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For the second week in a row, the Octagon hits the road. This Saturday, the world leader in mixed martial arts will set up in the Midwest for UFC St. Louis.
In the main event former championship hopeful and fan favorite Derrick Lewis will try to snap the win streak of fringe contender Rodrigo Nascimento. The rest of the card is packed with interesting style clashes and a few hometown names sprinkled in for good measure.
Here are some bold UFC St. Louis predictions
Derrick Lewis (27-12) vs. Rodrigo Nascimento (11-1)
Derrick Lewis tends to lose to fighters with either crushing power comparable to his own or an insanely suffocating wrestling and submission attack. Rodrigo Nascimento does not seem to offer either of those.
While Nascimento’s bread and butter is on the mat, Lewis has overcome far stronger grapplers to earn wins. And even though his stand-up skills aren’t subpar by any means, it seems that he has very little to offer Lewis.
Expect “The Black Beast” to end the night with one of his signature jaw-dropping stoppages.
Prediction: Lewis by KO, Round 1
Joaquin Buckley (18-6) vs. Nursulton Ruziboev (34-8-2)
After adding the most prestigious name to his resume in longtime contender Vicente Luque, Joaquin Buckley is risking halting his momentum against the rather unknown Nursulton Ruziboev to be able to fight in his backyard.
Adding to the danger level here for Buckley, Ruziboev will be fighting at welterweight for the first time since his brief stint as Akhmat Fight Club champion. If he wins the battle of the weight cut, the 6’5” Ruziboev could simply overpower Buckley with superior size and strength.
“New Mansa” may have bitten off more than he can chew at the worst possible time for his aspirations.
Prediction: Ruziboev by TKO, Round 3
Alonzo Menifield (15-3-1) vs. Carlos Ulberg (9-1)
Carlos Ulberg will be taking a massive step up in competition when he faces Alonzo Menifield. This match up should serve as a litmus test for just how far Ulberg can go after stringing together five consecutive wins with four finishes since an unsuccessful UFC debut.
This should be one of the more exciting fights on a card filled with action-ready pairings. If Ulberg gets the win it will be more leaning on his more technical striking than completely indulging in Menifield’s tic-for-tat approach.
With distance management and composure, Ulberg can break into the rankings.
Prediction: Ulberg by Decision
Diego Ferreira (18-5) vs. Mateusz Rębecki (19-1)
Mateusz Rebecki hopes to make the jump from prospect to contender with a win against Diego Ferreira. Since his 2022 appearance on the Contender Series, the Polish fighter has looked promising in his subsequent UFC fights.
Ferreira is a year removed from a stunning knockout of Michael Johnson, snapping a 3 fight skid. However, prior to the knockout, Ferriera was struggling to keep up with “The Menace.” Rebecki’s combination of power strikes and wrestling should secure him the win. The true question is, will the Brazilian be durable enough to see the final bell
Prediction: Rebecki by Decision
Alex Caceres (21-14) vs. Sean Woodson (11-1-1)
The featherweight bout between Alex Caceres and Sean Woodson looks like a striker’s delight on paper. While Caceres has maintained a place in the UFC with his awkwardly proficient kickboxing since TUF 12, Woodson’s boxing experience and unusually lanky frame have carried him to victories in five out of his seven Octagon appearances.
This is a fight that will be determined at range. Caceres will be at 3.5-inch disadvantage in terms of reach and will have to make up the difference with his kicks. That will be extremely difficult to do against Woodson’s very nuanced boxing.
Prediction: Woodson by Decision
Waldo Cortes-Acosta (11-1) vs. Robelis Despaigne (5-0)
Robelis Despaigne put the heavyweight division on notice with his 18 second knockout of Josh Parisian in his UFC debut. The Olympic taekwondo bronze medalist crammed about four fights worth of drama in that brief time period.
Despaigne will have to be far more careful against Waldo Cortes-Acosta. The Dominican’s experience as a pro boxer can serve him well if “Beastmode” throws caution completely to the wind.
But even with some holes exposed, the combination of unbridled aggression and size that Despaigne brings will be hard to overcome.
Prediction: Despaigne by KO, Round 1
Complete UFC St. Louis Predictions and Betting Odds
Main Card
- Derrick Lewis (-162) vs. Rodrigo Nascimento (+136): Lewis by KO, Round 1
- Joaquin Buckley (-148) vs. Nursulton Ruziboev (+124): Ruziboev by TKO, Round 3
- Alonzo Menifield (+170) vs. Carlos Ulberg (-205): Ulberg by Decision
- Diego Ferreira (+215) vs. Mateusz Rębecki (-265): Rebecki by Decision
- Alex Caceres (+160) vs. Sean Woodson (-192): Woodson by Decision
- Waldo Cortes-Acosta (+140) vs. Robelis Despaigne (-166): Despaigne by KO, Round 1
Preliminary Card
- Chase Hooper (+150) vs. Viacheslav Borshchev (-180): Hooper by Submission, Round 2
- Terrance McKinney (+154) vs. Esteban Ribovics (-185): McKinney by KO, Round 1
- Tabatha Ricci (-130) vs. Tecia Pennington (+110): Ricci by Decision
- Trey Waters (-162) vs. Billy Goff (+136): Goff by TKO, Round 3
- Jake Hadley (-175) vs. Charles Johnson (+145): Charles Johnson by Decision
- Jared Gooden (+180) vs. Kevin Jousset (-218): Jousset by Decision
- JJ Aldrich (+114) vs. Veronica Hardy (-135): Aldrich by Decision
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TODAY'S BEST
Brewers officially have a legit MVP candidate
On Tuesday night, the Milwaukee Brewers extended their winning streak to 11 games, and a key part of the team's momentum is a player who is in the National League MVP race. The red-hot Brewers entered Tuesday night facing one of the biggest threats to their winning streak, Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes. Milwaukee torched Skenes for two home runs and four earned runs in 4.0 innings pitched. Brewers first baseman Andrew Vaughn added extra damage in the sixth inning with a three-run home run that increased Milwaukee's lead to 12-0. Per Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Vaughn is in the NL MVP race after his home run on Tuesday night. "Andrew Vaughn suddenly in top 10 NL MVP discussion with another 3-run HR, giving him 32 RBI since joining the Brewers," Nightengale posted on X. "He is the gift that keeps on giving from the White Sox. They are about to go 24-4 since his arrival." Vaughn has helped the Brewers overrun and then take a commanding lead on the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central. Following their 14-0 win Tuesday night, the Brewers extended their lead to 7.5 games over the Cubs for first place. Vaughn is turning out to be a steal for the Brewers, as Milwaukee only gave up veteran pitcher Aaron Civale and cash considerations for the first baseman on June 13. While Vaughn might have a case to be in the top 10, he has much work before he becomes a legitimate contender for the NL MVP. Per FanDuel, Los Angeles Dodgers star slugger Shohei Ohtani leads the race with -20000 odds. Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Kyle Schwarber is second with +1800 odds. Those two players have been more consistent this season, whereas Vaughn has come on strong since leaving Chicago.
Commanders have major hang-up preventing them from paying Terry McLaurin what he's due
It’s been two weeks since Washington Commanders star wide receiver Terry McLaurin publicly revealed his trade request, and a resolution doesn’t appear to be in sight. Thanks to ESPN’s John Keim, we’re starting to get more insight into how the Commanders are approaching negotiations…and how they run counter to their star wide receiver’s financial desires. As we’ve assumed all along, the Commanders are wary of giving McLaurin a lucrative contract that would extend well into the player’s 30s. As Keim notes, the Commanders “rely heavily on analytics,” and those numbers aren’t particularly kind to receivers on the wrong side of 30. They may be onto something. Per ESPN Research, over the past five years, only three receivers 31 years or older have played at least 10 games and averaged 70-plus receiving yards per game (that number jumps to six players if you adjust for 60-plus receiving yards). Further, the team can simply point to the NFL landscape, as other teams are also clearly wary of paying aging wideouts. Among the 24 active wide receivers who are attached to the most guaranteed money, only Tyreek Hill was older than 30 when the deal was signed. McLaurin has continually pointed to his lack of mileage despite his age; he barely played during his first two years at Ohio State, meaning he may not have the same wear and tear as similar players his age. McLaurin is also naturally pointing to the stat sheet, as the receiver has continually produced despite uncertain QB play, uncertain ownership and a handful of different coaching staffs. Per Keim, the Commanders don’t want to pay McLaurin based on his past performance, with the front office preferring to shape any future contracts based on his projections for age-31-plus seasons. The organization also doesn’t want to set a new precedent by paying McLaurin, as it could convince future veterans to push for lucrative deals in their 30s. While McLaurin has taken the drastic measure of requesting a trade out of Washington, the organization is still convinced they have leverage in this showdown. After all, the player is still under contract for the 2025 campaign, meaning McLaurin will have to forfeit game checks if he sits out games. The team could even choose to slap him with the franchise tag next offseason (which could come in north of $30M), meaning they’re in full control of the player’s fate moving forward. The team is also skeptical that another suitor is going to willingly pay McLaurin the type of money he’s seeking. Per Keim, there’s doubts around the league about whether another team would be willing to meet the receiver’s demands. Even if a clear suitor does emerge, Keim makes it clear that Washington’s front office won’t give the star away without receiving a haul. We heard recently that McLaurin wasn’t necessarily seeking a deal that matched fellow 2019 draftee D.K. Metcalf‘s deal with the Steelers. However, Keim says Metcalf’s contract has generally served as a guide for McLaurin, but it’s uncertain whether the Commanders wideout is looking to match the AAV ($33M) or total guarantees ($60M). Ultimately, one source believes the Commanders may agree to pay McLaurin a contract that will pay $28M per year. Of course, it’s uncertain if the player would even accept that offer. If that hypothetical maximum offer doesn’t end in a signing, a divorce may be the logical next step.
Justin Jefferson Injury Update Leaves Minnesota Vikings Fans With A Mixed Bag Of Emotions
The Minnesota Vikings are gearing up for the 2025 NFL season, with fans eager to see how the team will perform under JJ McCarthy’s leadership. However, one storyline dominating training camp is Justin Jefferson’s hamstring injury. Arguably the best wide receiver in the league, Jefferson has been sidelined with the hope of a full recovery by Week 1. While updates on his rehab bring positive news, there are still concerns about how this will affect the Vikings’ season, particularly his chemistry with the team’s new quarterback. Here’s a deep dive into the positives, the challenges, and what it all means for the Vikings. The Good News: Justin Jefferson Is Progressing Head coach Kevin O’Connell recently provided an update on Jefferson’s recovery, noting that the receiver is progressing well and will be reassessed next week. For Vikings fans, this is the silver lining. The organization appears to be taking a cautious approach to ensure Jefferson is fully healed, as lingering issues with hamstring injuries have derailed seasons for even the best NFL players. O’Connell’s deliberate pacing suggests the team is focusing on the bigger picture—a healthy Jefferson navigating a 17-game season. After missing seven games in 2023 with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, the emphasis now is on preventing a repeat of that scenario. Leaving Jefferson out of practice and preseason games may seem frustrating, but it’s the smarter move considering his value to the team. With his track record of success, Jefferson doesn’t need extra reps to get up to speed and should be as dominant as ever once he returns to the field. The Concerns: Lingering Effects of the Injury Hamstring injuries, while often non-catastrophic, can be notoriously tricky. The soft tissue requires a delicate balance of rest and strengthening to avoid re-aggravation. The fact that Jefferson has dealt with hamstring issues before raises questions about whether this injury could linger. Given the missed time in training camp, Jefferson’s absence could even extend into the opening weeks of the season if the Vikings feel the need to be extra cautious. The team has a tough early schedule, and missing Jefferson against formidable defenses would significantly impact the offense’s explosiveness. Another concern is how Jefferson’s recovery might affect his usual sharpness. For a player who relies heavily on quick bursts, precise route-running, and agility, even slight discomfort could have an impact on his performance. Jefferson’s ability to separate from defenders makes him elite—any limitation in that department could be costly. The Chemistry Question with JJ McCarthy This offseason marked a monumental change for the Vikings with JJ McCarthy stepping in as the team’s quarterback. Developing chemistry between a quarterback and wide receiver duo is crucial, and every lost practice rep makes that process harder. McCarthy is a dynamic young talent, but he’s coming off a season-ending injury in 2024 and is still adjusting to the speed of the NFL game. While early preseason snaps have shown promise, the connection between McCarthy and Jefferson hasn’t been stress-tested enough to give fans full confidence yet. With Jefferson on the sideline and rookie receiver Jordan Addison suspended for the first three games, this puts even more pressure on McCarthy to adapt. Doubling down on their connection during training camp was a priority, but Jefferson’s absence forces a delay in that process. For now, McCarthy will build rapport with other playmakers like tight end TJ Hockenson, but it’s undeniable that Jefferson is the centerpiece of the offense. The earlier McCarthy and Jefferson can get meaningful reps together, the better the Vikings’ chances for a seamless start to the season. Why the Vikings’ Cautious Approach Is the Right Move While the concerns are real, this situation showcases the Vikings’ long-term thinking under Kevin O’Connell. Hamstring injuries demand respect—rushing back too soon can trigger setbacks that derail seasons. By prioritizing Jefferson’s long-term health over preseason scrimmages, the team is protecting its most valuable offensive asset. O’Connell has reiterated that the Vikings intend to compete for postseason success, not just early-season wins. This strategy, though frustrating for fans hungry to see Jefferson dominate, could help the team build toward sustained success over the course of a grueling season. Final Thoughts Justin Jefferson’s hamstring injury is a double-edged sword for the Vikings. On one hand, the careful management of his health inspires confidence that he’ll be ready to deliver highlight-reel performances when the games matter most. On the other hand, the lack of chemistry-building reps with JJ McCarthy raises questions about how quickly the offense can hit its stride. The Vikings are playing the long game, and that’s the right call. If Jefferson returns at 100% for Week 1, this moment of preseason adversity will feel like nothing more than a brief hiccup. If the injury lingers, however, it could magnify challenges for an offense that’s already adjusting to new leadership. For now, patience is the name of the game. Vikings fans should trust the organization to strike the balance between caution and urgency, as the ultimate goal remains deep postseason success with Jefferson as the team’s unstoppable playmaker.
Max Johnson reacts to Bill Belichick going to transfer portal for new QB
North Carolina's Bill Belichick has found himself in a very interesting situation as he gears up for his first season as a college football head coach. On one hand, he has what every new coach covets: An experienced quarterback with an NFL pedigree. That would be Max Johnson, the son of former NFL quarterback Brad Johnson. Johnson missed a majority of the 2024 season after suffering a broken femur in the season opener, but he's healthy heading into this 2025 season and has 22 starts under his belt between stops at LSU and Texas A M. One would think Johnson would be UNC's clear starter, but he is coming off a catastrophic injury and only just recently got back to full-strength. On the other hand, one of Belichick's first moves at UNC was going into the transfer portal to bring in redshirt sophomore Gio Lopez from South Alabama to compete for the starting job. That's a move that could have easily rattled Johnson, but in an in-depth look at his recovery from that terrible femur injury by Andrea Adelson of ESPN, the sixth-year quarterback explained that he understood why Belichick did what he did. "I get it. You have to go in the portal," Johnson says. "I didn't know if I was going to be ready. They didn't know. They asked me those questions. I'm telling them I'm going to be ready, because I know myself. But it's tough from their point of view because it's like, 'OK, we've got to make a business decision.'" Belichick made a business decision and it's worth noting that while Johnson is saying the right things about the introduction of Lopez into the equation, he's also walking the walk. "I transfer in, we're both competing for the spot, and people paint this narrative like they must not like each other. Me and Max are actually great friends," Lopez explained. A starter has not yet been named by Belichick, but one gets the sense that if Johnson gets the call, he'll be ready to pick right back off where he left off with no reservations. And as Lopez tells it, if he ends up winning the starting gig, UNC can expect to have a more than supportive backup in Johnson. "He's been super helpful with the offense. There's no second agenda with him, where he's trying to throw me off. He's been great," Lopez said.
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