UFC Fight Night: Yusuff v Barboza main card preview & betting picks

With a stacked lineup shaping up for UFC 294, it’s easy for fight fans to overlook this Fight Night event at the Apex Arena in Las Vegas. However, this card features several intriguing matchups, including a potential barnburner between Jonathan Martinez and Adrian Yanez, and a high-level clash between the dynamic Andre Petrovski and the resurgent Michel Pereira.

Read on for a comprehensive analysis and our betting tips.

Sodiq Yusuff vs Edson Barboza

Sodiq Yusuff vs Edson Barboza

Jennifer Maia v Viviane Araujo

Jennifer Maia vs Viviane Araujo

Jennifer Maia (21-9-1) has recently regained her winning form with two consecutive unanimous decision victories. Ranked ninth in the women’s flyweight division, the Brazilian has faced tough competition in her past encounters with fighters like Valentina Shevchenko, Katlyn Chookagian, and Manon Fiorot. Her upcoming matchup appears favorable, making her the sportsbook favorite.

Viviane Araujo (11-5-0) is currently going through a rough patch, winning only one of her last four UFC fights. Her last eight bouts have all gone to decision, where her lack of output over fifteen minutes has cost her dearly. At 36 years old, she’s on thin ice and must turn her form around to secure her spot on the UFC roster.

Jonathan Martinez v Adrian Yanez

Jonathan Martinez vs Adrian Yanez

Jonathan Martinez (18-4-0) has lost just one of his last seven fights and is poised to break into the top ten of the bantamweight rankings. The hard-working 29-year-old combines high-volume striking with occasional knockout power. In his last fight, he delivered a rare leg kick knockout against the seasoned veteran Cub Swanson. Another stoppage win would bolster his ranking and potentially set up a big-name opponent challenge.

Adrian Yanez (16-4-0) recently suffered a first-round knockout against Rob Font in April 2023, ending his impressive nine-fight winning streak. Yanez possesses more power but may exercise caution early in the fight to avoid another quick loss. He’s likely to unleash his heavy hands in the later rounds, aiming for his 11th career knockout. This matchup promises to be enthralling and could contend for Fight of the Night.

Andre Petroski v Michel Pereira

Andre Petroski vs Michel Pereira

Andre Petrovski (10-2-0) is a formidable force in the octagon, with just one professional loss since 2018. He’s been carefully matched by UFC and now looks ready to earn a middleweight ranking. Petrovski is a well-rounded athlete, delivering powerful strikes and capable of submitting downed opponents. His background as a decorated high school and college wrestler lends him a strong base and high work rate, making him a threat over fifteen minutes.

Michel Pereira (28-11-0) is a prolific mixed martial artist with 41 professional fights since his 2011 debut. The 30-year-old is riding a five-fight win streak and isn’t intimidated by Petrovski’s skill set. Possessing a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Pereira might engage in an evenly matched grappling contest if the action hits the mat. Given his opponent’s knockout power, Pereira may aim for takedowns after early exchanges.

Edgar Chairez v Daniel Lacerda

Edgar Chairez vs Daniel Lacerda

Edgar Chairez (10-5-0) is coming off a peculiar no-contest result, where the referee prematurely stopped his bout with Daniel Lacerda. It’s only fair that they have a rematch. Chairez had Lacerda in a tight choke, but a replay confirmed that the stoppage was premature, as Lacerda had not tapped and was able to continue. Both fighters are elite grapplers, so this fight could follow a similar path. Chairez, boasting superior recent form, is expected to be a tough opponent to beat.

Daniel Lacerda (11-5-0) had suffered four consecutive losses leading up to the no-contest and must elevate his game significantly to be competitive. Three of those losses were by KO, suggesting a drop in confidence. It’s unlikely he’ll find the form reversal needed to win against Chairez.

Recommended!

Live Betting Odds

Claim a 50% deposit bonus up to the value of USD $250

Visit Bovada