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  • UFC 314: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes Full Main Card Predictions

    UFC 314: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes Full Main Card Predictions

    UFC 314 is now only a couple of days away, and what better way to get hyped for the upcoming pay-per-view than with some MMA News staff predictions?

    The event will be available exclusively on ESPN+ pay-per-view on Saturday, April 12. The main card begins at 10 PM ET, while the preliminary card kicks off at 6 PM ET.

    Saturday’s UFC 314 lineup is topped by a championship clash, with former featherweight kingpin Volkanovski looking to become a two-time titleholder at 145 pounds. If the Australian is to begin a new rule atop the featherweight mountain, he must stall the title ambitions of a rising name in Lopes. Since impressing in a short-notice debut against Movsar Evloev, the Mexico-based Brazilian has won five straight to earn a first shot at gold.

    Before those two collide in the UFC 314 main event, there will be high stakes in the division above. Setting the stage for UFC 314’s title bout will be a key lightweight contest between Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett. While “Iron” will return five months on from a second defeat to Charles Oliveira that has left him 2-4 in the UFC, the surging Scouser will look to carry the momentum from his quick submission of King Green last July en route to a place in the 155-pound title picture.

    Elsewhere on the UFC 314 card, the controversial Bryce Mitchell faces the power of Jean Silva, Bellator legend Patricio Pitbull debuts in the Octagon against Yair Rodriguez, and top 10 light heavyweights Nikita Krylov and Dominick Reyes collide.

    UFC 314: MMA News Staff Predictions

    Ahead of Saturday’s UFC 314 event, Thomas Albano, Ryan Jarrell, Pranav Pandey, and Aakrit Sharma have provided their picks for the five matchups set for the main card.

    Below, you can check out the current leaderboard through three cards in 2025.

    1. Thomas Albano (9-4) & Pranav Pandey (9-4)
    2. Ryan Jarrell (7-5)
    3. Aakrit Sharma (5-8)

    And with that, it’s time for the team’s predictions for UFC 314.

    Light Heavyweight: Nikita Krylov vs. Dominick Reyes

    Nikita Krylov, Dominick Reyes
    Images: UFC.com

    Thomas Albano: Nikita Krylov hasn’t been seen in the Octagon in two years now, and it’s a long-awaited return at UFC 314 for a guy who’s looking to position himself for a future crack at the light heavyweight title. Dominick Reyes is a man who has had those shots at the gold previously, and it had been a rough road since that point. Admittedly, however, it has been nice to see him get his hand raised in his last pair of outings against Dustin Jacoby and Anthony Smith.

    I’ll keep this one pretty simple: grappler vs. striker. Krylov will look to bring this one to the ground and control the action there. Reyes will look to prevent those takedowns and do work on the feet with his punches and kicks. Ultimately, I side with the man who – while not having competed for some time – is a strong finisher and has the true momentum between these two. (Prediction: Nikita Krylov)

    Ryan Jarrell: What a fun fight to kick off the UFC 314 main card. Both of these guys have a ton of power and know how to close a fight. Krylov is dangerous wherever the fight goes and only actually loses fights to the best in the division. At one point in time, Reyes was considered one of the very best at 205 pounds. Now on a two-fight winning streak with huge wins over veterans Dustin Jacoby and Anthony Smith, the former title challenger is looking like his younger self again.

    If Reyes shows up at his best, I expect him to continue his resurgence. But I am not super confident that will be the case, which makes me question if Reyes is the play here. I won’t be placing any bets on this one, but I’m leaning Reyes to get his hand raised. (Prediction: Dominick Reyes)

    Pranav Pandey: I’ll be honest, this isn’t the most exciting matchup on the card for me, but it could still surprise us. On paper, it seems to lean toward Krylov. “The Miner” will likely aim to lean on his grappling and control Reyes from the outset. The big question is the layoff. Krylov has been out of action for more than two years, and it’s tough to tell whether he’ll return sharp or show signs of regression. On the other hand, “The Devastator” has looked solid in his last two outings and carries the more polished striking arsenal. That being said, my pick is Krylov. If he sticks to his strengths and avoids unnecessary exchanges, I think he gets the job done. (Prediction: Nikita Krylov)

    Aakrit Sharma: This is a tough one to pick! The Reyes that showed up against Jon Jones should’ve been able to beat any light heavyweight on the planet with ease, but he went on a four-fight losing skid instead, which were all decent losses except the Ryan Spann knockout. Anyone can land a KO blow at a heavy division like light heavyweight, but because Reyes has looked crisp with his 1-2 in his last two victories, I’m backing him to continue his much-needed winning streak at UFC 314. Reyes’ chin and openness to body kicks are his biggest weaknesses, and I don’t think Krylov has the style to exploit any of these. (Prediction: Dominick Reyes)

    Consensus: 2-2

    Featherweight: Bryce Mitchell vs. Jean Silva

    Bryce Mitchell, Jean Silva
    Images: UFC.com & Chris Unger/UFC/Zuffa LLC

    Thomas Albano: As I’ve said in previous predictions pieces, if there’s one gym that is to watch for in 2025, it’s the Fighting Nerds. Jean Silva and his teammates have become some of the most entertaining fighters to watch in the Octagon and have developed such a system that has led to early success. If Silva is able to get a win over Bryce Mitchell, then the featherweight division needs to watch out.

    “Thug Nasty” took a year off from the Octagon after getting brutally stopped by Josh Emmett. His return fight, unfortunately, I feel nothing can be taken away from because he defeated Kron Gracie in what was certainly one of the worst fights I’ve seen watching the UFC. Mitchell’s grappling is great, but that won’t help him here against a rising star in Silva, who is turning into one of the best all-around combatants at 145 pounds. (Prediction: Jean Silva)

    Ryan Jarrell: The Fighting Nerds are on an absolute tear and Silva might be the most exciting fighter of them all. Mitchell has had a tough time as of late, and I believe that will continue in Miami. Silva moves so well and his striking is a thing of beauty. The Brazilian is now 4-0 in the UFC, stopping all of his opponents inside of the distance. The man nicknamed “Lord” will eventually land a shot that Mitchell will not be able to recover from and will continue his impressive rise toward stardom at UFC 314. (Prediction: Jean Silva)

    Pranav Pandey: This one’s got some heat behind it, and I’m genuinely looking forward to seeing how it unfolds. On the feet, I don’t think Mitchell has much to offer against Silva’s striking. If this stays standing, “Lord” could pick him apart with ease. That said, Mitchell’s grappling-heavy approach is a real threat. If he’s able to drag Silva into his world, things could get tricky fast. But the key for Silva is to
    stay upright and avoid getting tangled in Mitchell’s grips. If he can do that, I see him taking over quickly. The way I picture it, once “Lord” starts finding his rhythm, it’s going to rain hard on “Thug Nasty.” (Prediction: Jean Silva)

    Aakrit Sharma: Mitchell’s only two losses in MMA are to Josh Emmett, a KO machine who can knock out anyone, and Ilia Topuria, the former featherweight kingpin. On the other hand, Silva is riding one of the most impressive KO streaks in the UFC right now. I do think Mitchell has a good chin, and his ground game could be overwhelming for Silva, who hasn’t been tested by an elite grappler in the featherweight division yet. On the flip side, Mitchell is no stranger to taking on scary strikers, and his approach should be very similar to how he fought Edson Barboza.

    Silva’s walking into the bout as a huge favorite, but I don’t think he’ll fire through “Thug Nasty” that easily. In fact, on paper, Mitchell has more tools to emerge victorious at UFC 314, and I’m expecting him to pull off a submission upset. (Prediction: Bryce Mitchell)

    Consensus: 3-1 Jean Silva

    Featherweight: Yair Rodriguez vs. Patricio Pitbull

    Yair Rodriguez, Patricio Pitbull
    Images: UFC.com & Bellator MMA

    Thomas Albano: Man, do I pray that this ends up being a Fight of the Night style bout. It has been a long time coming that Patricio Pitbull into the Octagon after – like fellow card member Michael Chandler – being one of the faces of Bellator for years. Pitbull was dominant in his time with Bellator, being a longtime king of their featherweight division, as well as a one-time champ-champ. Pitbull may have had a couple of rough outings in recent fights against Sergio Pettis and Chihiro Suzuki, but his title defense over Jeremy Kennedy last year showed he’s still one of the best in the world.

    And then you have Yair Rodriguez. His wins over Brian Ortega and Josh Emmett – as well as his gutty performance against Max Holloway – led him to challenge Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 290 for the featherweight title. Even though he did not come out on top, there was still plenty of high expectations and feelings of a bright future. The loss against Brian Ortega last year, however, may have spoiled some of that, and he’ll need a strong outing against Pitbull to maintain the idea that he is a viable title challenger, especially with names like Diego Lopes and Movsar Evloev jumping into the title picture over the last year or so.

    This is a rough one to predict, and as I said, I hope this one is a back-and-forth war. Ultimately, I do see Pitbull doing just enough for a memorable UFC debut. (Prediction: Patricio Pitbull)

    Ryan Jarrell: MMA fans have always speculated how Pitbull would do against the elite the UFC has to offer. It’s too bad we are just getting to see it now, when the former Bellator star is closing in on 40 years of age. That said, Pitbull is still competing at a high level and is fully capable of upsetting Rodriguez. If the Mexican fights smart and uses his length, he should be able to outpoint the veteran and cruise to a decision victory, which is what I expect to see in this one. (Prediction: Yair Rodriguez)

    Pranav Pandey: This one has fireworks written all over it; props to the UFC matchmaking team for putting together such stylistic clash. “El Pantera” is pure artistry in motion. His striking flows effortlessly, and the way he blends creativity with chaos makes him a joy to watch. Add in his unorthodox style, and he becomes a puzzle not many can solve. However, Pitbull is a tank. He is powerful, relentless, and well-rounded. He is not just a knockout threat on the feet but also a seasoned grappler with a wealth of experience in high-pressure situations.

    Sharing the cage with someone who brings that kind of forward pressure and physicality is never an easy task. I believe this one will remain close, but Pitbull might just tilt the momentum in his favor. (Prediction: Patricio Pitbull)

    Aakrit Sharma: Pitbull claimed that he would’ve retired if he hadn’t signed with the UFC. Is it really the mindset with which you plan to take on a top contender like Rodriguez? Pitbull has a wealth of experience, but fighting in Bellator and Rizin, as harsh as it sounds, is
    not the truest test for a martial artist. Pitbull’s age is one of my first concerns, and I just see quite a many tools in Rodriguez’s arsenal to finish this fight. He’s just 32, which is why I am favoring him to win despite coming off consecutive losses to Volkanovski and Ortega as well.

    Pitbull’s only path to victory here is an upset submission win, but I believe the Mexican has a solid ground game to get out of troubling positions. (Prediction: Yair Rodriguez)

    Consensus: 2-2

    Lightweight: Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett

    Michael Chandler, Paddy Pimblett
    Images: UFC.com

    Thomas Albano: Michael Chandler couldn’t score the mega fight with Conor McGregor he’s been yearning for years. But Paddy Pimblett is probably the next best thing he can get, especially on the losing skid he has (and some may even feel this fight is a more entertaining one than McGregor-Chandler would have been). Pimblett has been a rising name in the lightweight division, and a win in this fight – namely a finish in this fight – would mean everything for his hype value. That being said, he’s taking on a veteran name in Chandler who has had his fair share of wars.

    It will be interesting to see what happens if this fight goes to the ground, but it will be even more interesting to see if Chandler’s chin can hold up against a younger and speedier Pimblett – or if Pimblett’s weak striking defense hasn’t improved and Chandler lands a cracking shot. Pimblett has recently put out a big prediction that he’ll need just two rounds to finish Chandler, who has lost four of his last five fights. And it’s not out of the realm of possibility. (Prediction: Paddy Pimblett)

    Ryan Jarrell: Any time “Iron Mike” steps inside of the UFC octagon, it is must see TV. I have never been completely sold on “Paddy the Baddy,” and I do believe he will be exposed in this fight. Chandler’s wrestling and takedown defense will allow him to dictate where this fight takes place. Ultimately, I think Chandler will stun the Englishman and capitalize with a barrage of unanswered shots leading to a much needed TKO victory. (Prediction: Michael Chandler)

    Pranav Pandey: Another tricky one to call. I expect this to be a competitive fight, though not necessarily a striking clinic. I can see Pimblett relentlessly pursuing takedowns, trying to drag Chandler into grappling exchanges, while “Iron” will likely do everything he can to keep it standing — where he’s most dangerous. “The Baddy” is a real wildcard here. He’s unorthodox and can create problems if he finds the right position on the ground — or even on the feet. That said, for all the criticism Chandler receives, particularly regarding his recklessness and questionable fight IQ, he’s still a seasoned competitor with legitimate knockout power and a persistent pace.

    I can see Pimblett getting caught in one of those chaotic exchanges. Chandler might just need one opening, and if he finds it, he’ll likely close the show. (Prediction: Michael Chandler)

    Aakrit Sharma: Pimblett gets hit a lot, and it could very well cost him the fight against Chandler, even though the latter looked slow and inaccurate against Charles Oliveira. “Iron” has all the power in the world, and he showed that his cardio, even at 38, is still good enough for the lightweight division. Oliveira couldn’t submit Chandler despite almost always having his back for 20 minutes. This is as impressive as it gets, and I’m not expecting Pimblett to surprise the veteran in any way on the ground.

    On the feet, again, Chandler has a titanium chin, and Pimblett hasn’t showcased KO potential at lightweight yet. My hot take is that the English fighter is just not that good and has been in really lucky matchups so far. At UFC 314, I’m picking Chandler to hand Pimblett his first UFC loss. (Prediction: Michael Chandler)

    Consensus: 3-1 Michael Chandler

    UFC Featherweight Title: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes

    Alexander Volkanovski Brushes Off Diego Lopes Fight Rumors
    Images: @alexvolkanovski & @diegolopesmma/Instagram

    Thomas Albano: For the first time in over a year, Alexander Volkanovski is back in the Octagon. And just when we thought Ilia Topuria would rule over featherweight, in just 14 months it will end with his venture up to 155 pounds, leading to either Volk reclaiming the featherweight throne, or for it to be seized by the rising Diego Lopes.

    Ever since coming in on short notice in his UFC debut and controversially losing to Movsar Evloev, Lopes quickly built a name for himself with wins over the likes of Dan Ige and Brian Ortega. His power is something to behold, and it will be interesting to see how Volkanovski’s accurate striking holds up against the wilder, but more powerful, shots that Lopes can deliver. And even though Volkanovski usually is able to bring the fight to the ground more than once during a fight, Lopes has some slick submissions that can catch him (or anyone for that matter) off guard.

    This fight comes down to three things: How Volkanovski looks after more than a year away from the cage, if Lopes is able to get off to a strong start (which I feel he may need), and how Lopes is able to pace himself. That last part can be particularly important when considering that Lopes hasn’t gone five rounds before and he’s taking on a way-more experienced Volkanovski. Having said that, I’m getting this strange suspicion that youth will win out over experience here. (Prediction: Diego Lopes)

    Ryan Jarrell: This is a very interesting fight for a number of reasons. The former champion has had a tough run as of late, but his only losses are to a couple of fighters considered the pound-for-pound best in the world. I think Volkanovski took the fight with Topuria way too soon and didn’t allow himself to fully recover from his KO loss to Makhachev. Now that he’s had a year off from active competition, I think we will see a vintage performance from the former champ and he will prove he’s still on that championship level. Lopes is legit and he very well may claim the title down the line. I just don’t see it happening here. Give me Volkanovski to win via decision. (Prediction: Alexander Volkanovski)

    Pranav Pandey: This is one of those matchups where my heart wants Volkanovski to pull through, but my mind leans toward Lopes. As much as I want to back “The Great” given everything he’s accomplished and the kind of fighter he is, I can’t ignore what Lopes brings to the table. With Ilia Topuria no longer part of the featherweight equation, the Brazilian might be the most dangerous contender in the division right now. Lopes brings a potent blend of finishing instincts and high-level grappling that could create real problems for Volkanovski. Stylistically, he has the kind of game that can disrupt the former champion’s rhythm. Still, this isn’t unfamiliar territory for Volkanovski.

    Back-to-back losses might suggest a decline, but with “The Great,” it’s never that simple. Volkanovski has a proven ability to read opponents, make adjustments, and exploit even the smallest gaps in their game. And while Lopes is a serious threat, he’s not flawless. I have a feeling the Aussie will weather the early storm, make the right reads, and gradually start pulling ahead. If it goes into deep waters, I think that’s where Lopes starts to fade. (Prediction: Alexander Volkanovski)

    Aakrit Sharma: This was the toughest pick to make on the UFC 314 card. My heart wants Volkanovski to win, but it is factually proven that fighters, especially in lower weight classes, show a significant decline in performance and durability after 34. Lopes is powerful, but his fight against Dan Ige proves that he’s not at all ready to face the former UFC featherweight champ. However, again, age is a primary concern here, and I’m skeptical about Volkanovski’s ability to calm the early storm as he used to do gracefully.

    This is a five-round fight, and I believe that Lopes only has the first two rounds to win the title. If the fight goes on to the later rounds, even a washed-up Volkanovski should be able to manhandle the Brazilian. My pick, though, is Lopes winning the title early by knocking out one of the greatest featherweight fighters of all time. (Prediction: Diego Lopes)

    Consensus: 2-2

    That’ll do it for our UFC 314 staff picks! What do you think? Do your predictions look similar? Let us know in the comments section! Also, you can check out the full UFC 314 card below.

    Main Card:

    • Featherweight Championship: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes
    • Lightweight: Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett
    • Featherweight: Bryce Mitchell vs. Jean Silva
    • Featherweight: Yair Rodriguez vs. Patricio Pitbull
    • Light Heavyweight: Nikita Krylov vs. Dominick Reyes

    Preliminary Card:

    • Featherweight: Dan Ige vs. Sean Woodson
    • Women’s Strawweight: Yan Xiaonan vs. Virna Jandiroba
    • Lightweight: Jim Miller vs. Chase Hooper
    • Featherweight: Darren Elkins vs. Julian Erosa

    Early Preliminary Card:

    • Middleweight: Sedriques Dumas vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
    • Flyweight: Sumudaerji vs. Mitch Raposo
    • Middleweight: Tresean Gore vs. Marco Tulio
    • Women’s Bantamweight: Nora Cornolle vs. Hailey Cowan

    Be sure to keep it right here on MMANews.com for all the results, highlights, and updates on UFC 314!

  • UFC 313: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev Full Main Card Predictions

    UFC 313: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev Full Main Card Predictions

    UFC 313 is now only a couple of days away, and what better way to get hyped for the upcoming pay-per-view than with some MMA News staff predictions?

    The event will be available exclusively on ESPN+ pay-per-view on Saturday, March 8. The main card begins at 10 PM ET, while the preliminary card kicks off at 6:30 PM ET.

    The main event will see light heavyweight kingpin Alex Pereira defend his title for the fourth time since capturing it at the expense of Jiří Procházka 16 months ago. To continue his reign, “Poatan” is tasked with spoiling the ambitions of top contender Magomed Ankalaev.

    Co-headlining will be former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, who will look to bounce back from his brutal knockout loss to Max Holloway last April by once again getting the better of striking specialist Rafael Fiziev.

    Elsewhere on the card, entertaining lightweights Jalin Turner and Ignacio Bahamondes collide, ex-strawweight title challenger Amanda Lemos looks to halt up-and-coming Iasmin Lucindo’s rise, and Fighting Nerds standout Mauricio Ruffy meets King Green.

    UFC 313: MMA News Staff Predictions

    Ahead of Saturday’s UFC 313 event, Thomas Albano, Ryan Jarrell, Pranav Pandey, and Aakrit Sharma have provided their picks for the five matchups set for the main card.

    Below, you can check out the current leaderboard through two cards in 2025.

    1. Thomas Albano (6-2) & Pranav Pandey (6-2)
    2. Ryan Jarrell (4-4) & Aakrit Sharma (4-4)

    And with that, it’s time for the team’s predictions for UFC 313.

    Lightweight: King Green vs. Mauricio Ruffy

    King Green, Mauricio Ruffy
    Images: UFC.com

    Thomas Albano: I want to commend King Green for the run and wins that he continues to have all these years later in the UFC – at the age of 38. But this is a problem fight for him. Mauricio Ruffy and the Fighting Nerds have been the biggest names to watch for this year in the UFC. The team dominated the scene in 2024 and continues to rack up wins and popularity. Ruffy is a dangerous finisher who can give Green, who has finishing ability and power in his own right, trouble. Someone on the Fighting Nerds should be UFC champion within these next couple of years. Mark my words. (Prediction: Mauricio Ruffy)

    Ryan Jarrell: I’ve always been a big fan of Green’s fan-friendly fighting style. He always comes to fight, even if it gets him into a bit of trouble. At some point, Father Time catches up to us all, and I think that time is getting very close for the 26-fight UFC veteran. Ruffy is just 28 years old and is coming into this fight with a ton of momentum and confidence. If he fights smart and doesn’t get dragged into a dog fight, then it’s his fight to lose. Give me the young lion to kick off the PPV card with a win. (Prediction: Mauricio Ruffy)

    Pranav Pandey: This feels like a brutal assignment for the American, and I can’t help but think the matchmakers did him no favors with this one. Green brings swagger to the cage, pairing it with a slick boxing game, but he’s up against a relentless young menace with a knack for finishing fights. Ruffy’s surge is undeniable, and underestimating him would be a mistake. He’s got the power, elite grappling, and a killer instinct to make this a nightmare for Green — and I wouldn’t be surprised if he adds another stoppage to his record. (Prediction: Mauricio Ruffy)

    Aakrit Sharma: Ruffy’s last win against James Llontop was a good showcase of his striking. He has yet another durable opponent in Green, who wouldn’t mind a standup battle for three rounds. The lightweight veteran looked impressive against Jim Miller, but he’s started to struggle against up-and-coming talent or explosive strikers such as Paddy Pimblett, Jalin Turner, and Drew Dober. At 38 years old, I’m not expecting him to get any better skill-wise, and at UFC 313, he’s likely being used to push Ruffy up the rankings and help the McGregor-esque striker become a bigger draw.

    All things considered, this should be an easy win for the Brazilian at UFC 313, and I don’t think Green’s ground game is threatening enough to pull off a submission upset. (Prediction: Mauricio Ruffy)

    Consensus: 4-0 Mauricio Ruffy

    Women’s Strawweight: Amanda Lemos vs. Iasmin Lucindo

    Amanda Lemos, Iasmin Lucindo
    Images: UFC.com

    Thomas Albano: Amanda Lemos is going to look for a needed bounce-back victory at UFC 313 after getting submitted by Virna Jandiroba in what some might consider an upset. Lemos is still a top name at 115 pounds but has now lost two of three, which includes an unsuccessful challenge of champion Weili Zhang. Iasmin Lucindo lost her UFC debut but has since won four straight, which includes wins over Polyana Viana, Karolina Kowalkiewicz, and Marina Rodriguez. A win over Lemos would vault her right into one of the names to consider as a top contender.

    This is the experience vs. youth battle, and Lucindo may be able to battle for control in grappling situations against Lemos. The former title challenger, however, has power that Lucindo has not come across before, and that could spell trouble for the 23-year-old. (Prediction: Amanda Lemos)

    Ryan Jarrell: In the fight game, the young usually eats the old. According to the odds, that’s what may happen here. But Lemos still has plenty left in the tank as far as I’m concerned. Yes, she was caught by Jandiroba in her most recent fight. But outside of that, she’s into lost to Weili and Jéssica Andrade. I just don’t think she is done just yet. Give me the veteran to hold off the charging youngster and win a decision. (Prediction: Amanda Lemos)

    Pranav Pandey: The all-Brazilian duel I never knew I needed. Lemos, the seasoned veteran, undoubtedly holds the edge in experience, but the scales seem tilted against her in this matchup. The former title challenger is up against a younger, hungrier opponent with heavier hands, slicker grappling, and a growing reputation for dismantling strawweight veterans. If Lucindo can dictate the pace, I believe she’ll take control and make this fight her own. (Prediction: Iasmin Lucindo)

    Aakrit Sharma: This is another veteran vs. newcomer matchup in the UFC women’s strawweight division. To be fair, it’s hard to pick who will favor the 14-year age gap more. While Lucindo, 23, has the potential to show up better with every new fight, Lemos has already faced the top competitors of the division and has impressive wins over the likes of Mackenzie Dern and Angela Hill. Lucindo is an undeniable prospect with a bright future ahead of her. However, after her last fight, I concluded that her time to grab or fight for the title is still far, and she needs to improve her striking significantly.

    Even if she wins this weekend at UFC 313, she’ll be heavily outclassed by the division’s top five, which contains Jéssica Andrade, Tatiana Suarez, and Yan Xiaonan. Her last victory was a split decision that was only granted to her based on control, and she can’t afford to be hit that often against a strong opponent like Lemos. I do think this is a 50-50 fight, but I’ll pick Lucindo because of her activity and constantly improving game. If she feels threatened on the feet, she can take the fight to the ground, and Lemos will likely have a hard time getting back up. (Prediction: Iasmin Lucindo)

    Consensus: 2-2

    Lightweight: Jalin Turner vs. Ignacio Bahamondes

    Jalin Turner, Ignacio Bahamondes
    Images: UFC.com

    Thomas Albano: Jalin Turner has lost three of his last four, though those losses have come against some great competition. Ignacio Bahamondes, however, has had a decent rise up the lightweight ranks since coming into the UFC in 2021, with just two losses in his Octagon run so far. Bahamondes has got the momentum, obviously. However, Turner has fought better competition and will have the physical advantage when it comes to his long limbs and lanky body. Bahamondes has shown some weakness in the ground game, and Turner should be smart and try to take advantage of that (especially after the bad fight IQ he displayed against Renato Moicano last year).

    Turner’s three losses in his current downward trend aren’t bad considering the names, but four losses in five fights and a defeat in this fight may completely dash any chances of Turner reaching noteworthy contender status in the UFC again. I expect him to pull through with a second-round submission. (Prediction: Jalin Turner)

    Ryan Jarrell: This is an interesting UFC 313 matchup considering the size of these two for the weight class. Both men are six foot three with a 75.5 inch reach. “The Tarantula” is two years older than Bahamondes, and has definitely faced the tougher competition during his tenure in the UFC. I think it’s Turner’s time to make a run. He’s a little older and probably feels the pressure to win now. Bahamondes will be around for years to come, but I am going with the American to get this win. (Prediction: Jalin Turner)

    Pranav Pandey: I think this fight has all the makings of an all-out barnburner. I anticipate a striking-heavy battle, which undoubtedly favors Turner due to his towering reach advantage. However, “La Jaula” arguably possesses the sharper fight IQ — it’s just a matter of whether he can navigate the danger zones without getting tangled in “The Tarantula’s” grappling. With that in mind, Bahamondes is riding a strong wave from back-to-back finishes last year, and if he can find the openings and exploit them with precision, I can see him dishing out serious damage and putting the American through a punishing ordeal. (Prediction: Ignacio Bahamondes)

    Aakrit Sharma: Turner looking really good against most of his opponents, including top-ranked fighters, thanks to his power and striking but then losing by a close margin really bugs me. Bahamondes, as good and dangerous on the feet as he is, isn’t a Dan Hooker, Renato Moicano or a Mateusz Gamrot. His submission win over Rongzhu has aged like fine wine, but I don’t see the unranked prospect moving past “The Tarantula” just yet because grappling is not his forte, and Turner is tough as nails on the feet. It’s important to remember that Turner could’ve registered a very impressive KO win over Moicano at UFC 300, and his career trajectory would’ve been completely different. I strongly believe he’s just been unlucky with the matchups and, well, is also competing in the toughest division in the promotion.

    It’s unlikely for this fight to hit the ground unless one of the fighters uses it to recover from a knockdown. And because I believe Turner to be a better and more experienced striker, I pick him to win this fight. Both fighters are arguably in their physical primes, and this is easily a FOTN contender for UFC 313. (Prediction: Jalin Turner)

    Consensus: 3-1 Jalin Turner

    Lightweight: Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev

    Justin Gaethje, Rafael Fiziev
    Images: UFC.com

    Thomas Albano: It’s absolutely heartbreaking that injury has cost us what could have been an amazing UFC 313 war between Justin Gaethje and Dan Hooker. But the consolation prize is great as well considering the close encounter these two had in their first fight, with Gaethje coming out on top at UFC 286 in a bout that was one of 2023’s best. Gaethje’s strategy will be more of the same – use leg kicks and combinations to deliver a star-stunning, highlight performance (no play on words intended). While there are questions about him being 36 and coming off the knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300, there should be plenty of questions about Fiziev as well.

    Fiziev entered the first fight with Gaethje a 12-1 rising star, but he’s now lost two straight, having not fought since injuring his ACL against Mateusz Gamrot. Overall, I feel Fiziev will be able to have a strong effort in his first fight back from injury, but Gaethje’s pressure and striking will give him the taste of victory once again. (Prediction: Justin Gaethje)

    Ryan Jarrell: Two years later, we are getting a rematch that all combat sports will love. The first fight was very close, with both having their moments. I don’t want to see Gaethje walk off into the sunset anytime soon, but I am starting to wonder how many more fights we will see “The Highlight” compete in. After his lopsided loss to Holloway, it was smart to take time off and not book a fight too soon. Will that rest be enough for the 36-year-old to look like himself in this rematch? I’m not sure it is, so for that reason I’m going with the younger fighter in Fiziev to battle his way to a decision victory in this one. (Prediction: Rafael Fiziev)

    Pranav Pandey: Both fighters have a deep understanding of each other’s arsenals, and that level of exposure breeds a more refined yet relentless brand of controlled mayhem — especially when Gaethje is involved. Their first encounter was razor-close, and this time, the short-notice booking makes it even more exciting. Both men are returning from a loss and an extended hiatus, but it’s “Ataman” who has been out of action for a significantly longer stretch. I believe that layoff could be a crucial factor in this rematch.

    On the other hand, “The Highlight” endured a brutal beating in his last outing, and whether the aftermath of that fight still lingers remains to be seen. That said, I think his relentless aggression and spunk — while both a weapon and a liability — give him the edge in this matchup. One thing’s for sure: I don’t see this fight reaching the judges’ scorecards at UFC 313. (Prediction: Justin Gaethje)

    Aakrit Sharma: Two things. First, I am in the minority of people who think Fiziev won the first fight due to the first two rounds. He did get battered in the third, but the eye poke from Gaethje definitely played a role in it. Second, Fiziev is more accurate and faster on the feet, which is not a huge surprise considering his kickboxing background. He proved he has all the tools to outstrike “The
    Highlight” on any day, but the veteran lightweight is as durable as they come, which helped him in the first fight, too. Gaethje, who’s become a very patient and calculated striker at this point, might want to mix things up by utilizing his wrestling in this fight, but as we know it, that’s not how he secures bonuses every time he enters the Octagon.

    This fight will also reveal whether Gaethje has truly recovered from the Holloway KO. It is often said that fighters don’t remain the same after such crushing losses, but I still have faith in Gaethje’s ability to turn this into another brawl to be remembered for ages. Fiziev has had quite the time to recover from the knee injury that occurred in the Gamrot bout, and this time around, he’ll likely come to fight with the necessary adjustments against former interim UFC lightweight champ. Instead of trying to take out Gaethje early, it would make more sense for “Ataman” to spend his gas task wisely and keep up the high output of strikes and kicks across all rounds. I predict that he will perform better than UFC 286 and finally become worthy of a title shot. (Prediction: Rafael Fiziev)

    Consensus: 2-2

    UFC Light Heavyweight Title: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev

    Alex Pereira, Magomed Ankalaev
    Images: @ufc/X & UFC.com

    Thomas Albano: After a 2024 campaign that saw him in contention for the Male Fighter of the Year in MMA across various platforms, Alex Pereira looks to continue his dominant run at 205 pounds. He has saved the UFC a number of times with cards over the course of the last year, and now a win against Magomed Ankaleav could very well put him in the running for a potential superfight against Jon Jones or Tom Aspinall, if recent comments from Dana White are to be believed.

    That said, Ankalaev, despite having his own kind of power, is going to need to utilize his takedowns and wrestling to its greatest potential. The Russian needs to set the pace early and may need to weather an early storm. It’s not what some people want to hear, but he needs to start scoring takedowns from the first round on. The more he can get this fight to the ground, the better the chances he has of walking out a champion. While Ankalaev has power in his leg kicks and his hands, we’ve seen how all Pereira needs to do is land one hook to put someone’s lights out. If Ankalaev is not careful at UFC 313, all it will take is just a mere few seconds for that to happen. (Prediction: Alex Pereira)

    Ryan Jarrell: I keep going back and forth about this one. On paper, I think the safe bet is Pereira to continue his dominance and retain the title. But Ankalaev is a very interesting stylistic matchup for the champion. If this fight stays on the feet, it will be Pereira all day. But if Ankalaev can mix things up and get this fight to the ground, he could pull the upset and become the new champ. With how dominant the champion has been, I just can’t pick “Poatan” to lose his title. (Prediction: Alex Pereira)

    Pranav Pandey: I believe the fight will exceed the expectations of what most are anticipating. That being said, while I think Ankalaev is undeniably a stylistic menace for Pereira, I can’t help but feel a certain frustration with the initial disrespect
    shown by the oddsmakers toward “Poatan”. Let’s not forget — he’s the reigning champion, and not just any champion, but an undeniable force of dominance. I think it’s crucial to remember that his striking prowess and his ability to control a fight elevate him to an entirely different level.

    Ankalaev certainly possesses a well-rounded striking game, with solid reach and the added dimension of a wrestling threat that could pose some problems for Pereira. However, the reality is his takedown skills aren’t quite Khabib Nurmagomedov-esque. While Ankalaev will undoubtedly present challenges, we’ve already seen the blueprint laid out by Jan Błachowicz, who essentially
    handed every 205-pounder a game plan for neutralizing the Russian’s grappling — by relentlessly attacking his legs with a series of kicks. It’s a strategy that works, and it’s one that Pereira can certainly employ to his advantage.

    If there’s one thing we know for certain, it’s that Pereira is a master at imposing his will on his opponents in ways that go beyond the ordinary with his powerful shots. I firmly believe that the prevailing notion — that Ankalaev is a challenge Pereira has never encountered — misses the mark. Honestly, Pereira presents a challenge Ankalaev has never faced. When all is said and done, I have no doubt that Pereira will rise to the occasion (again). (Prediction: Alex Pereira)

    Aakrit Sharma: MMA math doesn’t work all the time, but the way Jan Blachowicz was able to trouble Ankalaev with his leg kicks, I can foresee Pereira’s gameplan heading into the UFC 313 main event. Ankalaev’s plan, on the other hand, is a slight mystery as he didn’t show any willingness to grapple against a solid striker like Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308. He might’ve been proving a point about being good enough to stand and bang with the champ, but “Poatan” is undeniably miles ahead of the rest of the pack in striking and kickboxing.

    The Russian is quick, and Pereira gets hit too, but the champ’s UFC 307 defense against Khalil Rountree made us realize that he has a solid chin at light heavyweight. He’s also fighting after a relatively long break, so I expect him to be in a better state physically.
    Ankalaev’s grappling advantage is being called the deciding factor for this fight. However, in a heavy division like light heavyweight, grappling exchanges lack the explosiveness, scrambles, agility, and technical intricacies seen in smaller divisions, which explains why
    upsets like Jiří Procházka submitting Glover Teixeira happen.

    So, even with just brute strength and Teixeira’s continued training over the last couple of years, I think Pereira will be able to avert the threat on the ground against Ankalaev. The UFC light heavyweight kingpin also has decent cardio for his age. To win, he should be the one dictating the fight’s pace as usual, and I am picking him to end up with another highlight reel this weekend at UFC 313, as his knockout power is truly special at 205 pounds. (Prediction: Alex Pereira)

    Consensus: 4-0 Alex Pereira

    That’ll do it for our UFC 313 staff picks! What do you think? Do your predictions look similar? Let us know in the comments section! Also, you can check out the full UFC 313 card below.

    Main Card:

    • Light Heavyweight Championship: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev
    • Lightweight: Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev
    • Lightweight: Jalin Turner vs. Ignacio Bahamondes
    • Women’s Strawweight: Amanda Lemos vs. Iasmin Lucindo
    • Lightweight: King Green vs. Mauricio Ruffy

    Preliminary Card:

    • Heavyweight: Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev
    • Flyweight: Joshua Van vs. Rei Tsuruya
    • Middleweight: Brunno Ferreira vs. Armen Petrosyan
    • Welterweight: Alex Morono vs. Carlos Leal

    Early Preliminary Card:

    • Featherweight: Mairon Santos vs. Francis Marshall
    • Featherweight: Chris Gutierrez vs. John Castañeda
    • Middleweight: Djorden Santos vs. Ozzy Diaz

    Be sure to keep it right here on MMANews.com for all the results, highlights, and updates on UFC 313!

  • UFC 312: Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2, Zhang vs. Suarez Staff Predictions

    UFC 312: Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2, Zhang vs. Suarez Staff Predictions

    UFC 312 is now only a couple of days away, and what better way to get hyped for the upcoming pay-per-view than with some MMA News staff predictions?

    The event will be available exclusively on ESPN+ pay-per-view on Saturday, February 8, 2025. The UFC 312 main card begins at 10 PM ET, while the preliminary card kicks off at 6 PM ET.

    The UFC 312 main event will see middleweight kingpin Dricus Du Plessis defend his title for the second time since capturing it at the expense of Sean Strickland 13 months ago. To continue his reign, the South African is tasked with repeating that feat in a rematch opposite “Tarzan.”

    Co-headlining UFC 312 will be another champ in Zhang Weili, who will look to maintain her status as strawweight queen by blemishing the currently perfect record of Tatiana Suarez.

    UFC 312: MMA News Staff Predictions

    Ahead of Saturday’s UFC 312 event, Thomas Albano, Ryan Jarrell, Pranav Pandey and Aakrit Sharma have provided their picks for the five matchups set for the main card.

    Below, you can check out the current leaderboard through one card in 2025.

    1. Thomas Albano (2-1) & Pranav Pandey (2-1)
    2. Ryan Jarrell (1-2) & Aakrit Sharma (1-2)

    And with that, it’s time for the team’s predictions for UFC 312.

    Welterweight: Jake Matthews vs. Francisco Prado

    UFC 312 - Jake Matthews, Francisco Prado
    Images: UFC.com

    Thomas Albano: Francisco Prado did quite well for himself on the regional scene, but he enters tonight just 1-2 in the Octagon, competing in his first fight in about a year. He won’t be an easy pushover opponent for native hero Jake Matthews, however. Matthews has competed in the UFC for over 10 years now, and that experience will prove to be highly valuable in this kind of matchup. While Matthews has traded wins and losses since the end of a three-fight win streak that he had entering 2021, he’s got the reach advantage and a real developed all-around skillset that should net him a win at UFC 312. (Prediction: Jake Matthews)

    Ryan Jarrell: Matthews looked impressive in his recent victory over Phil Rowe. The Aussie is 30 years old now and entering his athletic prime. Prado is 1-2 in the UFC and coming off a convincing loss to Daniel Zellhuber. On the other hand, Matthews is 13-7 in the UFC and looking like the best version of himself. The Australian does a good job of mixing things up and is very difficult to control when he’s mixing up his wrestling with his great striking. This should be another close fight overall, but if this goes to the judges, I’d be shocked if the hometown fighter doesn’t get the nod. (Prediction: Jake Matthews)

    Pranav Pandey: This is a tough one to call, and honestly, I’m on the fence about picking a winner. But if we go by the numbers and odds, Matthews — a decade-long UFC veteran — has the experience edge and a reach advantage to work with. Add in the passionate Aussie crowd behind him, and he’s got the tools to take down the young and hungry Prado. If he plays his cards right at UFC 312, this could be another much-needed win in his rollercoaster of a career. (Prediction: Jake Matthews)

    Aakrit Sharma: I can only see one upside for Matthews in this fight, and that’s the fact he’s been fighting at welterweight for quite some time. In terms of pure skill, Prado is really hard to deny, considering all 12 of his victories have been finishes (6 subs and 6 KOs). The loss to Zellhuber doesn’t take away a lot from Prado because the Mexican is easily one of the most durable and talented strikers in the lightweight division. The Argentine will carry more power at welterweight, which should concern Matthews because the Australian relies heavily on his chin and gets hit a lot.

    The fact that Prado’s just 22 makes me confident that he’s constantly improving. I anticipate him to have a solid start, but if Matthews can weather the early storm as usual, he could very well wrestle his way to victory. I am expecting this to be one of the most exciting fights of the night, and although Matthews is a huge step up in competition, I’m picking Prado to emerge victorious at UFC 312. (Prediction: Francisco Prado)

    Consensus: 3-1 Jake Matthews

    Light Heavyweight: Jimmy Crute vs. Rodolfo Bellato

    UFC 312 - Jimmy Crute, Rodolfo Bellato
    Images: UFC.com

    Thomas Albano: It’s really unfortunate to see what’s happened to Jimmy Crute. He was being talked about with plenty of hype and hope after his performance on Dana White’s Contender Series, starting his Octagon run off with four wins in five fights, including a submission of Paul Craig in his UFC debut. Now, he’s gone winless in his last four fights, having not secured a win in the UFC since October 2020. And that isn’t good when taking on an up-and-comer like Rodolfo Bellato at UFC 312.

    While he was unsuccessful in his first DWCS attempt, Bellato made a name for himself by becoming a champion in the LFA before securing a win in his second DWCS appearance. And in his UFC debut back in December 2023, Bellato put his name out there with a second-round finish of Ihor Potieria. While he hasn’t fought since, I feel confident in selecting Bellato based on momentum alone. (Prediction: Rodolfo Bellato)

    Ryan Jarrell: This should be another fun, action-packed fight at UFC 312. There is no question that Crute has faced the tougher competition, and he will be fighting in front of his home crowd, which should juice him up ever more. Crute is in desperate need of a win if he wants to keep his job in the UFC. I think that Bellato is the more well-rounded fighter and deserves to be the favorite, which the odds reflect. But I think Crute will be energized by the Australian crowd and will exhibit the best of version of himself with his back against the wall at UFC 312. (Prediction: Jimmy Crute)

    Pranav Pandey: Crute’s career hasn’t taken off the way many expected — it’s been four years since his last win, and that’s a brutal dry spell for the Aussie. On the flip side, Bellato has been turning heads, especially with his performance against Ihor Potieria. He’s anything but a one-dimensional fighter, bringing a well-rounded arsenal to the Octagon. Unless Crute finds a way to flip the script, this one’s
    looking like a smooth ride for Bellato at UFC 312. (Prediction: Rodolfo Bellato)

    Aakrit Sharma: Both Crute and Bellato will be entering the Octagon at UFC 312 after a silent 2024 as they last fought in July 2023 and December 2023, respectively. This is an important fight for Crute as he’s lost three of his last four. Bellato is yet to face the best in the UFC light heavyweight division, but he’s walked through all of his opponents with ease, except Vitor Petrino. As much as I want Crute to get back to the win column, I believe it’ll be a rough night for him because Bellato boasts KO power and Crute simply hasn’t shown anything special since October 2020. (Prediction: Rodolfo Bellato)

    Consensus: 3-1 Rodolfo Bellato

    Heavyweight: Justin Tafa vs. Tallison Teixeira

    UFC 312 - Justin Tafa, Tallison Teixeira
    Images: UFC.com

    Thomas Albano: This UFC 312 fight is simple to predict, and while I understand putting Justin Tafa on the card given it’s Australia, it’s a shame that this fight is being placed as such a featured bout on the pay-per-view. Both men have finishing power and will be looking to end things rather quick. While Tafa doesn’t have a great track record in MMA when fights drag on, Tallison Teixeira has finished all five of the fights he’s had prior to UFC 312, four of them coming by KO/TKO.

    This one will end early, but in favor of whom? Personally, I feel Teixeira’s youth and skillset (not to mention Tafa’s inconsistency) gives him the edge. (Prediction: Tallison Teixeira)

    Ryan Jarrell: Someone is going to sleep in this one. I always seem to forget that Tafa is still just in his early 30s. Maybe it’s because he doesn’t fight very often and his last fight to Karl Williams was rather forgettable. Teixeira is undefeated at 7-0 and six of those wins are by TKO/KO. He looked impressive beating Arthur Lopes on DWCS. This is definitely a step up in competition, but I expect the Brazilian to rise to the occasion and notch a highlight finish in his UFC debut. (Prediction: Tallison Teixeira)

    Pranav Pandey: When heavyweights collide, wild knockouts are almost inevitable — and I’ve got a strong feeling we’re in for another one in this showdown. Both Tafa and Teixeira pack serious firepower, but the young, undefeated Brazilian holds a massive reach advantage, making him an even bigger threat in the striking exchanges. That being said, “Bad Man” will have the Aussie crowd roaring behind him, and that energy could push him to turn this into a gritty test for Teixeira. However, I see “Xicao” rising to the occasion and delivering a statement performance under the brightest lights of his career at UFC 312. (Prediction: Tallison Teixeira)

    Aakrit Sharma: This is a classic heavyweight bout where the first fighter to land the biggest blow should win
    via KO. The other potential outcome is that they both respect each other’s power too much and end up giving fans a snoozefest. Teixeira has won all seven of his fights in the first round, and the lack of big names on his record would’ve been a huge problem if this was a lower weight class. At heavyweight, pure knockout power is enough to help you climb the ranks, and the likes of Derrick Lewis and
    Francis Ngannou (early in his career) are perfect examples of that. Because Teixeira also has a significant reach advantage, I’m picking him to get another early KO win over Tafa at UFC 312. (Prediction: Tallison Teixeira)

    Consensus: 4-0 Tallison Teixeira

    UFC Strawweight Title: Zhang Weili vs. Tatiana Suarez

    Zhang Weili Confident Ahead Of Title Defense Against Tatiana Suarez At UFC 312
    Images: @ufc/@tatianasuarezufc/Instagram

    Thomas Albano: This is the toughest fight at UFC 312 to pick, for me. Zhang Weili has done incredible things in her time with the UFC, winning the UFC women’s strawweight title twice and putting on some of the more memorable performances in the Octagon. But you have to feel great for Tatiana Suarez to get this opportunity after all the injury time she has had to endure since the start of this decade. Suarez has continued to look well even in the time she’s been away from the cage. The only problem is “Magnum” is just simply incredible.

    Zhang will have the clear striking advantage, and even if Suarez gets this fight to the ground, Zhang should have less of a difficult time in fighting back than some of Suarez’s other opponents have. There will hopefully be another time for Suarez to get a second crack at the gold (and maybe win it), but it won’t be on this night. (Prediction: Zhang Weili)

    Ryan Jarrell: This is without question your typical striker versus wrestler matchup and I am here for it. At one point, I wasn’t so sure that anyone could beat the champion. Then I saw her fight with Yan Xiaonan and I started to feel very different. Zhang is not the indestructible force that some, including me, thought she was.

    I expect the challenger to use her strength and wrestling to wear down the champ and drag her into deep waters. Zhang has the stand up skills to finish the fight against anyone, but I think Suarez will fight smart and stick to her gameplan through this fight. I can even see Suarez getting a finish at some point, but because I have so much respect for the current champion, I don’t think the finish will materialize at UFC 312. (Prediction: Tatiana Suarez)

    Pranav Pandey: I’ll keep it simple — Zhang is an absolute machine. The sheer volume of strikes she unleashes is absurd, but that’s not even the scariest part. What truly makes her a dominant force is her near-impenetrable takedown defense and rock-solid
    grappling resistance. On the other hand, Suarez is a grappling phenom and a submission specialist who has made a habit of dismantling former champions. But here’s the catch — she’s spent a significant portion of her career on the sidelines, and I believe that
    layoff will play a massive role in this fight.

    So, what happens if the challenger can’t keep Weili grounded? Simple — she’s going to get systematically picked apart by “Magnum.” And if that’s the case, this one’s looking like a clean, decisive win for the champ at UFC 312. (Prediction: Zhang Weili)

    Aakrit Sharma: The undefeated Suarez deserves all the hype she’s getting ahead of UFC 312. Her wins over Carla Esparza, Jéssica Andrade, and Alexa Grasso have aged like fine wine, but it is very important to consider that she’ll be stepping into the Octagon after an 18-month layoff. Zhang hasn’t been too active as well, but her last four performances have removed every bit of doubt from my mind that emerged after her consecutive losses to Rose Namajunas.

    Zhang’s almost the perfect women’s strawweight fighter thanks to her clean striking, strength, wrestling prowess and cardio. I’m not counting out Suarez entirely, but the challenger will surely need the best performance of her life to emerge victorious. The champion, on the other hand, already has a wealth of experience fighting the best of the best in the UFC, and it’s unlikely she’ll be overwhelmed by anything this weekend. So, I’m picking Zhang to retain her women’s strawweight championship at UFC 312. (Prediction: Zhang Weili)

    Consensus: 3-1 Zhang Weili

    UFC Middleweight Title: Dricus Du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland

    UFC 312 - Sean Strickland & Dricus Du Plessis
    Image: UFC.com

    Thomas Albano: The first time Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland met for the middleweight title, it was a fight that caused a lot of uproar in the MMA community. It appeared to be a closely contested fight, with many, including UFC CEO Dana White, feeling that Strickland deserved the nod. Despite this, White did not give Strickland an immediate rematch, instead favoring an eagerly anticipated bout between Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya. Now, at UFC 312, we finally see these two clash again.

    Watching the fight live, I had it three rounds to two in favor of Du Plessis, and I still feel this way watching the rematch. Strickland landed some of the stronger strikes in the fight, and had a solid round five. Prior to that, however, Du Plessis not only matched or exceeded Strickland in terms of damage but also controlled the pace. This brings about plenty of questions as to how each made adjustments entering this next fight. Ultimately, however, when you consider both men’s fighting styles and compare their records, my UFC 312 pick is still with the man currently holding the gold. (Prediction: Dricus Du Plessis)

    Ryan Jarrell: If this rematch is anything like the first fight, then we are in for a bloody treat. Considering the adjustments that could be made, the styles that these two both possess really line this rematch up for an interesting title fight. I feel like I’ve learned my lesson picking against Du Plessis at this point. The champion might not have the most appealing style, but you cannot argue with his effectiveness. I expect Strickland to give the champion some issues early on, but at the end of the day, the wrestling of the South African will be the difference in winning rounds en route to a successful defense of his title. (Prediction: Dricus Du Plessis)

    Pranav Pandey: Both fighters know each other’s game inside and out, and with that burning familiarity comes a new level of calculated chaos. When it comes to chaos, “Stillknocks” is a walking nightmare. His wildly unpredictable style has turned every opponent he’s faced into a puzzle they couldn’t solve. But standing in his way is Strickland, armed with his unorthodox Philly shell stance, which enables
    him to apply relentless pressure. Their first encounter was a blood-soaked slugfest, and the sequel at UFC 312? I have a hunch this time, we won’t hear the final bell toll.

    I’m backing DDP this time around, and for good reason. He’s a well-rounded wrecking machine, unloading power punches at will while keeping the constant danger of a submission lurking if the fight hits the canvas. And something tells me we’re in for a taste of that on Saturday night. Now, Strickland is undoubtedly one of the sharpest boxers in the middleweight division, but his game lacks variety. That could be his undoing. He’ll bring the heat and make life miserable for the champ, but nothing Du Plessis isn’t built to withstand. (Prediction: Dricus Du Plessis)

    Aakrit Sharma: Here we go again! This is easily one of the weirdest matchups stylistically in the UFC middleweight division because Du Plessis’ style is incomprehensible on any given day, while Strickland just manages to make every fight close with his constant teeps, jabs, and defense. Strickland is undoubtedly a better striker than Du Plessis in my mind, and he was able to neutralize the South African’s wrestling to a large extent in the first fight. Having said that, it’s hard to pick against Du Plessis at this point in his career. He’s arguably
    in his physical prime, undefeated in the UFC, and has beaten the likes of Robert Whittaker, Strickland, and Adesanya in back-to-back fights.

    Du Plessis has flaws — a lot of them, in fact. However, his willingness to never back down and come up with the most unorthodox techniques makes him the most dangerous middleweight in the world. Technically, there is no way to prepare for a fighter like this, as he rarely showcases any patterns in his striking or ground game. If Strickland yet again sticks to his overly defensive and safe style, I’m sure the champion will already be a lot more prepared than their last outing. The challenger also rarely shows the intent to finish his fights which should work against him at UFC 312.

    Based on his grit and recent momentum, I’m picking Dricus Du Plessis to retain his middleweight championship at UFC 312 this weekend. (Prediction: Dricus Du Plessis)

    Consensus: 4-0 Dricus Du Plessis

    That’ll do it for our UFC 312 staff picks! What do you think? Do your predictions look similar? Let us know in the comments section! Also, you can check out the full UFC 312 card below.

    Main Card:

    • Middleweight Championship: Dricus Du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland
    • Women’s Strawweight Championship: Zhang Weili vs. Tatiana Suarez
    • Heavyweight: Justin Tafa vs. Tallison Teixeira
    • Light Heavyweight: Jimmy Crute vs. Rodolfo Bellato
    • Welterweight: Jake Matthews vs. Francisco Prado

    Preliminary Card:

    • Featherweight: Jack Jenkins vs. Gabriel Santos
    • Lightweight: Tom Nolan vs. Viacheslav Borshchev
    • Women’s Flyweight: Wang Cong vs. Bruna Brasil
    • Bantamweight: Colby Thicknesse vs. Aleksandre Topuria

    Early Preliminary Card:

    • Lightweight: Rongzhu vs. Kody Steele
    • Welterweight: Kevin Jousset vs. Jonathan Micallef
    • Lightweight: Quillan Salkilld vs. Anshul Jubli
    • Flyweight: HyunSung Park vs. Nyamjargal Tumendemberel

    Be sure to keep it right here on MMANews.com for all the results, highlights, and updates on UFC 312!

  • UFC 305: Staff Predictions For Du Plessis vs. Adesanya, Gamrot vs. Hooker, Tuivasa vs. Rozenstruik, & More

    UFC 305: Staff Predictions For Du Plessis vs. Adesanya, Gamrot vs. Hooker, Tuivasa vs. Rozenstruik, & More

    UFC 305 is now only a couple of days away, and what better way to get hyped for the upcoming pay-per-view than with some MMA News staff predictions?

    The event will be available exclusively on ESPN+ pay-per-view on Saturday, August 17, 2024. The main card begins at 10 PM ET, while the preliminary card kicks off at 6 PM ET.

    The main event will see Dricus Du Plessis make his first defense of the middleweight title. Following his crowning at the expense of Sean Strickland, “Stillknocks” is now tasked with preventing the man whom “Tarzan” unseated from returning to the throne, Israel Adesanya.

    Co-headlining, meanwhile, will be Perth’s own Steve Erceg. Months on from a narrowly failed title bid against Alexandre Pantoja in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, “AstroBoy” will look to begin his journey toward a second shot by spoiling top-five contender Kai Kara-France’s long-awaited return.

    Elsewhere on the main card, Dan Hooker attempts to climb into lightweight contention against Mateusz Gamrot, Heavy-hitting Aussie Tai Tuivasa looks to get back in the win column, and Chinese fan favorite Li Jingliang makes his comeback from a two-year injury layoff.

    UFC 305: MMA News Staff Predictions

    Ahead of Saturday’s UFC 305 event, Kyle Dimond, Ryan Jarrell, Thomas Albano, Tyriece Simon, Andrew Starc, and Pranav Pandey have provided their picks for the five major matchups set for Saturday night (Sunday morning local time).

    Below, you can check out the current leaderboard through four cards.

    1. Thomas Albano (16-3)
    2. Tyriece Simon (14-5)
    3. Ryan Jarrell (13-6) 
    4. Kyle Dimond (12-7)
    5. Andrew Starc (5-4)
    6. Pranav Pandey (0-0)

    And with that, it’s time for the team’s predictions for UFC 305.

    Welterweight: Li Jingliang vs. Carlos Prates

    Li Jingliang, Carlos Prates
    Images: Jeff Bottari/UFC/Zuffa LLC & UFC.com

    Kyle Dimond: A few years ago, there would have been a better conversation as to whether Jingliang could wear on his opponent and use his experience to really push him in the second half of the fight. For me, the two years away won’t do “The Leech” any favors in this fight and Prates has looked absolutely wicked so far inside the Octagon. I think Prates is going to keep climbing here but I think he might need the judges to do so given his opponent’s experience and toughness. (Prediction: Carlos Prates)

    Ryan Jarrell: This will be a fun fight to start off the main card. Jingliang has a lot more tape to watch as a UFC fighter and has had the more difficult opponents in the past as well. This will be the fight that shows just how dangerous Prates is in this division. I expect him to rise to the occasion and put the veteran away. I don’t expect it to be easy, but I think Prates will chip away until he finds an opening to finish the fight. Give me the Brazilian for the win late in the fight via TKO. (Prediction: Carlos Prates)

    Thomas Albano: It’s been almost exactly two years since we’ve seen “The Leech” in action, but it’s great to see Jingliang finally return. The only problem? He’s taking on a really dangerous up-and-comer in Prates. Despite the layoff, Jingliang may still be one of the best 25-30 welterweight names in the world, and he is a major step-up in competition for the Brazilian. Prates is just 2-0 in the UFC after earning a contract through Dana White’s Contender Series, but he’s built up his name through knockout wins in his time in the Octagon thus far – as well as a pair of fights with the LFA.

    Jingliang is a good all-around fighter, but he’s definitely better known for his striking. The problem is, while he is a great striker and has competed against some of the best, can he match Prates’ intensity with his strikes – and can he take those strikes? This will be a fun scrap that probably won’t go the distance. I’ve been wanting to go with Jingliang, but seeing what Prates has done thus far – as well as the hype about him from several of my colleagues in the MMA sphere – I’m swayed. (Prediction: Carlos Prates)

    Tyriece Simon: One of the big factors coming into the fight will be whether Jingliang will struggle due to ring rust. He’s been out of action for nearly two years, and Prates isn’t an easy opponent for a comeback. The Dana White’s Contender Series alum is on a nine-fight win streak, and I think he’ll be victorious on Saturday.

    I believe Prates will pressure Jingliang early and make his opponent’s return uncomfortable. The Brazilian knockout artist likes to aim for the body, making his opposition drop their hands for a power punch to the head. I fully expect Prates to have the same game plan for “The Leech,” and I think he’ll get another knockout in the first or second round. (Prediction: Carlos Prates)

    Andrew Starc: Prates has knocked out his two previous opponents since making his UFC debut in February. 10-year UFC veteran Jingliang, meanwhile, hasn’t fought since his split decision loss to Daniel Rodriguez almost two years ago. I think the much younger, rangier and powerful striker Prates will make easy work of “The Leech” here. (Prediction: Carlos Prates)   

    Pranav Pandey: “The Leech” returns to the Octagon after a grueling two-year hiatus, hungry for a victory. However, the odds are stacked against him in what appears to be a challenging matchup. My concerns for Jingliang are twofold: his form after such a long layoff and his reach disadvantage. While Prates might not yet be a household name, he’s an imposing figure in the welterweight division — a towering presence with a striking pedigree that boasts eight consecutive knockout finishes.

    “The Nightmare” could indeed live up to his moniker for Jingliang, as his clinical striking ability is nothing short of devastating. Unfortunately, I struggle to see a scenario where the Chinese veteran emerges victorious in this bout. (Prediction: Carlos Prates)

    Consensus: 6-0 Carlos Prates

    Heavyweight: Tai Tuivasa vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik

    Tai Tuivasa, Jairzinho Rozenstruik
    Images: UFC.com

    Kyle Dimond: When you look at Rozenstruik’s record, he tends to only lose against the very top heavyweights in the division. Everything about this fight is pointing me toward Tuivasa being caught with a huge counter as he tries to pressure his opponent. If this was an Apex main event, my pick would be solidified in solid gold, but something about Perth, Australia, is tempting me the other way. In the interest of picking an underdog on this main card, I’m going all in on “Bam Bam” in the hopes that he can raise the roof. (Prediction: Tai Tuivasa)

    Ryan Jarrell: This will be a very fun fight for as long as it lasts. Tuivasa is fighting on home turf and that should give him some extra juice to potentially pull off the upset. “Bigi Boy,” however, is the safe play here. He is more technical and carries a ton of power to go with his technicality. I expect him to avoid the early surge from Tuivasa and catch him at some point late in the first or second and finish this fight. (Prediction: Jairzinho Rozenstruik)

    Thomas Albano: Just like how I think this fight will play out, I’m not making my analysis and prediction long. These are two heavyweight knockout artists who are struggling to show they still belong in the contender rankings. Both have had their highs and lows over the last five years or so in the UFC, and both are going to come out flashing their power, looking to capitalize on the first mistake to get the devastating knockout. While Rozenstruik has had ups-and-downs of late, he’s coming in with two finishes in his last three fights. It’s been much tougher for Tuivasa, who has lost four straight, and given what “Bigi Boy” can do to people, it’s probably going to get rougher for him. (Prediction: Jairzinho Rozenstruik)

    Tyriece Simon: Tuivasa finds himself in yet another must-win bout against a dangerous opponent. “Bam Bam” is on a four-fight skid and will lose his spot in the top 10 of the rankings with a defeat at UFC 305. Rozenstruik is currently the betting favorite to win, and I think he has a great chance.

    An interesting aspect of this fight is that “Bigi Boy” has only lost to fighters with a reach advantage over him. I think he’ll try to attack Tuivasa’s legs in the first round and look for a hook or a short jab when his opponent tries to come within distance. I don’t believe the Australian heavyweight is exceptionally more agile than Rozenstruik, which could make it challenging to land a significant punch for a knockout. Tuivasa is tough and has the power to get a knockout, but I lean toward Rozenstruik being victorious. (Prediction: Jairzinho Rozenstruik)

    Andrew Starc: Both fighters are coming into this with less than spectacular records – particularly Tuivasa, who’s lost his last four. Yes, those came against the best of the division, but I’m not sure even a home crowd is going to propel Tuivasa to recapture that form that saw him make a run for the title two years ago. 

    He is, however, likely fighting for his UFC career here. That said, it’s probably going to be a slugfest that won’t see the second round, and I can’t see Tuivasa coming out on top. (Prediction: Jairzinho Rozenstruik)   

    Pranav Pandey: Expect both fighters to be hunting for that perfect, fight-ending shot right from the start. Given that both are navigating through a challenging phase in their careers, they may approach this bout with extra caution. However, I think Tuivasa’s recent string of losses has served as a wake-up call. He’s the sharper, more precise striker, and his agility could give him the edge. But he’ll need to be wary of charging in recklessly against a counter-puncher like Rozenstruik, who thrives on punishing his opponents’ mistakes.

    This fight isn’t likely to see a second round — in fact, I’d bet on a finish within the first. If “Bam Bam” plays his cards right, he could very well redeem himself and get back on track. (Prediction: Tai Tuivasa)

    Consensus: 4-2 Jairzinho Rozenstruik

    Lightweight: Mateusz Gamrot vs. Dan Hooker

    Dan Hooker, Mateusz Gamrot
    Images: UFC.com

    Kyle Dimond: This one is probably the main card fight I’m the most confident in and that’s no slight on Hooker, who I love watching. I’m just super high on Gamrot and believe his style is a problem for “The Hangman.” Hooker is a good striker and has some dangerous submission threats, hence the nickname, but “Gamer” is just so relentless that it makes it hard to capitalize on these opportunities. Tee Polish fighter will need to be careful of walking into a knee or guillotine choke, but I think his pressure isn’t going to give Hooker too much time to set this up, even if he has moments on the feet, like the Gamrot vs. Jalin Turner fight. (Prediction: Mateusz Gamrot)

    Ryan Jarrell: This is a tough matchup to call. Both of these guys are extremely dangerous fighters. The length of Hooker worries me from a betting perspective, because he holds a sizable advantage in both reach and height. Having said that, Gamrot will win this if he fights smart. That’s what I am expecting to happen and we should see “Gamer” notch his eighth win in the UFC. (Prediction: Mateusz Gamrot)

    Thomas Albano: With everyone else in the lightweight title picture outside of injured champion Islam Makhachev and #1 contender Arman Tsarukyan coming off a loss, this fight presents a huge opportunity for Gamrot. With Tsarukyan saying he wants to have an interim title fight before the year is over, a win for “Gamer” here could clinch him the spot as the opponent in that potential fight if he comes out unscathed. That said, Hooker isn’t the easiest opponent.

    “The Hangman” has come up short against top competition in the division (ex: Makhachev, Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler), but he’s gritty, durable, a tactician, and an entertaining striker who can put on a strong performance at any time. And while Gamrot has a clear wrestling advantage, it shouldn’t be discredited that Hooker has good wrestling defense that could force the fight standing at times. And the longer the fight is on the feet, the better Hooker’s chances. That said, Gamrot’s wrestling pedigree is probably going to be too much. This one should be a fun war, but I lean to ward the Polish contender getting a clear win and a big opportunity next. (Prediction: Mateusz Gamrot)

    Tyriece Simon: Hooker has finally found his groove in his last two fights after four years of inconsistency. His last win over Jalin Turner showed he’s still a formidable opponent in the lightweight division. That said, Gamrot presents a dynamic matchup that I think will give ‘The Hangman’ issues.

    The “Gamer’s” ability to mix up his striking with takedown attempts will be a key to the fight. Hooker is a difficult opponent to finish, but I think he can lose Saturday night by being outworked to a decision loss. The threat of takedowns could open “The Hangman” up for Gamrot to land some significant strikes and sway the judges in terms of activity. The fight can go either way, but I believe Gamrot will win on the scorecards. (Prediction: Mateusz Gamrot)

    Andrew Starc: I can’t see Hooker stopping Gamrot’s relentless wrestling. Of course, there’s always a chance the Kiwi could snag a KO via a well-timed knee or with the devastating striking he’s known for. Hooker certainly has ‘the dog in him’, as they say, having shown that in his last outing against Jalin Turner. But that win was over a year ago, during which time Gamrot has racked up victories over Rafael Fiziev and Rafael dos Anjos. The Polish fighter will likely get the decision here. (Prediction: Mateusz Gamrot) 

    Pranav Pandey: This fight promises to be a gritty battle to determine who can outlast the other. By all accounts, Gamrot appears to have the upper hand, with his wrestling style posing a formidable challenge for most opponents. However, Hooker’s defensive wrestling is robust enough to give him a legitimate shot at victory. “The Hangman” also wields sharp offensive leg strikes, a crucial weapon for deterring takedowns and punishing wrestlers who dare to shoot in.

    If Hooker can keep the fight upright for an extended period, he has the potential to outstrike Gamrot or even secure a stoppage. That said, while striking may not be Gamrot’s forte, “Gamer” possesses an ironclad toughness, and his resilience could very well be the key to grinding out a win if the fight goes the distance. All factors considered, I believe Hooker’s previously broken arm might hinder his ability to throw strikes with full force, opening the door for Gamrot to capitalize. This weakness could be the very advantage “Gamer” need to turn the tide in his favor and claim the win. (Prediction: Mateusz Gamrot)

    Consensus: 6-0 Mateusz Gamrot

    Flyweight: Kai Kara-France vs. Steve Erceg

    Kai Kara-France, Steve Erceg
    Images: UFC.com & Eternal MMA

    Kyle Dimond: I think it’s gone under the radar how utterly brilliant this fight is. I think maybe people have forgotten just how close Kara-France has been to some huge victories in the past. He’s a massive test for Erceg and I’m surprised to see him as the clear underdog. That being said, I do think Erceg might have this one. Both men have got dangerous hands but I believe the Australian might be able to win the exchanges by being a bit tighter and not extending like Kara-France will. It’s another tough one to call though and I can see it being a very close decision at the end of three rounds. (Prediction: Steve Erceg)

    Ryan Jarrell: If you didn’t believe in “AstroBoy” before the Pantoja fight, I bet you do now! Erceg is the real deal and is incredibly well rounded as a fighter. Kara-France is a great fighter and brings a lot of experience into this fight. I just believe the length and versatility that his Australian opponent brings to the table will be the difference. Give me Michael Scott to win a decision here. (Steve Erceg)

    Thomas Albano: Kara-France has consistently been a bridesmaid, never the bride, always falling a fight short of receiving an undisputed title opportunity. Meanwhile, this will mark Erceg’s first fight since falling short in a title fight with Alexandre Pantoja – a fight in which had it not been for some bad fifth-round IQ, Erceg could have pulled off the major upset and be the champion now.

    The two are going to look to deliver, and this will probably be one of the best fights of the night. Kara-France has some great striking and has experience against some of the best fighters in the division. Having said that, Erceg nearly beat the best of them all, and his short run in the UFC so far has shown that he has great striking himself, as well as solid wrestling. The Australian is slowly developing into an all-around great flyweight (to the point Pantoja, following their fight, said he will be the UFC flyweight champion one day), and that’s why I’m leaning to him in this three-round battle. (Prediction: Steve Erceg)

    Tyriece Simon: This fight is the hardest to predict on the main card. Erceg is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Pantoja, as the champion outperformed him with his grappling and striking. I’m not sure Kara-France will have a similar game plan, but he generally doesn’t commit to as many takedowns in a fight as the champion. I think both fighters will try to stand with each other, and I lean toward this benefiting Erceg the most.

    He’ll have the height and reach advantage to keep his opponent at a distance with his jab. “AstroBoy” must be mindful of Kara-France’s feints, as it caused him trouble in fights against the likes of Matt Schnell. However, I think Erceg’s reach advantage, hand speed, and power could lead to him doing enough to edge out a decision win. (Prediction: Steve Erceg)

    Andrew Starc: Kara-France is on a two-fight skid and will be facing a man fighting on home turf in Erceg. “Don’t Blink” hasn’t fought in over a year, having last lost via split decision to Amir Albazi. Half of the much more active Erceg’s wins have come via submission and he’s also a very good striker to boot. While he’s not nearly as experienced as Kara-France, I think the Aussie will outmatch the Kiwi here. (Prediction: Steve Erceg) 

    Pranav Pandey: This matchup has all the ingredients for an intense and tightly fought battle, given that both fighters are nearly evenly matched in terms of skill and versatility. While Kara-France brings a wealth of experience and a polished striking game to the table, his return after more than a year out of the Octagon could be a significant factor in this fight. However, Kara-France undoubtedly packs more firepower than his opponent.

    On the other hand, Steve Erceg comes in with fresher legs and momentum. “Astroboy” showcased remarkable prowess and tenacity in his title fight against champion Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 301, which speaks volumes about his potential in this clash. The Aussie undoubtedly secures a distinct edge with his grappling skills, and if he can withstand “Don’t Blink’s” relentless assault, I envision him emerging victorious in this fight. (Prediction: Steve Erceg)

    Consensus: 6-0 Steve Erceg

    UFC Middleweight Title: Dricus Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya

    Dricus Du Plessis & Israel Adesanya
    Image: Will Russell/Zuffa LLC

    Kyle Dimond: This certainly feels like one of the biggest fights of the year on paper, even if the hype does seem to have died down a bit as of late. It’s a fight that I could honestly go back and forth on for hours. Adesanya is notoriously very effective against larger, more physical opponents who want to walk him down, land big shots and get a hold of him. The difference between Du Plessis and the likes of Paulo Costa and Marvin Vettori is that he’s so much more unique. His movement is totally the opposite of their very traditional and plodding styles.

    That’s the million-dollar question for me: can Du Plessis make Adesanya second guess himself? Sean Strickland did it by staying in his face and being defensively sound, and I wonder whether the champion can do it with his awkward timing. The big thing that does concern me on Du Plessis’ side is offensively, is Strickland landed on Adesanya because he’s so efficient and consistent. Du Plessis, on the other hand, tends to throw a lot with some explosive but wild technique. This is where I think Adesanya can win this fight. While the South African is far from predictable, he also fights with recklessness. Admittedly, I have flipped on this being a winning or losing factor for him throughout this week alone. (Prediction: Israel Adesanya)

    Ryan Jarrell: This fight is way bigger for the legacy of Adesanya than it is for Du Plessis. The former champion cannot afford to lose this fight if he wants to remain behind Anderson Silva on the all time 185-pound list. I understand how dangerous “Stillknocks” is and how tricky of a fighter he is to figure out. But he leaves a lot of openings and is no where near as technical as Adesanya is. Because of that, and the fact that the Nigerian-New Zealander’s back is against the wall in this fight, I just can’t pick against him. I believe we will see the best version of Adesanya at UFC 305 and he will catch the champion to reclaim the title. (Prediction: Israel Adesanya)

    Thomas Albano: Though several people may feel that this fight’s hype has been lost – given everything from Adesanya’s loss to Strickland and year-long layoff – I don’t think that’s completely the case. He and Du Plessis still are heated with one another, and what is not to love about a guy who is looking to show why he is the true king of the division taking on someone who has been twice before – and someone who is looking to join Randy Couture as the only ones to win the same UFC division title three times.

    Du Plessis’ biggest question mark as he rose up through the UFC ranks has been his cardio. He is a fighter who is all about bringing it early and getting the job done early – and that left people concerned about him as fights went past the first round. Some of that, however, seemed to be dispelled upon his fight with Strickland. He’s never dealt with someone who can be awkward, free-flowing, and creative with his striking like Adesanya either. And the former champ’s opponent history versus Strickland’s? It may be a valuable argument that he’s taking on a bigger challenge in his first defense than when he challenged for and won the title at UFC 297 earlier this year.

    But, Adesanya probably has more to lose here. It’s been a year since we’ve seen him in action. The reason for the layoff was a needed rest, as he’s just 4-3 in his last seven fights. And it’s a very reasonable argument to say that Adesanya’s performances over the last few years have (for the most part) not matched up to his previous outings. We know what his potential is, but can he fulfill it against someone who is younger and hungry to stake his claim as the best 185lber in the UFC, or even in all of MMA (especially given plenty of people still feel Du Plessis should have been given a loss to Strickland)? Plus, the South African has his own power, aggression, and awkwardness that could spell some trouble for “The Last Stylebender.”

    Given the bad blood and high stakes in this one for both men, this one isn’t going to go to the scorecards. Either Du Plessis is going to use his striking and pace the fight effectively to get the win, or Adesanya is going to bring the creative destruction he is known for to claim back his throne. Given how long I’ve been on the DDP hype train, as much as I enjoy watching Adesanya fight and Du Plessis is actually the underdog, I am going to go with the former. (Prediction: Dricus Du Plessis)

    Tyriece Simon: I truly believe this fight is Adesanya’s to lose. “The Last Stylebender” is the better striker and will have the reach advantage to pick apart the champion at a distance. He can control the fight if he can use his footwork to avoid getting into close exchanges with his rival. However, an important factor in the fight will be if Adesanya’s inactivity from the competition will affect him.  He seems like he is in the best shape of his career. That said, Du Plessis should aim to test if “The Last Stylebender” has a little ring rust by putting him on his back foot early with feints and kicks to the body.

    The former middleweight champion sometimes tends to lean back to avoid strikes, so “Stillknocks” could find success doubling up on a jab and finish with his hook, head kick, or a takedown attempt. Du Plessis will need to pressure and mix up his offense to throw off the Nigerian-born, New Zealand-based kickboxer. Ultimately, I believe “The Last Stylebender” will get his hand raised by countering his opponent for a knockout or winning a decision. (Prediction: Israel Adesanya)

    Andrew Starc: Du Plessis has made a point of saying Adesanya has nothing to fight for anymore, but I disagree – particularly with respect to this matchup. The desire to regain the title notwithstanding, I feel Adesanya’s motivation to get back at Du Plessis for his ‘African champion’ comments will see him extra focused on the win here – not to mention he’ll be wanting to make right for his last performance.  

    Adesanya has also had a long layoff to shake off the burnout he claimed to be suffering after a busy few years. It really could go either way though, and it’s hard to tell how Adesanya will handle Du Plessis’ unconventional style, but I think the Kiwi will get it done by decision. (Prediction: Israel Adesanya)     

    Pranav Pandey: To my mind, this fight stands as a quintessential 50-50 showdown, teetering on the edge of unpredictability. We can expect some heavy strikes to fly in the opening rounds, as both fighters will be eager to assert dominance early. The outcome of this fight largely depends on the adjustments Adesanya made during his hiatus. “The Last Stylebender” is a master at maintaining range while delivering with surgical precision. However, Du Plessis’ unconventional and relentless approach, where he thrives on getting in his opponent’s face, suggests we’re going to see plenty of close-quarters exchanges. In these moments, I believe the reigning champion could leverage his power effectively.

    Izzy has faced this kind of challenge time and again throughout his career, consistently emerging victorious against formidable power punchers. I’m confident he’s done his homework and won’t rush in, instead dictating the pace of the fight with his precise, calculated approach. Adesanya seems poised to wear down “Stillknocks” in the later rounds, using his signature touch-and-go point fighting. Whether it’s through a late finish or a dominant unanimous decision, I foresee “The Last Stylebender” having his hand raised on Saturday. (Prediction: Israel Adesanya)

    Consensus: 5-1 Israel Adesanya

    That’ll do it for our UFC 305 staff picks! What do you think? Do your picks look similar? Let us know in the comments section! Also, you can check out the full UFC 305 card below.

    Main Card:

    • Middleweight Championship Main Event: Dricus Du Plessis (C) vs. Israel Adesanya
    • Flyweight Co-Main Event: Kai Kara-France vs. Steve Erceg
    • Lightweight: Mateusz Gamrot vs. Dan Hooker
    • Heavyweight: Tai Tuivasa vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
    • Welterweight: Li Jingliang vs. Carlos Prates

    Preliminary Card:

    • Heavyweight: Junior Tafa vs. Valter Walker
    • Featherweight: Joshua Culibao vs. Ricardo Ramos
    • Women’s Flyweight: Casey O’Neill vs. Luana Santos
    • Featherweight: Jack Jenkins vs. Herbert Burns

    Early Preliminary Card:

    • Lightweight: Tom Nolan vs. Alex Reyes
    • Welterweight: Song Kenan vs. Rick Glenn
    • Flyweight: Stewart Nicoll vs. Jesus Aguilar

    Be sure to keep it right here on MMANews.com tomorrow for all the results, highlights, and updates on UFC 305!

  • UFC 302: Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier Staff Predictions

    UFC 302: Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier Staff Predictions

    UFC 302 is now only a couple of days away, and what better way to get hyped for the upcoming pay-per-view than with some MMA News staff predictions for the intriguing card?

    The event will be available exclusively on ESPN+ pay-per-view on Saturday, June 1, 2024. The main card begins at 10 PM ET, while the preliminary card kicks off at 6 PM ET.

    The headline act will see gold on the line, as reigning UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev looks to defend his belt against an established 155-pound contender for the first time. After emerging from two challenges against Alexander Volkanovski with the crown still in his possession, the Dagestani is next tasked with stalling the ambitions of Dustin Poirier.

    Setting the stage for them in the co-main event, meanwhile, will be two middleweight contenders hoping to secure title opportunities of their own down the line. Having had his calls for a rematch with Dricus Du Plessis fall on deaf ears, former champion Sean Strickland must bounce back at the expense of Paulo Costa if he’s to earn a chance at achieving two-time status. 

    Elsewhere, Kevin Holland will make a short-notice return to 185 pounds to square off against Michał Oleksiejczuk, Jailton Almeida will look to rebound from his first UFC defeat opposite Alexandr Romanov, and welterweights Randy Brown and Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos battle to kick proceedings off in style on PPV.

    UFC 302: MMA News Staff Predictions

    Ahead of Saturday’s UFC 302 event, Kyle Dimond, Ryan Jarrell, Thomas Albano, Tyriece Simon, and Andrew Starc have provided their picks for the five-fight main card, which you can see below.

    • Lightweight Championship Main Event: Islam Makhachev (C) vs. Dustin Poirier
    • Middleweight Co-Main Event: Sean Strickland vs. Paulo Costa
    • Middleweight: Kevin Holland vs. Michał Oleksiejczuk
    • Heavyweight: Jailton Almeida vs. Alexandr Romanov*
    • Welterweight: Randy Brown vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos

    *Almeida vs. Romanov has since been demoted to the prelims, with Alex Morono vs. Niko Price now set to go down on PPV

    Welterweight: Randy Brown vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos

    Kyle Dimond: The battle of the welterweight top 15 hopefuls opens up the main card in Newark. The Brazilian has a ton of experience and some great wins inside the Octagon. To some extent, the same can be said for his opponent. Both men have been known to suffer defeats to the cream of the crop, so who rises to the top in this one?

    For me, Brown has always jumped out as someone with bags of potential if he’s able to put a run together. This could be the moment for him but I’m expecting the durability of his opponent to hold up and for the judges to be required. (Prediction: Randy Brown)

    Ryan Jarrell: This welterweight fight will be a really exciting one to kick off the main card. My immediate thoughts were to lean toward Brown due to his striking and five-inch reach advantage. But, Zaleski dos Santos is no joke and could very easily win this fight.

    The Brazilian has some big wins earlier in his career over Sean Strickland and Benoît Saint Denis and is (10-3-1) overall in the UFC. I won’t be betting on this fight because I could see it going either way. Right now, I’m going with Brown to utilize his jab and length en route to a decision. But my opinion may change as the fight gets closer.(Prediction: Randy Brown)

    Thomas Albano: The first thing that people will always note about Brown is his massive 78-inch reach. It is incredible of a reach for a fighter to have, and Brown knows how to use it well, managing distance while using his boxing. And while his jabs and his combinations are usually his key to success, don’t count out his grappling. Though he hasn’t had a submission win since UFC 261, “Rude Boy” knows how to handle himself on the ground if the time comes for that.

    We have only seen Zaleski dos Santos three times since the end of 2020, but he’s 2-0-1 in that span, including a win over a younger Saint Denis. While Zaleski dos Santos has jiu-jitsu in his background, his specialty is his Muay Thai. That means we should be in for a back-and-forth striking battle – though it will be interesting to see, if this fight does go to the ground, how Brown’s long limbs will help him in such an instance.

    The problem for Zaleski dos Santos is that he’s approaching 38, and while Brown is no Spring chicken either, his reach, energy, and momentum with more activity (wins in six of seven fights since the start of 2021), force me to give him the edge. (Prediction: Randy Brown)

    Tyriece Simon: This fight should be a fun start to the UFC 302 main card. Brown and Zaleski dos Santos are coming into their matchup on two-fight win streaks and aiming to make a run in the welterweight division. That said, I lean toward Brown getting the win here. He has the height and reach advantage to stick behind his jab and utilize leg kicks to pick Zaleski dos Santos apart. If “Rude Boy” can stay at a distance, I think he can win decisively. (Prediction: Randy Brown)

    Andrew Starc: Brown has won six of his last seven fights, having most recently knocked out Muslim Salikhov in the first round of their February encounter. Zaleski dos Santos, meanwhile, is undefeated in his last three, with his last bout against Rinat Fakhretdinov ending in a majority draw back in November. In what will likely be a mainly striking affair, I think the rangier and younger Brown will get the nod here. (Prediction: Randy Brown)

    Consensus: 5-0 Randy Brown

    Heavyweight: Jailton Almeida vs. Alexandr Romanov

    Kyle Dimond: Heavyweights are up next and, once again, my money is on the favorite. Almeida did not have a good night last time out against Curtis Blaydes but he’s still proven himself to be in that mix. It was a humbling setback but one that should serve Almeida well going forward as he looks to crack that upper echelon of Blaydes, Ciryl Gane, Tom Aspinall, and Jon Jones.

    I haven’t seen much from Romanov as of yet that makes me think he can break into that top group of heavyweights. So, while this isn’t the easiest matchup that is out there for Almeida, I think there could be a gap in quality once both men get tired, paving the way for the Brazilian to score a second-round TKO. (Prediction: Jailton Almeida)

    Ryan Jarrell: Almeida will be too powerful and too dynamic for Romanov. I thoroughly expect “Malhadinho” to start fast and win quickly in this heavyweight bout. (Prediction: Jailton Almeida)

    Thomas Albano: Big men going to the mat never seems to ring a desirable bell in MMA fans, but that’s exactly what we’re going to get here. If you’re a fan of wrestling and grappling, you’ll probably get a kick out of this one. Almeida was on a big win streak coming into his appearance on DWCS, and he’s continued to impress since then – despite getting knocked out by Blaydes. Almeida’s ground dominance can already be seen on the UFC stat sheets. He holds the UFC records for highest control time and top-position percentage. His 21-plus minutes of control time against Derrick Lewis is one for the UFC’s record books, as well as the nine takedowns he landed in the first round against Blaydes. If it isn’t obvious a
    lready, it’s being the one to land the takedowns and unrelenting top-heavy pressure that is Almeida’s key to victory.

    That said, his wrestling skills will be tested when he faces another talented man on the mat in Romanov. Like the Brazilian, Romanov, a freestyle wrestler, will also be aggressive and look for takedowns early. But while “King Kong,” has a little bit of a weight advantage (at least based on previous weights between these two fighters), how much success Almeida has had with grappling – in terms of both finishes and control time – might be too much for him to handle. (Prediction: Jailton Almeida)

    Tyriece Simon: This is a must-win fight for Almeida. After a lackluster performance against Lewis and a knockout loss to Blaydes, “Malhadinho” needs an impressive win. However, Romanov is a tough opponent to defeat. Both fighters will want to take the bout to the ground, but the Moldovan is the bigger fighter and seemingly has the strength advantage. I also believe “King Kong” will be better in the clinch to get to a takedown. Although Almeida is the favorite, I think Romanov has the skillset to get the job done Saturday night. (Prediction: Alexandr Romanov)

    Andrew Starc: Almeida’s rapid rise through the heavyweight ranks was cut short with a TKO loss to Blaydes in March. That was his first defeat in 15 fights, having scored wins against Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Lewis along the way. Romanov, meanwhile, got back in the win column against Blagoy Ivanov in July last year following two straight losses. Given Almeida’s grappling prowess and power, I think this will be an easy win for him. (Prediction: Jailton Almeida)

    Consensus: 4-1 Jailton Almeida

    Middleweight: Kevin Holland vs. Michał Oleksiejczuk

    Kyle Dimond: Holland returns to middleweight in search of a win following back-to-back defeats to top welterweights. Despite going up, he is sure to have a considerable height and reach advantage in this fight. Holland is a dangerous finisher, too, and that’s concerning for Oleksiejczuk considering four of his five UFC losses have been submissions. Holland has got some tricky subs in his locker also, so I can see him hurting his opponent and putting him away early, maybe with a performance bonus in there for good measure. “Big Mouth” back with a big win. (Prediction: Kevin Holland)

    Ryan Jarrell: Holland is back at middleweight and must feel the pressure to come out and look his best after his most recent performance against Michael Page. Oleksiejczuk boasts 14 KO/TKO wins in his career and made his UFC debut all the way back in 2017. We know this guy belongs and is a tough out for anyone. I do expect Holland to capitalize on his seven-inch reach advantage in this matchup and eventually find a club and sub to end the fight. (Prediction: Kevin Holland)

    Thomas Albano: This is a sneaky fun fight that some people might be sleeping on. With 14 of his 19 victories coming by way of KO, we have seen Oleksiejczuk impress with some wicked finishes and powerful displays – just have a look at his finishes of Cody Brundage and Chidi Njokuani. That said, he hasn’t faced the same kind of competition that Holland has. And while “Big Mouth” has the talk (including inside the cage) that makes him either loved or hated, there’s no doubt he can hold his own with the middleweight contenders in the Octagon.

    Holland has his own explosive power, and don’t ever count out his grappling. This will be a great experience for Oleksiejczuk and could prove to be a fun fight. However, Holland just has the experience and overall package that’s going to be too much to handle. A win here could also help Holland rebound from back-to-back losses to Jack Della Maddalena and “Venom” Page. Oleksiejczuk has four submission losses in his last five defeats, and “Trailblazer” should be able to take advantage of that with his previously mentioned grappling. (Prediction: Kevin Holland)

    Tyriece Simon: Holland and Oleksiejczuk have the potential to be the Fight of the Night. I believe the critical factor in the matchup is whether Holland’s defense can hold up. Oleksiejczuk tends to swing big punches to try to get a knockout and has the power to do it. If “Trailblazer” can utilize his footwork and head movement to avoid the Polish fighter’s heavy strikes and fight him at a distance, he can finish him. Holland has to be patient and slowly pick Oleksiejczuk apart with jabs and leg kicks early, then ramp up his onslaught in later rounds. I think this will be his game plan, and he’ll outperform Oleksiejczuk to a decision or a knockout. (Prediction: Kevin Holland)

    Andrew Starc: Holland, for me, might be one of the most frustrating fighters to watch. Since that outrageous KO of Ronaldo Souza back in 2020, which seemed to beckon a rise through the ranks, he’s lost six times in 11 fights, including his last two. Oleksiejczuk’s recent record is similarly patchy, but while Holland’s rangy boxing may cause problems, I think the Pole will get it done. (Prediction: Michał Oleksiejczuk)

    Consensus: 4-1 Kevin Holland

    Middleweight Co-Main Event: Sean Strickland vs. Paulo Costa

    Kyle Dimond: Here comes the wildcard. Everything about this fight screams a Strickland decision win. He’s defensively aware and weaponizes his cardio, two factors that make him a tough fight for Costa. However, if there’s anyone that can out-crazy Strickland, it might be “Borrachinha.” Strickland’s recent losses, aside from the left hand of doom from “Poatan,” have come from the downsides to his style. Against Jared Cannonier and Dricus Du Plessis, he did well but saw rounds slip away, and with Costa not being intimidated by the jabs coming back at him, he might be able to win any round that’s competitive through sheer output and because his strikes are more eye-catching.

    I’m not sure whether the pressure of Strickland is going to work as well against such an imposing figure in Costa, and without the former champion being able to make the Brazilian second guess himself, his toughness will keep him in the fight over five rounds and he may be able to take three of them on the cards. (Prediction: Paulo Costa)

    Ryan Jarrell: This co-main event fight should be a very interesting stylistic matchup. I’m curious to see what kind of a gameplan Strickland has against the powerful Costa. If the former champion fights smart and doesn’t try to fight “Borrachinha” the way he did Alex Pereira, I think he will grind out a win. I believe this will be the Fight of the Night and end in a narrow decision leaving many bettors upset that their parlays were busted. (Prediction: Sean Strickland) 

    Thomas Albano: Strickland is going to have quite the test for his first fight back since losing the title. While I haven’t always been the biggest fan of Costa’s performances in the Octagon, he poses an interesting challenge in that he has power that Strickland has arguably never seen in the cage before. It’s also arguable to say “Tarzan” hasn’t had the greatest track record when facing upper-level competition at middleweight, but his upset of Israel Adesanya has landed him here.

    This could be a fun battle, given how similar these two men can be in the cage. Both like to be aggressive in their striking and have strong wrestling backgrounds. I, however, give the edge to Strickland for two reasons. One, I see Strickland being the more aggressive of the two when it comes to his output. Two,
    with this being a five-round bout, the American has more experience competing in these kinds of fights. Costa, in fact, has only gone 25 minutes just one time – when he and Marvin Vettori competed at light heavyweight in late 2021. Could Costa land some damaging shots? Maybe, but I see Strickland outlasting him in a fight that goes the full way. (Prediction: Sean Strickland)

    Tyriece Simon: This matchup is intriguing as both fighters generally love to be the ones pressuring their opponent. Strickland tends to overwhelm his foes by outworking them with his striking activity, while Costa utilizes his power to shut down his competitors. The winner of this fight will be who advances and puts their opponent on the back foot.

    Costa will possibly be the aggressor in the first round. If Strickland can weather the storm, use that variation of the Philly Shell that he has had success with, and counter with 1-2 combos, he can build momentum for the second round. At that point, I think “Borrachinha” will slow down and the work Strickland put in the previous round will pay off. I’m not sure the former champion can finish Costa, but he can outwork him to a decision. (Prediction: Sean Strickland)

    Andrew Starc: While Strickland lost his middleweight crown in his last outing, it was by the narrowest of margins. His cardio and solid striking are going to cause problems for Costa. While having a good showing in his most recent loss to Robert Whittaker, the Brazilian doesn’t look to be a true threat to the elite of the division. Unless Costa lands something wild, I can’t see Strickland losing on points. (Prediction: Sean Strickland)

    Consensus: 4-1 Sean Strickland

    UFC Lightweight Title: Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier

    Kyle Dimond: Gilly or no gilly, it’s hard to pick Poirier in this one. If he fought Makhachev 10 times, I’d imagine he’d win just a few times, and I don’t think Newark is going to be his night — not with the current form of the champion. “The Diamond” is far too good to be counted out and I’m not willing to write him off. But, the simple fact of the matter is it’s hard to favor anyone in the division over Makhachev right now.

    There’s several names I think would be a tougher matchup for the champ, at least on paper. We ride into New Jersey as a silly gilly-jumping gaggle, but ultimately, Makhachev will come out on top with a tap of his own. (Prediction: Islam Makhachev)

    Ryan Jarrell: Poirier is one of my favorite mixed martial artists and I very much want to pick him here to secure a massive upset and finally become the undisputed champion. Unfortunately, my head tells me that Makhachev is just too well rounded for him.

    The American is incredibly gritty and has the ability to stun and put out anyone. I just think the Dagestani will resort to his wrestling if he gets in any major trouble in this fight. I hate to say it, but ultimately I think the champ gets ahold of Poirier’s neck and finishes him with a gilly. (Prediction: Islam Makhachev)

    Thomas Albano: With Khabib Nurmagomedov’s fighting days now behind him, Poirier gets one more crack to be the UFC lightweight champion. Unfortunately for him, he’s going to be taking on Khabib’s protégé in Makhachev. Even more unfortunate? “The Eagle” has been working with Makhachev in training camp and will be in the champ’s corner on Saturday night. Khabib and Poirier met for the lightweight title back at UFC 242 in September 2019. While “The Diamond” gave Khabib a scare with his now-known jumping of the gilly, the then-champ controlled a significant amount of the action, putting Poirier away in the third with a choke. Khabib has noted in previous interviews and hype packages that he’s using what he knows of Poirier’s strengths and weaknesses in training the current lightweight king.

    Granted, Poirier has evolved over the years. And one place he’ll have the advantage is on the feet. It sounds boring to say that this is a typical striker vs. grappler matchup, especially considering what we saw Makhachev do to Alexander Volkanovski in October. But, there’s a big difference between Volkanovski – who was coming up 10 pounds, fighting on short notice, and was a bit drained from all of his in-cage activity – and one of the best 155-pound fighters of the modern day. If Poirier can somehow keep this fight standing – and resist his desire to jump the gilly – then just maybe he can pull off the upset.

    But that’s easier said than done; Makhachev is a smart man, and he will probably just takedown and wrestle Poirier in the same way his mentor did. (Note: Charles Oliveira even had plenty of control time on Poirier, even though he never landed a takedown on the stat books!) And if that happens, unfortunately for “The Diamond,” it could be the same as it ever was in his third undisputed title fight. (Prediction: Islam Makhachev)

    Tyriece Simon: In what is potentially Poirier’s last fight, I’m not sure he can defeat Makhachev. I believe “The Diamond” has the striking ability to give the UFC lightweight champion issues. However, the most significant factor of the fight will be the challenger’s cardio. Lately, Poirier seems to slow down quicker with heavy activity in a fight early as he has gotten older. I’m certain Makhachev is mixing up his striking and grappling to confuse his opponent and sap away Poirier’s energy.

    It will be a tough night for the Louisianan if Makhachev can get Poirier backing up early and put his back against the cage. The veteran contender has to keep the fight standing to give himself a chance. It may also be beneficial to attack the body of Makhachev and not head hunt early on to slow him down. Poirier also needs to focus on trying to get up rather than going for a submission if he does end up on his back. As good as Poirier is on the ground, he’s less likely to get a submission win over Makhachev and would sacrifice control time to his opponent. Ultimately, I believe the champ will be too much for Poirier on Saturday. (Prediction: Islam Makhachev)

    Andrew Starc: I can’t see Makhachev losing this one. This is Poirier’s third shake at the title, and while he’s shown his elite caliber over the years, most recently with his KO of Saint Denis in March, I don’t think he has an answer for Makhachev’s grappling. I think this one might go the same way for Poirier as his first title shot against Khabib.(Prediction: Islam Makhachev)

    Consensus: 5-0 Islam Makhachev

    That’ll do it for our UFC 302 staff picks! What do you think? Do your picks look similar? Let us know in the comments section! Also, you can check out the UFC 302 undercard below.

    Preliminary Card:

    • Middleweight: César Almeida vs. Roman Kopylov
    • Lightweight: Grant Dawson vs. Joe Solecki
    • Welterweight: Phil Rowe vs. Jake Matthews
    • Welterweight: Niko Price vs. Alex Morono

    Early Preliminary Card:

    • Welterweight: Mickey Gall vs. Bassil Hafez
    • Women’s Bantamweight: Ailín Pérez vs. Joselyne Edwards
    • Flyweight: André Lima vs. Mitch Raposo

    Be sure to keep it right here on MMANews.com tomorrow for all the results, highlights, and updates on UFC 302!