The MMA Daily

UFC Vegas 56: Best Bets

May 29, 2022

Alexander Volkov vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik

Best Bet
Fight Start Round 3 (-250)
While the UFC poster advertises that both men combine for thirty-three knockouts, they also are two of the more durable Heavyweight’s on the roster. In forty-four fights, Volkov has only been stopped five times. Of those five, two have been by knockout. Which is relevant, given Rozenstruik is a striker who has never won via submission. Also in the Suriname native’s thirteen fights, he has only been stopped once.

Digging a little deeper, in Volkov’s last seventeen fights, the Russian has started round three fourteen times. As for Rozenstruik, three of his last six fights have started round three. Which, may not appear statistically great. Until you delve into the fact that Rozenstruik has seen thirteen of his fifteen fights end inside the distance.

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Alonzo Menifield vs. Askar Mozharov

Best Bet
Under 1 1/2 round (-230)
In thirty-one professional fights, Mozharov has only been to the scorecards twice. Of those twenty-nine fights that ended inside the distance, only once has the Ukrainian seen a round two. Throw in the fact that Mozharov’s last twenty-one fights have been halted in round one, and it seems unlikely that streak will end. Especially considering, the knockout artist Menifield, has seen eight of eleven stoppage victories end in round one.

Ode Osbourne vs. Zarrukh Adashev

Best Bet
Ode Osbourne moneyline (-190)
Of all the bets, I’m not as confident in this prediction. However, at this line and given the opponent, Osbourne seems like a good bet. Adashev is a credentialed kickboxer, who once fought for Glory. Since transitioning over to MMA, Adashev has won only four of his seven fights. Clearly lacking experience, especially in some disciplines such as wrestling, Adashev is ripe for the picking. Osbourne may not be an excellent wrestler, but he certainly can threaten with a takedown or two. Even on the feet, with a two inch height and seven inch reach advantage, Osbourne should be able to find success. Especially if he sticks to the outside and pumps a jab.

Johnny Munoz vs. Tony Gravely

Best Bet
Johnny Munoz moneyline (+120)
Since debuting in the UFC in 2020, Gravely has secured an absurd 28 takedowns in five fights. A wrestler to the core, Gravely has clearly had little issues taking opponents down. However, styles make fights. Munoz being a grappler, with excellent submissions, brings forth a style that has largely haunted Gravely. Despite being a good grappler himself, Gravely has had issues with submission defense. Of his seven defeats, five have come via submission. Given Munoz has recorded six submission in his last eight wins, I’m siding with that danger over believing Gravely can smother and withstand being caught.

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Jeff Molina vs. Zhalgas Zhumagulov

Best Bet
Jeff Molina moneyline (-180)
When the UFC signed Zhumagulov, I thought his talent would see him climb the Flyweight division. However, a 1-3 record in four fights inside the octagon say otherwise. Now tasked with fighting a talented and insanely active fighter in Molina, and I’m fairly certain that Zhumagulov may be on the chopping block after this bout. Unless, the Kazakh can find success wrestling and smothering Molina. It’s the only realistic route to victory for Zhumagulov, as Molina more than doubles him in significant strikes per minute.

Andreas Michailidis vs. Rinat Fakhretdinov

Best Bet
Under 2 1/2 Rounds (-150)
While I believe Fakhretdinov will win this fight, I don’t see the point in picking the Russian to win inside the distance at -110, when at -150, I can get under 2 1/2 rounds. Anything can happen in a fight, and I’d rather be safe then sorry. As for the reason’s I don’t see this going the distance. In Fakhretdinov’s twenty-two fights, nineteen have ended inside the distance. Of those nineteen stoppages, none have reached round three. Meanwhile, Michailidis has seen sixteen of his eighteen fights end inside the distance. Of those sixteen stoppages, only one has made it to round three. In other words, this fight ain’t going the distance and seems likely to not even see round three.

Dan Ige vs. Movsar Evloev

Upset Sprinkle Bet
Dan Ige (+300)
Understanding Evloev is an undefeated, well rounded fighter with exceptional wrestling abilities, I don’t think siding with Ige is a bad play at this line. Not only is Ige competitive in every fight, but he is certainly the stiffest test Evloev has ever fought. While his takedown defense needs work and will be exploited, Ige has the grappling to pop back up. Something in which I believe will aid him in keeping this fight close and potentially pulling off the upset. At +300, this seems to good to pass up on.

UFC Vegas 56: Main Card Analytics

May 29, 2022

Alexander Volkov (34-10, 8-4 UFC)

– 25 victories via stoppage (22 T/KO, 3 Sub)
– 2 of the last 3 wins came via stoppage
– 8-2 when landing 45 or more strikes

– 5 of 10 losses via stoppage (2 T/KO, 3 Sub)
– 1-2 in the last 3 fights
– 0-2 when absorbing 69 or more strikes

Jairzinho Rozenstruik (12-3, 6-3 UFC)

– All 11 stoppage victories via T/KO
– 8 first round finishes
– 5-1 when absorbing less than 31

– Stopped only once via knockout
– 2-3 in the last 5 fights
– 1-2 when absorbing 32 or more strikes

Dan Ige (15-5, 7-4 UFC)

– 9 victories via stoppage (4 T/KO, 5 Sub)
– 3 of the last 4 wins came via decision
– 6-2 when landing a takedown

– Never been stopped
– 1-3 in the last 4 fights
– 1-4 when absorbing 60 or more strikes

Movsar Evloev (15-0, 5-0 UFC)

– 7 victories via stoppage (3 T/KO, 4 Sub)
– Last 5 wins came via decision
– 6-0 at Featherweight
– 5-0 when landing 42 or more strikes

– Never lost

Michael Trizano (9-2, 3-2 UFC)

– 4 victories via stoppage (2 T/KO, 2 Sub)
– Last 3 wins came via decision
– 3-0 when attempting a submission

– Stopped only once via sub
– 2-2 when absorbing 27 or more strikes

Lucas Almeida (13-1, 0-0 UFC)

– All 13 victories via stoppage (8 T/KO, 5 Sub)
– 9 first round finishes
– 4 of the last 7 wins came via Sub

– Lone defeat via decision
– Only fought twice in 30 months

Poliana Botelho (8-4, 3-3 UFC)

– All 6 stoppage victories via T/KO
– 4 first round finishes
– 2-0 when landing 47 or more strikes

– Stopped only once via sub
– 0-2 when taken down 2 or more times

Karine Silva (14-4, 0-0 UFC)

– All 14 victories via stoppage (9 T/KO, 5 Sub)
– 10 first round stoppage victories
– 3 of the last 4 wins came via submission
– Won 5 straight

– 3 of the 4 losses via stoppage (1 T/KO, 2 Sub)
– Only been the scorecards once in 18 fights

Ode Osbourne (10-4, 2-2 UFC)

– 8 victories via stoppage (4 T/KO, 4 Sub)
– 7 first round finishes
– 5 of the last 6 wins via stoppage
– 1-0 when landing a takedown

– 3 of 4 losses via stoppage (1 T/KO, 2 Sub)
– 0-1 when taken down

Zarrukh Adashev (4-3, 1-2 UFC)

– 2 victories via stoppage (2 T/KO)
– 2 of the last 3 wins via decision
– 1-0 when landing 78 or more strikes

– 2 of 3 losses via stoppage (1 T/KO, 1 Sub)
– 1-2 in last 3 fights
– 0-1 when absorbing 50 or more strikes

Alonzo Menifield (11-3, 4-3 UFC)

– 10 victories via stoppage (8 T/KO, 2 Sub)
– 8 first round finishes
– 2-0 when landing a takedown

– Only stopped once via knockout
– 2-3 in the last 5 fights
– 1-3 when absorbing 33 or more strikes

Askar Mozharov (19-12, 0-0 UFC)

– 17 victories via stoppage (11 T/KO, 6 Sub)
– All 17 stoppage victories came in round one
– 2-0 in decisions

– Stopped in All 12 losses (4 T/KO, 8 Sub)
– 11 of 12 stoppage losses came in round one
– Validity of record has come into question

UFC Vegas 56: Preliminary Card Analytics

May 29, 2022

Felice Herrig (14-9, 5-4 UFC)

– 5 victories via stoppage (1 T/KO, 4 Sub)
– Last 3 wins came via decision
– 5-1 when landing a takedown

– Stopped only once via submission
– Hasn’t won in four years
– 2-3 when absorbing 67 or more strikes

Karoline Kowalkiewicz (12-7, 5-7 UFC)

– 3 victories via stoppage (1 T/KO, 2 Sub)
– Last 7 wins via decision
– 4-0 in split decisions
– 5-1 when landing 66 or more strikes

– 3 of 7 losses via stoppage (1 T/KO, 2 Sub)
– Hasn’t won in four years
– 2-5 when taken down

Joe Solecki (11-3, 3-1 UFC)

– 8 victories via stoppage (1 T/KO, 7 Sub)
– All 8 stoppages in first round
– Won 6 of the last 7
– 2-0 when controlling the fight for 9 or more minutes

– Stopped only once via knockout
– 3-2 in decisions

Alex da Silva (21-3, 1-2 UFC)

– 20 victories via stoppage (13 T/KO, 7 Sub)
– 17 first round finishes
– 4 of the last 6 wins came via T/KO

– Stopped only once via sub
– 2-3 in the last 5 fights
– 0-2 when taken down

Damon Jackson (20-4-1, 3-1 UFC)

– 18 victories via stoppage (3 T/KO, 15 Sub)
– 8 first round stoppage victories
– Won 4 of the last 5
– 3-0 when attempting a submission

– Stopped in all four losses (3 T/KO, 1 Sub)
– 1-3 when absorbing 29 or more strikes

Dan Argueta (8-0, 0-0 UFC)

– 6 victories via stoppage (2 T/KO, 4 Sub)
– 2 of the last 4 wins came via decision
– 2-0 in 2022

– Short notice fight

Benoit Saint-Denis (8-1, 0-1 UFC)

– All 8 victories via stoppage (1 T/KO, 7 Sub)
– 5 first round finishes
– Only been to a round three twice

– Never been stopped
– Absorbed 149 strikes in debut

Niklas Stolze (12-5, 0-2 UFC)

– 9 victories via stoppage (4 T/KO, 5 Sub)
– 6 first round stoppage victories
– 4 of the last 5 wins came via stoppage

– Stopped only once via knockout
– 0-2 when taken down
– Hasn’t won in 3 years

Johnny Munoz (11-1, 1-1 UFC)

– 9 victories via stoppage (2 T/KO, 7 Sub)
– 6 first round finishes
– 4 submissions via rear-naked choke

– Never been stopped

Tony Gravely (22-7, 3-2 UFC)

– 12 victories via stoppage (9 T/KO, 3 Sub)
– 7 of the last 9 wins came via stoppage
– 9 stoppage victories after round one
– 3-1 when landing 4 or more takedowns

– 6 of 7 losses via stoppage (1 T/KO, 5 Sub)
– 1-2 when taken down

Jeff Molina (10-2, 2-0 UFC)

– 8 victories via stoppage (4 T/KO, 4 Sub)
– Won 9 straight
– Landing 11.36 strikes per minute
– Hasn’t lost in over four years

– Only stopped once via submission

Zhalgas Zhumagulov (14-6, 1-3 UFC)

– 8 victories via stoppage (7 T/KO, 1 Sub)
– 4 of the last 5 wins came via decision

– 2 of 6 losses via stoppage (2 T/KO)
– 4 of the last 5 losses came via decision
– 0-3 when absorbing 52 or more strikes

Andreas Michailidis (13-5, 1-2 UFC)

– 11 victories via stoppage (7 T/KO, 4 Sub)
– 5 of the last 6 wins came via stoppage
– Won 4 of the last 6 fights

– Stopped in all five losses via T/KO
– Stopped in round two or later four times

Rinat Fakhretdinov (20-2, 0-0 UFC)

– 18 victories via stoppage (12 T/KO, 6 Sub)
– 13 first round finishes
– 14 fight win streak
– Hasn’t lost in eight years

– Never been stopped
– 2-2 in decisions

Erin Blanchfield (8-1, 2-0 UFC)

– 3 victories via stoppage (2 T/KO, 1 Sub)
– Last 3 wins decision
– Won 5 straight
– 2-0 when landing three or more takedowns

– Lone defeat via split decision

JJ Aldrich (11-4, 7-3 UFC)

– 2 victories via stoppage (2 T/KO)
– Last 8 wins came via decision
– Won 3 straight
– 4-0 when landing 60 or more strikes

– 2 of 4 losses via stoppage (1 T/KO, 1 Sub)
– 0-3 when absorbing 55 or more strikes

UFC Vegas 56: Volkov vs. Rozenstruik DraftKings Picks

May 29, 2022

UFC Vegas 56: Volkov vs. Rozenstruik DraftKings Spreadsheet

Best Plays

9k Range

Erin Blanchfield ($9,600) – The highest priced fighter on the slate, Blanchfield is well worth the salary. While young and inexperienced, Blanchfield is a talent that has championship qualities resonating from her. With wrestling and an elite ground game, Blanchfield has been a nightmare to face. Averaging 120.5 points in two fights, with a high of 126.1 points, Blanchfield is likely to be in the optimal lineup.

Rinat Fakhretsdinov ($9,200) – There is some risk in this pick, especially considering Fakhretsdinov is making his debut. However, a known finisher, Fakhretsdinov has the potential to put up big-time points. Obviously opponent plays a role into this pick, as Andreas Michailidis is a striker who hasn’t look all that great inside the octagon. Throw in the fact that his cardio has always been problematic, and I believe Fakhretsdinov has a great chance at ending this fight before round three.

Jeff Molina ($9,000) – At 9k, I don’t think you can go wrong with siding with Molina. An active striker, will endless cardio, Molina is someone you can certainly count on to eclipse 100 points. With an average of 123.9 points in two fights and a high of 131.1 points, I could envision Molina being the highest owned fighter on the slate – with good reason too.

8k Range

Joe Solecki ($8,800) – I understand if Solecki is a pass at this price. I too agree that he may be a tad too high for my liking. However, if there is one thing certain about Solecki, he is a ground specialist with submission abilities. Eclipsing 100 points in two of his three victories, Solecki barely waste time in grappling with his opponents.

Alexander Volkov ($8,600) – One half of the main event, Volkov is an interesting play. Known for his striking output, Volkov will have an opportunity at racking up strikes over twenty-five minutes. While the UFC poster adds that the two combine for thirty-three knockouts, which is a feasible result, I would venture to say that these are two of the more durable Heavyweights. So in my opinion, I see twenty-five minutes of action and realistic opportunity for Volkov to eclipse 100 points.

Tony Gravely ($8,400) – Statistically one the best plays on the card, Gravely ranks number one in both average points in victory (125.37) and most points scored in victory (138.2). Gravely is even third on the card in career points at 91.6 and lowest points in victory at 109.9. Throw in the 40.85 points scored in defeat, and the wrestler is an excellent play at 8.4k.

Karine Silva ($8,200) – This is a risky play, but given her finishing rate being 100%, there is a potential chance that Silva could be a solid play. It all depends if you think that Silva can get the fight to the mat, even by pulling guard. If so, the chances for a submission finish are high.

7k and Under Range

Johnny Munoz ($7,800) – While opponent Tony Gravely statistically is a great play, I could see Munoz being picked as an upset. A ground specialist, with seven of his eleven victories coming via submission, Munoz could very well pull this one out. After all, of Gravely’s seven losses, five have come via submission.

Jairzinho Rozenstruik ($7,600) – The other half of the main event, Rozenstruick at this price, is worth a shot. A powerful, yet hesitant striker, Rozenstruik can either turn your lights out or essentially stare at you. Averaging 106.93 in victory, which is the 4th highest on the slate, Rozenstruik is arguably the best 7k and below play.

Askar Mozharov ($7,500) – One of my favorite plays on the card, Mozharov carries immense risk and reward. One to avoid the scorecards, Mozharov has seen thirty of his thirty-two fights end inside the distance. Being on the end of eleven of those stoppages, Mozharov’s durability is poor. However, Mozharov has won nineteen of his twenty-two victories via stoppage. All in round one. Given a first round stoppage is worth at least 90 points, I’m feeling the risk of playing Mozharov is well worth it.

After putting out this DraftKings play, Sherdog has released an article regarding Askar Mozharov record isn’t what it seems. Literally, losses are being notched on by the day. Due to this, while I’m not one to change predictions after writing them, I’d throw caution tape on this! And I said Favorite Play (Insert Face Palm)…

Dan Ige ($6,800) – If there is anything certain about Ige, is that he will fight for your money. Always competitive, Ige isn’t one to ever be counted out of a fight. As the second least expensive fighter on the slate, Ige is worth a stab. Especially if you consider that he is 9th on the card in average points in victory at 96.5 and third in most points scored in victory at 131.8.

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Fades

Movsar Evloev ($9,400) – It’s hard to fade an undefeated fighter, who is 5-0 in the UFC. However, averaging 98.1 points, Evloev isn’t a must play. While he does have a high of 138.1 points, it’s only one of two times Evloev has eclipsed 100 points. Against Ige, which is his stiffest test, I wouldn’t expect the Russian’s points total to match his high salary.

Michael Trizano ($9,100) – For someone who is averaging 63.47 in victory and who’s highest point total is 65.8, I find it a little surprising that Trizano is priced this high. Regardless of opponent.

Alonzo Menifield ($8,700) – A known finisher, who took the UFC by storm in his first two fights, Menifield has since stumbled. Going 2-3, with only one stoppage victory in the last five fights, it’s hard not to fade Menifield at this price tag.

Felice Herrig ($8,300) – This fight in itself is fade. Neither women is averaging over 90 points in victory, nor has won in the past four years.

Karolina Kowalkiewicz ($7,900) – See Above
Alexander Volkov vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik Prediction

May 29, 2022

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The main-event comes in the Heavyweight division, as Alexander “Drago” Volkov takes on Jairzinho “Bigi Boy” Rozenstruik. Coming off losses in two of the last three fights, Volkov returns the octagon needing to get back on track. Still ranked seventh in the division, Volkov has an opportunity to keep his name in the mix with a victory. Meanwhile, Rozenstruik steps into his fourth main event looking to rebound. Having traded wins and losses over the past six fights, Rozenstruik will need to find consistency if he were to ever contend for the belt.

Anytime Heavyweights step inside the octagon, more likely than not, you’re expecting a finish. While both men combine for thirty-six stoppages, they’ve been two of the more durable Heavyweights on the roster. In fifteen fights, Rozenstruik has only been stopped once via strikes to the current Champion, Francis Ngannou. As for Volkov, in forty-four fights, the Russian has only been stopped five times. With only two of those five coming via knockout. Which is more relevant, given Rozenstruik is a pure striker with zero submission victories in his career.

As for a prediction, I have Volkov winning. One of the best Heavyweights on the roster, Volkov, despite his recent stumbles, has largely been a consistent fighter. His four losses in the UFC have only come to the best, as evident by the fact that they all rank within the top six of the Heavyweight division. A striker, who doesn’t possess knockout power like Rozenstruik, Volkov leans on his volume and cardio to break fighters down over time. While his takedown defense has failed him numerous times, against a pure striker in Rozenstruik, the towering Russian won’t have to worry about being taken down. Obviously durability is key in a fight against a heavy handed foe, which I believe Volkov has proven time and time again that he can endure punishment. Another reason why I like Volkov in this fight, is that Rozenstruik is a hesitant striker. Aside from his fight against Alistair Overeem where he landed 89 significant strikes in roughly 25 minutes of action, the next highest strike total the Suriname native landed was a mere 42. A number that Volkov has eclipsed in ten of his twelve fights inside the octagon. With that said, I predict that Volkov will outpoint Rozenstruik, winning via decision.
Dan Ige vs. Movsar Evloev Prediction

May 29, 2022

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The co-main event comes in the Featherweight division, as Dan “50k” Ige takes on Movsar Evloev. Making his first appearance in 2022, Ige will look to put a halt to a two-fight skid. Still ranked tenth at 145 pounds, Ige remains in a good position to stake his claim as a contender. Meanwhile, Evloev comes into this fight a perfect 15-0. Having turned aside all five opponents thrown at him in the UFC, Evloev has been given an opportunity to not only crack the division’s top ten, but also elevate himself into a contender.

Since joining the UFC in 2018, Ige has fought eleven times. While he may be on a two-fight skid, Ige has won seven fights inside the octagon. Never in a boring fight or one to relent to competition, Ige is a tough opponent for anyone. However, I believe that Evloev will win this fight. The Russian is a well rounded fighter, who is cerebral and changes his style up to whatever the opponent is weak in. Ige, notably has had issues with takedown defense. Something in which I expect to be attacked by Evloev, who has already secured twenty takedowns in five fights inside the octagon. With that said, behind a heavy dose of wrestling, I predict that Evloev will win via decision.
Poliana Botelho vs. Karine Silva Prediction

May 29, 2022

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We have a showdown in the Women’s Flyweight division, as Poliana Botelho takes on UFC newcomer Karine “Killer” Silva. A loser of two straight and three of the last four, Botelho comes into this fight urgently needing a victory. Fighting for the first time in 2022, Botelho will look to the new year to right the ship. Meanwhile, Silva comes into her UFC debut on a five-fight win streak. Known for her finishing prowess, Silva enters the octagon with all fourteen of her wins coming via stoppage. Only once in her eighteen fights, has Silva been to the scorecards.

Despite what the odds say, this is a difficult fight to predict. Botelho may be on a tough skid, but she has an overwhelming advantage on the feet. Armed with knockout power, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Botelho notch her seventh stoppage via strikes in this fight. However, Silva is a physically strong grappler. Always looking to get the fight to the mat, even pulling guard, Silva is dangerous on the ground. With five of her last eight victories coming via submission, it would be wise for Botelho to avoid the ground.

As for a prediction, I’m going with Silva. While I recognize the threat that Botelho offers on the feet, she has had issues avoiding being controlled. In the last two fights alone, Luana Carolina had nearly five and a half minutes of control time, while Robertson controlled Botelho for nine and a half minutes. Silva being the ground specialist that she is, can and will likely exploit this vulnerability. With that said, I predict that Silva will win via submission.
Mike Trizano vs. Lucas Almeida Prediction

May 29, 2022

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We have a clash in the Featherweight division, as Mike “The Lone Wolf” Trizano takes on promotional newcomer Lucas Almeida. Returning to the octagon for the for the second time in 2022, Trizano comes into this fight looking to rebound. Having traded wins and losses in the past four fights, Trizano will need to find some consistency should he want to progress in a stacked Featherweight division. Meanwhile, Almeida comes into UFC debut off a submission victory in November of 2021. Having fought on Dana White’s Contender Series previous to the victory, despite losing, Almeida clearly was on the UFC radar. With a 13-1 record, the Jungle Fight Lightweight Champion appears ready to fight under the bright lights.

As for a prediction, I have Trizano winning. An under the radar fight, this one could be exciting. Almeida is a pure striker, who is very active and likes to press forward. Having won all thirteen of his fights inside the distance, eight of which have come via strikes, Almeida can be a handful to deal with. However, there are a few problems in Almeida’s game. For one, his striking defense is not very good. In the Brazilian’s fight on DWCS, he absorbed 115 significant strikes. With a tendency to drop his hands, Almeida has made it easy on opponents looking to get off their offense. Another few problems Almeida has had trouble with, is grappling and takedown defense. While Trizano tends to lean on his striking, he has shown wrestling and grappling abilities. With Almeida being a more active striker than Trizano, I’m going to venture to guess, Trizano is going to mix in some takedowns. Not that I don’t think he can outduel Almeida, but it would be wise not to play with fire too long. With that said, I predict that Trizano will win via decision.
Felice Herrig vs. Karolina Kowalkiewicz 2

May 28, 2022

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We have a rematch in the Women’s Strawweight division, as Felice “The Lil Bulldog” Herrig takes on Karolina Kowalkiewicz. After nearly two years away from the octagon, Herrig returns looking to erase a three-fight losing streak. Having not won a fight since 2017, and at 37 years old, Herrig’s UFC tenure may hang in the balance. Meanwhile, Kowalkiewicz comes into this fight on a horrid five-fight skid. Looking less like the once title challenger, Kowalkiewicz will have to dig deep to find her competitive spirit.

This fight is essentially a crapshoot. Herrig, began her UFC career with an excellent 5-1 record. At one point, she had rattled off four straight wins. Then she faced Kowalkiewicz, who defeated her via split decision. Herrig would go on to lose two more fights in a near four year span, bringing the losing streak to three. As for the aforementioned Kowalkiewicz, the last time she won a fight, was against Herrig. Which was a little over four years ago. Since that fight, Kowalkiewicz has lost five straight.

As for a prediction, I have Herrig winning. While her inactivity is certainly a red flag, there is something to be said about Kowalkiewicz being a shell of herself. In fact, during this five-fight losing streak, Kowalkiewicz has not won a single round. No longer a feared striker, Kowalkiewicz at this point, may only threaten with submissions from guard. Given Herrig has only been submitted once in twenty-three fights, with her last bout being the one, I’m pretty certain her submission defense will hold up. A kickboxer, with good wrestling, Herrig’s ability to mix up her attack should fair well in this fight. With that said, I predict Herrig exacts revenge, winning via decision.
Jeff Molina vs. Zhalgas Zhamagulov Prediction

May 27, 2022

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We have a showdown in the Flyweight division, as Jeff “El Jefe” Molina takes on Zhalgas “Zhako” Zhamagulov. A winner of nine straight, two of which have come inside the octagon, Molina heads into this bout with excellent momentum. Having been involved in a “Fight of the Night” in his debut, then a dominant stoppage victory, Molina has been both entertaining and impressive. Meanwhile, Zhamagulov comes into this fight seeking consistency. Dropping three of his four fights inside the octagon, Zhamagulov urgently needs a victory to stave off a potential pink slip.

As for a prediction, I have Molina winning. While I was very high on Zhamagulov when he entered the UFC, he hasn’t quite lived up to the expectations. Facing stiff competition throughout, it doesn’t get easier for the Kazak against Molina. A talented fighter, who has showcased his endless cardio and relentless activity. Landing 11.36 significant strikes in two fights, Molina hasn’t had many issues out landing his opponents. Something in which I believe he will do here, as Zhamagulov isn’t nearly as active nor has the wrestling to keep Molina grounded. So with that said, I predict that Molina will swarm Zhamagulov, eventually finishing the Kazakh via TKO.