UFC Fight Night: Grasso vs Shevchenko 2 main card preview & picks

UFC Fight Night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas was designed to showcase the brightest Mexican MMA talent. While late injuries and cancellations have hit the card, it is still stacked with world-class matchups.

Surging Aussie hope Jack Della Maddalena will be tested by the experience and smarts of UFC veteran Kevin Holland, wonderkid Raul Rosas Jr will be looking to bounce back from a shock defeat when he faces Terrence Mitchell, and exciting prospect Daniel Zellhuber will be out to impress against Christos Giagos.

Read on to see BettingPlanet’s top picks and analysis for the four fights leading up to Alexa Grasso vs Valentina Shevchenko in the main event.

Kevin Holland v Jack Della Maddalena

Kevin Holland (25-9-0) is a talented but enigmatic fighter who has shared the cage with some of the UFC’s biggest names. He was choked out quickly by Khamzat Chimaev in September 2022, then lost a standup war against Stephen Thompson before hitting back with impressive stoppage victories over Santiago Ponzinibbio and Michael Chiesa.

Jack Della Maddalena (14-2-0) is one of the UFC’s most exciting prospects, but this matchup represents a huge class rise. The Aussie’s most recent appearance was a lacklustre win over the unheralded Bassil Hafez after a series of cancellations and changed opponents created a chaotic buildup. Prior to that appearance, Della Maddalena had appeared unbeatable with four straight round-one finishes.

Based on a huge experience advantage, Holland appears a solid tip here.

Raul Rosas Jr v Terrence Mitchell

Raul Rosas Jr (7-1-0) came crashing back to earth at his most recent bout after talking a huge game and assuming he was destined to be the UFC’s youngest champion ever. The 18-year-old submission specialist was manhandled for three-straight rounds by Christian Rodriguez and has, hopefully, learned some lessons regarding humility and climbing the ladder.

Terrence Mitchell (15-3-0) was knocked out in short order on his UFC debut in July 2023, following an impressive run on the provincial circuit. The 33-year-old appears to have a high-level grappling game, and this contest will come to life if it hits the mat. Mitchell also has eight KO finishes on his record and might be content to work from the feet, where he could have a slight advantage.

Daniel Zellhuber v Christos Giagos

Daniel Zellhuber (13-1-0) has fought twice at UFC level, with one loss and one win to show for his efforts. Both results came via the judges, but the Mexican does have seven KO victories on his early record and appears to be a gifted young athlete. The 24-year-old will enjoy a huge five-and-a-half-inch reach advantage here and will be looking to keep this affair at long range, where he can work behind a long jab and his powerful kicks.

Christos Giagos (20-10-0) is a UFC veteran who has shared the cage with some of the biggest names in the sport. The American lost to Gilbert Burns back in 2016 and future champ Charles Oliveira in 2018 and will boast an obvious experience advantage over the rising Mexican. Giagos is 2-2 in recent times and will need to effectively close the distance in Vegas to be a threat in this contest.

Fernando Padilla v Kyle Nelson

Fernando Padilla (15-4-0) made his UFC debut in April 2023 and made an immediate impact with a round-one knockout over Julian Erosa. Much like Daniel Zellhuber, Padilla is a tall and lanky Mexican who will tower over the man standing opposite. He lands strikes with power and is no slouch on the mat, with eight career submissions on his record. Another impressive showing will have him marked as a name to watch in the 145-pound decision.

Kyle Nelson (14-5-1) produced a much-needed win in his most recent trip to the octagon, having endured two losses and one draw since 2020. The Canadian can be a little reckless at times and will need to be patient and pick his shots against a dangerous opponent. Given his patchy form, Nelson is expected to struggle against an exciting newcomer.

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