UFC 118 Predictions: Belal Muhammad vs Gabriel Bonfim

UFC 118 Predictions: Belal Muhammad vs Gabriel Bonfim
Belal Muhammad vs Gabriel Bonfim (image credit UFC/Zuffa)

The UFC returns to the Apex this weekend with a surprisingly deep card headlined by a crucial welterweight showdown between former champion Belal Muhammad and surging Brazilian contender Gabriel Bonfim.

Belal Muhammad is looking to halt a two-fight losing streak after dropping the welterweight title. And several other veterans are also fighting to keep their rankings and careers on track. while fighters like Matt Schnell, Bryce Mitchell, and Bruno Silva enter must-win situations against younger opposition.

The is packed with meaningful matchups across multiple divisions, including a pivotal middleweight clash between Brendan Allen and Edmen Shahbazyan. Plus, we get a lightweight showdown involving Farès Ziam, and the continued rise of undefeated prospects such as Santiago Luna and Iwo Baraniewski.

Here are my UFC Vegas 118: Belal Muhammad vs Gabriel Bonfim predictions for every fight on the card.

UFC Vegas 118 Predictions Cheat Sheets

Don’t feel like reading the whole article? Here is the full cheat sheet to my UFC Vegas 118 predictions. Click on each fight for the full breakdown!

Main Card Picks

Belal Muhammad vs Gabriel Bonfim prediction
• Pick: Belal Muhammad -125 (1.80)
• Method: Unanimous Decision
• Confidence: ⭐⭐⭐

Brendan Allen vs Edmen Shahbazyan prediction
• Pick: Brendan Allen -225 (1.44)
• Method: Submission (Round 3)
• Confidence: ⭐⭐⭐

Farès Ziam vs Tom Nolan prediction
• Pick: Farès Ziam -320 (1.31)
• Method: TKO (Round 2)
• Confidence: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bryce Mitchell vs Santiago Luna prediction
• Pick: Bryce Mitchell -145 (1.69)
• Method: Submission (Round 2)
• Confidence: ⭐⭐⭐

Iwo Baraniewski vs Junior Tafa prediction
• Pick: Iwo Baraniewski -350 (1.29)
• Method: Submission (Round 1)
• Confidence: ⭐⭐⭐⭐    

Prelim Picks

Matt Schnell vs Alessandro Costa prediction
• Pick: Alessandro Costa -800 (1.13)
• Method: TKO (Round 1)
• Confidence: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Marcus McGhee vs John Yannis prediction
• Pick: Marcus McGhee -450 (1.22)
• Method: Unanimous Decision
• Confidence: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bruno Silva vs Edgar Chairez prediction
• Pick: Edgar Chairez +110 (2.10)
• Method: Unanimous Decision
• Confidence: ⭐⭐⭐

Priscila Cachoeira vs Chelsea Chandler prediction

• Pick: Priscila Cachoeira +105 (2.05)
• Method: KO (Round 2)
• Confidence: ⭐⭐    

Jordan Leavitt vs Joanderson Brito prediction
• Pick: Joanderson Brito -185 (1.54)
• Method: Submission (Round 2)
• Confidence: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Jeisla Chaves vs Yuneisy Duben prediction
• Pick: Jeisla Chaves -400 (1.25)
• Method: Unanimous Decision
• Confidence: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ketlen Souza vs Ariane Carnelossi prediction
• Pick: Ketlen Souza
• Method: Unanimous Decision
• Confidence: ⭐⭐⭐  
Best Bets
🥇 Alessandro Costa ML (-800)
🥈 Farès Ziam ML (-320)
🥉 Joanderson Brito ML (-185)
🏅 Iwo Baraniewski Inside the Distance
🏅 Bryce Mitchell by Submission
Upset Alerts
⚠️ Gariel Bonfim over Belal Muhammad
⚠️ Edmen Shahbazyan over Brendan Allen
⚠️ Priscila Cachoeira over Chelsea Chandler
⚠️ Edgar Chairez over Bruno Silva  
Most Likely Not to Go the Distance
🔥 Alessandro Costa vs Matt Schnell
🔥 Iwo Baraniewski vs Junior Tafa
🔥 Joanderson Brito vs Jordan Leavitt
🔥 Bryce Mitchell vs Santiago Luna
🔥 Priscila Cachoeira vs Chelsea Chandler  

*Disclaimer: All predictions are for entertainment purposes only. If you bet, bet responsibly.

UFC Vegas 118: Line-up and Odds
UFC Vegas 118: Main Card Lineup and odds

Belal Muhammad vs Gabriel Bonfim prediction

Belal Muhammad vs. Gabriel Bonfim Predictions

Odds: Belal Muhammad -125 (1.80) | Gabriel Bonfim +105 (2.05)

The main event of UFC Vegas 118 features a fascinating clash between proven championship experience and one of the hottest rising contenders in the welterweight division. Former UFC champion Belal Muhammad is looking to stop a two-fight skid, while Gabriel Bonfim enters riding a four-fight winning streak and appears closer than ever to breaking into the elite tier at 170 pounds.

Belal Muhammad looking to prove he still belongs among the elite

Muhammad’s recent record may not jump off the page, but the level of competition certainly does. His last two defeats came against current champion Jack Della Maddalena and top contender Ian Machado Garry. Prior to that, he captured the welterweight title with a dominant victory over Leon Edwards and also picked up notable wins over Gilbert Burns and Sean Brady.

What makes Muhammad so difficult to beat is his ability to weaponize pace. He constantly pressures opponents, mixes in takedowns, forces clinch exchanges, and rarely gives his opponents a moment to breathe. Even when he is not landing damaging shots, he is accumulating control time and winning minutes.

The concern is whether the wear and tear of a long career is beginning to catch up with him. At 38 years old, this feels like a must-win fight if he wants to remain in the title picture.

Gabriel Bonfim has all the tools to become a contender

Bonfim suffered the first setback of his career when Nicolas Dalby stopped him in 2023, but the Brazilian has responded exactly how you would want a future contender to respond.

Since that loss, he has defeated Ange Loosa, submitted Khaos Williams, edged Stephen Thompson in a close fight, and most recently finished Randy Brown with a devastating knee. The improvements have been noticeable. His striking looks sharper, his confidence has grown, and his dangerous submission game remains a constant threat.

Bonfim possesses legitimate finishing ability everywhere. He can hurt opponents on the feet, attack the body with vicious knees, and lock up submissions if opponents make mistakes during grappling exchanges.

Five rounds may decide everything

The biggest question entering this fight is whether Bonfim can maintain his effectiveness over five rounds against a fighter like Muhammad.

Belal has built his entire career around exhausting opponents. He forces a high pace from the opening bell and usually looks just as fresh in the fourth and fifth rounds as he does in the first. Bonfim has looked spectacular lately, but he has not consistently faced someone capable of pushing him for 25 hard minutes.

Early in the fight, Bonfim’s speed and power could create problems. His calf kicks should have success, and his submission game makes every takedown attempt potentially dangerous. However, if Muhammad survives those early moments, the fight starts to shift in his favor.

As the rounds pile up, expect Muhammad to increase the pressure, force clinch exchanges against the fence, mix in takedowns, and gradually wear down the younger contender.

Prediction

Bonfim is absolutely live for an upset. He has the striking advantage, carries more finishing power, and is one of the most dangerous submission artists in the division.

Still, Muhammad’s experience in five-round fights, elite cardio, and relentless wrestling pressure make him the safer pick. Unless Bonfim finds a finish early, Muhammad should be able to take control during the championship rounds.

Belal Muhammad vs Gabriel Bonfim prediction: Belal Muhammad by unanimous decision

Brendan Allen vs Edmen Shahbazyan prediction

Brendan Allen vs. Edmen Shahbazyan Predictions

Odds: Brendan Allen -225 (1.44) | Edmen Shahbazyan +185 (2.85)

The co-main event of UFC Vegas 118 features an intriguing middleweight clash between two fighters who have rebuilt momentum after difficult stretches in their careers. Brendan Allen remains one of the highest-ranked contenders in the division, while Edmen Shahbazyan is enjoying a career resurgence and enters this fight on a three-fight winning streak.

Brendan Allen has proven himself against elite competition

Allen enters this matchup as the more accomplished fighter and the man with significantly more experience against top-level opposition. While he suffered back-to-back losses to Nassourdine Imavov and Anthony Hernandez in 2024 and early 2025, he responded in impressive fashion.

First, he dominated former title challenger Marvin Vettori over three rounds. He then followed that performance with one of the biggest wins of his career, stopping Reinier de Ridder late after surviving difficult moments early in the fight.

Allen’s greatest strength is his versatility. He is a dangerous grappler, possesses a solid gas tank, and has steadily improved his striking over the years. He may not be the most explosive fighter in the division, but he consistently finds ways to win against quality opposition.

Shahbazyan finally appears to be reaching his potential

A few years ago, Shahbazyan was viewed as a future UFC title challenger before a brutal stretch of losses derailed his momentum. However, “The Golden Boy” has quietly rebuilt himself and now looks more complete than ever.

Since his submission loss to Gerald Meerschaert, Shahbazyan has reeled off three consecutive victories. He knocked out Dylan Budka, outpointed Andre Petroski, and most impressively stopped Andre Muniz in the first round despite Muniz being one of the division’s most dangerous grapplers.

The biggest weapon in Shahbazyan’s arsenal remains his striking. He is faster, more explosive, and arguably more dangerous than Allen on the feet. His combinations are sharp, his kicks are underrated, and he carries legitimate knockout power early in fights.

Can Shahbazyan stop the wrestling?

The key question in this fight revolves around Allen’s grappling.

Historically, Shahbazyan has struggled against opponents who can consistently wrestle and force him to work defensively. While his takedown defense has improved considerably, Allen presents a different level of challenge than the opponents Shahbazyan has recently faced.

If Allen can force clinch exchanges, secure takedowns, and make Shahbazyan defend for extended periods, the fight should gradually swing in his favor. On the other hand, if Shahbazyan can keep the fight standing, his speed and power could create major problems for Allen.

The opening round feels especially important. Shahbazyan is typically at his most dangerous early, while Allen tends to grow stronger as fights progress.

Prediction

This fight is closer than the betting odds suggest. Shahbazyan is the better striker and possesses the kind of power that can change a fight instantly. If he lands clean during the opening rounds, an upset is entirely possible.

However, Allen has consistently proven himself against a much higher level of competition. His grappling, durability, and ability to fight through adversity give him multiple paths to victory. Over three rounds, those advantages should become increasingly important.

Brendan Allen vs Edmen Shahbazyan prediction: Brendan Allen by third-round submission

Farès Ziam vs Tom Nolan prediction

Fares Ziam vs. Tom Nolan Predictions

Odds: Farès Ziam -320 (1.31) | Tom Nolan +255 (3.55)

One of the most intriguing fights on the UFC Vegas 118 main card pits two towering lightweights against each other. Farès Ziam has quietly established himself as a legitimate contender in the division, while Tom Nolan continues to generate excitement as one of Australia’s most promising young prospects.

Farès Ziam has evolved into a complete lightweight

For years, Ziam was viewed primarily as a technical kickboxer with excellent range management and solid fundamentals. While those traits remain the foundation of his game, he has added several new layers over the past few years.

The Frenchman enters this fight on a four-fight winning streak that includes victories over Matt Frevola, Claudio Puelles, Jai Herbert, and Michal Figlak. His spectacular knee knockout of Frevola showcased the confidence and killer instinct that was sometimes missing earlier in his UFC run.

Standing 6-foot-1 with a 75-inch reach, Ziam is extremely difficult to deal with at range. He uses his jab effectively, mixes in kicks to all levels, and has become much more dangerous when opponents try to close the distance.

Tom Nolan remains one of the division’s most dangerous prospects

At 6-foot-3, Nolan possesses one of the most unique frames in the lightweight division. The Australian earned plenty of hype after his Contender Series appearance and has largely lived up to expectations since bouncing back from his UFC debut loss.

Following his knockout defeat against Nikolas Motta, Nolan responded with impressive finishes of Victor Martinez and Alex Reyes. When he gets opponents into firefights, his size, power, and aggression make him extremely dangerous.

Nolan excels when he can march forward, pressure opponents, and force exchanges in the pocket. His knees, straight punches, and physical presence create problems for almost anyone at lightweight.

Experience and technique favor Ziam

While Nolan certainly has the power advantage, this matchup feels tailor-made for Ziam’s style.

Unlike many of Nolan’s previous opponents, Ziam is unlikely to stand directly in front of him and trade. The Frenchman is a far more technical striker, possesses better footwork, and has proven himself against significantly higher levels of competition.

The biggest concern for Nolan is his defensive vulnerability. We saw Nikolas Motta expose some of those flaws during his UFC debut, and Ziam is a far more polished striker than Motta. If Nolan becomes overly aggressive, he could find himself walking into counters throughout the fight.

Ziam also holds a clear edge in terms of UFC experience. He has already gone the distance with quality opponents and shown he can stick to a game plan over three rounds.

Prediction

Nolan is dangerous enough to change the fight with a single punch, especially early. His size and power guarantee he will have moments in this contest.

However, Ziam appears to be operating on a different level right now. He is the cleaner striker, the more experienced fighter, and the athlete with far fewer defensive concerns. Expect him to control the range, frustrate Nolan with movement, and gradually take over as the fight progresses.

Farès Ziam vs Tom Nolan prediction: Farès Ziam vs Tom Nolan prediction

Bryce Mitchell vs Santiago Luna prediction

Bryce Mitchell vs. Santiago Luna Predictions

Odds: Bryce Mitchell -145 (1.69) | Santiago Luna +120 (2.20)

One of the most fascinating matchups on the UFC Vegas 118 card features established contender Bryce Mitchell taking on unbeaten Mexican prospect Santiago Luna. This is a classic veteran-versus-prospect clash, with Luna accepting the biggest challenge of his career against a fighter who has already shared the cage with some of the best names in the sport.

Santiago Luna is one of the UFC’s most exciting young prospects

At just 21 years old, Luna has quickly become one of the most intriguing young talents in the bantamweight division. A three-time Mexican national Greco-Roman wrestling champion, he entered the UFC on short notice and immediately turned heads with a knockout victory over Quang Le.

He followed that performance with a dominant decision win over Angel Pacheco earlier this year, showcasing not only his wrestling credentials but also a rapidly improving striking game. Luna is explosive, athletic, and carries legitimate finishing ability.

What makes him particularly dangerous is his ability to blend wrestling with aggressive boxing. Unlike many young wrestlers, Luna is comfortable exchanging on the feet and has shown impressive composure for someone so early in his UFC career.

Bryce Mitchell brings a massive experience advantage

While Luna is the rising prospect, Mitchell is the proven veteran. The Arkansas native has already fought elite competition such as Ilia Topuria, Josh Emmett, Dan Ige, and Edson Barboza. Those experiences are difficult to replicate and should not be overlooked heading into this matchup.

Mitchell’s biggest weapon remains his world-class grappling. His ability to chain takedowns together, control scrambles, and dominate opponents on the mat has made him one of the toughest stylistic matchups in the division for years.

Another important factor is that Mitchell has looked excellent since dropping to bantamweight. He is undefeated at 135 pounds and appears to have carried his strength, durability, and wrestling advantage down with him. Even at featherweight, Mitchell consistently held his own against some of the best fighters in the world, with his only losses coming against elite contenders in Topuria and Emmett.

Can Luna handle the step up in competition?

Luna has all the tools to become a future contender, but this is a massive leap in competition. His wrestling credentials are impressive, but there is a significant difference between amateur accomplishments and dealing with someone like Mitchell inside the Octagon. Mitchell’s grappling is built specifically for MMA and has been tested repeatedly against high-level UFC opposition.

Luna may have success early with his speed and striking, but Mitchell’s pressure, experience, and ability to force grappling exchanges could become increasingly important as the fight progresses.

The longer the fight goes, the more likely it becomes that Mitchell finds opportunities to drag the younger fighter into deep waters and test areas of his game that have not yet been fully exposed.

Prediction

Luna is one of the brightest prospects in the division and certainly has the athleticism and skill set to make this competitive. However, this feels like a case where experience matters.

Mitchell has already proven himself against elite opposition, remains undefeated at bantamweight, and possesses a grappling game that few fighters can match. While Luna may defend takedowns early, Mitchell’s persistence and ability to chain wrestling attempts together should eventually pay dividends.

Expect Luna to have moments in the opening round before Mitchell gradually takes over through pressure and grappling control.

Bryce Mitchell vs Santiago Luna prediction: Bryce Mitchell by submission (Round 2)

Iwo Baraniewski vs Junior Tafa prediction

Iwo Baraniewski vs. Junior Tafa Predictions

Odds: Iwo Baraniewski -350 (1.29) | Junior Tafa +275 (3.75)

If there is one fight on the UFC Vegas 118 card that could end in under a minute, it is this one. Undefeated Polish wrecking machine Iwo Baraniewski welcomes dangerous knockout artist Junior Tafa, who steps in on short notice after Billy Elekana was forced out of the bout.

This matchup has all the ingredients of a potential Fight of the Night or a 30-second highlight-reel finish.

Iwo Baraniewski has looked like a future contender

Few fighters have made a bigger impact in such a short amount of time than Baraniewski. The undefeated Pole has blasted through everyone put in front of him, including a 28-second destruction of Austen Lane and a memorable knockout victory over İbo Aslan in what many considered the round of the year.

What makes Baraniewski so dangerous is that he is not simply a knockout artist. Beneath the power lies an accomplished judo background and a legitimate grappling game. Opponents expecting a brawl often find themselves dealing with trips, throws, and top control.

At 8-0 with every victory coming inside the distance, Baraniewski has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting prospects in the light heavyweight division.

Junior Tafa always has a puncher’s chance!

Tafa may be entering this fight as a sizeable underdog, but counting him out completely would be a mistake.

The younger brother of UFC heavyweight Justin Tafa remains one of the most explosive strikers in the division. His recent first-round knockout of Kevin Christian reminded everyone why he earned a UFC contract in the first place.

The problem has never been Tafa’s striking. It has been everything that happens once opponents decide to grapple.

Three of his five professional losses have come via submission, including recent defeats against Billy Elekana and Valter Walker. Whenever opponents have been able to drag him into deeper waters or force grappling exchanges, Tafa has struggled to find answers.

The grappling advantage could be decisive

On the feet, this fight is much closer than the odds suggest. Tafa is arguably the cleaner striker and certainly possesses enough power to knock out anybody at 205 pounds. If Baraniewski decides to engage in a reckless firefight, there is genuine danger involved.

However, Baraniewski has a clear path of least resistance available to him. With his judo background and superior grappling credentials, there is little reason for him to spend extended periods trading with an accomplished former Glory kickboxer.

The short-notice nature of Tafa’s appearance only strengthens that advantage. Preparing for a powerful striker on limited time is one thing. Preparing for an undefeated grappler with explosive knockout power is another challenge entirely.

Prediction

Tafa’s power makes him dangerous for as long as the fight remains standing. If he lands clean early, he can absolutely shock the division.

Still, Baraniewski appears to be the more complete fighter. He carries serious power of his own, has the grappling advantage, and enters with a full training camp against an opponent accepting the fight on short notice.

I expect Tafa to have some success early before Baraniewski changes levels, gets the fight to the mat, and exposes the same weakness that has cost Tafa multiple fights throughout his UFC career.

Matt Schnell vs Alessandro Costa prediction

Odds: Matt Schnell +550 (6.50) | Alessandro Costa -800 (1.13)

Matt Schnell’s durability remains a major concern

There was a time when Matt Schnell was one of the most entertaining flyweights in the UFC. The problem is that his durability has deteriorated significantly over the last few years. He has been knocked out by Cody Durden and Steve Erceg in his last two appearances and has lost four of his last five fights overall.

While Schnell remains dangerous in scrambles and possesses a capable submission game, he has struggled to deal with younger, faster opponents who can pressure him on the feet.

Costa is entering his prime

Alessandro Costa may not be ranked, but he has quietly developed into a dangerous flyweight. His wins over Carlos Vergara, Jimmy Flick, and Kevin Borjas showcased his finishing ability and increasingly aggressive striking style.

Costa is durable, powerful for the weight class, and carries legitimate finishing ability both on the feet and on the ground.

Prediction

Schnell’s best chance is catching Costa in a scramble and finding a submission. Unfortunately for him, Costa appears superior in almost every other area.

Expect Costa to pressure from the opening bell and find Schnell’s chin before the fight reaches the later rounds.

Prediction: Alessandro Costa by TKO (Round 1)

Marcus McGhee vs John Yannis prediction

Odds: Marcus McGhee -450 (1.22) | John Yannis +350 (4.50)

Marcus McGhee continues to impress

McGhee has quietly put together one of the strongest unbeaten runs in the bantamweight division. Victories over Taylor Lapilus, Gaston Bolaños, JP Buys, and Journey Newson have shown that he can win fights in multiple ways.

His striking continues to improve while his wrestling and submission game remain solid safety nets whenever he gets into trouble.

Yannis brings danger but lacks experience

John Yannis enters on a strong run of his own and has shown legitimate knockout power. However, most of his recent victories have come against a level of opposition below what McGhee has faced.

The American is dangerous, but this represents a significant step up in competition.

Prediction

Yannis should have moments early and may even steal a round if he can land clean. However, McGhee’s experience, versatility, and overall skill set should allow him to control most of the fight.

Prediction: Marcus McGhee by unanimous decision

Bruno Silva vs Edgar Chairez prediction

Odds: Bruno Silva -130 (1.77) | Edgar Chairez +110 (2.10)

Silva’s recent form is difficult to ignore

Bruno Silva enters having lost four of his last five fights. While the competition level has been high, losses to Chris Weidman, Sharabutdin Magomedov, Brendan Allen, and Gerald Meerschaert suggest he may be past his best days.

The Brazilian remains dangerous, but the consistency that once made him a contender appears to be fading.

Chairez continues to improve

Edgar Chairez has not put together a long winning streak, but he has shown steady improvement. His submission victories over Daniel Lacerda and Gianni Vazquez highlighted a dangerous ground game, while his performances against Joshua Van and Tatsuro Taira proved he belongs at UFC level.

His length and volume striking could cause problems for Silva throughout the fight.

Prediction

Silva’s experience keeps him dangerous, but Chairez appears to be the fresher fighter at this stage of their careers.

Expect a competitive fight before Chairez edges the striking exchanges and earns the decision.

Prediction: Edgar Chairez by unanimous decision

Priscila Cachoeira vs Chelsea Chandler prediction

Odds: Priscila Cachoeira +105 (2.05) | Chelsea Chandler -125 (1.80)

Cachoeira is always looking for the finish

Few women fight with as much aggression as Priscila Cachoeira. The Brazilian marches forward throwing power shots and constantly forces opponents into uncomfortable exchanges.

Her weakness has always been grappling, with three of her last five losses coming via submission.

Chandler remains inconsistent

Chelsea Chandler owns the better wrestling credentials, but consistency has been a major issue throughout her UFC run. Some nights she looks like a future contender. Other nights she struggles to implement her game plan.

Her striking defense also remains a concern against an aggressive puncher like Cachoeira.

Prediction

If Chandler wrestles effectively, she can absolutely win this fight. The problem is trusting her to execute that strategy for three rounds.

Cachoeira’s pressure and power should eventually break through.

Prediction: Priscila Cachoeira by KO (Round 2)

Jordan Leavitt vs Joanderson Brito prediction

Odds: Jordan Leavitt +155 (2.55) | Joanderson Brito -185 (1.54)

Leavitt needs the fight on the ground

Jordan Leavitt remains one of the more unique grapplers in the UFC. His submission game is creative, and when he gets opponents to the mat he can be extremely dangerous.

The issue is that his striking still lags behind the rest of his game.

Brito is the more complete fighter

Joanderson Brito has established himself as one of the most explosive athletes in the featherweight division. Wins over Jack Shore, Jonathan Pearce, Westin Wilson, and Lucas Alexander demonstrated his finishing ability and improving overall game.

Whether on the feet or on the mat, Brito possesses the athletic advantage.

Prediction

Leavitt will likely find success early with his grappling, but Brito’s explosiveness and submission skills should eventually turn the tide.

Prediction: Joanderson Brito by submission (Round 2)

Jeisla Chaves vs Yuneisy Duben prediction

Odds: Jeisla Chaves -400 (1.25) | Yuneisy Duben +300 (4.00)

Duben possesses real knockout power

Yuneisy Duben announced herself with a stunning knockout on Dana White’s Contender Series and immediately became a fighter worth watching.

Her power is genuine, especially for the women’s flyweight division. If she lands clean, she can change a fight instantly.

Chaves is the more complete fighter

While Duben relies heavily on her power, Jeisla Chaves appears to possess the more polished overall game. Her footwork, striking variety, and ability to manage distance should allow her to avoid extended exchanges.

As long as she remains disciplined, Chaves should be able to accumulate points while limiting Duben’s opportunities.

Prediction

Duben will be dangerous early, but Chaves’ technical advantage should become more obvious as the fight progresses.

Prediction: Jeisla Chaves by unanimous decision

Ketlen Souza vs Ariane Carnelossi prediction

Odds: TBD | TBD

A rematch years in the making

Carnelossi defeated Souza in their first meeting, but both fighters have changed significantly since then.

While Carnelossi remains physically imposing and carries respectable power, Souza appears to have made bigger improvements throughout her UFC journey.

Souza looks like the more complete fighter

Souza has become a much more technical striker and a more versatile mixed martial artist overall. Her ability to mix striking and grappling should give her multiple ways to win.

Carnelossi remains dangerous, especially early, but she often relies heavily on physicality rather than technical advantages.

Prediction

Carnelossi should make things competitive during the opening round, but Souza’s cleaner technique and superior all-around game should allow her to pull away on the scorecards.

Prediction: Ketlen Souza by unanimous decision