Erin Blanchfield vs. Maycee Barber
Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber are young fighters, yet their upcoming main event bout feels highly significant for their careers. A victory for either at UFC Vegas 107 isn`t likely to instantly propel them to the top of the flyweight rankings, especially considering Barber missed weight. Likewise, a loss shouldn`t define either woman, particularly given how they`ve both successfully navigated past challenges.
Blanchfield faced her first major UFC setback when she was outpointed by Manon Fiorot, a result that holds up well given Fiorot`s recent close fight with champion Valentina Shevchenko. After this, the highly-touted Blanchfield demonstrated her resilience by defeating former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas to regain momentum.
Barber once aimed to be the youngest champion in UFC history, but this goal became distant following back-to-back losses to veteran Roxanne Modafferi and, ironically, future champion Alexa Grasso. However, Barber has since dramatically improved, securing six consecutive wins, despite some being quite close. Her failure to make weight is the only thing truly hindering her long-desired title opportunity right now.
Fortunately for fans, there`s genuine animosity between Blanchfield and Barber beyond title aspirations. This bad blood should ensure they need no extra motivation to engage in a fierce battle once the fight begins.
Looking at their skills, Erin Blanchfield seems superior in most areas, even though her striking is still developing. Maycee Barber`s main asset is her willingness to aggressively brawl. While sometimes lacking technical polish or effectiveness, she can land powerful strikes when she commits fully, which is probably her best approach here. Barber embodies the mentality of a pure `fighter` who enters the cage aiming to cause damage.
Interestingly, Blanchfield shares this aggressive mindset. Despite her calm demeanor, she has displayed a `mean streak`. Critically, Blanchfield possesses more ways to control the fight regardless of Barber`s strategy. She`s capable of trading punches if Barber is overly aggressive or using her strength to take Barber down and secure rounds on the ground.
Expect a competitive fight that ultimately goes to Blanchfield on the scorecards.
Prediction: Blanchfield wins by Decision
Mateusz Gamrot vs. Ludovit Klein
Mateusz Gamrot looks to stay active by facing Ludovit Klein, who is currently undefeated in his last seven appearances (6 wins, 1 draw). While Gamrot was seeking a higher-ranked opponent, he settled for the dangerous Klein. A win provides Gamrot credibility but carries more risk than reward.
Positively for Gamrot, he isn`t facing a large lightweight like Dan Hooker or Jalin Turner, whose reach has troubled him previously. Klein is slightly shorter than Gamrot, allowing “Gamer” to be more aggressive without fearing an abrupt knockout from range.
However, Gamrot must still be cautious of Klein`s powerful kicks and defensive grappling. Klein has proven to be a well-rounded fighter capable of adjusting if Gamrot tests him. This fight might start cautiously as both fighters assess each other.
It seems unlikely Klein can stop Gamrot`s grappling and ground-and-pound strategy for the entire three rounds. Gamrot should start securing takedowns in the second round and apply constant pressure to neutralize Klein`s offense. He might have to avoid a knockout blow or two, but Gamrot is expected to win on points.
Prediction: Gamrot wins by Decision
Billy Ray Goff vs. Ramiz Brahimaj
Billy Ray Goff is reliably willing to stand and trade strikes, but the same isn`t as consistently true for Ramiz Brahimaj.
In his recent bout against Mickey Gall, Brahimaj showed unexpected striking power, landing a shot that resulted in the first knockout win of his career. He looked comfortable standing, but to pull off an upset, Brahimaj should prioritize his strong grappling base.
Goff`s style will make this difficult. He pressures constantly and attacks both the head and body, disrupting Brahimaj`s attempts to set up takedowns. Brahimaj will need to take risks to draw Goff into exchanges where he can initiate grappling.
Another potential scenario is Brahimaj getting hurt while standing and being forced to defend off his back as Goff seeks a finish. However, the hunch here is that Brahimaj`s grappling eventually prevails, leading him to secure a submission win over Goff.
Prediction: Brahimaj wins by Submission
Dustin Jacoby vs. Bruno Lopes
The light heavyweight division can be unpredictable, but one constant is Dustin Jacoby stepping into the cage and engaging in kickboxing battles.
Bruno Lopes also has an exciting style and appears to be a good addition to the division. However, Jacoby`s precise and technical striking is favored over Lopes` more fluid, freestyle approach. Lopes` unpredictable movement should challenge Jacoby, promising entertaining striking exchanges.
While Lopes might mix in some takedowns to disrupt Jacoby`s rhythm, Jacoby is experienced enough to defend these attempts and keep the fight standing, where he excels. Trusting Lopes to predominantly strike seems reasonable if the fight is going well for him.
Lopes shows potential, but Jacoby`s greater Octagon experience provides the edge. Look for Jacoby to find a finishing blow in the second round.
Prediction: Jacoby wins by Knockout (Round 2)
Ketlen Vieira vs. Macy Chiasson
This matchup is difficult to predict. Ketlen Vieira consistently performs well against top bantamweight contenders, win or lose, but concerns remain about her weight management and facing taller opponents. Notably, even though Vieira requested this fight be moved to featherweight, Macy Chiasson will likely be the physically larger fighter on fight night.
Chiasson has experienced frustrating fight cancellations, but she often impresses when she competes. The Ultimate Fighter 28 winner brings unique physicality to her bouts and will likely try to pressure Vieira early. Vieira is known for her toughness and excellent grappling, making her approach fascinating – how much will she commit to taking the fight to the ground?
This fight could unfold in two main ways: Vieira grinding out a decision victory over a frustrated Chiasson, or Chiasson breaking through Vieira`s defenses and securing a finish to add a veteran name to her list of conquests. The latter outcome seems more likely.
Prediction: Chiasson wins by Finish
(*Note: Vieira`s weight issues resulted in this fight being changed from bantamweight (135 lbs) to featherweight (145 lbs))
Zachary Reese vs. Dusko Todorovic
Serving as the main card opener, this middleweight bout features Zachary Reese and Dusko Todorovic, two fighters known for aggressive, defense-optional styles who are likely seeking a bonus or fighting to secure their spot. While this could theoretically lead to a tentative start, it`s more probable that both will revert to their natural aggressive tendencies and start swinging.
If the fight devolves into a brawl, Zachary Reese is favored to come out on top. Dusko Todorovic has more professional fights but has been finished too frequently to inspire confidence at this stage.
Look for Reese to secure a quick knockout victory.
Prediction: Reese wins by Knockout (Round 1)
Preliminary Card Picks
- Jafel Filho defeats Allan Nascimento
- Jordan Leavitt defeats Kurt Holobaugh
- Bolaji Oki defeats Michael Aswell
- Rayanne dos Santos defeats Alice Ardelean
