By Safeer MS
Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Robelis Despaigne
Waldo Cortes-Acosta is on a two-fight winning streak and is a slight betting underdog in the fight. The undefeated Robelis Despaigne announced his UFC debut in style at UFC 299 and is a scary proposition at heavyweight. At 6’4” Cortes-Acosta is not a small heavyweight but the 6’7” Despaigne dwarfs the Brazilian. The Cuban possesses tremendous power and Cortes Acosta might not be able to deal with it.
Official Prediction: Robelis Despgaine via KO/TKO (Round 1)
Alex Caceres vs. Sean Woodson
The featherweight matchup between Alex Caceres and Sean Woodson would see two long lanky strikers engage in a striking fest. Caceres is long and lanky for featherweight but Woodson is even longer and lankier. Woodson is coming off an impressive performance against Charles Jourdain while Caceres lost his recent bout to Giga Chikadze. Caceres always had a reach advantage over his opponents but would not have it against Woodson who would likely use his reach to win the fight by points.
Official Prediction: Sean Woodson via decision.
Carlos Diego Ferreira vs. Mateusz Rębecki
Mateusz Rebecki would be looking to enter the lightweight rankings by defeating Carlos Diego Ferreira. The Brazilian had broken his slump with a KO of Michael Johnson in his latest fight. However, Rebecki is a different beast. With a sole defeat in his professional MMA career, the Pole has shown his versatility in finishing his opponents via strikes as well as finishes. The Brazilian is close to 40 years in age while the Pole is in his early 30s. A finish is very likely to happen in the fight for Rebecki.
Official Prediction: Mateusz Rebecki via submission (Round 1)
Alonzo Menifield vs. Carlos Ulberg
The light heavyweight matchup between Alonzo Menifield and Caros Ulberg would be a battle between power punchers. Menifield is likely more powerful but slows down in a fight. On the other hand, Ulberg is technical and has the cardio to hang in for a full fight. Ulberg would likely find a target for his clean strikes on Menifield. Ulberg is coming off an injury and it is the only concern for the fighter. Menifield can finish anybody with his power but has a lesser technical prowess.
Official Prediction: Carlos Ulberg via KO/TKO (Round 1)
Joaquin Buckley vs. Nursulton Ruziboev
Joaquin Buckley has been on a role in the UFC’s welterweight division. Similar is the case for Nursulton Ruziboev but at middleweight. Ruziboev is a surefire pick if the fight is at middleweight. However, the fight is at welterweight and thus would favor the American who is high on confidence. The Uzbek is extremely big for the division but has the same reach as Buckley. There is a very low chance the fight goes the distance.
Official Prediction: Joaquin Buckley via KO/TKO (Round 2)
Derrick Lewis vs. Rodrigo Nascimento
The main event of UFC St. Louis would only go two ways. Either Derrick Lewis catches Rodrigo Nascimento with a power punch or the Brazilian grapples with Lewis and wins via submission. Due to the size advantage, it’s unlikely the Brazilian would take Lewis down. Moreover, an uppercut would wait for the Brazilian if tried to rush in with a takedown. The fight would likely end in a finish.
Official prediction: Derrick Lewis via KO/TKO (Round 2)
