UFC 250: Nunes vs. Spencer - Predictions and Picks

#7 The Prelims: ESPN+ card

Veteran Flyweight contender Jussier Formiga faces Alex Perez on this weekend's early prelim card

Finally we have three prelim fights on ESPN+. At Flyweight, veteran Jussier Formiga takes on the explosive Alex Perez. A few years ago, this would’ve sounded like a horribly dangerous fight for Formiga; the Brazilian is an incredible grappler but back then, his striking and takedowns left a lot to be desired.

Now though, his striking has developed to the point where he was able to hold his own with the feared ‘God of War’, top-ranked 125lber Deiveson Figueiredo. That would usually bode well – but Formiga was also outworked by Brandon Moreno in his last outing, bringing into question how much he has left in the tank at 35 years old.

Perez meanwhile has shown himself to be ultra-explosive, with the capabilities of pushing the pace enough to make most of his victims – 5 of which were in the UFC – wilt. This should come down to whether Perez can force Formiga to fight at his pace. If he can, then he can probably outwork the Brazilian and pick up his biggest win to date. It’ll be tricky for him, but I’m leaning towards Perez taking a decision here, purely because of Formiga’s age. I’m going with Perez via decision.

At Light-Heavyweight, veteran Devin Clark faces heavy hitter Alonzo Menifield. Menifield has thus far been devastating in the Octagon; his ruthless punching power has given him 2 violent wins, and at 32 years old he’s primed to make a run for the top. A veteran fighter could drag him into deeper waters, but I don’t think Clark is that veteran. ‘Brown Bear’ is tough, but he’s also slower, hittable, and has been stopped before. Menifield via first round knockout is my pick.

Finally, at a 150lbs catchweight, longtime veteran Evan Dunham faces off with Herbert Burns, brother of current Welterweight contender Gilbert. Burns made his debut earlier this year, knocking out Nate Landwehr with a knee, while we haven’t seen Dunham since his 2018 loss to Francisco Trinaldo.

This is a worrying fight for Dunham, who hasn’t won since 2016; he’s 38 years old and his athleticism is waning, his durability is all but gone and he’s faced with a tremendous athlete and grappler who’s also developing hugely in striking too. I don’t think this one lasts very long and I think Burns wins by TKO. Hopefully, Dunham – a genuinely great fighter in his prime – will hang it up afterwards.