UFC Vegas 89 Preview and Predictions by Brett Cagle
Rose Namajunas (12-6) vs. Amanda Ribas (12-4)
Former strawweight world champion Rose Namajunas returns this weekend at 125 pounds against perennial contender Amanda Ribas. Namajunas made her flyweight debut last time out against Manon Fiorot. Ribas is 3-2 in her previous five fights, with wins over Virna Jandiroba, Luana Pinheiro, and Viviane Araujo. Namajunas is a betting favorite at online sportsbooks (-220).
Ribas is an explosive athlete with four wins by submission in her career. Ribas will be the physically stronger fighter and may want to take Namajunas down. Namajunas will look to dictate range on the feet with her jabs and kicks. This will be Rose’s seventh time in a five-round fight. Ribas has never been 25 minutes in her career, and Namajunas’ championship experience and cardio should be enough to earn her a decision win.
Prediction: Rose Namajunas by decision
Karl Williams (9-1) vs. Justin Tafa (7-3)
Two heavyweights riding win streaks collide this weekend in the co-main event from the Apex in Las Vegas. Karl Williams is 2-0 since coming off the Dana White Contender Series and trains out of the American Top Team in Atlanta. Justin Tafa has knocked out his last three opponents, all inside the first round. Tafa has tremendous punching power and will be more than willing to stand and trade. Williams has a sneaky ground game that helped him to win back-to-back decisions.
Currently, Williams is a favorite (-190) at online sportsbooks. This will be the toughest test in Williams's career, facing an eight-fight UFC veteran in Tafa. Williams lands four takedowns per fight on average (according to ESPN), and he wants to take Tafa off his feet. The longer this fight goes, it favors Williams.
Prediction: Karl Williams by Decision
Payton Talbott (7-0) vs. Cameron Saaiman (9-1)
Up-and-coming bantamweight prospects Payton Talbott and Cameron Saaiman are two of the best fighters under 26 on the UFC roster. Talbott debuted last November, earning a submission win over Nick Aguirre. Saaiman is 3-1 in his UFC career and has faced tougher competition than Talbott thus far. Saaiman went the distance with Christian Rodriguez in his last fight but was handed his first professional loss.
This will be a highly competitive contest between two very young and talented bantamweight hopefuls. Talbott has five wins by knockout and will enjoy a three-and-a-half-inch reach advantage. Saaiman trains with middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis, who is one of the best fighters to come out of South Africa. This could easily be the “Fight of the Night.”
Prediction: Cameron Saaiman by KO/TKO
Fans can catch this fight card on Saturday on ESPN+. The prelims begin at 6 p.m. CT, and the main card starts at 9 p.m. CT.