UFC Fight Night: Tuivasa vs Tybura main card preview & top picks

The main card for UFC Fight Night: Tuivasa vs Tybura at the Apex in Las Vegas may prove critical to the immediate future of multiple contestants. The surging Bryan Battle can make a name for himself when he squares off with the tough Ange Loosa, Ovince Saint Preux may be one loss away from retirement when he tackles the fearsome Kennedy Nzechukwu, and Gerald Meerschaert and Bryan Barberena both desperately need a win. Read on for our free UFC betting picks and main card analysis.

Tai Tuivasa v Marcin Tybura

Tai Tuivasa vs Marcin Tybura

The heavyweights top the bill as Australia’s Tai Tuivasa takes on Poland’s Marcin Tybura. See our in-depth main event preview here.

Bryan Battle v Ange Loosa

Bryan Battle vs Ange Loosa

Bryan Battle (11-2-0) has reeled off five wins and one loss since making his UFC debut in 2021. The loss was a decision result against impressive Russian fighter Rinat Fakhretdinov and Battle bounced straight back with a 14-second KO victory over Gabriel Green in his next appearance. The 29-year-old is a proven finisher with three knockouts, five submissions, and two wins via the scorecards. This appears a favourable matchup for the surging American.

Ange Loosa (10-3-0) has fought three times at UFC level, returning two wins and one loss for his efforts. The 30-year-old lacks the power of his opponent but is blessed with high-level cardio and an ability to string long combinations together. Loosa will be at a three-inch height and reach disadvantage here, which may prove critical to his chances. His ground game also appears inferior to Battle’s more polished grappling but is tough and durable enough to last the distance.

Ovince Saint Preux v Kennedy Nzechukwu

Ovince Saint Preux vs Kennedy Nzechukwu

Ovince Saint Preux (26-17-0) has fought sparingly since 2020 with just one appearance per year. His last four bouts have yielded three losses and one win, and the 40-year-old might be ready to hang up the gloves soon. All three recent losses came via TKO, suggesting a decline in the American’s ability to wear a hard shot. Saint Preux has shared the octagon with UFC guns Jon Jones, Jamahal Hill, and Glover Teixeira but came up short against all three, and another run toward a title shot now appears unlikely.

Kennedy Nzechukwu (12-4-0) is a dangerous striker with solid power and a willingness to throw heavy leather. The 31-year-old has won three of his last four bouts, all via stoppage. The towering Nzechukwu is an imposing sight standing at 6’5’’, and many opponents have been unnerved by his ability to throw strikes from all angles with bad intentions. He can get a little scrappy in the heat of battle but should have the weapons required to finish this contest before the final bell.

Pannie Kianzad v Macy Chiasson

Pannie Kianzad vs Macy Chiasson

Pannie Kianzad (17-7-0) is a hard-working volume striker who has faced the judging panel in her last nine appearances. The Swede has not scored a knockout finish as a professional since 2014. She has produced two wins and two losses since 2021 and is listed as the betting outsider for this matchup. The 32-year-old will need to generate heavy volume if she hopes to emerge victorious over an opponent with a similar fighting style.

Macy Chiasson (9-3-0) has also won two and lost two in recent appearances, albeit against higher-ranked adversaries. The American has a long and lean frame and a four-inch reach advantage that sets up favourably for his skill set. If Chiasson can jab and circle at her range, she is expected to accumulate the points necessary to get her hand raised.

Gerald Meerschaert v Bryan Barberena

Gerald Meerschaert vs Bryan Barberena

Gerald Meerschaert (35-17-0) has dropped three of his last four contests and needs to reset his mental approach if he hopes to arrest this form slump. The 36-year-old has consistently lost successive fights throughout his long career, suggesting confidence is a big driver of his success or failure. The American boasts an elite submission game but can get exposed when his takedowns are thwarted and frustration takes hold.

Bryan Barberena (18-11-0) is a wild brawler who can be too reckless for his own good. The 34-year-old has lost three straight bouts, after stringing together a three-fight win streak that earned him a strong fan following. Has struggled on the mat and looks certain to be submitted if he cannot remain upright and land his power strikes against a top-level BJJ practitioner.

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