JUMP TO PICKS
Event Date: August 24, 2024
Location: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada
Channel: ESPN+
Main Card Start Time: 7:00 PM ET
Introduction
UFC Fight Night is back this Saturday with a stacked card featuring top-tier talent and emerging prospects. This weekend, we dive into the exciting matchups, providing detailed fight analysis and predictions for each bout. The fights promise a mix of striking battles, grappling showcases, and potential highlight-reel finishes. Here’s our breakdown of the key matchups you don’t want to miss.
Main Card
Jared Cannonier vs Caio Borralho
Prediction: Caio Borralho by Decision (Confidence: Medium, 60%)
Will Go the Distance: Yes (Confidence: High, 70%)
Analysis:
This fight is a classic striker vs. grappler matchup. Jared Cannonier, known for his powerful leg kicks and striking prowess, faces off against the rising contender Caio Borralho. Borralho’s recent performances have showcased his well-rounded game, particularly his grappling, which could neutralize Cannonier’s striking. With superior striking accuracy and effective grappling, Borralho has the tools to edge out a decision victory if he can keep the fight on his terms. Cannonier’s experience and power make him dangerous, but Borralho’s strategy of grinding out rounds could be the difference-maker.
Angela Hill vs Tabatha Ricci
Prediction: Angela Hill by Decision (Confidence: Medium, 60%)
Will Go the Distance: Yes (Confidence: High, 70%)
Analysis:
Angela Hill brings her extensive UFC experience into the octagon against the Brazilian grappler Tabatha Ricci. Hill’s ability to maintain a high pace and output gives her an edge in striking exchanges. However, Ricci’s grappling is a serious threat, especially if she can take Hill down and control her on the mat. The fight is likely to be closely contested, but Hill’s veteran savvy and striking volume could help her secure a decision victory, assuming she can fend off Ricci’s takedown attempts.
Neil Magny vs Michael Morales
Prediction: Michael Morales by TKO/KO (Confidence: High, 70%)
Will Go the Distance: No (Confidence: Medium, 60%)
Analysis:
Neil Magny, a seasoned veteran with a long reach and strong clinch game, faces the young powerhouse Michael Morales. Morales’s aggression and knockout power are significant factors in this fight. While Magny has the experience to drag the fight into deep waters, his declining takedown defense and susceptibility to powerful strikers make him vulnerable against Morales. Expect Morales to push the pace early, potentially leading to a stoppage victory if he can land clean shots.
Edmen Shahbazyan vs Gerald Meerschaert
Prediction: Edmen Shahbazyan by TKO/KO (Confidence: Medium, 65%)
Will Go the Distance: No (Confidence: Medium, 60%)
Analysis:
Edmen Shahbazyan is looking to make a statement with his striking power, but standing in his way is Gerald Meerschaert, a submission specialist with extensive experience. Shahbazyan’s recent camp changes and improved conditioning might give him the edge in this matchup. While Meerschaert’s submission game is a constant threat, Shahbazyan’s explosive striking could be too much if the fight remains on the feet. The key for Shahbazyan will be to avoid the ground game and capitalize on his striking advantage.
Prelims
Robert Valentin vs Ryan Loder
Prediction: Robert Valentin by TKO/KO (Confidence: Medium, 60%)
Will Go the Distance: No (Confidence: Medium, 55%)
Analysis:
Robert Valentin’s striking power could be the defining factor in this bout. Ryan Loder may struggle to handle Valentin’s aggression, particularly if he cannot get the fight to the ground. Valentin’s ability to land significant strikes could lead to a finish, making him the favorite to win by TKO/KO.
Kaan Ofi vs Mairon Santos
Prediction: Mairon Santos by Submission (Confidence: High, 70%)
Will Go the Distance: No (Confidence: Medium, 60%)
Analysis:
Mairon Santos’s grappling is a clear advantage in this fight. Kaan Ofi may have difficulty keeping the fight standing, and once on the ground, Santos’s submission skills could quickly take over. Expect Santos to hunt for a submission early and secure a victory on the mat.
Bennis Buzukja vs Francis Marshall
Prediction: Francis Marshall by Decision (Confidence: Medium, 60%)
Will Go the Distance: Yes (Confidence: High, 70%)
Analysis:
This fight is expected to be closely contested, with Francis Marshall’s well-rounded skill set potentially giving him the edge. Buzukja’s resilience and striking may challenge Marshall, but if Marshall can implement his game plan, a decision victory seems likely.
Zachary Reese vs Jose Daniel Medina
Prediction: Zachary Reese by Submission (Confidence: Medium, 60%)
Will Go the Distance: No (Confidence: Medium, 55%)
Analysis:
Zachary Reese’s grappling proficiency is his key to victory in this fight. If the fight goes to the ground, Reese’s chances of securing a submission increase significantly. Medina’s path to victory likely depends on keeping the fight standing, but Reese’s grappling edge makes him the favorite.
Viacheslav Borshchev vs James Llontop
Prediction: Viacheslav Borshchev by TKO/KO (Confidence: High, 70%)
Will Go the Distance: No (Confidence: Medium, 60%)
Analysis:
Borshchev’s striking power and precision are likely to overwhelm Llontop. If Borshchev can find his range early, a knockout finish is a strong possibility. Llontop will need to avoid getting into striking exchanges with Borshchev to have a chance.
Early Prelims
Jacqueline Cavalcanti vs Josiane Nunes
Prediction: Jacqueline Cavalcanti by Decision (Confidence: Medium, 60%)
Will Go the Distance: Yes (Confidence: High, 70%)
Analysis:
Jacqueline Cavalcanti’s striking accuracy and defensive skills give her an edge in this matchup. While Nunes has the power to finish fights, Cavalcanti’s ability to avoid damage and outpoint her opponent could lead to a decision win.
Zygimantas Ramaska vs Nathan Fletcher
Prediction: Nathan Fletcher by Decision (Confidence: Medium, 60%)
Will Go the Distance: Yes (Confidence: High, 70%)
Analysis:
Nathan Fletcher’s grinding style and cardio could wear down Zygimantas Ramaska over three rounds. Fletcher’s ability to maintain pressure and control the pace makes him the favorite to win by decision in what could be a gritty battle.
Wang Cong vs Victoria Leonardo
Prediction: Victoria Leonardo by Decision (Confidence: Medium, 60%)
Will Go the Distance: Yes (Confidence: High, 70%)
Analysis:
Victoria Leonardo’s experience and toughness could be the deciding factors in this fight. Wang Cong will need to find a way to break through Leonardo’s defense, but if Leonardo can dictate the pace, she could secure a decision victory.
Tonight’s Picks
Conclusion
This UFC Fight Night promises to deliver exciting matchups with plenty of potential for both finishes and tightly contested decisions. From rising stars to seasoned veterans, the fighters on this card bring a mix of skills that will be on full display. Tune in to ESPN+ this Saturday to catch all the action live from UFC Apex in Las Vegas!