Event Overview
Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber are relatively young, yet their main event clash this Saturday feels like a pivotal moment for both competitors.
A victory at UFC Vegas 107 isn`t expected to propel either fighter directly into immediate title contention in the flyweight division, particularly given Barber`s missed weight, which further complicated her standing. However, a loss shouldn`t disqualify either woman, considering their history of overcoming challenges.
Blanchfield encountered her first significant setback in the UFC when she lost a decision to Manon Fiorot. This result appears more understandable now, as Fiorot recently delivered a competitive fight against flyweight queen Valentina Shevchenko. Previously hyped as a top prospect, Blanchfield bounced back effectively, securing a tough win against former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas.
Maycee Barber once aimed to be the youngest champion in UFC history. However, this ambition was dashed early on following consecutive defeats to veteran Roxanne Modafferi and, somewhat ironically, future champion Alexa Grasso. Despite this, Barber significantly improved, achieving a six-fight winning streak (though some wins were closely contested). Had she made weight successfully, she would likely be much closer to the title shot she`s pursued.
Adding excitement for fans, there appears to be genuine animosity between Blanchfield and Barber, suggesting they will be highly motivated to engage aggressively from the start, regardless of title implications.
The main card also features other notable bouts: Mateusz Gamrot defends his lightweight ranking against the in-form Ludovit Klein; Dustin Jacoby faces Bruno Lopes in the Brazilian`s second UFC fight; and Ketlen Vieira takes on Macy Chiasson in a featherweight bout, involving two recognized bantamweight contenders.
(Note: Weight problems for Vieira resulted in this fight being moved from the bantamweight limit of 135 lbs to the featherweight limit of 145 lbs).
Event Details
What: UFC Vegas 107
Where: UFC APEX in Las Vegas
When: Saturday, May 31st. The preliminary card starts at 6:30 p.m. ET, followed by the main card at 9 p.m. ET.
Fight Predictions
Erin Blanchfield vs. Maycee Barber
Assessing their skills, Erin Blanchfield appears difficult to overcome. While her striking is still improving, she seems superior to Maycee Barber in nearly every aspect of the fight game.
Barber`s strength lies in her willingness to `scrap` aggressively on her best days. While sometimes unrefined and not always successful, her ability to attack forcefully when abandoning caution is her best approach in this fight. From a psychological perspective, most combatants lean either towards being `martial artists` or pure `fighters`; Barber fits firmly into the latter category – she`s in the cage to inflict damage.
Conversely, Blanchfield also possesses a tough mentality. Despite her seemingly gentle disposition, she has demonstrated a willingness to be aggressive. She has more tools to control the fight`s direction, regardless of Barber`s strategy. Blanchfield is capable of trading strikes if Barber is overly aggressive but can also rely on her strength to take the fight to the ground and win rounds there.
Prediction: Blanchfield secures a competitive decision victory.
Mateusz Gamrot vs. Ludovit Klein
Mateusz Gamrot aims to maintain his activity against Ludovit Klein, who is currently on a strong seven-fight unbeaten run (6 wins, 1 draw). Although Gamrot has been seeking higher-ranked opponents, he faces a dangerous challenge in Klein. A win bolsters Gamrot`s reputation, but the risks involved might outweigh the potential rewards.
Fortunately for Gamrot, he isn`t matched against a physically imposing lightweight like Dan Hooker or Jalin Turner, whose lengthy striking has troubled him previously. Klein is slightly smaller than Gamrot, which allows `Gamer` more freedom to advance and pressure without the constant threat of being cleanly countered and dropped.
However, Gamrot must remain cautious of Klein`s potent kicks and counter-wrestling skills. Klein has demonstrated throughout his career progression that he is a versatile fighter who can adapt effectively if Gamrot poses different challenges. Expect a tentative opening phase as both fighters assess one another.
Despite Klein`s abilities, it`s unlikely he can entirely nullify Gamrot`s grappling and ground-and-pound for the full three rounds. Gamrot is expected to begin landing takedowns in the second round, applying constant pressure to shut down Klein`s attacking options. While he might need to avoid a few dangerous strikes, Gamrot is predicted to win on the judges` scorecards.
Prediction: Gamrot wins by decision.
Billy Ray Goff vs. Ramiz Brahimaj
Billy Ray Goff is known for being willing to stand and trade strikes with any opponent. Ramiz Brahimaj, however, is not typically characterized this way.
In his last fight against Mickey Gall, Brahimaj displayed unexpected power in his striking, landing a significant shot that led to the first knockout win of his career. He seemed comfortable striking, but to achieve an upset victory this Saturday, Brahimaj would be wise to return to his grappling foundation.
Goff`s approach makes it challenging for opponents to execute their strategy. He is known for overwhelming opponents with a mix of head and body strikes, complicating Brahimaj`s attempts to initiate takedowns. Brahimaj may need to take calculated risks to force Goff into situations where his grappling can be utilized.
Another possible outcome is Brahimaj being hurt while striking and then forced to defend submissions from his back as Goff capitalizes. Regardless of the exact path, I suspect Brahimaj`s grappling will ultimately prove decisive, leading to a submission victory over Goff.
Prediction: Brahimaj wins by submission.
Dustin Jacoby vs. Bruno Lopes
While the light heavyweight division sometimes lacks depth, one reliable element is Dustin Jacoby entering the cage and showcasing his kickboxing skills.
Bruno Lopes also possesses a distinct style and appears to be an interesting newcomer to the division. However, I lean towards Jacoby`s precise, technical striking compared to Lopes` more fluid, freestyle approach. Lopes` unpredictable movements could potentially push Jacoby to perform at his best, promising engaging exchanges between these skilled strikers.
Assuming the fight favors Lopes, he might primarily stick to striking, though he`s likely to attempt takedowns periodically to break Jacoby`s rhythm. Jacoby is experienced in defending takedowns and will aim to keep the fight standing, which is his area of expertise.
Lopes shows potential, but Jacoby`s greater experience in the octagon provides him an advantage. Expect Jacoby to secure a finish, likely in the second round.
Prediction: Jacoby wins by TKO in Round 2.
Ketlen Vieira vs. Macy Chiasson
This fight is particularly difficult to predict.
Ketlen Vieira has consistently performed strongly against top contenders in the bantamweight division. However, concerns remain regarding her weight management and how she handles taller opponents. It`s important to note that despite Vieira requesting the move to featherweight, Macy Chiasson is expected to be the physically larger fighter in the cage.
Chiasson has experienced multiple fight cancellations, sometimes due to her own issues, sometimes her opponents`. However, when she does compete, she often delivers impressive performances. As a former The Ultimate Fighter winner, she utilizes her distinct physical attributes effectively and is likely to pressure Vieira early. Vieira is exceptionally durable and a highly skilled grappler, making it interesting to see how actively she pursues takedowns.
This bout could unfold in one of two ways: either Vieira secures a grinding decision victory over a potentially frustrated Chiasson, or Chiasson breaks through with a finish, adding Vieira to her list of defeated veterans. I favor the latter outcome.
Prediction: Chiasson wins by finish.
Zachary Reese vs. Dusko Todorovic
Serving as the main card opener, and potentially the `we need a quick finish` fight of the night, is a middleweight bout between Zachary Reese and Dusko Todorovic – two fighters known for offensive power rather than defensive solidity. Expect both to aggressively pursue a finish, aiming to secure their roster spot and potentially a performance bonus.
While this description might suggest a cautious approach, I anticipate both fighters will revert to their aggressive styles and exchange strikes. If the fight unfolds this way, Zachary Reese is likely to emerge victorious. Todorovic has accumulated more fights and has been finished too frequently recently, making it difficult to confidently pick him.
Prediction: Reese wins by first-round knockout.
Preliminary Card Results
- Jafel Filho def. Allan Nascimento
- Jordan Leavitt def. Kurt Holobaugh
- Bolaji Oki def. Michael Aswell
- Rayanne dos Santos def. Alice Ardelean
