We are back! UFC action returns at the Apex with a top bantamweight contender showdown. Fans can expect to see some action-packed fights and some exciting prospects take the stage. Thus, let’s have a look at all the possible winners and losers at UFC Vegas 72 prelims on Saturday, April 29.
For those unaware, we have aspiring bantamweight contenders Song Yadong and Ricky Simon as the highlight of the card. With Song making the division take notice, despite his loss to Cory Sandhagen, it is time for him to prove himself against another tough opponent in Simon.
Additionally, Caio Borralho and Michal Oleksiejczuk will lock horns in the co-main. Moreover, we will also witness Julian Erosa and Marcos Rogerio de Lima inside the Octagon as well. With that said, our focus for this one will be the preliminary card where we have some rather intriguing fights lined up for the fans.
UFC Vegas 72 preliminary card predictions
Let’s take a look at what fans are in for on Saturday night and what results they can expect to see. As such, here are our predictions for the preliminary card going of the event.
Martin Buday vs Jake Collier: Jake Collier wins via KO/TKO
Martin Buday and Jake Collier are seemingly on opposite trajectories. Whilst Buday is 3-0 in his last three, Collier is 2-4 since moving up to Heavyweight. With his back against the wall, expect Jake to come out swinging. Although, with his gas tank, he doesn’t have any other choice either.
In that regard, Buday is much better equipped if the fight goes the distance and can throw down early if needed as well. Whilst many will pick Buday simply based on his record, we’re going for Jake to pull one of out the fire instead.
Cody Durden vs Charles Johnson: Cody Durden wins via Decision
One of the more intriguing fights of the night will be Cody Durden and Charles Johnson. Whilst Durden has adjusted his trajectory after his loss to Muhammed Mokaev, Johnson suffered a split decision loss to Ode Osbourne. Whilst “InnerG” has some physical advantages, both fighters are pretty evenly-matched.
Thus, it will be a good showdown, where both fighters will use their strengths to win. However, Durden seems to fight with a certain nastiness that could tip the scales in his favor. As for Johnson, he will need to put on a striking clinic in order to in this one.
Stephannie Egger vs Irina Alekseeva: Stephannie Egger wins via Submission
Next up we have Stephannie Egger taking on Irina Alekseeva. Currently 3-2 in her UFC tenure, there is a lot of expectation from Egger to deliver on the glimpses of brilliance she has shown. Her first-round submission of Jessica Rose Clark was a joy to watch and spoke volumes about the judo artist.
Now, she must prove herself against the newcomer Alekseeva. For the most part, “Russian Ronda” is a relatively new name on the scene with only a handful of fights on her record. However, she will have a tall task when she takes on Egger and makes her mark in the UFC.
Journey Newson vs Marcus McGhee: Marcus McGhee to win via Decision
For the most part, Journey Newson has failed to impress in his time with the UFC. With a rather poor 1-3-1 record so far, it seems like he’s being made the gatekeeper for new talent. As such, Marcus McGhee will make his UFC debut, following a KO finish at LFA last time around.
Having made a bright start to his MMA career, there is a belief that he can replicate the same form in the UFC Octagon. Whilst Newson will be a step up in competition, it should be a good test for “The Maniac”.
Hailey Cowan vs Jamey-Lyn Horth: Hailey Cowan to win via Submission
Kicking off the prelims, we have two relatively unknown quantities in Hailey Cowan and Jamey-Lyn Horth. Whilst Cowan secured her ticket to the UFC with a split-decision win at the Contender Series, Jamey-Lyn comes in with experience from the LFA, BFA, and more.
With both fighters having similar stats, expect the fight to be a neck-and-neck contest. Although Jamey-Lyn is undefeated throughout her career, things change quickly in the big leagues. Expect this one to go the distance with both fighters getting their mettle and gas tanks tested.