UFC Predictions: UFC Fight Night: Mackenzie Dern vs. Marina Rodriguez

#3. UFC Fight Night: The Main Card

Hot prospect Phil Hawes features on this weekend's UFC main card

In a UFC flyweight bout, Tim Elliott will square off with Matheus Nicolau. After a horrible run between 2019 and 2020, which saw Elliott on the verge of being cut by the UFC, the former title challenger has rebounded nicely and is 2-0 in 2021.

Nicolau, meanwhile, is less heralded, but this dangerous Brazilian is on a three-fight win streak right now. He recently defeated the highly regarded Manel Kape via decision, albeit in semi-controversial fashion.

Overall this is a tricky one to call, as Nicolau is a slick finisher and Elliott does have a tendency to fall into submissions at times. However, the veteran’s size and power might be enough here, so Elliott, via decision, is the pick.

Switching to the women’s flyweight division, Sabina Mazo will take on Mariya Agapova. This should be a close one to call. Mazo is more proven in the UFC as ‘The Colombian Queen’ has three wins there. However, she’s also not the best finisher around.

Agapova, meanwhile, looked good in her octagon debut, which was a submission of Hannah Cifers. However, she then fell to Shana Dobson via knockout in a disappointing showing last time out. She also hasn’t fought in over a year, meaning the advantage should lie with Mazo, who will likely grind out a decision.

Finally, in an intriguing middleweight clash, Phil Hawes faces Deron Winn. This one sees two high-level wrestlers going at it. While Winn is the more credentialed in that aspect, fights like this tend to become striking battles.

If that’s the case, then the advantage may lie with Hawes, who has shown more power in his hands and a more varied striking attack. Whether he can finish Winn is another thing, meaning the pick is Hawes via decision.

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#4: UFC Fight Night: The Prelims

Picks in bold

Bantamweight division: Chris Gutierrez vs. Felipe Colares

Middleweight division: Jamie Pickett vs. Laureano Staropoli

Heavyweight division: Alexandr Romanov vs. Jared Vanderaa

Featherweight division: Charles Rosa vs. Damon Jackson

Women's strawweight division: Lupita Godinez vs. Sam Hughes

Lightweight division: Steve Garcia vs. Charlie Ontiveros