knockout wins against Da'Mon Blackshear and Rani Yahya. Daniel Marcos is an undefeated striker with good boxing and low kicks, although his volume leaves some to be desired.

I like Jackson in this one as he is the longer and more powerful guy with a more well-rounded game.

Prediction: Jackson by Decision

Cameron Smotherman +111 vs. Serhiy Sidey -135

Rising Bantamweight prospects look to make a name for themselves here. Cameron Smotherman returns here after an impressive short-notice debut where he showed his high-volume striking skills, winning all three rounds as a big underdog to Jake Hadley. Serhiy Sidey is a tall and long guy for the weight who carries solid power and has proven he can keep a high pace in tough fights like he did against Ramon Taveras and Garrett Armfield.

I'll go with Sidey here as I see him using his reach to land on Smotherman frequently and he has shown he is very durable and willing to try and mix in grappling.

Prediction: Sidey by 1st Round TKO

Jeremy Stephens +400 vs. Mason Jones -556

Two Lightweights returning to the UFC collide here in this fun matchup. Jeremy Stephens is back in the UFC for his hometown show here, and his age is an obvious concern, but he remains the dangerous striker that we have seen compete in bare-knuckle fights and boxing over the last few years. Mason Jones earned his way back into the promotion with a four-fight win streak after a tough first stint where he showed lots of promise in wars against Mike Davis and David Onama, but he was cut after a loss to Ludovit Klein.

Jones should handle business here as he is much younger, more well-rounded, and more durable than Stephens.

Prediction: Jones by Decision

Yana Santos +120 vs. Miesha Tate -147

Veteran Bantamweights looking to make a final push to the title square off here. Yana Santos is a well-rounded and experienced fighter with solid volume striking and clinch work. Miesha Tate is a former champion with a strong ground game, although she has not been active in recent years, having last fought in December of 2023.

I lean towards Santos only because she is the slight underdog in a tough-to-predict matchup where she has both fought and won more recently.

Prediction: Santos by Decision

Azamat Bekoev -400 vs. Ryan Loder +300

Middleweights looking to establish themselves as real threats to the division face off in this one. Azamat Bekoev looks to build off a strong debut win here after getting a first-round knockout where he showed his finishing skills translate well to this level. Ryan Loder makes his debut here after winning The Ultimate Fighter with a run that showcased his wrestling game and some basic striking skills.

At these odds, it's tough, but I'll still pick Bekoev as he is the more dangerous and experienced fighter.

Prediction: Bekoev by 2nd Round TKO

Marina Rodriguez +240 vs. Gillian Robertson -313

Clash of styles here in this matchup of Strawweight contenders. Marina Rodriguez is a high-volume kickboxer who has proven she is one of the most skilled strikers in the division, although her ground game has given her trouble as she has been held down in losses to Virna Jandiroba and Iasmin Lucindo. Gillian Robertson is a very skilled grappler who has been on a good run since moving down to this weight class, including three straight wins.

This is a good matchup for Robertson to get her ground game going early, as that is where she has had success, and Rodriguez has struggled.

Prediction: Robertson by 3rd Round Submission

Gaston Bolanos -143 vs. Quang Le +117

This is a fun matchup of exciting Bantamweights here on the prelims. Gaston Bolanos is a solid striker who puts combinations together well and keeps a good pace over three rounds. Quang Le is an aggressive finisher with a solid ground game, although he tends to brawl on the feet and gets hit a lot as a result.

I like Le here because he can keep the striking competitive or even hurt Bolanos as Cortavious Romious did and has a clear advantage in the grappling. With that, Quang Le MoneyLine is this week's Underdog Best Bet of the Week!

Prediction: Le by 2nd Round Submission (Best Bet)

Don'Tale Mayes +200 vs. Thomas Petersen -256

Heavyweights square off here, each looking to bounce back from tough losses. Don'Tale Mayes is a big and athletic guy for the division, although he doesn't throw strikes with much thought behind them. Thomas Petersen is a solid grappler with decent boxing skills, although he is very hittable and relies on his toughness too often.

I'll pick Petersen here, as he is the better grappler with better cardio, and I wouldn't be surprised if he won the striking as well.

Prediction: Petersen by Decision

Juliana Miller +190 vs. Ivana Petrovic -238

Flyweight finishers look to return to the win column as they square off to open the card here. Juliana Miller returns from a long layoff here after a tough start to her UFC run, following her winning season of The Ultimate Fighter with her aggressive, high-paced style. Ivana Petrovic is a strong grappler with good submission skills and cardio, which has helped her earn three finishes in the third round or later.

I lean towards Petrovic here as she has been more active and much more experienced.

Prediction: Petrovic by Decision