After the lofty highs of UFC 300, it’s back to reality for fight fans. That means leaving behind a roaring crowd witnessing a loaded card from top to bottom and returning to the barren gymnasium known as the Apex Center for Saturday’s showcase of unknown prospects and journeymen.
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This weekend a meeting of top 10 flyweights Matheus Nicolau and Alex Perez takes center stage.
Here are some bold UFC Vegas 91 predictions
UFC Vegas 91 Predictions
Matheus Nicolau (19-31-1) vs. Alex Perez (24-8)
Both Matheus Nicolau and Alex Perez have seen better days as professional fighters. Nicolau’s sole appearance in 2023 was quick knockout loss to Brandon Royval that propelled the American to challenge for Alexandre Pantoja’s belt.
Perez will enter the Octagon after a failed attempt to dethrone Deiveson Figueiredo in 2020 spiraled into a 3 fight losing streak and long string of fight cancellations. Ironically, Manel Kape withdrawing earlier this month opened the door for Perez to compete Saturday, just weeks after a decision loss.
Both men have a cloud of mystery hovering above them ahead of the opening bell. Will Nicolau show signs of cage rust in a five round fight after spending over a year outside of competition? Will Perez’ shortened camp or quick rebooking compromise him physically?
If Nicolau can shake the cobwebs off before Perez can find his chin, expect the Brazilian to netrualize him over the distance.
Prediction: Nicolau by Decision
Ryan Spann (21-9) vs. Bogdan Guskov (15-3)
One thing you can rely on in the UFC’s light heavyweight division is Ryan Spann doing his best end things early one way or another. On the other hand, Bogdan Guskov has shown a similar allergy to the judges scorecards with a 2016 loss representing the only time he has seen a decision.
These two are very likely to throw caution to the wind and see where the chips fall. In this scenario it’s hard to discount the high level experience that Spann has. While he’s no stranger to the loss column, he’s also racked up a sneakily impressive collection of scalps with this approach.
Prediction: Spann by KO, Round 1
Karine Silva (17-4) vs. Ariane Lipski (17-8)
In a battle of fringe contenders in the women’s flyweight division, Karine Silva and Ariane Lipski with meet on the third fight from the top. The style match up does offer promise in terms of pure action. Lipski’s “Queen of Violence” nickname is supported by her history of aggression with little regard for defense while Silva has won her last six by submission, five of which were inside the first round.
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The main question here is can Lipski stay on her feet. If she exercises some patience and avoids a well timed level change, she can have a great deal of success. However, her abilities on the ground may make her less careful and expose her to danger. Look for Silva to capitalize and put her in bad spots while doing damage from the top.
Prediction: Silva by TKO, Round 2
Complete UFC Vegas 91 Predictions and Betting Odds
- Matheus Nicholau (-175) vs. Alex Perez (+145): Nicholau by Decision
- Ryan Spann (-205) vs. Bogdan Guskov (+170): Spann by KO, Round 1
- Karine Silva (-155) vs. Ariane Lipski (+130): Silva by TKO
- Austen Lane (+245) vs. Jhonata Diniz (-285): Lane by KO, Round 1
- Jonathan Pearce (-153) vs. David Onama (+133): Pearce by Decision
- Uros Medic (-310) vs. Tim Means (+250): Means by Decision
- Rani Yahya (+390) vs. Victor Henry (-500): Henry by Decision
- Austin Hubbard (+130) vs. Michal Figlak (-155): Hubbard by Decision
- Don’Tale Mayes (+105) vs. Caio Machado (-125): Mayes by Decision
- Marnic Mann (+275) vs. Ketlen Souza (-345): Souza by Decision
- James Llontop (-440) vs. Chris Padilla (+340): LLtontop by TKO, Round 3
- Ivana Petrovic (-520) vs. Liang Na (+390): Petrovic by Submission, Round 2
- Gabriel Benitez (+170) vs. Maheshate Hayisaer (-218): Hayisaer by TKO, Round 2
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