Before the dust can completely settle after a trip to New Jersey for last weekend’s pay-per-view event, the world leader in mixed martial arts sets up the Octagon in Kentucky for UFC Louisville. Top ten middleweights Jared Cannonier and Nassourdine Imavov will meet in the main event this Saturday.
Related: Complete UFC Louisville card, betting odds, start time, and TV info
Here are some bold UFC Louisville Predictions
Jared Cannonier (17-6) vs. Nassourdine Imavov (13-4)
In a fight that is very relevant to the middleweight title shot sweepstakes, former challenger Jared Cannonier will square off with the Russian-born Frenchman Nassourdine Imavov.
Also Read: Bo Nickal Next Fight: 3 Opponent Options For The Super Prospect’s UFC Return
As Cannonier nears the thirteenth year in his professional career as a 40-year-old man coming off a year layoff, it’s hard to ignore how fresh Imavov is in comparison. But while father time (or potential ring rust) could decide now is the time to push the “Killa Gorilla” out of contendership, it’s probably more likely that he uses superior strength to control the fight enough to convince the judges for a stay of execution.
Prediction: Cannonier by Decision
Dominick Reyes (12-4) vs. Dustin Jacoby (19-8-1)
After nearly snatching gold from Jon Jones at UFC 247, Dominick Reyes’ career fell off a cliff with three consecutive knockout losses to follow and sitting on the sidelines for all of 2023. Dustin Jacoby was enjoying a rejuvenation sparked by an entertaining run in Glory Kickboxing.
Also Read: Alex Pereira Next Fight: 3 Opponent Options For ‘Poatan’ Including Tom Aspinall
The version of Reyes that almost shocked the world would be the easy pick here, but those days are gone. Jacoby has more than enough to end the evening early and Reyes doesn’t have the defense or chin to withstand it.
Prediction: Jacoby by KO, Round 2
Raul Rosas Jr. (8-1) vs. Ricky Turcios (12-3)
Almost six months after the UFC first attempted to match hyped prospect Raul Rosas Jr. with TUF 29 winner Ricky Turcios, it looks the two will finally stand opposite one another in the cage. This feels like a fight that in a previous era would have been featured on an LFA card with the UFC closely watching to poach talent.
Also Read: Sean O’Malley next fight: ‘Sugar’ set to face No. 1 contender in UFC return
Turcio has to endure what is almost guaranteed to be a fast start from Rosas. But that would mean breaking out of his pattern of slow starts while facing a fresh faced 19-year-old who should be a noticeably improved version of himself.
Prediction: Rosas Jr. by TKO, Round 1
Bruno Ferreira (11-1) vs. Dustin Stolzfus (15-5)
The middleweight bout between Bruno Ferreira and Dustin Stolzfus is one of very conflicting styles. While “The Hulk” uses power punches to help his apparent allergy of being past the first round, Stoltzfus relies on a more technical approach to make up for what he lacks athletically.
Also Read: 10 UFC Fighters Who Made Legendary Comebacks, Including Jorge Masvidal and Brock Lesnar
It’s possible that Stolzfus finds a way to wear out Ferreira over the distance and test his gas tank. The big problem with that plan is that it’s dependent on him enduring a ton of damage along the way.
Prediction: Ferreira by KO, Round 1
Julian Marquez (9-4) vs. Zach Reese (6-1)
When Julian Marquez and Zach Reese step into the Octagon on Saturday, the judges should be able to sneak in a bathroom break. Reese has yet to see a decision, while scorecards have only factored in two of Marquez’s fights so far.
This has all of the makings of a quick violent burst resulting in somebody waking up with a view of the lights in KFC Yum! Arena. Even if his higher profile wins haven’t aged well, “The Cuban Missile Crisis” is certainly the more proven commodity. However, the getting railroaded in his last two outings could mean the chin that he needs to do his best work isn’t what it used to be.
Prediction: Reese by TKO, Round 2
Punahele Soriano (9-4) vs. Miguel Baeza (10-3)
The welterweight contest between Punahele Soriano and Miguel Baeza feels like a “loser leaves town” match up. Both men have hit a brick wall after hot starts to their UFC tenure and desperately need a win.
Also Read: Ringside Intel’s Latest Boxing Pound for Pound Rankings, Including Gervonta Davis and Tyson Fury
Baeza and Soriano both share an interesting blend of show-stopping power and ineffective defense that should lend itself to an early ending. It’s just a matter of who gets off the cleanest shots first while taking whatever comes their way. Baeza’s higher level of experience might make the difference here.
Prediction: Baeza by KO, Round 3
Complete UFC Louisville Predictions and Odds
Main Card
- Jared Cannonier (-105) vs. Nassourdine Imavov (-115): Cannonier by Decision
- Dominick Reyes (+190) vs. Dustin Jacoby (-230): Jacoby by KO, Round 2
- Raul Rosas Jr. (-250) vs. Ricky Turcios (+205): Rosas Jr. by Submission, Round 1
- Brunno Ferreira (-265) vs. Dustin Stoltzfus (+215): Ferreira by KO, Round 1
- Julian Marquez (-102) vs. Zach Reese (-118): Reese by TKO, Round 2
- Punahele Soriano (+135) vs. Miguel Baeza (-175): Baeza by KO, Round 3
Preliminary Card
- Thiago Moisés (+100) vs. Ľudovít Klein (-120): Moisés by Decision?
- Charles Radtke (+164) vs. Carlos Prates (-198): Prates by KO, Round 1
- Brad Katona (-500) vs. Jesse Butler (+380): Katona by Decision
- Andrea Lee (-135) vs. Montana De La Rosa (+114): Lee by Decision
- Daniel Marcos (-122) vs. John Castañeda (+102): Castaneda by Decision
- Eduarda Moura (-192) vs. Denise Gomes (+160): Moura by Decision
- Cody Stamann (+160) vs. Taylor Lapilus (-192): Stamann by Decison
- Puja Tomar (+198) vs. Rayanne Dos Santos (-235): Dos Santos by Decision
Also Read: The 10 Best UFC Fights of All Time, Including Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz At UFC 202
