UFC Vegas 92 Preview By Brett Cagle
Edson Barboza (24-11) vs. Lerone Murphy (13-0-1)
UFC veteran Edson Barboza returns this weekend against undefeated English prospect Lerone Murphy. Barboza has put together back-to-back wins at the age of 38. Murphy is 5-0 in the UFC with impressive wins over Ricardo Ramos and Josh Culibao. Currently, Murphy is a (-150) betting favorite at online sportsbooks.
On the feet, Barboza is one of the most dangerous strikers in the sport. His combination of speed and explosiveness is truly unique. Murphy is a good athlete as well and may be physically stronger in this matchup. If Murphy can get this fight to the ground he could grind out a decision victory.
Prediction: Lerone Murphy by Decision
Khaos Williams (14-3) vs. Carleston Harris (19-5)
An interesting welterweight clash between Khaos Williams and Carleston Harris will be the co-main event on Saturday. Harris is a well-rounded fighter whose only loss in the UFC came against undefeated phenom Shavkat Rahkmonov. Williams is an aggressive striker whose heavy hands have earned him seven knockout wins. Oddsmakers have Williams as a betting favorite (-130).
Harris has six wins by submission and is a dangerous threat on the ground. The longer this fight goes it favors Harris, who averages two takedowns per fight.
Prediction: Carleston Harris by Decision
Vinicius Salvador (14-6) vs. Adrian Yanez (16-4)
The most entertaining matchup on the card could be a bantamweight contest between young prospects Adrian Yanez and Vinicius Salvador. Yanez has suffered back-to-back stoppage losses but has shown flashes of brilliance in his UFC career. Salvador is moving up from 125 pounds for this fight and holds 13 wins by knockout on his record. Both fighters are exciting strikers who should put on a show for those in attendance at the APEX in Las Vegas.
Yanez is a massive betting favorite at (-400). Salvador is a southpaw who has massive power in his hands for a smaller fighter. Yanez will have his chin tested again, and the number is too high to not put money on Salvador in this matchup. Both fighters are going to go for the knockout and I think this fight is closer than oddsmakers are giving it credit for.
Betting Advice: Throw a few dollars on Salvador Moneyline (+300)