UFC Vegas 102: Full Card Preview

Main Event: Jared Cannonier vs Gregory Rodrigues

A crucial middleweight bout takes centre stage as Jared Cannonier faces Gregory Rodrigues in a five-round clash. Cannonier, a perennial contender in the division, enters his sixth straight main event looking to rebound from back-to-back losses against elite competition. Known for his knockout power and durability, he will need to showcase his experience against a surging opponent.

Rodrigues, better known as "Robocop," arrives on a three-fight winning streak, including dominant stoppages over Brad Tavares and Denis Tiuliulin. This marks his first UFC main event, a chance to cement himself as a top contender. With a strong grappling base and ever-improving striking, Rodrigues presents a unique challenge for Cannonier. The key to this fight will be who dictates the pace and whether Rodrigues can impose his wrestling against the seasoned Cannonier.

Main Card Matchups

Calvin Kattar vs Youssef Zalal

Featherweight action sees Calvin Kattar take on the rising Youssef Zalal. Kattar, a proven top-10 fighter, looks to snap a three-fight losing streak and return to the form that saw him defeat Dan Ige and Giga Chikadze. Zalal, on the other hand, has been on a tear since returning to the UFC, racking up six consecutive stoppage wins. A victory over Kattar would catapult him into the division’s elite, making this a must-watch matchup.

Edmen Shahbazyan vs Dylan Budka

A pair of Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS) alumni meet at middleweight as Edmen Shahbazyan squares off against Dylan Budka. Shahbazyan has shown flashes of brilliance but remains inconsistent, with a 2-5 record since his red-hot UFC start. Budka, a promising talent, seeks to turn things around after a rough UFC debut. With both fighters needing momentum, this fight could be a pivotal moment in their careers.

Ismael Bonfim vs Nazim Sadykhov

Lightweight action features Ismael Bonfim against Nazim Sadykhov. Bonfim, the elder of the Bonfim brothers, has looked sharp with two UFC wins, but he faces a tough challenge in Sadykhov, a member of Ray Longo’s MMA stable. Sadykhov is coming off a strong 2023 campaign, and both fighters see this as an opportunity to climb the rankings.

Rodolfo Vieira vs Andre Petroski

A grappling-heavy matchup pits multiple-time BJJ world champion Rodolfo Vieira against wrestler Andre Petroski. Vieira has rebounded with consecutive submission wins, but Petroski’s suffocating top game presents a unique test. If this turns into a grappling battle, fans could be treated to a high-level ground war.

Connor Matthews vs Jose Delgado

The main card opener features featherweights Connor Matthews and Jose Delgado. Matthews, a DWCS graduate, aims to bounce back after a tough UFC debut, while Delgado enters with momentum, riding a five-fight win streak. This fight could be an explosive start to the main card.

Preliminary Card Matchups

Angela Hill vs Ketlen Souza

Veteran Angela Hill faces rising strawweight Ketlen Souza. Hill has long been a staple in the division but often falls short against ranked opponents. Souza, riding a two-fight win streak, looks to continue her ascent and break into the rankings.

Jared Gordon vs Mashrabjon Ruzibaev

Lightweight veteran Jared Gordon welcomes newcomer Mashrabjon Ruzibaev to the UFC. Gordon, originally scheduled to fight Kauê Fernandes, is eager to return to the win column after a close loss last summer. Ruzibaev enters on a seven-fight win streak, making this an intriguing stylistic matchup.

Rafael Estevam vs Jesus Aguilar

Flyweight prospects Rafael Estevam and Jesus Aguilar collide in a matchup of rising contenders. Estevam, unbeaten in his career, impressed with a win over Charles Johnson but missed weight. Aguilar has won three straight and looks to keep his momentum going.

Gabriel Bonfim vs Khaos Williams

Welterweight fireworks are expected as Gabriel Bonfim battles knockout artist Khaos Williams. Bonfim bounced back from his first career loss with a strong decision win last time out, while Williams has proven to be one of the division’s most dangerous finishers.

Vince Morales vs Elijah Smith

Bantamweight veteran Vince Morales faces UFC newcomer Elijah Smith. Morales looks to bounce back from a recent loss, while the young and gritty Smith enters the promotion on a five-fight win streak.

Don'Tale Mayes vs Valtar Walker

Heavyweights clash as Don’Tale Mayes faces Valtar Walker. Mayes has struggled with consistency, while Walker impressed with a quick submission win in his last outing. Both fighters are looking to make a statement in the division.

Julia Avila vs Jacqueline Cavalcanti

The night opens with a bantamweight showdown between Julia Avila and Jacqueline Cavalcanti. Avila, ranked No. 12, returns after a submission loss to Miesha Tate, while Cavalcanti has won three straight in the UFC and aims to continue her rise.

ACE Leans:

Note: These leans are not financial advice and are merely suggestions by our traders as to where they see the most value in order to enjoy tonight’s card! Gamble responsibly.

Don’Tale Mayes ML @ 2.87

Elijah Smith by Decision @ 2.10

Gabriel Bonfim By KO, TKO, DQ or Decision or Submission @ 2.25

Jesus Aguilar Moneyline @ 4.50

Ketlen Souza By Decision @ 2.30

Connor Matthews By Decision @ 7.0

Andre Petroski Moneyline @ 3.25

Nazim Sadykhov Moneyline @ 2.90

Zalal Moneyline & Most Strikes Landed @ 1.80

Zalal By Submission @ 4.0

Gregory Rodrigues By KO, TKO or DQ @ 2.50

Conclusion

UFC Fight Night 251 presents a compelling mix of high-stakes matchups, featuring veterans looking to stay relevant and prospects seeking to make a name for themselves. The main event between Cannonier and Rodrigues has significant middleweight implications, while the rest of the card provides plenty of intrigue. Expect a night filled with action, upsets, and potential breakout performances inside the UFC APEX.