UFC Fight Night main card preview & top picks | Burns v Brady

The main card of UFC Fight Night: Burns vs Brady at the Apex in Las Vegas this Saturday night features a top-10 women’s flyweight bout between Brazilian rivals Jessica Andrade and Natalia Silva. Other highlights include a fiery matchup between Steve Garcia and Kyle Nelson and a clash between promising lightweights Trevor Peek and Yanal Ashmouz. Read on for BP’s analysis, predictions and top betting picks.

Gilbert Burns v Sean Brady

Gilbert Burns vs Sean Brady

Who will triumph when Gilbert Burns takes on Sean Brady in the main event? See our in-depth Burns vs Brady fight preview here.

Jessica Andrade v Natalia Silva

Jessica Andrade vs Natalia Silva

Jessica Andrade (26-12-0) has notched two wins in 2024 after suffering three straight losses in a dire 2023. On her worst days, the 32-year-old can rely too heavily on raw striking power, which can leave her open to counters and submissions threats. On her best days, the Brazilian marches forward and looks dangerous in the pocket where her heavy hands can land and cause damage.

Natalia Silva (17-5-1) is undefeated in the UFC after five fights. The 27-year-old enjoys a height and reach advantage in this matchup and will attempt to win the range war with long and looping strikes from the outside. The younger Brazilian is also adept on the mat, with seven professional wins via submission, and leading UFC bookies have her slated as a warm favourite.

Steve Garcia v Kyle Nelson

Steve Garcia vs Kyle Nelson

Steve Garcia (16-5-0) is a surging knockout artist with four straight KO wins on his record. The exciting featherweight fights long and tall for the division and should be able to land first in this contest. The 32-year-old is hunting a top-15 ranking, and another stoppage win should boost his profile and bring that goal within reach.

Kyle Nelson (15-5-1) rides a three-fight win streak into this Fight of the Night contender. The Canadian made short work of Bill Algeo in his most recent appearance and should be full of confidence. He would be wise to avoid a standup war but has other paths to victory, including via submission and volume striking that earns the favour of the judges.

Matt Schnell v Cody Durden

Matt Schnell vs Cody Durden

Matt Schnell (16-8-0) has been knocked out in his last two bouts, losing to recent title contender Steve Erceg and Matheus Nicolau. The 34-year-old is most comfortable on the mat and can look a little lost during standup exchanges. He boasts nine professional submission victories and will be hunting takedowns from the opening bell.

Cody Durden (16-6-1) is also coming off successive stoppage losses that halted some nice momentum. The 33-year-old has proved susceptible to high-level grappling throughout his career, and that weakness may be exposed in a challenging matchup. Durden is a tough and durable combatant on the feet, and his hard strikes appear his most likely path to victory.

Trevor Peek v Yanal Ashmouz

Trevor Peek vs Yanal Ashmouz

Trevor Peek (9-2-0) has fared poorly with the judges recently, dropping two of his last three bouts via decision. This broke an impressive run of eight successive knockout wins, and the 29-year-old should be fired up for this contest. This is an opportunity for Peek to reclaim his destiny with a positive and aggressive performance that ends before the judging panel can get involved.

Yanal Ashmouz (7-1-0) suffered his first professional loss in July 2023, also delivered by the scorecards. The 29-year-old showed promise in his UFC debut four months earlier and will be determined to bounce back with an improved showing after a lengthy break to refocus. The Israeli will start as a slight underdog with top UFC betting sites but looks like a solid chance.

Zhu Rong v Chris Padilla

Zhu Rong vs Chris Padilla

Zhu Rong (24-5-0) earned a second chance at UFC success in 2022, earning a recall after an impressive win on the regional circuit. The Chinese fighter has since strung three straight wins together and continues to add layers to his MMA game. The lightweight throws heavy hands and has the power to earn an early win.

Chris Padilla (14-6-0) has fought once at UFC level, scoring a submission win in the opening round over James Llondop. The 28-year-old mixes solid striking with a tough grappling game and will enjoy a big reach advantage in this even contest. He enters as the betting outsider due to a lack of high-level experience but might show glimpses of potential.

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