UFC Vegas 16 has been a wild ride already! We had Darren Till fall out of the main event with Jack Hermansson due to a knee injury, only to be replaced by the surging contender: Kevin Holland. Little did we know, that it would only take a few weeks before he too, would fall out. Although this was due to COVID, not an injury.
The UFC would need a miracle, to save this main event. Or, risk having two back to back shows without one. Here enters: Marvin Vettori. The 27-year-old Italian prospect on a 3 fight winning streak; originally scheduled to fight the legend, Ronaldo Jacare Souza, at UFC 256. In fact, in an almost “musical chairs” type of fashion, Kevin Holland will now take that fight against Souza, on the same date. So, now that we got that craziness explained; let’s learn about the rest of the fights on the main card!
Movsar Evloev (13-0) vs. Nate Landwehr (14-3)
Starting off our Main Card action, we’ve got a featherweight bout! Undefeated prospect Movsar Evloev is set to take on Nate “The Train” Landwehr. Both men are coming off wins, and this should be an exciting fight!
Matchup
Former M-1 bantamweight champ Movsar Evloev is a pretty good striker that shows a lot of promise! I’d like to see him get more accurate with his takedowns, but he’s more comfortable on the feet anyway. With a high output on the feet, he lands almost four and a half significant strikes a minute! That’s some serious work, especially considering he’s landing only 43% of the strikes he throws. A little more accuracy, and we could have another Max Holloway on our hands!
Nate is more of a striker as well, content to stand and bang. I believe Evloev will have the overall edge striking, but don’t be surprised if Movsar mixes in some takedowns here and there as well! I’ve got Evloev, by decision!
John Allan (13-5-1NC) vs. Roman Dolidze (7-0)
With our next bout, we make the jump from 145, to 205. When we have two Light Heavyweight prospects set to take the cage! Let’s jump right in, and discuss this matchup!
Matchup
27-year-old Brazilian John Allan is coming off his first No Contest; stemming from a failed drug test that overturned his win over Mike Rodriguez to the NC as it stands today. With knockout power, and a decent array of submissions, John Allan is a dangerous opponent for any man. Let’s meet his opponent!
Roman Dolidze is another undefeated prospect! A striker, he debuted in the UFC against Khadis Ibragimov. Not only was he landing strikes with 86% accuracy (Landing 19 out of 22), but he finished the fight via spectacular head kick finish!! Now, how’s that for a UFC debut? I’m sold on this man, and I’m buying into the hype train. I think he finishes the fight spectacularly again, let’s say; second round TKO.
Taila Santos (16-1) vs. Montana De La Rosa (11-6)
From 205, we drop down almost a hundred pounds; for a Women’s flyweight match! At 125 pounds, both ladies are contenders. Montana De La Rosa is the one with the number next to her name; she’s ranked #15, and I’d bet my last dollar that Taila Santos wants that spot! So, let’s see how they match up!
Matchup
At 27, we have yet another extremely young fighter on the card in Taila Santos. Originally getting her start on DWCS, she won a contract, only to lose her undefeated record in her debut match in the UFC. Losing to Mara Borella via split decision. Now, she looks to bounce back; and maybe even secure her own spot in the rankings!
Across the cage, stands Montana De La Rosa. Actually younger then Santos, she’s just a mere 25 years old. While mostly known for having a husband that fights in the UFC (Mark De La Rosa), the couple is known for being the first Husband and Wife to fight on the same card together! De La Rosa is coming off a decision loss as well, at the hands of up and comer Viviane Araujo. I believe both of these ladies will be evenly matched, and if anyone has an advantage; Santos might have a slight grappling edge. I’m gonna go with Santos via sub, let’s say rd. 3?
Jamahal Hill (8-0) vs. Ovince St. Preux (25-14)
Ladies and gents! The Co-Main Event of the evening! For this fight, we’re stepping back up 205, to fight with the big dogs! We’ve got yet another undefeated prospect on this card, facing another veteran! This one could end so many ways, so let’s dive in!
Matchup
First and foremost, let’s talk about some “Sweet Dreams” Jamahal Hill action. This prospect is coming off of DWCS, and he’s already made quite a splash. Along with having one of the best nicknames I’ve heard of. I mean, “Sweet Dreams”, and he really knocks people out cold? What a match made in heaven.
At 29, Hill is one of the older undefeated fighters on this card! Coming off back to back UFC wins, he’s proven he can not only go the distance; but finish the fight early! In his last fight; we saw him deliver a deadly knee to the body and finish his opponent via good ol’ GNP. This fight with OSP will undoubtedly be his biggest challenge yet.
Across the cage, will be long time UFC vet; 37-year-old, Ovince St. Preux. A former interim title challenger, coming off a big win by a knockout! 2-3 in his last five fights coming into his bout against Alonzo Menifield, OSP needed a win. Cool, calm and collected; faced with a charging Menifield, St. Preux hit him with a perfect hook. Alonzo Menifield was instantly knocked out, and many fans were shocked. Power had not left this aging vet’s side!
However, coming into this fight; I don’t think this one will go OSP’s way. I do see a scenario where he secures one of his patented Von Fluke chokes, but other than that; I don’t see him outscoring or knocking Jamahal Hill out. OSP might try and take this fight to the ground, to avoid the ferocious standup of “Sweet Dreams”, but we’ll see.
I do want it to be known though, Ovince St. Preux has really been in there with the “who’s who” of the 205 division. Ever heard of Jon Jones? OSP managed to survive and see a decision. Shogun Rua? Yeah, St. Preux flatlined him. KO, 34 seconds into the fight. OSP is a straight-up gritty vet. He’s still got the power, he’s dangerous on the canvas, and boy is he tough. Studying his record, you can see the usually loses by decision or submission.
Yet, this is the trap. An opponent spotting that weakness, might foolishly try and take him down and submit him. This is where Ovince St. Preux is devilishly slick with his Von Fluke choke. He’s landed it so many times, many just call it the “St. Preux choke”. I’ve got a gut feeling Jamahal Hill wins this one, but I’ll go with OSP anyway. Why? Every time I count him out, he proves me wrong. So, this time I’ll go with him and see what happens. Either way, the predictions are just a part of the fun. Let’s see what happens!
Featured Image Credits to UFC
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