After two consecutive weeks on the road, the attention shifts back to the Apex Center this Saturday for UFC Vegas 92. In the main event, longtime veteran Edson Barboza will try to stop the upward motion of Lerone Murphy by handing the Brit his first loss.
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Elsewhere on the card is the typical mixed bag of grizzled vets and prospects fighting to claw their way up the ladder.
Here are some bold UFC Vegas 92 Predictions
Edson Barboza (24-11) vs. Lerone Murphy (13-0-1)
The main event between Edson Barboza and Lerone Murphy represents a clash of generations. Barboza has been a reliable mainstay on the UFC roster since 2010 with an impressive collection of jaw-dropping knockouts to boast. Murphy has showcased a well-rounded skill set, elite athleticism, and an ability to adapt on the fly since his debut in 2019.
Murphy has the tools to defeat Barboza, but it’s going to be reliant upon his composure when the bell rings. If he can contain the emotions that are sure to come with his first main event and the physical demands of his first five-rounder, this can be a great opportunity to make a statement in the division.
However, picking against the veteran in favor of a notorious slow-starter may not be the wisest course of action if the Brazilian establishes his rhythm from jump.
Prediction: Barboza by Decision
Khaos Williams (14-3) vs. Carlston Harris (19-5)
UFC matchmakers probably recognized the extreme outcomes that are possible when looking at this fight on paper. A finish could be imminent with Khaos Williams’ heavy hands and output or Harris’ ability to snatch submissions. On the flipside, their shared tendency for prolonged and inactive clinches could lead to a slow 15 minutes.
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While Harris might be the better ground technician, it’s unlikely that he’ll be able to consistently get Khaos to the floor to work his game. Outside of the clinches, stand up exchanges are more probable, which isn’t encouraging for “Mocambique.”
Prediction: Williams by KO, Round 2
Ramiz Brahimaj (10-4) vs. Themba Gorimbo (12-4)
Ramiz Brahimaj will make his return following a spinal injury that put him on the shelf for two and a half years while Gorimbo will leave the house that the Rock famously purchased for him in an attempt to extend his win streak to three.
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The biggest question mark surrounding this pairing is how will Brahaimaj look after such a serious injury and the time needed to heal. If he is in top form and able to shake off the rust quickly, he could give Gorimbo his third loss via guillotine without too much hassle.
On the other hand, anything short of his best means that he could be stonewalled by the larger man with better striking. Typically, it’s risky to side with someone who has spent that much time outside of the cage.
Prediction: Gorimbo by TKO, Round 2
Adrian Yanez (16-5) vs. Vinicius Salvador (14-6)
Adrian Yanez and Vinicius Salvador will both enter the cage Saturday on shaky ground. Yanez is hoping to start his 2024 campaign far better than last year’s back-to-back finish losses left him. Salvador is moving up to bantamweight for the first time since the regional circuit after a botched weight cut.
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This looks like the perfect fight for Yanez to bounce back with. He will enjoy a natural size advantage and is facing much lower competition than he did in the losses to Rob Font and Jonathan Martinez. If Salvador’s power doesn’t come up the scale with him, Yanez should shine.
Prediction: Yanez by KO, Round 1
Angela Hill (16-13) vs. Luana Pinheiro (11-2)
Both Angela Hill and Luana Pinheiro will make their first appearances of 2024 on Saturday. Hill looks to win her second fight in row while Pinheiro needs to get back in the win column after suffering her first knockout loss.
While Pinheiro does possess enough power to respect, Hill’s volume could play the perfect counter. Additionally, “Overkill” is no slouch when it comes to takedown defense which makes using wrestling as a neutralizer easier said than done. Of course, Hill is also the victim of many close scorecards, and this could very well continue that trend.
Prediction: Hill by Decision
Complete UFC Vegas 92 Predictions and Betting Odds
Main Card
- Edson Barboza (+124) vs. Lerone Murphy (-148): Barboza by Decision
- Khaos Williams (-120) vs. Carlston Harris (+100): Williams by KO, Round 2
- Ramiz Brahimaj (+170) vs. Themba Gorimbo (-205): Gorimbo by KO, Round 2
- Adrian Yanez (-360) vs. Vinicius Salvador (+285): Yanez by KO, Round 1
- Angela Hill (-162) vs. Luana Pinheiro (+136): Hill by Decision
Preliminary Card
- Tom Nolan (-470) vs. Victor Martinez (+360): Nolan by KO, Round 1
- Oumar Sy vs. Tuco Tokkos: Sy by TKO, Round 1
- Tamires Vidal (+320) vs. Melissa Gatto (-410): Vidal by Decision
- Abus Magomedov (-258) vs. Warlley Alves(+210): Magomedov by TKO, Round 2
- Piera Rodriguez (-175) vs. Ariane Carnelossi (+145): Rodriguez by Decision
- Alatengheili (+150) vs. Kleydson Rodrigues (-180): Alatengheili by Decision
- Emily Ducote (-270) vs. Vanessa Demopoulos (+220): Ducote by Decision
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