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UFC Vegas 93: Perez vs. Taira Full Card Breakdown and Predictions
Welcome to DFS by the Numbers! I’m AJ, and today I’ll break down the entire UFC Vegas 93 fight card, giving you my picks, predictions, and betting insights. This card, held at the Apex, promises a lot of action and some interesting matchups. Let’s dive into each fight.
Early Prelims
Shayilan Nuerdanbieke vs. Melquizael Costa (0:32)
Odds: Melquizael Costa -170, Shayilan Nuerdanbieke +145
AJ’s Thoughts: Shayilan Nuerdanbieke brings physicality and punching power, giving him an edge over Costa. Costa’s questionable fight IQ and tendency to gas out make him vulnerable. AJ predicts Shayilan will use his wrestling and power to either secure a KO or outwork Costa for a decision win.
Pick: Shayilan Nuerdanbieke by decision
Julia Polastri vs. Josefine Knutsson (3:13)
Odds: Josefine Knutsson -210, Julia Polastri +180
AJ’s Thoughts: Knutsson is technically superior and the better athlete. Polastri has decent skills but lacks the physicality and athleticism of Knutsson. AJ sees Knutsson controlling the fight with her kickboxing and clinch work, cruising to a dominant decision win.
Pick: Josefine Knutsson by decision
Jeka Saragih vs. Westin Wilson (5:12)
Odds: Jeka Saragih -325, Westin Wilson +275
AJ’s Thoughts: Wilson, though tall and long, is awkward and lacks the athleticism needed at this level. Saragih’s power and aggressive style will likely overwhelm Wilson. AJ predicts a first-round knockout for Saragih.
Pick: Jeka Saragih by first-round knockout
Carli Judice vs. Gabriella Fernandes (6:53)
Odds: Gabriella Fernandes -240, Carli Judice +205
AJ’s Thoughts: Judice has potential and scrappiness, while Fernandes is a powerful striker. Fernandes has struggled against strong grapplers, but Judice’s stand-up could keep the fight competitive. AJ is taking a risk on Judice for an upset split decision win.
Pick: Carli Judice by split decision
Main Card
Garrett Armfield vs. Brady Hiestand (9:35)
Odds: Garrett Armfield -175, Brady Hiestand +155
AJ’s Thoughts: Armfield’s superior boxing, power, and wrestling make him a strong favorite. Hiestand, while tough, lacks the skills to match Armfield. AJ expects Armfield to control the fight and possibly secure a late knockout.
Pick: Garrett Armfield by second-round knockout
Nate Maness vs. Jimmy Flick (11:38)
Odds: Nate Maness -450, Jimmy Flick +350
AJ’s Thoughts: Maness is the superior striker with good grappling defense. Flick’s questionable return to MMA and recent knockout losses make him vulnerable. AJ predicts an easy first-round knockout for Maness.
Pick: Nate Maness by first-round knockout
Tagir Ulanbekov vs. Joshua Van (13:38)
Odds: Tagir Ulanbekov -225, Joshua Van +190
AJ’s Thoughts: Ulanbekov’s wrestling and grappling will likely dominate Van. Van, though promising, is not ready for Ulanbekov’s skill level. AJ sees Ulanbekov winning either by submission or a dominant decision.
Pick: Tagir Ulanbekov by first-round submission
Adam Fugitt vs. Josh Quinlan (17:13)
Odds: Josh Quinlan -118, Adam Fugitt +102
AJ’s Thoughts: Quinlan’s power and striking should give him the edge over Fugitt, who has defensive lapses. AJ expects Quinlan to find Fugitt’s chin and secure a knockout.
Pick: Josh Quinlan by first-round knockout
Asu Almabaev vs. Jose Johnson (20:16)
Odds: Asu Almabaev -400, Jose Johnson +300
AJ’s Thoughts: Almabaev’s wrestling and grappling will dominate Johnson, who struggles with takedown defense. AJ predicts Almabaev will control the fight and secure a submission win.
Pick: Asu Almabaev by second-round submission
Miles Johns vs. Douglas Silva de Andrade (23:18)
Odds: Miles Johns -115, Douglas Silva de Andrade -105
AJ’s Thoughts: Johns’ wrestling, boxing, and power give him a slight edge over the aging Silva de Andrade. AJ predicts a hard-fought decision win for Johns.
Pick: Miles Johns by decision
Lucas Almeida vs. Timmy Cuamba (26:10)
Odds: Timmy Cuamba -180, Lucas Almeida +165
AJ’s Thoughts: Cuamba’s slick kickboxing and ability to mix in takedowns will be too much for Almeida. AJ expects Cuamba to control the fight and potentially secure a knockout.
Pick: Timmy Cuamba by knockout
Ikram Aliskerov vs. Antonio Trocoli (29:10)
Odds: Ikram Aliskerov -800, Antonio Trocoli +550
AJ’s Thoughts: Aliskerov’s wrestling and power make him a heavy favorite. Trocoli, with his limited recent activity, will struggle against Aliskerov’s skill set. AJ predicts a first-round knockout for Aliskerov.
Pick: Ikram Aliskerov by first-round knockout
Alex Perez vs. Tatsuro Taira (31:48)
Odds: Tatsuro Taira -190, Alex Perez +165
AJ’s Thoughts: Taira’s grappling and submission skills will likely overcome Perez, who has shown vulnerabilities. AJ believes Taira’s Jiu-Jitsu will shine, leading to a submission victory.
Pick: Tatsuro Taira by second-round submission
AJ’s Picks Recap:
- Shayilan Nuerdanbieke
- Josefine Knutsson
- Jeka Saragih
- Carli Judice
- Garrett Armfield
- Nate Maness
- Tagir Ulanbekov
- Josh Quinlan
- Asu Almabaev
- Miles Johns
- Timmy Cuamba
- Ikram Aliskerov
- Tatsuro Taira
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