UFC Vegas 93 preview and predictions

Less than two months ago Alex Perez finally got in the win column after a three-fight skid which began with a failed title bid against Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 255 and included long periods of inactivity. His late April KO of Matheus Nicolau could signal another surge.

Meanwhile Tatsuro Taira has enjoyed a measured build up on his way to cracking the top 15. But this is still a huge leap in competition for the former Shooto champion. Expect Taira to prove he’s a top talent with a bright future ahead, but Perez should be able to control enough to earn the judges’ nod.

Prediction: Perez by Decision

Miles Johns (14-2) vs. Douglas Silva de Andrade (29-5) 

Miles Johns and Douglas Silva de Andrade are a combustible combination on paper at bantamweight. Both men are no strangers to wild scraps and there’s no reason to think this won’t continue the tradition. 

Johns will almost certainly try to rely on wrestling to control the wild aggression Silva de Andrade is known for. But considering the Brazilian’s brute strength and explosiveness, that may only give him moments of control and otherwise expose him to the type of brawl that “D’Silva” lives for. This will be a hard-fought battle.

Prediction: Silva de Andrade by Decision

Lucas Almeida (14-3) vs. Timmy Cuamba (8-2)

The featherweight bout between Lucas Almeida and Timmy Cuamba pits two Contender Series alumni who have yet to stand out among the rest of the roster. Almeida has been finished in both outings since a successful debut while Cuamba has not yet gotten himself a UFC win.

Neither man is clearly proven to be better than the other in any discernible way on the big stage. When in doubt, favor youth and athleticism for a win on points.

Prediction: Cuamba by Decision

Asu Almabaev (19-2) vs. Jose Johnson (16-8)

Aus Alamabaev will look to extend his 15-fight win streak which dates back to 2017. Jose Johnson rebounded from a first-round submission loss in his UFC debut with a late finish in November.

Alamabaev’s wrestling will be the story of this fight. “Zulfikar” has a very direct approach and has no reason to change things up this time around. Once Alamabaev finds a way to the inside from a 7.5-inch reach disadvantage, expect Johnson’s 36% takedown defense to be exploited until the end. 

Prediction: Almabaev by Submission, Round 1

Adam Fugitt (9-4) vs. Josh Quinlan (6-2)

Both Adam Fugitt and Josh Quinlan are hoping to get back on track this Saturday. Fugitt has spent a year on the shelf after a submission loss at UFC 289. Quinlan is on a two-fight skid with his most recent outing at UFC 298 ending via third-round knockout.

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This has the makings of a fast-paced slugfest as Fugitt’s forward aggression and willingness to brawl should give Quinlan the chance to show off his power. 

Prediction: Quinlan by TKO, Round 2 

Complete UFC Vegas 93 predictions and odds

Main Card

• Alex Perez (+154) vs. Tatsuro Taira (-185): Perez by Decision
• Miles Johns (+105) vs. Douglas Silva de Andrade (-125): Silva de Andrade by Decision
• Garret Armfield (-192) vs. Brady Hiestand (+160): Armfield by Decision
• Lucas Almeida (+145) vs. Timmy Cuamba (-175): Cuamba by Decision
• Jose Johnson (+320) vs. Asu Almabaev (-410): Almabaev by Submission, Round 1
• Adam Fugitt (-112) vs. Josh Quinlan (-108): Quinlan by TKO, Round 2

Preliminary Card

• Tagir Ulanbekov (-205) vs. Joshua Van (+170): Van by Decision
• Nate Maness (-380) vs. Jimmy Flick (+300): Maness by TKO, Round 1
• Carli Judice (+195) vs. Gabriella Fernandes (-238): Judice by Decision
• Jeka Saragih (-345) vs. Westin Wilson (+275): Saragih by KO, Round 2
• Shayilan Nuerdanbieke (+180) vs. Melquizael Costa (-218): Costa by TKO, Round 3
• Julia Polastri (+180) vs. Josefine Knutsson (-225): Polastri by Decision