Josefine Knutsson vs. Julia Polastri
Winner: Josefine Knutsson
- Next Opponent: Mizuki Inoue
- Reasoning: Inoue is coming off a victory against Hannah Goldy at UFC Vegas 79. Both fighters have shown strong striking and resilience, making this an intriguing matchup. Knutsson’s momentum can be tested against Inoue’s experience.
Loser: Julia Polastri
- Next Opponent: Tecia Pennington
- Reasoning: Pennington recently lost to Tabatha Ricci at UFC St. Louis and is looking to rebound. Polastri's grappling and tenacity against Pennington's experience could provide a compelling fight to get both fighters back on track.
Melquizael Costa vs. Shayilan Nuerdanbieke
Winner: Melquizael Costa
- Next Opponent: Westin Wilson
- Reasoning: Wilson recently defeated Jeka Saragih at UFC Vegas 93, and a matchup with Costa, who also won impressively, makes sense. Both fighters are coming off strong performances, and this fight could determine a rising contender in the featherweight division.
Loser: Shayilan Nuerdanbieke
- Next Opponent: Jeka Saragih
- Reasoning: Saragih lost to Wilson at the same event, and matching these two fighters coming off losses could help them find their footing again. Both need a win to stay relevant in the division, and this matchup could be highly competitive.
Jeka Saragih vs. Westin Wilson
Winner: Westin Wilson
- Next Opponent: Melquizael Costa
- Reasoning: Wilson's submission victory over Saragih was impressive, and facing Costa, another submission artist, could be a great test. This fight could highlight who has the better grappling skills in the featherweight division.
Loser: Jeka Saragih
- Next Opponent: Shayilan Nuerdanbieke
- Reasoning: As noted above, both fighters are coming off losses and need a win. This matchup provides an opportunity for redemption and a chance to showcase their improvements.
Gabriella Fernandes vs. Carli Judice
Winner: Gabriella Fernandes
- Next Opponent: Dione Barbosa
- Reasoning: Barbosa recently defeated Ernesta Kareckaite at UFC 301. Fernandes’ aggressive style against Barbosa’s recent momentum could make for an exciting fight in the women’s flyweight division.
Loser: Carli Judice
- Next Opponent: Ariane Lipski
- Reasoning: Lipski recently lost to Karine Silva at UFC Vegas 91. Matching Judice against Lipski allows both fighters a chance to rebound and display their skills, potentially leading to an entertaining bout.
Jimmy Flick vs. Nate Maness
Winner: Nate Maness
- Next Opponent: Ronaldo Rodrigues
- Reasoning: Rodrigues is coming off a victory against Denys Bondar at UFC Mexico City. Maness’ striking prowess against Rodrigues’ skills provides an opportunity for a dynamic fight in the flyweight division.
Loser: Jimmy Flick
- Next Opponent: Mitch Raposo
- Reasoning: Raposo lost to Andre Lima at UFC 302. Both fighters need a win to get back on track, and this matchup could allow them to showcase their potential and skills, providing a pathway to better opportunities in the division.
