UFC FN: Vettori vs Cannonier Preview
Following a spectacular pay-per-view in Canada, the UFC returns home in Las Vegas with an intriguing Fight Night card headlined by Marvin Vettori and Jared Cannonier. These two middleweights are a combined 0-3 against the reigning champion Israel Adesanya, but a win could create an argument for another opportunity. In the co-main event, Joaquim Silva will get a huge opportunity to enter his name in the lightweight top fifteen as he steps in on short notice to face Arman Tsarukyan. These are can't miss fights, and the rest of the card is filled with some compelling matchups.
Let's take a look at the entire card as it shows on Verdict.
Marvin Vettori vs Jared Cannonier
Marvin Vettori and Jared Cannonier have had a combined 29 fights in the UFC, but ten years separate the two. Despite the significant age gap, and contrasting fight styles, these two have one thing in common: a loss to Israel Adesanya. As Adesanya recently earned his title back against Alex Pereira at UFC 287, this creates a difficult situation for these two. Vettori has two losses to the champion, one in 2018 and the other in 2021, while Cannonier suffered defeat last year in 2022. A win here will likely not guarantee a title shot, but it will keep either Marvin or Jared relevant while Adesanya likely faces the winner of Robert Whittaker and Dricus Du Plessis next. If either man wants the opportunity to challenge for a title in the distant future, this is a must-win fight.
Arman Tsarukyan vs Joaquim Silva
Originally supposed to face Renato Moicano, Arman Tsarukyan accepted the short-notice replacement of Joaquim Silva, who is an eight-fight UFC veteran. The odds reflect the clear skill gap in these two, as Tsarukyan is a massive -1000 favorite. The Armenian is expected to control the pace of this fight and score himself a massive fight in the lightweight top fifteen if he can get the job done.
Armen Petrosyan vs Christian Duncan
A striker's delight will be the main card's featured bout, between Armenian striker Armen Petrosyan, and English standout Christian Duncan. Petrosyan and Duncan are new to the UFC and are looking to get on a run before they look to challenge the top fifteen of the middleweight division. Both men are great strikers, so expect a stand-up affair between these two, with a knockout almost guaranteed.
Pat Sabatini vs Lucas Almeida
This is a very underrated fight in the featherweight division. Pat Sabatini and Lucas Almeida combine for 24 finishes in their professional careers, and it's likely we'll see another one this weekend in Las Vegas. Sabatini is one of the most underrated grapplers in the 145 lb division, with relentless wrestling and slick BJJ skills that have gotten him ten wins by submission. Almeida is quite the opposite: extremely fast and powerful hands and can get the knockout at any moment in the fight. Don't blink!
Manuel Torres vs Nikolas Motta
Two young lightweights will also meet on this main card, with a high likelihood of this one ending in a KO. Manuel Torres out of Mexico and the Brazilian Nikolas Motta combine for fifteen knockouts in their career. With both looking for a main card highlight reel, tune in as you might find one with this fight.
Nicholas Dalby vs Muslim Salikhov
The main card opener features two UFC veterans, Nicholas Dalby and Muslim Salikhov. Both fighters have served the promotion well, and are likely a few fights away from retirement. Dalby, who is 38, brings a very dynamic karate style contrasted with the kung-fu style of the 39 year old Salikhov. This one largely relies on the health and chin of whoever can take a better punch. This one should end early as well.
