The UFC returns to the warehouse this weekend for another Fight Night, but don’t fear, UFC 300 is just around the corner.
Last weekend’s Atlantic City event was full of weird outcomes and officiating making it a dud for the large part so let’s hope this weekend is an improvement on that.
Hopefully, we can score a clean sweep again, let’s get into the predictions.
Brendan Allen vs Chris Curtis
In the night’s main event, Brendan Allen seeks revenge over late notice replacement, Chris Curtis, with ‘The Action Man’ having scored a finish over Allen back in 2021.
After a successful UFC debut, Curtis was matched up against Brendan Allen who was coming in off back-to-back victories. The 36-year-old went on to score a second-round knockout after landing several punches and knees.
Since then though, the 28-year-old Allen has not lost another fight and comes into this one on a six-fight win streak. ‘All In’ believes he could be close to a middleweight title shot, as he has already outlined who he would like in his next fight if he beats Curtis.
Chris Curtis’ run hasn’t gone as smoothly since his 2021 win over Allen. A string of wins and then losses with a no contest sprinkled in there, has halted the momentum of the Xtreme Couture fighter.
I think with Allen holding all of the momentum, I favor him in this fight, despite Curtis boasting a 92% takedown defense rate.
Although I don’t think Allen won’t be able to score a submission, I see this fight going to a relatively close decision, in which Allen will have accumulated more control time in a fight where not much damage has been done.
Prediction: Brendan Allen decision
Alexander Hernandez vs Damon Jackson
Alexander ‘The Great Ape‘ takes on Damon Jackson in the co-main event, with this being Hernandez’s second fight in a row at featherweight.
Hernandez moved down to featherweight after a long stint at 155lbs but was defeated by Billy Quarantillo in his return to the division. He then moved back up to lightweight for a fight against Jim Miller in February last year, where he picked up a decision win.
The 31-year-old moved back down to 145lbs following that and lost his most recent outing to Bill Algeo.
Damon Jackson on the other hand is looking to snap a two-fight losing skid, with his most recent loss coming against Billy Quarantillo.
Unfortunately for the 35-year-old, I don’t see him returning to the win column this time out as I believe his skill set is too one-dimensional.
Prediction: Alexander Hernandez knockout
Morgan Charriere vs Chepe Mariscal
Fight of the Night prediction alert.
Since stepping in to fight Trevor Peek on late notice back in June last year, Chepe Mariscal has highlighted himself as a fighter people want to watch.
The Frenchman, Morgan Charriere, on the other hand, made his debut at UFC Paris last September. ‘The Last Pirate’ will go from fighting in front of over 18,000 rowdy fans in his home nation to fighting in front of a hundred-odd people in a dimly lit warehouse.
Back to Mariscal. The 31-year-old has a great boxing base and is the type of fighter who is willing to enter the fire to make things dirty.
I believe Mariscal will be the more active fighter in this featherweight meeting and will edge in a close but highly exciting fight.
Prediction: Chepe Mariscal decision
Ignacio Bahamondes vs Christos Giagos
Both fighters in this matchup are coming in off a loss in typical Apex fashion.
Although Christos Giagos is edging towards the tail-end of his career, he is coming into this fight with a big experience advantage over the 26-year-old, Bahamondes.
I believe this fight is closer than what the odds suggest, but having said that, I have to favor the youthful striker, Ignacio Bahamondes in this matchup as I believe his finishing capabilities outweigh ‘The Spartans’.
Prediction: Ignacio Bahamondes knockout
Valter Walker vs Lukasz Brzeski
Making his UFC debut is brother of UFC light heavyweight fighter, Johnny Walker, Valter.
The Polish fighter Brzeski on the other side is possibly fighting for his position on the UFC roster. After winning a contract on the Contender Series back in 2021 – his win was then overturned to a no-contest following a positive drug test – Brzeski is on a three-fight losing skid with this likely his last fight on his contract.
Unfortunately for the 31-year-old, I think he will find himself back on the Polish regional scene after this fight, as I see the Brazilian, Walker, scoring a debut win.
Although Walker isn’t extremely high level, he has a big striking advantage in this fight, and I see him catching Brzeski early on in this fight.
Prediction: Valter Walker knockout
Trevor Peek vs Charlie Campbell
Making just his second UFC outing is 28-year-old, is Charlie Campbell. He takes on the awkward fan favorite, Trevor Peek, who is looking to score back-to-back wins.
Although Trevor Peek has emerged as a fighter fans get excited to see fight, it isn’t because of his immense level of skill. It is purely because he is crazy and possesses an awkward fight style.
Despite that, I see Campbell picking up a win here and being the more patient and technically sound fighter, making the 29-year-old pay for his notorious awkwardness.
Prediction: Charlie Campbell knockout