This weekend’s UFC action descends upon Nashville, Tennessee, for a memorable Fight Night event. The fight card is brimming with a diverse lineup of high-stakes match-ups, although the event has not been without its fair share of drama, including a change to the headline bout due to the unfortunate withdrawal of Umar Nurmagomedov. However, despite this adjustment, fans and pundits alike anticipate a night of thrilling mixed martial arts action.
Kicking off the main card is a captivating light heavyweight match-up between the powerful Kennedy Nzechukwu and the experienced Dustin Jacoby. Nzechukwu, who hails from Nigeria and goes by the moniker “The African Savage,” has demonstrated impressive growth in his recent fights, particularly with his ground game, a departure from his initial stand-up heavy style evident at UFC 288. His upcoming face-off against Jacoby, a seasoned kickboxer, is set to test whether Nzechukwu’s sheer power can offset Jacoby’s more sophisticated technical style. Given Nzechukwu’s improvements and his undoubted power, early forecasts favor the Nigerian to end the fight with a late TKO.
In the featherweight division, a tantalizing encounter awaits as Brazil’s Diego Lopes faces off against UFC stalwart Gavin Tucker. Predictions for this match are hard to pin down as both fighters present contrasting profiles. Lopes might be relatively new to the UFC, but he could benefit from Tucker’s long absence from the octagon and his advanced age of 37. Tucker, despite having a longer presence in the UFC since 2017, has participated in limited fights, recording a 4-2 record. Even though Lopes lost his only previous UFC fight, his youth and energy might grant him an advantage. Most experts are leaning towards a decision victory in favor of the Brazilian.
Another light heavyweight showdown on the main card involves Tanner “The Bulldozer” Boser and Aleksa Camur. Both fighters head into the contest with a couple of recent losses behind them. Boser, once lauded as a heavyweight prospect due to his quick hands, hasn’t been at his best lately. However, his opponent, Camur, has had an equally unremarkable run in the UFC since joining in 2020, losing his last two fights convincingly. Given Boser’s experience and previous potential, many expect him to bounce back with a KO victory.
The evening’s main event was initially supposed to be a catchweight bout between Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov, which promised to be a thrilling match-up. However, with Nurmagomedov’s forced withdrawal, Rob Font, who is ranked higher than Nurmagomedov at No.7, steps in. Font is a formidable fighter in his own right, boasting excellent striking and boxing skills. However, against Sandhagen, who is known for his dangerous versatility in striking and grappling, Font might find the going tough. Sandhagen has proven his mettle against formidable opponents, including Aljamain Sterling, T.J. Dillashaw, and Petr Yan. Given this, most analysts predict Sandhagen to emerge victorious, probably by decision.
A potentially division-defining strawweight bout awaits as former champion Jessica Andrade squares off against rising star Tatiana Suarez. This match could significantly alter the strawweight division’s landscape. Andrade, while past her prime, still possesses devastating power, a fact that all her opponents have had to respect. On the other side, Suarez, who has been making waves in both the strawweight and flyweight divisions, possesses strong wrestling skills that could pose a significant challenge to Andrade. However, Suarez will need to be careful of Andrade’s knockout power. Given Andrade’s recent performances and Suarez’s growing momentum, many favor Suarez to come out on top in this encounter.
The main card wraps up with a compelling lightweight bout between the up-and-coming Chilean fighter Ignacio Bahamondes and the steady Ludovit Klein. Bahamondes has had a promising start to his UFC journey, boasting a 3-1 record with two spectacular finishes. Klein, meanwhile, has been a picture of consistency but hasn’t lit up the division in quite the same way. Considering Bahamondes’ quick and explosive style, he is predicted to secure a KO victory.
While the Fight Night event in Nashville has had its share of unforeseen changes, it remains a much-awaited event that promises to deliver exhilarating MMA action. With a lineup of versatile fighters and intriguing bouts, the stage is set for an unforgettable night of UFC action.
UFC FIGHT NIGHT FIGHT CARD-
Main Card
- Cory Sandhagen vs. Rob Font; Catchweight
- Jessica Andrade vs. Tatiana Suarez; Women’s strawweight
- Dustin Jacoby vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu; Light heavyweight
- Diego Lopes vs. Gavin Tucker; Featherweight
- Tanner Boser vs. Aleska Camur; Light heavyweight
- Ignacio Bahamondes vs. L’udovit Klein
Prelims
- Billy Quarantillo vs. Damon Jackson; Featherweight
- Kyler Phillips vs. Raoni Barcelos; Bantamweight
- Jeremiah Wells vs. Carlston Harris; Welterweight
- Sean Woodson vs. Jesse Butler; Featherweight
- Cody Durden vs. Jake Hadley; Flyweight
- Ode’ Osbourne vs. Assu Almabayev; Flyweight
