UFC 323 prelim fight card picks & predictions for Merab Dvalishvili vs. Petr Yan 2

I love the fact the Dawson already said this week that he has no intention of standing with Torres and will happily rely on his wrestling in order to get the win. The American obviously has a clear path to victory on that front, but he’s also been stopped during the opening minute of both his losses and will be faced with a similar threat in the UFC 323 featured prelim.

(Pick: Torres)

Terrance McKinney vs. Chris Duncan

Entering the night on a three-fight win streak, Duncan has the skills necessary to take advantage of McKinney's kill-or-be-killed style and could put himself in line for a step up in competition if he gets his hand raised on Saturday night.

(Pick: Duncan)

Maycee Barber vs. Karine Silva

This is a pivotal bout for the women’s flyweight division. Silva will provide a solid test for her, but Barber should be able to extend her six-fight win streak and move back into title contention after weight cut issues derailed her last matchup with Erin Blanchfield.

(Pick: Barber)

Nazim Sadykhov vs. Fares Ziam

Ziam gets yet another dangerous and unranked opponent here despite his five-fight win streak. Nadykhov has had a strong run of his own since joining the UFC, but “Smile Killer” has bested the better competition inside the Octagon.

(Pick: Ziam)

UFC 322 Early Preliminary Card Predictions

Marvin Vettori vs. Brunno Ferreira

I’m tempted to pick Vettori here given that he’s never been stopped and all of Ferreira’s wins have come via finish, but his last two performances were too uninspired for me to side with him.

(Pick: Ferreira)

Edson Barboza vs. Jalin Turner

Turner’s decision to retire after his loss to Ignacio Bahamondes never really felt like it was going to stick. As long as he truly is committed to resuming his fighting career, he should be able to get the better of a nearly 40-year-old version of Barboza.

(Pick: Turner)

Iwo Baraniewski vs. Ibo Aslan

Aslan is capable of spoiling Baraniewski’s debut here if he gets careless, but “Rudy” should be able to overcome a height and reach disadvantage in order to officially introduce himself to the UFC’s light heavyweight division after winning a contract on Dana White's Contender Series.

(Pick: Baraniewski)

Mansur Abdul-Malik vs. Antonio Trocoli

Coming off a fight against Cody Brundage that was later changed from a technical decision win to a majority draw, Abdul-Malik will likely be looking to put on a show and move past that result at the expense of a fighter that’s still looking for his first UFC win.

(Pick: Abdul-Malik)

Muhammad Naimov vs. Mairon Santos

Santos added a solid name to his record when he defeated Sodiq Yusuff in his last outing, and I expect the Brazilian to continue an undefeated start to his UFC career when he and Naimov kick off UFC 323.

(Pick: Santos)

MMA KO will be providing comprehensive coverage for UFC 323 all throughout fight week, and be sure to check back on our homepage tomorrow for main card predictions highlights from all the action on fight night.