After the epic week that was UFC 299, it's time to get back to Vegas for another exciting fight night and bring you our A.I. predictions for UFC Vegas 88. Last week saw our A.I. go (4-1), with the lone loss belonging to Kevin Holland. (To be fair that fight probably busted a number of parlays.) Bringing our overall win/loss total to a respectable (55-22-1). Now let's get into this week's picks.
Main Event: Tai Tuivasa vs. Marcin Tybura (Heavyweight)
Analysis: This is a classic striker vs. grappler matchup. Tuivasa is the wild man, known for his devastating knockout power and post-fight "shoeys" (drinking beer out of a shoe). Tybura is a more methodical, technical fighter who excels in grinding out wins with his wrestling and grappling.
Prediction: This fight boils down to whether Tuivasa can land a clean knockout blow early. If Tybura successfully takes this fight to the ground, his experience and control will likely lead to a decision win or potentially a submission. However, Tuivasa always has that puncher's chance. It's a close one to call, but I'll give a slight edge to Tybura by decision.
Co-Main Event: Bryan Battle vs. Ange Loosa (Welterweight)
Analysis: Battle, the TUF winner, possesses solid all-around skills. Loosa is a dangerous submission artist. This fight will likely depend on whether Battle can stifle Loosa's grappling game and work his striking.
Prediction: If Battle can keep the fight standing and avoid getting caught in a submission, his well-rounded game should lead him to victory. I'll favor Battle by decision.
Ovince Saint Preux vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu (Light Heavyweight)
Analysis: OSP is a seasoned veteran with dangerous submission skills, but his inconsistency always leaves questions. Nzechukwu is a developing striker with power.
Prediction: This one is tricky. If OSP can secure an early takedown and work for a submission, he has a good chance. However, if Nzechukwu can keep it standing, his power might give him the knockout edge. This one feels like a toss-up, but I'll lean slightly towards Nzechukwu by TKO.
Christian Rodriguez vs. Isaac Dulgarian (Featherweight)
Analysis: Rodriguez is a dynamic striker with slick movement and power. Dulgarian is a well-rounded fighter with a strong wrestling base. This fight will likely showcase Rodriguez's striking against Dulgarian's ability to take the fight down and control it.
Prediction: This is another close matchup. If Rodriguez can keep the fight standing and avoid takedowns, his striking could lead to a win. However, if Dulgarian can consistently get the fight to the ground and use his wrestling, he could grind out a decision. This is a tough one, but I'll give a slight edge to Rodriguez by KO.
Pannie Kianzad vs. Macy Chiasson (Women's Bantamweight)
Analysis: Kianzad is a skilled boxer with solid takedown defense. Chiasson is well-rounded with a preference for grappling. It'll come down to whether Chiasson can enforce her takedowns.
Prediction: If Chiasson can get Kianzad to the ground, her grappling will be a problem. However, if Kianzad keeps it standing, her boxing should give her the edge. I'll take Kianzad by decision.
Gerald Meerschaert vs. Bryan Barberena (Middleweight)
Analysis: True to his nickname "GM3", Meerschaert is a high-volume submission specialist. Barberena is a brawler, willing to stand and exchange.
Prediction: This feels like it has fireworks written all over it. If Meerschaert can get Barberena to the ground, a submission is likely. If Barberena can keep it standing, his heavy hands could end the night early. This feels risky, but I'll lean towards Meerschaert by submission.
UFC Vegas 88 takes place on March 16th, 2024 at the APEX in Las Vegas, prelims start at 4 pm EST, with the main card kicking off at 7 pm EST on ESPN+.
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