Whilst the big boys headline UFC Vegas 88, Dana White says fans should expect “absolute fireworks” in two key fights earlier on in the night.
There are 10 alumni of Dana White’s Contender Series fighting this weekend and with an additional three coming from The Ultimate Fighter, many fans are expecting some breakout prospects to emerge at the UFC Apex.
Dana White has now pointed fans in the direction of two key fights on the prelims that should bring “absolute fireworks” to the Las Vegas strip on Saturday: Josh Culibao vs Danny Silva, and Ode Osbourne vs Jafel Filho.
Dana White on two UFC Vegas 88 fights that you don’t want to miss
UFC Vegas 88 takes place from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas this weekend, with heavyweight contenders Tai Tuivasa and Marcin Tybura set to throw down in the main event.
Whilst the fight card has understandably been criticized for its perceived lack of star power and meaningful matchups, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of fascinating contests to keep an eye on – especially on the prelims.
In the latest edition of ‘If you don’t know, now you know’, Dana White previewed two bouts in particular which should be “absolute fireworks” – Josh Culibao vs Danny Silva at featherweight, and Ode Osbourne vs Jafel Filho at flyweight.
Speaking on Culibao vs Silva, White teased that “these are two good striking specialists” with Culibao bringing the experience of past contests against Jalin Turner and Charles Jourdain.
“He likes to get in the pocket and start firing off combos, searching for that knockout…[But] Silva boxes his a** off in there, he is fun to watch and with Culibao’s aggressiveness, this should be absolute fireworks. You do not want to miss this fight.”
Culibao is currently a slight favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook and is looking to get back into the win column after a decision loss to Lerone Murphy in his last outing. Meanwhile, Silva is 8-1 as a pro with five big wins coming by way of knockout.
The second fight that White says fans should keep an eye on is Ode Osbourne vs Jafel Filho, with particular emphasis on the outstanding 93% stoppage rate that Filho has achieved as a professional MMA fighter.
“That is crazy for any weight class, but it’s insane for the flyweights where pace and speed are so hard to contain,” said White.
“Osbourne isn’t too shabby either with a 75% stoppage rate, also great for any weight class. This fight could come down to who’s the better wrestler to keep the fight wherever they wanted…Another great fight that you do not want to miss.”
Filho is the favorite in this contest and is coming off a first-round submission win over Daniel Barez, with Osbourne having lost his last fight back in August 2023 via round-two rear naked choke.
Both fights take place on the prelims of UFC Vegas 88, so make sure you’re tuned in early this Saturday.