predict! UFC Vegas 78 X-Factor

This weekend (Sat, Aug 12, 2023) the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns home to the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada for UFC Vegas 78 … and shows that the promotion isn’t trying to sell tickets! The main event was the clash between two welterweight stars Rafael dos Anjos and Vicente Luque, but there wasn’t much else to inspire happiness, at least Cub Swanson. Stay nearby to liven up the cards!

Another average Apex visit one more dollar Let’s take a look at all the main card battles leading up to the co-main event:

Strawweight: Poliana Viana vs. Iasmin Lucindo

The best win for Viana? Jin Yu Frey As for Lucindo? Brogan Walker
Current streak: Both women won the last race.
X-factor: Lucindo was ten years younger.
How these two get along: This fight can really go anywhere.

Vienna is the finisher. She has surprising power in her steps. But Jiu-Jitsu’s black belt is known for her courage in submission. That said, she has repeatedly fought opponents who can break her and avoid her defensive work. At 21 years old, Lucindo has a legitimate prospect at 115 pounds. sharp But she proved in her debut against Yazmin Jauregui that she could throw in if needed.

It may be in Viana’s best interest to maintain this status. Lucindo goes all out with a good clip But she still hadn’t shown Viana’s power yet. It’s likely that if the two traded for an extended period, Viana would land in the most impactful shot.

I don’t know how Lucindo would give her that choice. She’s not an outstanding wrestler. But her journey should be good enough to drag her down. at that point It becomes a question of whether Viana can lock the Armbar from below before time runs out.

Prediction: Lucindo through decision

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Middleweight: Josh Fremd vs. Jamie Pickett

Best win for Fremd? Sedriques Dumas As for Pickett? They graduated from Staropolis.
Current streak: Fremd won the last bout while Pickett lost three straight.
X-factor: The Pickett isn’t the most durable fighter.
How these two get along: Competitor Series Product collided.

To be honest, neither of them made much of an impression in their UFC careers. Fremd was noticeably undefeated in his first bout. But last time the rebound was good. by picking up two takedowns on his way to a guillotine finish. He has good kickboxing and has defeated four opponents by knockout. Meanwhile, Pickett had good physical skills. But unable to consistently manage to turn it into a win. He’s a jack of all trades. good, unbeatable

It seems Fremd has the advantage. He hits a little harder and seems willing to initiate swaps and find crucial shots. The question then becomes whether Pickett can replicate the success of Anthony Hernandez or Tresean Gore by throwing him to the ground and dominating from there.

The second half sounds improbable. I saw Pickett take one or two takedowns. But he will have a hard time holding Fraud. And takedowns without much control are a tiring way to fight, as long as Fremd is determined to get back on his feet. He should be able to advance the exchange and make decisions.

Prediction: Fremd via decision

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Middleweight: AJ Dobson vs. Tafon Chukwee

The best award for Dobson? Hashem Orahangka As for Nchukwi? Mike Rodriguez
Current streak: Both of them lost their last two fights.
X-factor: Dobson will likely be discharged with a loss.
How these two get along: Not high level, but should be fun!

Dobson struggled to find his base in the Octagon, losing the first two performances. He showed a fairly well rounded game. But in both defeats He failed to draw experts out of his field of expertise. Nchukwi, meanwhile, is a physical talent that is still rough. He also jumps between 205 and 185 pounds, which limits his ability to build momentum.

Dobson likes to take down opponents, but Nchukwi looks strong and strong enough to sustain this. In that case, Dobson’s slight technical advantage is enough to overcome Nchukwi’s significant advantage in athleticism and volume. or not? Probably not. It doesn’t hurt that Nchukwi has more experience in intense competition as well.

Prediction: Nchukwi through decision

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Light Heavyweight: Khalil Roundtree vs Chris Dowkaus

Best winner for Rountree? Paul Craig As for Daukaus? Shamil Abdurakimov
Current streak: Rountree won three in a row while Daukaus had lost three in a row.
X-factor: This is Daukaus light heavyweight debut.
How these two get along: someone is about to finish

Rountree is a fun fighter but disappointing to watch. He is extremely talented physically and has a real aptitude for Muay Thai. It felt like he should be the top contender in such a weak division. Sometimes he looks the part. and sometimes He felt bad for the simple opposition.

Hopefully his current winning streak will be proof that he has taken a corner.

As for Daukaus, he quickly climbed the Heavyweight ladder with the speed and power of his hands. Unfortunately, the top 10 proved difficult to decipher. Because of his three trips into the cage against elite competition, resulting in brutal knockout losses.

A light heavyweight move is good for Daukaus, even if it is a hopeless move. He still has a solid pace for this division. And his power should have a greater impact. Hopefully his chin can handle heavy shots. Better compared to the little guy as well

I haven’t picked him here yet, implying that Daukaus is a skilled fighter. But I haven’t seen much evidence yet. This feels a lot like a kickboxing match, and Rountree is more durable and equally prolific, and has a wider range of attacking weapons.

Me and Aunt Muay

Prediction: Rune Tree via knockout

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remember MMAmania.com Will offer round-by-round live broadcasts Covers all UFC Vegas 78 fight rights. hereStart with ESPN/ESPN+ The “Prelims,” ​​which are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET, then the main card balances remain (also on ESPN/ESPN+) at 10 p.m. ET.

To see the latest and greatest UFC Vegas 78: “dos Anjos vs. Luque” news and notes, be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive. here.