Predictions on the best upcoming UFC fights

Step into the thrilling world of UFC as we delve into predictions for the most anticipated upcoming fights. This article is your ringside guide for bettors seeking the inside scoop on potential winners and standout matchups. From analyzing fighters’ recent performances to assessing styles and strategies, we’ll break down the key factors that could sway the odds in favor of one contender over another. Get ready to elevate your betting game as we navigate the exciting landscape of the best upcoming UFC fights – UFC Fight Night 237 predictions.

UFC Fight Night 237 schedule and details

Brandon Moreno returns to the octagon against Brandon Royval at UFC Fight Night 237 this Saturday in Mexico City. This marks Moreno’s comeback since his UFC 290 title loss and UFC’s return to Mexico since 2020. The main card starts at 10:00 PM ET on ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass. The headline features a 125-pound rematch between Moreno and Royval, while the co-main event sees Yair Rodríguez vs. Brian Ortega in a featherweight showdown. Other matchups include Daniel Zellhuber vs. Francisco Prado, Raul Rosas Jr. vs. Ricky Turcios, Yazmin Jauregui vs. Sam Hughes, and Manuel Torres vs. Chris Duncan, promising an action-packed night of UFC fights.

Best upcoming UFC Fights: Moreno vs. Royval 2

Brandon Moreno’s MMA record: 21 wins, 7 losses, 2 draws; UFC record: 9 wins, 4 losses, 2 draws

Brandon Royval’s MMA record: 15 wins, 7 losses; UFC record: 5 wins, 3 losses

Past five fights for Moreno: 3 wins, 2 losses

Past five fights for Royval: 3 wins, 2 losses

Division: Flyweight

• The headlining bout featuring Brandon Moreno at this show underscores the UFC’s respect for the former flyweight king. As perhaps the most successful Mexican-born fighter in UFC history, ‘The Assassin Baby’ is renowned for his gritty performances, notably his war with Alexandre Pantoja in July. Despite losing his title, Moreno showcased resilience in a fight that could have swung either way.
• This matchup marks Moreno’s first non-title fight since his initial win over Brandon Royval in November 2020. Having engaged in six intense battles since, including three five-round wars, Moreno, at 30 years old, remains a formidable all-around fighter with dangerous striking and underrated grappling skills. However, concerns linger regarding the damage he has absorbed recently.
• Royval, known as ‘Raw Dawg,’ brings an insane level of killer instinct, evident in his commitment to offense. Their previous encounter, a back-and-forth battle, ended with Moreno dispatching Royval late in the first round, possibly due to a shoulder injury. Royval’s tendency to leave himself vulnerable adds an unpredictable element to the fight.
• While Royval’s last fight against Pantoja showcased his danger from every position, Moreno’s experience and skill set could give him the edge, especially if he hasn’t lost a step. Anticipate a thrilling encounter with ‘The Assassin Baby’ likely securing a victory, possibly in the late rounds.

Pick: Moreno to win

Odds: 1.36

Yair Rodriguez vs Brian Ortega

Brian Ortega’s MMA record: 15 wins, 3 losses; UFC record: 7 wins, 3 losses

Yair Rodriguez’s MMA record: 18 wins, 4 losses; UFC record: 10 wins, 3 losses

Ortega’s past five fights: 2 wins, 3 losses

Rodriguez’s past five fights: 3 wins, 2 losses

Division: Featherweight

• Yair Rodriguez, a former interim champ, seeks redemption after a TKO loss to Alex Volkanovski in the UFC Featherweight title fight. With Volkanovski losing the belt to Ilia Topuria, the outcome of Rodriguez’s fight with Brian Ortega at UFC Mexico could determine the next title contender. Rodriguez, known for his striking prowess, aims for a decisive victory in this highly significant co-main event.

• Brian Ortega, hungry for success since his last win in 2020, faced elite opponents in title fights against Max Holloway and Volkanovski, suffering losses. Another defeat came against Rodriguez after Ortega injured his shoulder. Despite recent setbacks, Ortega’s grappling skills, boasting a 1st degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, make him a formidable adversary with seven submission wins. While Rodriguez is favored for his striking abilities, underestimating Ortega’s revenge-driven preparation could lead to an upset in this anticipated fight.

Pick: Ortega to win

Odds: 2.30

Daniel Zellhuber vs Francisco Prado

Prado’s MMA record: 12 wins, 1 loss in MMA, 1-1 in UFC

Zellhuber’s MMA record: 14 wins, 1 loss in MMA, 2-1 in UFC

Prado’s past five fights: 4 wins, 1 loss

Zellhuber’s past five fights: 4 wins, 1 loss

Division: Lightweight

• To analyze the Zellhuber vs. Prado matchup accurately, understanding their fighting styles is crucial. This UFC bout, often overlooked, offers an intriguing clash of styles. From a technical standpoint, both fighters possess impressive hand speed and finishing capabilities. Zellhuber excels at maintaining distance, utilizing front kicks and proficient front chokes to control opponents and deter takedown attempts.

• Conversely, Prado, with a physically different build, thrives on the inside. Armed with shorter limbs and powerful hands, he becomes a potent force in close quarters, pressuring opponents against the fence and forcing them to work hard to escape.

• For Zellhuber, this UFC event in Mexico represents a long-awaited opportunity to establish himself as a Mexican star in the sport. On the other hand, Prado aims to seize the spotlight, potentially overshadowing Zellhuber and expanding his fanbase in a new region. The dynamics of this bout make it a must-watch on this weekend’s UFC schedule.

Pick: Zellhuber to win

Odds: 1.45

Raul Rosas Jr. vs Ricky Turcios

Rosas MMA record: 8 wins, 1 loss in MMA, 2-1 in UFC

Turcios MMA record: 12 wins, 3 losses in MMA, 2-1 in UFC

Rosas’s past five fights: 4 wins, 1 loss

Turcio’s past five fights: 3 wins, 2 losses

Division: Bantamweight

• In terms of fighting styles, this matchup stands out as one of the most intriguing on the card. Rosas Jr. is a young talent displaying raw skills and grappling abilities well beyond his years. While he demonstrated knockout power in his recent bout, the unpredictability of a clean punch in 4-ounce gloves adds an element of uncertainty.

• Turcios, on the other hand, is an unorthodox fighter with a unique style that proves challenging to replicate in training. His unpredictable nature and swift kicks, influenced by Muay Thai, make him a formidable opponent. Additionally, Turcios is adept on the ground, maintaining solid defense against submissions at a high level.

• A significant factor in this matchup is Rosas Jr.’s position on the main card of the inaugural UFC event in Mexico. The emotional rollercoaster, adrenaline surge, and the challenge of maintaining focus are considerable factors for any 19-year-old in such a high-pressure scenario. These nuanced aspects can be decisive in shaping the outcome and are crucial considerations for making UFC predictions each week.

Pick: Rosas Jr. to win

Odds: 1.28

Yazmin Jauregu vs Sam Hughes

Hughes MMA record: 8 wins, 5 losses in MMA, 3-4 in UFC

Jauregui MMA record: 10 wins, 1 loss in MMA, 2-1 in UFC

Hughes’s past five fights: 3 wins, 2 losses

Jauregui’s past five fights: 4 wins, 1 loss

Division: Women’s Strawweight

• The UFC Fight Night event in Mexico holds historical significance, particularly for the Mexican MMA community, making it an extraordinary night for the sport and the country. The unique energy in the arena sets the stage for a memorable event, and predicting the outcome of the Jauregui vs. Hughes bout becomes more straightforward in this charged atmosphere.

• While Jauregui may enjoy the hometown advantage, her credentials extend beyond mere local support. With a notable knockdown average advantage over Hughes and a 75% knockout victory rate, Jauregui showcases a formidable striking game. Additionally, Jauregui’s fights tend to be shorter on average, lasting over five minutes less than Hughes’.

• Furthermore, Jauregui demonstrates a significant edge by landing nearly double the number of significant strikes per minute compared to Hughes. However, there is a potential avenue for victory for Hughes by leveraging her grappling strengths. Hughes excels in both takedown accuracy and average, emphasizing the need to take the bout to the mat early to accumulate points and potentially outlast Jauregui’s recovery.

Pick: Jauregui to win

Odds: 1.20

Best upcoming UFC fights: Manuel Torres vs Chris Duncan

Duncan’s MMA record: 11 wins, 1 loss in MMA, 2-0 in UFC

Torres MMA record: 14 wins, 2 losses in MMA, 2-0 in UFC

Duncan’s past five fights: 4 wins, 1 loss

Torres’s past five fights: 5 wins, 0 losses

Division: Lightweight

• This upcoming lightweight clash between Manuel Torres and Chris Duncan is an underrated gem on the weekend’s UFC schedule. Set to kick off the main card, it promises an explosive start. Torres, a Mexican MMA artist, boasts a 14-2 record with a diverse skill set, having secured 7 TKO/KO victories and 6 submissions at just 28 years old. With an impressive 100% takedown defense, Torres is known for his dynamic fighting style and has not seen the second round of a bout since 2018.

• His opponent, Chris Duncan, a Scottish MMA talent, brings an 11-1 record to the octagon, featuring 7 TKO/KO wins and 1 submission. Duncan earned his UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series, showcasing his skills. With a well-rounded game, Duncan averages 5.08 significant strikes landed per minute and displays a 100% takedown defense.

• In this matchup, Torres stands out with a higher level of technical expertise. His diverse striking arsenal, including a powerful front kick and low kick, combined with his composed and unpredictable approach, makes him an exciting fighter to watch. Duncan, on the other hand, is a high-paced brawler with potent hands and solid wrestling ability, aiming to create chaos and capitalize on striking or takedown opportunities.

Pick: Torres to win

Odds: 1.80

Elevate your fight night experience with our comprehensive predictions on the best upcoming UFC Fights. From in-depth analyses to expert insights, stay informed and engaged as we preview the highly anticipated battles set to unfold in the world of mixed martial arts. Stay updated with the next UFC big fight and follow our news!