UFC Vegas 91 Preview By Brett Cagle
Matheus Nicolau (19-4-1) vs Alex Perez (24-8)
This weekend, brace yourself for a high-stakes showdown as two ranked Flyweights, Matheus Nicolau and Alex Perez, collide in the main event of UFC Vegas 91 from the Apex. With a 4-1 record in his last five fights, Nicolau is eager to bounce back after a recent defeat by former title challenger Brandon Royval. Meanwhile, Perez, a member of Team Oyama, is determined to break his losing streak of three fights.
Nicolau has a clear advantage on the ground regarding their fighting styles, having finished five fights by submission. This could pose a significant challenge for Perez, who has been submitted in five of his eight professional defeats. However, Nicolau is only a slight betting favorite at online sportsbooks (-185), indicating a potentially close fight.
Prediction: Matheus Nicolau by Submission
Ryan Spann (21-9) vs Bogdan Guskov (15-3)
In the co-main event, Ryan Spann takes on Bodgan Guskov in a matchup of finishers at 205 pounds. Spann is coming off a highly competitive decision loss to Anthony Smith and has finished 12 fights by submission. His opponent, Guskov, is 1-1 in the UFC and fought former title challenger Volkan Oezdemir in his promotional debut. Guskov has serious power, having finished 13 of his wins by knockout.
I don’t see this fight going the distance. Spann is a betting favorite (-175), but I like the value of Guskov as an underdog. If the fight hits the ground, Spann has the advantage. After Guskov’s debut loss against a ranked fighter, he bounced back with a vicious knockout over former heavyweight Zac Pauga.
Prediction: Bogdan Guskov by KO/TKO
Michal Figlak (8-1) vs Austin Hubbard (16-7)
On the prelims, English striker Michal Figlak will fight MMA veteran Austin Hubbard. Figlak lost his debut against Faris Zaim, his first career loss. Hubbard is an Ultimate Fighter alum who was submitted last time out against Kurt Holobaugh.
Figlak will be five years younger (27) and should have a speed advantage while striking. Hubbard is a tough and durable competitor, with five knockout wins. I like Figlak to land volume on Hubbard from the outside. Hubbard has never been knocked out.
Prediction: Michal Figlak by Decision