The action does not stop! UFC returns to its home turf with a top heavyweight contender showdown. With some cracking fights and unmissable action on the horizon, fans cannot wait for the event! As such, let’s take a look at all the possible winners and losers at UFC Vegas 71 prelims on Saturday, April 22.
Notably, we have top heavyweights Sergei Pavlovich and Curtis Blaydes as the main attraction. With Pavlovich making waves and taking names, it was only a matter of time before he crossed paths with Blaydes. Additionally, we will also have some big-name fighters on the main card.
Whilst Brad Tavares takes on Bruno Silva in the co-main, we will also see the likes of Bobby Green, and Jared Gordon taking to the Octagon as well. However, our focus for this one will be the preliminary card where we have quite a few interesting matches lined up at UFC Vegas 71.
UFC Vegas 71 preliminary card predictions
Let’s take a look at what’s in store for fans on fight night and what outcome they can expect to see. As such, here are the predictions for all the prelims going down on Saturday night.
Ricky Glenn vs Christos Giagos: Ricky Glenn to win via decision
Ricky Glenn has made a promising start to life in the lightweight division. On the other hand, Christos Giagos is coming off of losses to Thiago Moises and Arman Tsarukyan, both very good fighters. However, Glenn seemingly has the upper hand when it comes to the striking department. With both fighters not easy to put away, expect this one to most certainly go to judges’ cards.
Rani Yahya vs Montel Jackson: Montel Jackson to win via decision
Competing for more than a decade now, Rani Yahya is certainly coming toward the end of his career. Despite his prowess in taking down his opponents, it is difficult to see him keeping Montel Jackson down. Sporting a massive size and reach advantage, Montel certainly has a lot of tools to utilize. Should he play his cards right and maintain his range, he could get his hand raised without too much trouble.
Karol Rosa vs Norma Dumont: Norma Dumont to win via submission
Interestingly, Karol Rosa will be making her return to featherweight for this one. Winning by majority decision against Lina Lansberg last time around, she possesses all the tools to deal with Norma Dumont. However, Norma has come a long way since her forgettable debut against Megan Anderson. Whilst there have been signs of improvement, it will take something truly special from her to be victorious in this one.
Mohammed Usman vs Junior Tafa: Mohammed Usman to win via KO/TKO
Kamaru Usman will be glad to see his brother Mohammed Usman make his mark inside the UFC Octagon. Delivering a thunderous KO on Zac Pauga last time, a lot is expected of Usman. However, he comes up against a relatively unknown quantity in Junior Tafa. With 3 of the Australian heavyweight’s fights ending within the first, it could be a quick but brutal one. Don’t blink.
Francis Marshall vs William Gomis: Francis Marshall to win via Submission
With both fighters seemingly hot prospects, this one will be an exciting watch. Whilst Francis Marshall is undefeated, William Gomis is yet to show that he can make the step up to the big leagues.
Although Gomis will be coming into this one with a sizeable height advantage, many remain unconvinced about whether he possesses the tools to actually use to his advantage. As for Francis, the key to victory will be closing the distance and getting Gomis to the ground for submission.
Brady Hiestand vs Batgerel Danaa: Brady Hiestand to win via Decision
Starting off the card we have a bantamweight contest. Brady Hiestand takes on the Mongolian, Batgerel Danaa. Notably, Hiestand burst onto the scene on The Ultimate Fighter Season 30 and has shown a lot of promise ever since. Thus Brady’s wrestling, grappling, and Jiu-Jitsu will be key in getting this one over the line.
As for Batgerel, he will need a major confidence boost coming into this one. Winless in his last two, it could be the start of the end if he loses this one. With that said, this should make for a fun watch regardless.