UFC Fight Night: Pavlovich v Blaydes main card preview & picks

UFC Fight Night: Pavlovich vs Blaydes from Las Vegas features a mixture of new fighters earning their stripes and more seasoned competitors looking to advance their divisional rankings. We have uncovered some value bets across the main card, so read on for the all the tips and analysis.

Brad Tavares v Bruno Silva

Brad Tavares vs Bruno Silva

Brad Tavares (19-8-0) is a veteran of the middleweight division who has faced the biggest names at 185 pounds. He lost to current champ Israel Adesanya in 2018, former champ Robert Whittaker in 2015, and perennial contender Yoel Romero in 2014. In recent times, Tavares has lost three of his last five bouts and desperately needs to find a win. He last shared the cage with surging South African contender Dricus du Plessis, going down by decision in a three-round war that showcased the toughness of both men.

Bruno Silva (22-8-0) has also shared the octagon with some of his division’s biggest drawcards, losing to former champ Alex Pereira in early 2022 and getting finished by Gerald Meerschaert in his most recent contest. Silva is a heavy hitter with 19 knockouts on his professional record, and if he gets a clear shot at the Tavares’ chin, he can finish the show with a single clean punch that shuts out the lights.

Bobby Green v Jared Gordon

Bobby Green vs Jared Gordon

It is hard not to like the flashy, mouthy Bobby Green (29-14-1). The Californian has some of the quickest hands in MMA but tends to get distracted during his fights and can make sloppy mistakes when confidence gets the better of him. Green was knocked out by Drew Dober in late 2022 and prior to that was quickly dismantled by current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Green has been typically self-assured leading up to this contest.

Jared Gordon (19-6-0) last shared the cage with Liverpudlian hype machine Paddy Pimblett, who earned a contentious decision victory. Some 23 of 24 media outlets disagreed with the judges and thought Gordon was the rightful victor. The New York native is a tough and gritty scrapper both in and out of the cage who has overcome multiple drug addictions and brushes with the law. He lacks the power and finesse of Green but has strong cardio, along with 11 decision victories on his record.

Iasmin Lucindo v Brogan Walker

Iasmin Lucindo vs Brogan Walker

Iasmin Lucindo (13-5-0) is a newcomer to the UFC who lost her debut strawweight bout in narrow fashion. The 21-year-old earned a UFC call-up by winning seven straight fights in the regional promotions and looks to have a bright future if she can handle the pressure and bright lights. The Brazilian has a solid ground game and is expected to get back on the winners’ list with a strong showing here.

Brogan Walker (8-3-0) entered the UFC via The Ultimate Fighter, where she won two fights to earn her contract. She also lost her UFC debut via late TKO stoppage in 2022, but boasts solid previous form from the Invicta promotion. Walker also has high-level grappling skills, so this might be a fun fight if it hits the mat.

Jeremiah Wells v Matthew Semelsberger

Jeremiah Wells vs Matthew Semelsberger

Jeremiah Wells (11-2-0) has made every post a winner since making his UFC debut in June 2021. His most recent fight resulted in an early knockout of Court McGee to continue a five-fight winning streak. The American combines excellent submission skills with solid striking power and might be a name to watch in the welterweight division if he can pass this test.

Matthew Semelsberger (11-4-0) is a high-output striker who was unfortunate to drop his most recent bout to Australian Jake Matthews in an enthralling back-and-forth contest. The former wrestler has a solid chin and has only been finished once in his MMA career. He can tire late in his bouts, which might open the door for the opportunistic Wells to grab a finish.

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