UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Anders (Preview & Predictions)

#Preliminary Card (UFC Fight Pass)

#1 Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Joseph Morales

Morales is a high-risk high-reward kind of fighter

Figueiredo and Morales are pretty evenly matched, particularly considering the fact that neither fighter pays much attention to angles and timing while throwing down in the centre of the cage.

Morales is likely to emerge as the better combatant in this matchup, as Figueiredo doesn’t seem to comprehend when to pull out from a striking exchange. Morales, on the other hand, has decent fight IQ and is likely to impress the judges in a close decision win.

Prediction: Joseph Morales def. Deiveson Figueiredo via Decision

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#2 Maia Stevenson vs. Polyana Viana

Maia Stevenson is the much more polished fighter in this matchup.

Stevenson is likely to out-point Viana on the feet, however, the ground scrambles may, in fact, see both fighters stall the action to a certain extent. Stevenson is likely to edge this one, as Viana doesn’t have the striking prowess to do battle with her on the feet.

Nevertheless, despite being able to tag Viana over long stretches of time on the feet, Stevenson lacks KO power in her strikes. Resultantly, this fight is likely to go the distance.

Prediction: Maia Stevenson def. Polyana Viana via Decision