UFC Fight Night Vegas 93: Perez vs. Taira Predictions

Vegas hosts another fight night in the UFC calendar featuring Alex Perez and Tatsuro Taira.

Early Prelims

Shayilan Nuerdanbieke vs Melquizael Costa

Melquizael Costa faces Shayilan Nuerdanbieke in what promises to be an exciting bout. Costa's striking game is impressive, featuring a wide array of kicks that can keep opponents at bay. His ability to use front kicks, teep kick, head kicks, and question mark kicks effectively makes him a dangerous adversary on the feet. Nuerdanbieke, while tough and resilient, tends to rely on a more straightforward, brawling style, often attempting double-leg takedowns after trading hooks. However, his ground game does not seem dominant enough to control Costa, who is known for his effective striking and solid takedown defense. Both fighters have fought Steve Garcia, but Costa appears to have a more refined and dangerous striking game. Expect Costa to utilize his kicks to maintain distance and control the pace of the fight.

Prediction: Melquizael Costa by KO/TKO

Julia Pastri vs. Josephine Knutsson

In this women's bout, Josefine Knutsson takes on Julia Polastri. Knutsson is a well-rounded fighter with a strong striking background, showing promise in her ability to keep fights standing and defend against takedowns. Polastri, on the other hand, relies heavily on her ground game, having secured submissions in previous fights. However, her approach often requires her to first gain respect on the feet before attempting takedowns, a strategy that might not work well against Knutsson's superior striking. Knutsson is likely to keep the fight standing, using her striking to outpace Pastri and prevent her from implementing her ground game effectively. Given Knutsson's defensive capabilities and striking prowess, Polastri may struggle to bring the fight to the ground where she is most comfortable.

Prediction: Josefine Knutsson by TKO in the later rounds

Main Card

Jeka Saragih vs. Weston Wilson

In the upcoming UFC Fight Night, the matchup between Jeka Saragih and Weston Wilson promises fireworks. Saragih, known for his explosive knockout power, has a track record of brutal KOs, including a spinning backfist on "Road to UFC" and a first-round TKO over Lucas Alexander. His ability to find and execute KO shots makes him a dangerous opponent.

Weston Wilson, despite training with renowned fighters like "Wonderboy" Thompson, has a more unconventional style. While his front leg hook kick could catch Saragih off guard, Wilson’s tendency to rely on unorthodox techniques might leave him vulnerable. His chin, though resilient, has shown a propensity for absorbing knockout blows, especially against a striker of Saragih's caliber.

Expect Saragih to come out aggressively, aiming for an early finish. Wilson's best chance lies in surviving the initial onslaught and trying to capitalise on any openings. However, given Saragih's knockout prowess and Wilson's defensive gaps, Saragih by KO is the most likely outcome. Bettors should lean towards Saragih, banking on his ability to deliver a decisive finish

Prediction: Jeka Saragih by KO/TKO

Carli Judice vs. Gabriella Fernandez

Carli Judice takes on Gabriella Fernandez in a closely contested fight. Judice, with a record of 3-1, has shown promise and resilience, particularly in her hard-fought battles on the contender series. Fernandez, with more experience at 8-3, may bring more aggression and determination due to her age and extensive training at MMA Masters. However, Fernandez’s lack of a strong takedown game could be a disadvantage against Judice, who has demonstrated toughness and potential for growth. Judice’s youth and capability to endure prolonged fights may give her the edge in this matchup. Expect a competitive bout where Judice's tenacity and improving skill set could secure her the victory.

Prediction: Carli Judice by Decision

Garrett Armfield vs. Brady Hiestand

In the matchup between Garrett Armfield and Brady Hiestand, we see a clash of styles and potentials. Garrett Armfield, with his compact, muscular frame, seems poised to leverage his boxing prowess. Despite Hiestand’s commendable spirit and his early support for the MMA Guru on Twitter, his fight history raises concerns. Losses to fighters like Ricky Turcios and a win over Fernie Garcia do not instil much confidence. His defeat at the hands of Chad Anheliger, who TKO'd him in the third round, further underscores his vulnerabilities.

Armfield, on the other hand, has shown resilience and the ability to bounce back after takedowns, a crucial trait in this bout. His victory over Brad Katona has aged well, adding to his credibility. Armfield's debut was marred by an unfortunate short-notice move up to 145 pounds, which is not reflective of his true capabilities at bantamweight.

Hiestand’s stand-up game, while versatile, lacks the composure and precision that Armfield brings to the table. The boxing difference will likely be the deciding factor. Expect Hiestand to attempt early takedowns, but Armfield's ability to get back on his feet and press forward should dominate the narrative. 

Prediction: Garrett Armfield wins via second-round TKO.

Nate Maness vs. Jimmy Flick

Nate Maness faces Jimmy Flick in a bout that promises to test the mettle of both fighters. Maness, with his wrestling background, seems the more reliable bet here. Despite a lackluster performance against Umar Nurmagomedov, where he was held down and appeared defeated, Maness still showcases more commitment and versatility compared to Flick.

Flick is known for his unpredictable submissions, often pulling off wins from seemingly nowhere. However, his intermittent commitment to his MMA career, including a brief retirement, casts doubt on his consistency and passion. Maness, active and dedicated, presents a steadier trajectory.

At 125 pounds, Maness’s size and wrestling should be sufficient to counter Flick’s submission attempts. His stand-up game also gives him an edge. Maness should avoid Flick’s submissions and find opportunities to leverage his striking. 

Prediction: Nate Maness wins, possibly via TKO, capitalising on Flick's inconsistencies.

Tagir Ulanbekov vs. Joshua Van

The fight between Tagir Ulanbekov and Joshua Van presents a fascinating dynamic. Ulanbekov, a typical Dagestani fighter with relentless takedown strategies, contrasts sharply with Van’s striking capabilities. Van shows flashes of brilliance, landing nasty body shots and showcasing finishing potential. However, his tendency to accumulate damage before mounting a comeback could be problematic against Ulanbekov.

Ulanbekov’s ability to repeatedly shoot for takedowns, combined with his height and reach advantage, places him in a strong position. Van’s smaller stature at 5'5" and a reach of 65 inches pales compared to Ulanbekov’s 5'7" frame and 70-inch reach. This physical disparity, coupled with Ulanbekov’s wrestling pedigree, tilts the scales in favor of the Dagestani fighter.

Van’s need to build up damage and his struggles against high-level opponents add to the skepticism about his chances. Ulanbekov’s proven wrestling skills and defensive grappling, as seen against Tim Elliott, further reinforce his potential to dominate. 

Prediction: Tagir Ulanbekov wins, likely via decision, leveraging his wrestling to control the fight.

Adam Fugitt vs. Josh Quinlan

In this matchup, Adam Fugitt faces Josh Quinlan. Fugitt, despite his cool demeanour and aesthetic similarities to the villain from Deadpool, hasn't impressed in his performances. His previous bout against Mike Mallet saw him getting dominated without showing any significant skill set that would give him an edge in future fights. Fugitt does have some good offensive takedowns and grappling, but he lacks the fast-twitch muscle fibres that would allow him to be a threat on the feet. To win, Fugitt needs to be consistently better than his opponent for the entire fight duration, which seems unlikely against the more athletic Quinlan.

Josh Quinlan, on the other hand, brings more speed, strength, and overall athleticism to the table. Despite his recent loss to Danny Bowe, Quinlan demonstrated resilience by continually getting back up after taking significant hits. This resilience, coupled with his athletic edge and better grappling speed, positions him as a strong contender against Fugitt. Given Fugitt's lack of knockout power and Quinlan's ability to withstand punishment, the fight is likely to see Quinlan stuffing Fugitt's takedowns and securing a TKO victory. Quinlan's confidence and offensive skills give him a clear edge, making him a favored pick for a TKO finish over Fugitt.

Prediction: Josh Quinlan wins via TKO.

Asu Almabaev vs. Jose Johnson

Asu Almabaev, hailing from Kazakhstan, is another fighter to watch. His grappling skills have been impressive, having dominated and submitted Oday Osbourne and controlled CJ Vergara. Almabaev's strength lies in his ability to maintain control once he gets his opponents to the ground. His record suggests a consistent performance in grappling, which will be critical against Jose Johnson.

Jose Johnson, a massive flyweight standing at 6 feet tall, presents a unique challenge. Despite his size advantage, Johnson has shown vulnerabilities, particularly in his grappling defense. He has been taken down and controlled by lesser grapplers, which raises concerns about his ability to handle Almabaev. Johnson's tall frame and weight cutting to make flyweight could potentially weaken him, making him susceptible to Almabaev's grappling dominance. While Johnson's reach and striking could pose a threat, Almabaev's consistent grappling success and Johnson's past struggles with wrestlers suggest that Almabaev will likely secure a victory through ground control and potentially a submission.

Prediction: Asu Almabaev wins via submission.

Miles Johns vs. Douglas Silva de Andrade

The bout between Miles Johns and Douglas Silva de Andrade is intriguing, with both fighters bringing distinct styles to the octagon. Johns is known for his powerful overhand shots and knockout power, but his recent performance against Cody Gibson raised questions about his ability to deliver under pressure. Despite his power, Johns has shown a tendency to rely heavily on his overhands, which can make him predictable and vulnerable to more experienced strikers like Silva de Andrade.

Douglas Silva de Andrade, a seasoned fighter with experience at both bantamweight and featherweight, brings a well-rounded skill set. His recent wins over Cody Stamann and Sergey Morozov highlight his ability to compete and succeed against quality opponents. Silva de Andrade's ability to read his opponents and adapt during fights makes him a formidable opponent. His experience and versatility suggest that he will be able to counter Johns' powerful but predictable striking. Given Silva de Andrade's proven track record and adaptability, he is likely to outstrike Johns and potentially secure a decision victory, if not a late stoppage.

Prediction: Douglas Silva de Andrade wins via decision.

Lucas Almeida  vs. Timmy Cuamba

In this compelling matchup, we have Lucas Almeida  going toe-to-toe with Timmy Cuamba. On paper, Lucas Almeida  appears to be the more seasoned fighter, but a closer inspection reveals some significant caveats. Almeida , at 33, may have transitioned more towards coaching than active fighting, evident from his recent 50/50 record in the UFC. His losses to fighters like Pat Sabatini and Andre Fili, particularly the first-round KO against Fili, suggest vulnerabilities in his game. While Almeida  has some notable wins, they come with an asterisk, hinting at a decline in performance.

Timmy Cuamba, on the other hand, is an intriguing prospect. Despite stepping up on short notice and moving up a weight class in his UFC debut against Bokki, he managed to take the fight to a split decision. Cuamba showed resilience and composure, traits that are crucial in high-stakes bouts. His ability to withstand Bokki's power and maintain a competitive edge speaks volumes about his potential. Moreover, Cuamba has decent finishing abilities, although his past opponents may not have been the toughest.

Given Almeida 's recent form and Cuamba's demonstrated toughness and upward trajectory, the prediction leans towards Timmy Cuamba. His experience against larger, powerful opponents and his potential for growth make him a promising pick. Expect Cuamba to secure a decision victory, leveraging his resilience and ability to stay composed under pressure.

Prediction: Timmy Cuamba by Decision

Ikram Aliskerov vs. Antonio Trocoli

This fight appears to be a mismatch on multiple levels. Ikram Aliskerov, who has been pitted against top-tier opponents, now faces Antonio Trocoli, a fighter with a dubious record. Aliskerov's experience and skill set far surpass Trocoli's, who has struggled against mediocre competition. Trocoli's inability to finish fights against subpar opponents raises serious questions about his capability at this level.

Aliskerov, on the other hand, is a well-rounded fighter with a solid record. His grappling prowess and striking ability should be more than enough to handle Trocoli. Aliskerov's recent performances suggest he's more than capable of dispatching Trocoli quickly, likely within the first two rounds. Trocoli's physicality might pose a brief challenge, but Aliskerov's technical superiority should prevail.

Expect Aliskerov to dominate this fight, utilizing his grappling to secure a dominant position and finish the fight early. A first or second-round stoppage seems the most probable outcome given the disparity in skill levels.

Prediction: Ikram Aliskerov by TKO (Round 1 or 2)

Alex Perez vs. Tatsuro Taira

This bout is arguably the most intriguing of the night, featuring Alex Perez against the rising star Tatsuro Taira. Perez, with his extensive UFC experience, is a formidable opponent with notable victories and some significant losses. His takedown defense against strong grapplers like Makhayev has been tested, although his striking has shown vulnerabilities when pressured.

Taira, a young prospect at 24, is making waves with his rapid improvement and technical skill set. His grappling is impressive, and his striking is continually evolving. Taira's recent performances, especially against fighters like Carlos Hernandez and CJ Vergara, highlight his potential and adaptability in the octagon. His ability to control and finish fights is a testament to his growing prowess.

The key to this fight lies in Taira's ability to handle Perez's experience and power. Taira's grappling could expose weaknesses in Perez's game, and his striking has the precision to exploit openings. Given Perez's tendency to crumble under heavy grappling pressure, Taira's opportunistic style may well find a path to victory. Expect Taira to secure a TKO, possibly in the later rounds, as he capitalises on Perez's mistakes and applies relentless pressure.

Prediction: Tatsuro Taira by TKO (Round 3)

These UFC Fight Night predictions highlight the potential outcomes based on the fighters' recent performances, strengths, and weaknesses.

Stay tuned for more UFC Fight Night predictions and insights as we continue to break down the upcoming bouts. Happy betting!

UFC Vegas 93 Fight Odds