[THE_LOCKSMITH]

ESPN 9:00 pm ET
Rafael dos Anjos vs. Rafael Fiziev
Caio Borralho vs. Armen Petrosyan
Said Nurmagomedov vs. Douglas Silva de Andrade
Jared Vanderaa vs. Chase Sherman
Michael Johnson vs. Jamie Mullarkey

ESPN+ 6:00 pm ET
Cynthia Calvillo vs. Nina Nunes
Ricky Turcios vs. Aiemann Zahabi
Cortney Casey vs. Antonina Shevchenko
Cody Brundage vs. Tresean Gore
Karl Roberson vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu
Ronnie Lawrence vs. Saidyokub Kakhramonov

[agendaman]

good prop bet-ronnie lawrence over in takedowns.p.s is nina nunes related to amanda nunes.

[magpie878]

good prop bet-ronnie lawrence over in takedowns.p.s is nina nunes related to amanda nunes.

Yes. Her name was Nina Ansaroff. They're married.

Onama is now facing Garrett Armfield (in a rematch from 2018, which Onama won by UD).

[Brandt Moat]

The Nunes' girls are opening a new breakfast shop. Called "Donut Bumpers" LBGTQXYZ friendly.

[209 Life]

The Nunes' girls are opening a new breakfast shop. Called "Donut Bumpers" LBGTQXYZ friendly.

You should know. You are expert in getting your booty caved in.

[hankcream]

I bet Amanda doesn't tap out as quickly when Nina puts her in a triangle or gogplata as she did when Pena took her back.

[JC2008]

Yes. Her name was Nina Ansaroff. They're married.

Onama is now facing Garrett Armfield (in a rematch from 2018, which Onama won by UD).

Armfield is a natural BW. Odds are reflective, with an unplayable ML. Onama wins, it's a matter of stoppage or decision.

[Brandt Moat]

I'm going with a parlay 2 legger w/Brundage,Zahabi @ +470 and I will take Petrrosyan flat for a 1/2 unit @ +200. Anyone else think Kennedy Nzchukwu has the edge? GL

[Brandt Moat]

Petrosyan's size will help him keep it on the feet. Where I feel he has the advantage. I hope! GL

[GunShard]

Fade Fiziev until he loses. Fiziev stamina issues when he uses his signature leg kicks. No stamina equals losing to a decision.

[JIBBBY]

Prelim write ups - MMAMANIA




185 lbs.: Cody Brundage vs. Tresean Gore

Cody Brundage (7-2) didn’t have the smoothest entry into UFC, falling to William Knight on the Contender Series and subsequently dropping a decision to Nick Maximov in his short-notice debut. With his back against the wall, he survived an early onslaught to dispatch Dalcha Lungiambula via bonus-winning guillotine.
Six of his seven pro wins have come inside the distance, split evenly between knockouts and submissions.
Tresean Gore (3-1) first made his name on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 28 by beating Ryder Newman, then established himself as a genuine threat with a violent knockout of Gilbert Urbina. Though injury kept him from facing Bryan Battle at TUF 28 Finale, he ultimately got the chance to settle the score in early 2022, only to drop a unanimous decision.
He boasts a three-inch reach advantage over Brundage.
This is a tall ask for Gore in just his fifth professional fight, and some of his struggles with Battle suggest that it may be too tall. Brundage won’t be picking him apart with mobile, long-distance kickboxing, of course; however, Battle found a lot of success keeping him against the cage and constantly threatening takedowns. Brundage’s wrestling outstrips Battle’s, and he’s experienced enough that Battle’s power shouldn’t scare him off.
It can, admittedly, still shut him off. Brundage is nobody’s idea of a defensive wizard. He did, however, show the durability and composure to both withstand Lungiambula’s best shots and come back with a guillotine. So long as he stays on the front foot, he’s dangerous enough to wear down Gore with wrestling and eventually find his neck.
Prediction: Brundage via third round submission
Related
Up Next! Dos Anjos Vs Fiziev In Vegas!

205 lbs.: Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Karl Roberson

Two wins on Contender Series carried Kennedy Nzechukwu (9-3) to the Octagon, where he bounced back from a debut loss to Paul Craig by winning three straight. He now finds himself in the midst of a career-first losing streak, suffering a knockout defeat to Da Un Jung and a bogus decision defeat to Nicolae Negumereanu.
He’s the taller of the two by four inches and sports a nine-inch reach advantage.
Karl Roberson (9-5) started his UFC career 4-2, the only losses coming to TUF: Brazil winner, Cezar “Mutante,” and future Light Heavyweight champion, Glover Teixeira. The success wasn’t to last, as “Baby K” went on to suffer three consecutive stoppage defeats.
His professional stoppages are split 4/3 between submissions and knockouts.
Roberson really feels like he should be better than he actually is. He’s got an excellent striking pedigree and has steadily developed a functional ground game during his Octagon tenure, but he seems dead-set on making things difficult for himself. Willingly grappling with Wellington Turman, trying to play footsies with a superior jiu-jitsu player in Brendan Allen ... he just can’t seem to actually wrangle his various skills into a cohesive offense.
That’s what has me picking Nzechukwu. Roberson has the skills to get inside of Nzechukwu’s reach and get to work with takedowns or power shots, just not the game-planning to execute while getting peppered by a much larger man. In the end, Nzechukwu’s volume edges out Roberson’s sporadic bursts of success.
Prediction: Nzechukwu via split decision
Related
UFC Vegas 58 Poster For ‘Dos Anjor Vs Fiziev’

135 lbs.: Ronnie Lawrence vs. Saidyokub Kakhramonov

Despite entering as an underdog, Ronnie Lawrence (8-1) dominated Jose Johnson on Contender Series to secure a UFC contract. He was similarly dominant in his Octagon debut against Vince Cachero, though he had to survive some late trouble to defeat Mana Martinez in his sophomore effort.
“The Heat” will have a 1.5-inch reach advantage on fight night.
Team Oyama’s Saidyokub Kakhramonov (9-2) claimed the CFFC Bantamweight title in March 2021 with a vicious knockout of Tycen Lynn. Five months later, he successfully debuted in the Octagon by choking out Trevin Jones late in the third frame.
His last four wins have come inside the distance (as did his first three).
It’s honestly baffling that they buried this fight so far down the “Prelims,” while putting the likes of Jamie Pickett vs. Denis Tiuliulin and Jared Vanderaa vs. Chase Sherman on ESPN’s main card. It’s an excellent match up between highly promising prospects who, though grapplers by trade, regularly put on entertaining and fast-paced battles.
As well-matched as it is, though, Lawrence should have a comfortable edge. Kakhramonov showed a vulnerability to getting controlled against the fence and taken down during his blitzes against Jones, and while you could chalk that up to the short notice, Lawrence’s movement and combination striking give him an edge on the feet as well. Kakhramonov could clip him with one of his usual haymakers, but Lawrence survived the genuinely horrific power of Martinez, so I wouldn’t bank on that possibility.
In short, Lawrence picks him apart at range and mixes in regular takedowns for the win.
Prediction: Lawrence via unanimous decision



125 lbs.: Cynthia Calvillo vs. Nina Nunes

Cynthia Calvillo (9-4-1) quickly established herself as a contender to watch with a 6-1-1 UFC start, the lone loss coming to Strawweight queenpin, Carla Esparza. She has since struggled with three consecutive losses, the last two via stoppage courtesy of Jessica Andrade and Andrea Lee.
She has knocked out three professional opponents and submitted two others.
Nina Nunes (10-7) put a winless (0-2) UFC start behind her to win four straight, including a sizable upset over former title challenger, Claudia Gadelha. Tatiana Suarez soon put a halt to her momentum via competitive decision, after which “The Strina” returned from a long layoff to suffer a submission loss to Mackenzie Dern.
She fights for the first time in almost 15 months and for just the second time in the last three years.
This really is just a test of what Nunes has left in the tank. The classic version of her runs circles around Calvillo. Indeed, the Team Alpha Male-trained product looked not just technically out-classed, but mentally checked out against Lee, a historically poor defensive wrestler who Calvillo should have bulldozed on paper. It seems a lost cause to expect that Nunes, though, as she got out-wrestled by Mackenzie Dern and her nine percent takedown accuracy her last time out.
It’s anyone’s guess what version of Nunes shows up, but I will say that Calvillo’s last fight raised a heck of a lot more red flags than Nunes.’ In short, expect “The Strina’s” footwork, speed and combination striking to win the day.
Prediction: Nunes via unanimous decision
Related
Up Next! Dos Anjos Vs Fiziev In Vegas!

135 lbs.: Aiemann Zahabi vs. Ricky Turcios

A successful UFC debut gave way to two consecutive losses for Aiemann Zahabi (8-2), among them a vicious knockout defeat to Ricardo Ramos. This left him the underdog against Contender Series graduate, Drako Rodriguez, only for Zahabi to flip the script and score a bonus-winning first round knockout.
This marks his first appearance in nearly 17 months.
Ricky Turcios (12-2) fell short in his first bid at UFC stardom, dropping a decision to Boston Salmon on the 2017 season of Dana White’s Contender Series. Then came The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 29, where he dispatched Daniel Argueta and Liudvik Sholinian before edging out teammate Brady Hiestand at TUF 29 Finale.
He’ll enjoy an inch of height and 2.5 inches of reach on Zahabi.
It’s hard to really get a bead on Zahabi when he’s had three minutes of cage time in the last three years, but for his sake, he better have used the downtime to up his game. His combination of low-output striking and a grappling game hamstrung by poor wrestling isn’t going to cut it against Turcios’ whirlwind of offense. Zahabi doesn’t hit hard enough to keep Turcios from building momentum on the feet, isn’t savvy enough to piece him up at a distance like Salmon did, and doesn’t have the takedown chops to consistently drag things into his world.
Though he does have an outside chance of grinding out Turcios even with those issues, as the latter is anything but difficult to take down, Turcios’ scrambling skills and bottomless gas tank should allow him to work his way out of any rough patches. In the end, he overwhelms Zahabi with volume for either a late stoppage or wide decision win.
Prediction: Turcios via unanimous decision
Related
UFC Vegas 58 Poster For ‘Dos Anjor Vs Fiziev’

125 lbs.: Antonina Shevchenko vs. Cortney Casey

Antonina Shevchenko (9-4) joined sister, Valentina Shevchenko, in the Octagon after mauling Jaimee Nievera on Contender Series in 2018. She hasn’t found quite as much success on the big stage, however, going 3-4 and entering the cage this Saturday on a two-fight skid.
She is the taller of the two by one inch.
Cortney Casey (10-9) — who entered the Octagon at 4-1 — has struggled to find consistency during her seven-year stint in the world’s largest fight promotion. She currently sits at 3-5 in her last eight, most recently boxing up Liana Jojua to snap a two-fight losing streak.
Her seven stoppage wins include four by submission.
There honestly doesn’t seem to be much going Casey’s way in this match up. Shevchenko’s striking pedigree far outstrips “Cast Iron’s,” and even if Casey claws her way into the fight through durability and volume, Shevchenko showed in her win over Ariane Lipski that she can score a takedown of her own if her opponent’s a sufficiently poor wrestler.
Seeing as Casey has a 38 percent takedown defense and has been dragged to the mat nine times in her last three fights, I say she qualifies.
Though Casey has this bizarre ability to make fights closer than they have any right to be, Shevchenko’s technical stand up edge and access to a Plan B look like more than the former can handle. When the dust settles, “La Pantera” cruises to victory.
Prediction: Shevchenko via unanimous decision

[JIBBBY]

Few more main card write ups -

Bantamweight:Said Nurmagomedov vs. Douglas Silva de Andrade

Best Win for Nurmagomedov? Cody Stamann For Silva de Andrade? Marlon Vera
Current Streak: Nurmagomedov and Silva de Andrade have both won their last two trips to the Octagon
X-Factor: Will Silva de Andrade’s power outlast Nurmagomedov’s pressure?
How these two match up: This is one of the more exciting match ups on the card and a true measuring stick for Nurmagomedov.
Having already fought the likes of Cody Stamann and Ricardo Ramos, Said Nurmagomedov’s upcoming Bantamweight showdown with Douglas Silva de Andrade is not his biggest to date. However, it may the most dangerous.
Silva de Andrade — who has been competing in UFC for more than eight years — is one of the most explosive and powerful fighters Nurmagomedov has ever faced. The Brazilian veteran has devastating one-punch knockout power and the strength to defend takedowns or get back to his feet when he hits his back. Silva de Andrade has already fought some of the best fighters in the division in Petr Yan, Marlon Vera, and Rob Font so he’s bringing a ton of experience into this main card bout, too.
However, Nurmagomedov is a persistent fighter who pressures his opponents from the opening bell. He offers a beautiful combination of striking and wrestling that makes him dangerous wherever the fight goes, which is why the Russian contender has already scored a guillotine choke and spinning back kick knockout through just four UFC wins. Look for Nurmagomedov to rely on his motor, high output and durable chin to wear down Silva de Andrade and escape with a dominant decision.
Prediction: Nurmagomedov via unanimous decision
Related
Predictions! UFC Vegas 58 ‘Prelims’ Preview - Pt. 1

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HeavyweightJared Vanderaa vs. Chase Sherman

Best Win for Vanderaa? Justin Tafa For Sherman? Ike Villanueva
Current Streak: Both fighters have combined to lose their last seven trips to the Octagon
X-Factor: This is low-level heavyweight MMA
How these two match up: These two share a lot of UFC experience, but this isn’t a great main card Heavyweight pairing.
Every week, UFC seems to showcase a Heavyweight fight that has no business being featured on a main card. While we respect Jared Vanderaa and Chase Sherman and appreciate what they do this week, they are the Heavyweight fillers.
After beginning his UFC career with a 2-1 record, Vanderaa has gone on to drop his last three trips to the cage. Sherman, on the other hand, has turned in a 1-4 record since re-joining the promotion back in 2020 following a stint in bare knuckle boxing. Neither fighter has shown an improvement over the past few years and are simply placeholders in UFC at this point in their careers.
On paper, Vanderaa’s mixture of striking and grappling should allow him to dictate this fight and control Sherman from the opening bell. Sherman does have the better knockout ability and overall athleticism, but he tends to overextend himself and typically finds himself battling back on the scorecards. While this could result in a finish for Vanderaa in the later rounds, it’s likely to go the distance.
Prediction: Vanderaa via unanimous decision
Related
Two Bouts Pulled From UFC Vegas 58

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LightweightMichael Johnson vs. Jamie Mullarkey

Best Win for Johnson? Dustin Poirier For Mullarkey? Devonte Smith
Current Streak: Johnson snapped a four-fight losing streak his last time out, while Mullarkey is coming off a technical knockout loss to Jalin Turner
X-Factor: What Michael Johnson will we get?
How these two match up: This was one of the last match ups added to the card, but an intriguing one as Johnson is coming off his first win since 2018.
This is one of the more difficult fights to predict on UFC Vegas 58’s main card because we just don’t know what Michael Johnson we’re going to get come Saturday night. It could be the struggling veteran on his last legs or the powerful knockout artist who uses speed and athleticism to out-duel his opponent.
We just don’t know.
Mullarkey, on the other hand, is as consistent and predictable as they come. He’s one of the tougher fighters in the 155-pound division and someone who is going to bite down on his mouthpiece and exchange in close quarters. He also has the ability of mixing in a variety of takedowns as he’s currently averaging over three per 15 minutes inside of the Octagon.
While Johnson recently snapped a four-fight losing streak with a blistering knockout finish over Alan Patrick this past May it’s probably not wise to count on a repeat performance this weekend in Las Vegas. Mullarkey should be able to wear down “Menace” with his attacks and open up a finish in the second or third round.
Prediction: Mullarkey via technical knockout

[Headsterx]

Fade Fiziev until he loses. Fiziev stamina issues when he uses his signature leg kicks. No stamina equals losing to a decision.

I like this but still wary if Dos Anjos don’t have enough to win even in the later rounds. That is if he can it to the fight more than 3 rounds.

[Thrilla]

K GL tonight

[Snowball]

these are the only two i like
Nzechukwu -150
Brundage +120

[Demonata]

I might have to watch these fights only high with no alcohol unfortunately.

[JAKEPEAVY21]

Fade Fiziev until he loses. Fiziev stamina issues when he uses his signature leg kicks. No stamina equals losing to a decision.

Agreed, he hasn't really wowed me. I certainly don't want to take him as a favorite. Thinking Dos Anjos and the over are solid wagers here.

[Demonata]

Only lock I see so far is fiziev.

[Allure]

Nina Nunes is an auto fade. Wish we'd get better odds. Quite honestly I don't know half of those people or briefly on paper. Maybe a small parlay Calvillo & Nurmagomedov and Shevchenko ML as a single play.

Oh btw, what kind of a logic is it to fade someone until he loses? He has won 5 in a row, so fading him until he loses is an amazing approach to sports betting. These are the same people that bet on MLB teams to win who are on a 10+ losing streak.

[JIBBBY]

I'm going with all the dogs on the main card. Hard to bet against RDA as he is always game in fights. Michael Johnson, De Silva and Armen are all gamers as well.

Chase Sherman is a can but so is Jared and he's not the wrestler to keep Chase on his back the entire fight I don't think. If it stays standing Sherman has a chance.

Need these dogs to bark!!!

[Allure]

Lol LGBTABCDEFG+ Nunes knew what's coming and is out. So Shevchenko & Nurmagomedov ML parlay for me, small play.

[Demonata]

I'm going with all the dogs on the main card. Hard to bet against RDA as he is always game in fights. Michael Johnson, De Silva and Armen are all gamers as well.

Chase Sherman is a can but so is Jared and he's not the wrestler to keep Chase on his back the entire fight I don't think. If it stays standing Sherman has a chance.

Need these dogs to bark!!!

Isn't Sherman the vanilla gorilla? Lol

[JIBBBY]

Isn't Sherman the vanilla gorilla? Lol

More like the Vanilla Ice Cream Can.. He does have a chin and is some what athletic and can move around and box. That's about it though. I'm on the Sherman tank at plus odds for small as he's fighting another can.

Can on Can violence and anything can happen!

[WireWire]

SAIDYOKUB KAKHRAMONOV ML (+110)

GL tonight everyone

[Demonata]

SAIDYOKUB KAKHRAMONOV ML (+110)

GL tonight everyone

Good luck to your bets too!

[WireWire]

Good luck to your bets too!

[spurginobili]

What a washout for Lawrence. He's getting manhandled

[WireWire]

What a washout for Lawrence. He's getting manhandled

Kakhramonov as a underdog in this fight was absurd

[spurginobili]

Two maulings to start the card

[Demonata]

That dude that just fought was big as f!

[WireWire]

That dude that just fought was big as f!

Big as shit had Roberson in horrible spots on the ground and still couldn't choke him out, he wanted no part of Roberson on the feet. weight bully at its finest.

[JIBBBY]

Always bet on black theory working so far in this event. Rag dolling these white boys so far.. Well Robertson wasn't a white boy my bad.

[Demonata]

Always bet on black theory working so far in this event. Rag dolling these white boys so far.. Well Robertson wasn't a white boy my bad.

Robertson identifies as white

[JIBBBY]

Robertson identifies as white

What are we drinking Dem?

I'm starting with a little Tequila myself. Gotta pace myself don't want to get burnt to early in the game. .

[Brandt Moat]

Put them in a 5 leg parlay with Petrosyan, RDA and Kakhramonov. Was considering Kennedy ML. Didn't do it. GL

these are the only two i like
Nzechukwu -150
Brundage +120