Middleweight: Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov
- Robert Whittaker: Former champion with a 16-5 UFC record, currently ranked 4th.
- Ikram Aliskerov: Unranked but on a formidable seven-fight winning streak with a 2-0 UFC record.
Prediction: Aliskerov via first-round knockout.
Reason: Aliskerov has demonstrated exceptional striking power and precision, as evidenced by his recent knockout victories. His momentum and aggressive style may overwhelm Whittaker early in the fight.
Heavyweight: Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov
- Sergei Pavlovich: Ranked 3rd with a UFC record of 6-2, recently lost an interim title fight.
- Alexander Volkov: Ranked 5th with an 11-4 UFC record, on a three-fight winning streak.
Prediction: Pavlovich via second-round knockout.
Reason: Pavlovich is known for his explosive knockout power and has consistently finished opponents quickly. Despite his recent loss, he remains a formidable striker who can capitalize on Volkov’s occasionally slow starts.
Welterweight: Kelvin Gastelum vs. Daniel Rodriguez
- Kelvin Gastelum: Former interim middleweight title challenger with a 12-9 (1) UFC record.
- Daniel Rodriguez: Returning from a USADA suspension with a 7-3 record, lost his last fight.
Prediction: Gastelum via decision.
Reason: Gastelum’s experience and well-rounded skill set give him an edge in a longer fight. His resilience and ability to adapt mid-fight should help him outlast Rodriguez, especially considering Rodriguez’s ring rust from his suspension.
Middleweight: Sharabutdin Magomedov vs. Antonio Trocoli
- Sharabutdin Magomedov: Undefeated in 12 fights, 1-0 in the UFC.
- Antonio Trocoli: Making his UFC debut as a short-notice replacement, on a 3-fight winning streak.
Prediction: Trocoli via submission.
Reason: Trocoli’s strong grappling and submission skills present a significant challenge, especially for someone facing a debutant who might not be fully prepared for his ground game. The element of surprise and Trocoli’s recent form make him a dangerous opponent.
Light Heavyweight: Johnny Walker vs. Volkan Oezdemir
- Johnny Walker: Ranked 7th with a 7-5 (1) UFC record, lost his last fight.
- Volkan Oezdemir: Ranked 9th with a 7-6 UFC record, a former title challenger.
Prediction: Oezdemir via third-round knockout.
Reason: Oezdemir’s experience and striking accuracy are critical in this matchup. Walker’s recent inconsistency and vulnerability to knockouts play into Oezdemir’s strengths, making a late-round knockout a likely outcome.
