The UFC is back in Vegas in the APEX area for fight night this weekend for a heavyweight showdown. The Heavyweight main event features Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Shamil Gaziev with a co-main Light Heavyweight event with Tyson Pedro taking on Victor Petrino. It was originally planned for Saudi Arabia, but transitioned to Las Vegas, which also improves viewability for those living in Australia. Let's take a look at our predictions:
Main Event: Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs Shamil Gaziev
The main event promises to be a heavyweight banger. A crafty vet takes on a hot prospect with 2 fights in the promotions (one in DWCS) and 2 finishes, one by KO and one by round 1 submission. 'Bigi Boi' entered the UFC back in 2019 as a dangerous kickboxer who went 4-0 in the promotion before facing Francis Ngannou in 2020. He has slick striking, fast hands and was a serious threat in the heavyweight division. His recent record has been a little shaky, with only 3/7 wins after his fight with Francis, but nonetheless, all his UFC wins have been via finish. We don't know a great deal about Gaziev, but we know he has serious power. He's finished quite a few opponents, but their skill level has been questionable.
The biggest weakness for 'Bigi Boi' has always been his ground game. Generally, it's an area where fighters have exposed him. It's a hole in his game that he needs to fill. However, I don't think Gaziev will take this one to the ground. On the feet, Rozenstruik is a handful for anyone and I think this is too much of a jump for Gaziev. Experience should prevail here and I think 'Bigi Boi' catches him in the early rounds.
Prediction: Jairzinho Rozenstruik via KO
Co-Main: Tyson Pedro vs Vitor Petrino
The light-heavyweight co-main looks fun on paper. Aussie Tyson Pedro was one of the hottest prospects in the division, but a devastating knee injury derailed his trajectory during the Shogun Rua fight forced a 4-year layoff, which is tough to come back from. Since his return in 2022, he's gone on to win 3-4 fights by KO/TKO and looks back on track. Victor is currently undefeated since entering the UFC last year. He's a pretty well-rounded fighter and even managed to KO his last opponent. His fight IQ seems pretty decent too, being not afraid to take the fight to the ground.
It's a pretty tricky matchup, with two different styles. Pedro likes the blitz, and he's managed to catch quite a few of his opponents. He's dangerous, but can be reckless. I think Victor will try and take this one to the ground, that's where he'll have his best chances. Again, I'm going with the experience of Pedro, he's won as an underdog before and I think he's got a striking advantage.
Prediction: Tyson Pedro via decision
Alex Perez vs Muhammed Mokaev
A flyweight showdown between former title challenger Alex Perez and red-hot prospect Muhammed Mokaev. If Mokaev gets past Perez, it puts him in line for a title shot without a doubt. Perez has been on an interesting run. He hasn't fought since 2022, and was submitted by both Pantoja and Figueiredo. Although that's some tough competition, he looked very lost on the ground. He's a clean striker, but I would say he needs to finish it early if he wants a chance. Mokaev has been on a lovely streak since entering the UFC, with 5 wins and 4 via submission.
For this one, I have to go with Mokaev. Again, this is a step up for him, but he's too sharp on the ground. Once he gets the takedown, I think it's all over here. He's pretty neat on the feet too, so I wouldn't be surprised if he finishes it how he wants.
Prediction: Mokaev via submission
Eryk Anders vs Jamie Pickett
A middleweight bout between Anders & Pickett. Pickett has been on a four-fight slide, and tends to leave himself open, plus his cardio hasn't been the best at times. They both have some power, but I think Anders has the edge here, I think he'll find his shots in round 2.
Prediction: Anders via KO round 2
Umar Nurmagomedov vs Bekzat Almakhan
Umar is one of those guys that nobody wants to fight. He's lethal at bantamweight and upholds a flawless record. He's 16-0 and has absolutely no weaknesses in his game. Bekzat has a pretty decent record too on paper, with 14 wins and 1 loss. However, I don't think he's here for the upset, I think it's pretty straightforward for Umar. I think he wins anywhere, but most likely via submission.
Prediction: Umar Nurmagomedov via submission.
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