Quillan Salkilld vs Anshul Jubli
Salkilld has earned recognition on the regional scene and is ready to make an impact in the UFC with a win over India’s Anshul Jubli. With a notable advantage in both arm and leg reach, Salkilld should have the upper hand in all areas. I expect him to dominate Jubli, particularly on the ground, and secure a convincing victory.
Prediction: Quillan Salkilld Submission R2
Jonathan Micallef vs Kevin Jousset
Two welterweights from similar regional backgrounds, Micallef is continuing to improve, while Jousset will look to use his experience to gain the upper hand. I expect this to be an all-out war, with both fighters giving everything they’ve got and leaving nothing behind.
Prediction: Kevin Jousset Split Decision
Rongzhu vs Kody Steele
With an impressive 25-6 record at just 24 years old, Rongzhu is eager to make his second stint in the UFC a successful one, knowing he can’t afford to drop to 1-4 in the promotion. Standing in his way is one of the UFC’s most exciting prospects, Kody Steele, who has already gained a huge following as a successful professional grappler. However, Steele has proven he can mix it up, earning his UFC contract with a striking performance on DWCS. I expect Steele to play it safe in his debut and secure a submission victory.
Prediction: Kody Steele Submission R1
Colby Thicknesse vs Aleksandre Topuria
With plenty of unknowns surrounding this matchup, there’s a lot of buzz as Thicknesse has been given the chance of a lifetime to make a name for himself as the man who defeated Ilia Topuria’s brother. While it’s unfortunate that Cody Haddon had to pull out, Thicknesse will likely be counting his lucky stars for the very real opportunity to earn a victory on his UFC debut. Based on the information we have on Topuria, I genuinely believe Thicknesse has what it takes to get it done.
Prediction: Colby Thicknesse Split Decision
Wang Cong vs Bruna Brasil
Cong will be eager to avenge her upset loss in Macau last year, one of the biggest surprises in UFC history, according to the bookmakers. Bruna Brasil is no pushover, as Molly McCann discovered, and she comes from the in-form Fighting Nerds team, which has shown no signs of slowing down. Brasil has moved up a weight class, claiming Cong was avoiding other fighters in her division and saw this as her best opportunity to get back on the winners list. Based on what I’ve seen of Brasil in the UFC, I believe she has the tools to exploit Cong’s weaknesses and compound the pressure from her last loss, ultimately causing her to crumble in this matchup.
Prediction: Bruna Brasil Unanimous Decision
Tom Nolan vs Viacheslav Borshchev
After Bogdan Grad’s Performance of the Night in Saudi Arabia last weekend, Nolan’s record looks even more impressive heading into this tough matchup with Russia’s Borschev. Both fighters are known for their serious violence, and one of them will likely be going to sleep. This is a true Vegas pick‘em, and I can see Nolan sending Qudos Bank Arena into a frenzy with a standout performance.
Prediction: Tom Nolan KO/TKO R1
Jack Jenkins vs Gabriel Santos
Perhaps Jenkins’ biggest challenge yet, Santos possesses all the tools to have his arm raised this weekend. He looked sharp late last year against Yizha, and while Jenkins impressed against Herbert Burns, the calibre of opponents Santos has faced speaks to his true talent. Should Jenkins win, he’ll make a strong case for a big-name matchup, but it seems Santos should be able to prevent that from happening.
Prediction: Gabriel Santos Unanimous Decision
Jake Matthews vs Francisco Prado
The Celtic Kid will step into the UFC octagon for an incredible 21st time on Sunday, serving as a gatekeeper to the talented and hungry Argentinian prospect, Prado. Both fighters will be confident in their ability to control the action and sway the judges in their favour, but I expect a back-and-forth bout that will give the judges plenty to think about. This could very well be Prado’s long-awaited breakthrough.
Prediction: Francisco Prado Split Decision
Jimmy Crute vs Rodolfo Bellato
Australian fans will welcome Crute back with open arms as he looks to get his career back on track with a victory over Bellato. An uneventful 2024 for the Brazilian has slowed his momentum, but the pair’s recent results couldn’t be more polar opposite. It’s worth remembering that the fighters Crute fell to, Smith, Hill, and Menifield, are all high-quality competition. The script is written, now it’s up to the Brute to follow the storyline.
Prediction: Jimmy Crute KO/TKO R2
Justin Tafa vs Tallison Teixeira
Two heavy hitters ready to go to war, both eager to make a statement and secure an early finish in a division that’s currently struggling. As he often does, Tafa will give up significant height, but the most surprising stat is his massive 23cm reach disadvantage. Teixeira, with an enormous 211cm reach, moves well and can be dangerous if he maintains distance. If he avoids allowing Tafa to land a fight-ending blow, I see Teixeira adding another KO to his undefeated record.
Prediction: Tallison Teixeira KO/TKO R1
Zhang Weili vs Tatiana Suarez
The #1 pound-for-pound female mixed martial artist returns to the octagon with the strawweight title on the line, facing the undefeated Suarez, who is determined to end Zhang’s dominant reign. Despite her proficiency in all areas, Zhang will be hard-pressed to match Suarez’s wrestling ability and will be looking to do her damage in the standing exchanges. If Suarez can assert her dominance on the ground, she has the potential to take the belt back to the States. However, as the fight reaches the championship rounds, I believe Zhang will find an epic path to victory in a legacy-cementing bout.
Prediction: Zhang Weili KO/TKO R5
Dricus Du Plessis vs Sean Strickland
What a war we’re in for here in Sydney! Du Plessis will look to mix in grappling once more to limit Strickland’s relentless pressure, while Strickland will aim to start quicker to wear down the champ early and avoid putting himself in a position where the judges could make a tough call. Du Plessis’ unorthodox style usually gives him an advantage in the octagon, but Strickland’s composure nearly nullifies that, and I really like this matchup for Strickland. He has the chance to correct the mistakes of a year ago and reclaim his belt.
Prediction: Sean Strickland Unanimous Decision
