UFC Vegas 95 Preview By Brett Cagle
Marcin Tybura (25-8) vs Serghei Spivac (16-4)
The main event of this weekend’s fight night card features two veteran European Heavyweights. Marcin Tybura and Serghei Spivac previously met in 2020, and Tybura won by decision. Since that loss, Spivac has gone 6-2 and is now entering his prime at 29 years old. Tybura has won three of his last four but is a betting underdog this weekend (+135).
Tybura's volume striking game may cause problems for his opponent. If Spivac is unable to find takedowns, he’s struggled at times. Look for Spivac to try and use his size and strength to get this fight to the floor. Over his career, Spivac has landed 4.56 takedowns per fight.
Prediction: Marcin Tybura by Decision
Damon Jackson (23-6-1) vs Chepe Mariscal (16-6)
Chicago’s Chepe “Machine Gun” Mariscal has quickly become a fan favorite after three straight wins to start his UFC career. Damon Jackson is elite on the ground and has had 15 submission wins. Mariscal hasn’t lost since 2020 and is a former wrestler with power in his hands. Entering this contest, Mariscal is a betting favorite (-235) in online sportsbooks.
Jackson has been knocked out four times and will have problems striking with Mariscal in this matchup. Jackson will have a reach advantage and is the taller fighter by four inches.
Prediction: Chepe Mariscal by KO/TKO
Danny Barlow (8-0) vs Nikolay Veretennikov (12-4)
Undefeated finisher Danny Barlow returns this Saturday against UFC newcomer Nikolay Veretennikov. Barlow has five wins by knockout and is exceptionally long (6’2) for the 170-pound weight class. Barlow knocked out respected prospect Josh Quinlan, and is a massive betting favorite in this contest.
Veretennikov, 34, has nine knockout wins, which could make this an entertaining matchup. Regardless, making his debut against a prospect as talented as Barlow will be tough. I do not see this one going the distance.
Danny Barlow by KO/TKO