UFC Fight Night: Dern vs Yan main card preview & best bets

The UFC has put together a solid undercard for this Saturday’s Fight Night, featuring some exciting young talent. We break down all the big matchups and help uncover some profitable plays for the bouts leading up to the main event between Mackenzie Dern and Yan Xiaonan.

Randy Brown vs Francisco Trinaldo

Randy Brown (15-4-0) enters this contest on a three-fight win streak that includes wins over Khaos Williams and Alex Oliveira. A BJJ Brown Belt, Brown is a well-rounded fighter with both submission and KO wins to his credit. His last loss came in August 2020 against the highly regarded Vincente Luque, but now that Brown is back in the winner’s column there is no reason why he can’t continue the good form here.

Francisco Trinaldo (28-8-0) is a 44-year-old marvel who made his UFC debut way back in June 2012. Despite his advanced years, Trinaldo should not be underestimated, and he is riding a two-fight win streak. He may not have the KO power of some of his younger opponents, but the Brazilian is as tough as old boots and knows how to eke out a decision victory. Trinaldo also holds a Brown Belt in BJJ, so it will be interesting to see if either fighter is keen to take this bout to the mat.

Brown is the tip, but despite his short price, don’t expect a walk in the park.

John Castaneda vs Daniel Santos

After a long career in the minor promotions, John Castaneda (19-5-0) finally earned his UFC call-up in July 2020. The debut was unsuccessful, but Castaneda since upped his game with two impressive fashion victories, one via TKO the other via submission, and is expected to build on that momentum here. Castaneda was a high school wrestler and possesses a strong grappling base and high-level cardio. His experience advantage might prove the difference over his younger opponent.

Daniel Santos (10-2-0) is a newcomer to the UFC with just a single fight in the premier promotion. Santos lost his UFC debut to Julio Arce, and it’s hard to determine his talent level at this early stage of his career. The Brazilian did struggle with his weight leading up to his last fight, so his loss may be attributed to fatigue and pre-fight nerves. Hopefully he is better prepared for this contest and gets a chance to display his talents.

Castaneda is the tip.

Raoni Barcelos vs Trevin Jones

Raoni Barcelos (16-3-0) is another Brazilian looking to make his mark after a long career working up through the grades. Barcelos made his UFC debut in July 2018 and immediately strung together a nice run of five straight wins. He has since lost two on the trot, but both were close decision losses and he incurred little physical damage. Barcelos is a skilled BJJ practitioner, and a submission might be his most likely path to victory.

Trevin Jones (13-8-0) entered the UFC in August 2020 and had his maiden victory overturned when he subsequently tested positive for marijuana. Jones then scored an early TKO victory against fellow newcomer Mario Alberto Bautista, but has dropped his last two bouts when tiring in the third round. Jones should be motivated to produce his best here with his contract on the line, but Barcelos is the tip.

Sodiq Yusuff vs Don Shainis

Sodiq Yusuff (12-2-0) is a flashy, Nigerian born fighter who entered the UFC in July 2018 via Dana White’s Contender Series, where he caught the eye with a gritty decision victory. Yusuff has since gone 7-1 with his sole loss coming at the hands of Arnold Allen. Yusuff’s most recent outing saw him get the better of the well-regarded Alex Caceres over three tough rounds. Yusuff is the shortest priced favourite of the main card and looks to have a bright future.

Don Shainis (12-3-0) makes his UFC debut here after building a solid record with the regional promotions. Shainis is on a five-fight win streak, albeit against lesser competition, but he might be a promising prospect. Matchmakers have thrown him into the deep end against Yusuff, but his losses were all close, he has never been finished, and has obviously demonstrated a readiness for this level of competition.

Sodiq Yusuff is the tip, but Shainis might be over the odds, so keep a close eye on him.

Mike Davis vs Viacheslav Borshchev

Mike Davis (9-2-0) made his UFC in 2019 with a match-up against subsequent title contender Gilbert Burns, so it was a real baptism of fire. Davis lost the bout but has since chalked up successive victories to get his career moving in the right direction. Davis has also tangled with Sodiq Yusuff, who fights on this card, with Yusuff prevailing via close decision. We have Davis listed as a fighter to watch and will be following this bout with great interest.

Viacheslav Borshchev (6-2-0) joined the UFC roster after a mere five fights with other promotions. He won his UFC debut via a first-round liver-shot that stopped Dakota Bush in his tracks. Borshchev dropped his next fight via decision, but still represents an exciting prospect. Russian born, Borshchev now fights out of California’s Team Alpha Male. Despite his inexperience, there are big expectations of Borshchev’s ability to make it as a professional fighter, even he is beaten by the more experienced Davis.

We have Davis as our strongest tip of this card.

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