The UFC is set for another electrifying event in the Middle East, with Riyadh’s ANB Arena hosting a stacked fight card early tomorrow morning. Headlining the event, former champion Israel "The Last Stylebender" Adesanya looks to reignite his title ambitions against France’s Nassourdine "The Sniper" Imavov in a pivotal middleweight clash.
Complementing the main event is a stacked card featuring Shara Magomedov vs. Michael "Venom" Page, Sergei Pavlovich vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Said Nurmagomedov vs. Vinicius Oliveira, and Fares Ziam vs. Mike Davis, the latter replacing the originally scheduled Ikram Aliskerov vs. Andre Muniz bout.
Australia's own Kaan Ofli headlines the prelims against Muhammad Naimov, while the undercard also features Shamil Gaziev, Terrance McKinney, and Jasmine Jasudavicius, setting the stage for an action-packed night in The Kingdom.
Fight Predictions
Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Jamal Pogues
Abdelwahab may lack Pogues’ experience, but his skill set gives him an edge in both striking and grappling. After his last win was overturned due to a failed drug test, he’ll be out to make a statement.
Prediction: Hamdy Abdelwahab by KO/TKO (R2)
Bogdan Grad vs. Lucas Alexander
Alexander returns after a long layoff and another weight miss, while Grad has been surging since making waves in Cage Fight Series. I see the momentum favouring Grad.
Prediction: Bogdan Grad by Split Decision
Jasmine Jasudavicius vs. Mayra Bueno Silva
Jasudavicius is 3-0 in 2024 and rising fast, but she faces her toughest test yet against former title challenger Bueno Silva. I expect her momentum to continue.
Prediction: Jasmine Jasudavicius by Unanimous Decision
Terrance McKinney vs. Damir Hadzovic
T.Wrecks is a highlight-reel finisher, while Hadzovic returns after nearly three years away. McKinney should make a statement.
Prediction: Terrance McKinney by KO/TKO (R1)
Shamil Gaziev vs. Thomas Peterson
A rare heavyweight bout that might not end in a knockout. If Gaziev can wear down Peterson early, a submission could open up late.
Prediction: Shamil Gaziev by Submission (R3)
Muhammad Naimov vs. Kaan Ofli
A tough test for Ofli, but he has the tools to pull it off if he digs deep. Backing the Aussie here.
Prediction: Kaan Ofli by Submission (R3)
Fares Ziam vs. Mike Davis
Both fighters are in top form, and this has all the makings of a Fight of the Night contender.
Prediction: Mike Davis by Split Decision
Said Nurmagomedov vs. Vinicius Oliveira
Oliveira has the power to shock Nurmagomedov, and I honestly don't see this fight going any other way.
Prediction: Vinicius Oliveira by KO/TKO (R2)
Sergei Pavlovich vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
Pavlovich is coming off two tough losses, while Rozenstruik is riding a hot streak. This will be a war, and I see Rozenstruik edging it.
Prediction: Jairzinho Rozenstruik by Split Decision
Shara Magomedov vs. Michael Page
Two of the most entertaining strikers in MMA collide. Magomedov’s size advantage should be the difference-maker.
Prediction: Shara Magomedov by Unanimous Decision
Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov
Adesanya returns in a crucial fight for his legacy. I see him coming out sharp, clipping Imavov early, and hunting the finish.
Prediction: Israel Adesanya by KO/TKO (R1)
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