The second pay-per-view of 2021 is here with UFC 258, headlined by Kamaru Usman defending his welterweight championship against Gilbert Burns. Below you'll find the picks from the MMA Empire staff and our special guest analyst for the five-fight main card lineup.
This week's guest contributor is ex-UFC competitor Kyle Prepolec. Prepolec enjoyed a 4-1 run on the regional circuit between 2016 and 2019 before stepping in on short notice to face Nordine Taleb. He hasn't fought since leaving the UFC late in 2019, though he hopes to return to competition this year.
2021 staff rankings through UFC Fight Night 184
1. Isabella Harris (13-8) 11-9-1 in 2020
T2. Maya Turner (11-10) 13-7-1 in 2020
T2. Ethan Clarke (11-10) N/A in 2020
T2. Guest contributor (11-10) 10-10-1 in 2020
T2. Mason Irving (11-10) 11-9-1 in 2020
6. Noah Edwards (9-12) 12-8-1 in 2020
T7. Ava Foster (8-13) N/A in 2020
T7. Kylan Knowler (8-13) N/A in 2020
9. Liam Grant (6-15) N/A in 2020
Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns
Leo Anderson: Kamaru Usman via unanimous decision.
Sofia Bennett: Kamaru Usman via unanimous decision.
Olivia Davis: Kamaru Usman via unanimous decision.
Kyle Prepolec: Gilbert Burns via TKO.
Isabella Harris: Kamaru Usman via unanimous decision.
Maya Turner: Kamaru Usman via unanimous decision.
Ethan Clarke: Gilbert Burns via unanimous decision.
Kylan Knowler: Kamaru Usman via unanimous decision.
Ava Foster: Kamaru Usman wins by unanimous decision.
Consensus Picks – Kamaru Usman: 7, Gilbert Burns: 2
Maycee Barber vs. Alexa Grasso
Leo Anderson: Maycee Barber claims victory via TKO.
Sofia Bennett: Maycee Barber claims victory via TKO.
Olivia Davis: Maycee Barber claims victory via TKO.
Kyle Prepolec: Alexa Grasso earns the win by unanimous decision.
Isabella Harris: Maycee Barber claims victory via TKO.
Maya Turner: Alexa Grasso earns the win by unanimous decision.
Ethan Clarke: Maycee Barber claims victory via TKO.
Kylan Knowler: Maycee Barber takes it by split decision.
Ava Foster: Maycee Barber secures the win by unanimous decision.
Consensus Picks – Maycee Barber: 7, Alexa Grasso: 2
Kelvin Gastelum vs. Ian Heinisch
Leo Anderson: Kelvin Gastelum wins by unanimous decision.
Sofia Bennett: Kelvin Gastelum wins by TKO.
Olivia Davis: Ian Heinisch takes the win by unanimous decision.
Kyle Prepolec: Kelvin Gastelum wins by TKO.
Isabella Harris: Kelvin Gastelum wins by unanimous decision.
Maya Turner: Kelvin Gastelum wins by unanimous decision.
Ethan Clarke: Kelvin Gastelum wins by TKO.
Liam Grant: Kelvin Gastelum wins by unanimous decision.
Ava Foster: Ian Heinisch wins by TKO.
Picks – Kelvin Gastelum: 7, Ian Heinisch: 2
Julian Marquez vs. Maki Pitolo
Leo Anderson: Julian Marquez wins by TKO.
Sofia Bennett: Julian Marquez wins by TKO.
Olivia Davis: Julian Marquez wins by TKO.
Kyle Prepolec: Julian Marquez wins by unanimous decision.
Isabella Harris: Julian Marquez wins by submission.
Maya Turner: Maki Pitolo wins by unanimous decision.
Ethan Clarke: Julian Marquez wins by unanimous decision.
Liam Grant: Maki Pitolo wins by split decision.
Ava Foster: Julian Marquez wins by TKO.
Picks – Julian Marquez: 7, Maki Pitolo: 2
Ricky Simon vs. Brian Kelleher
Leo Anderson: Ricky Simon wins by TKO.
Sofia Bennett: Ricky Simon wins by unanimous decision.
Olivia Davis: Ricky Simon wins by unanimous decision.
Kyle Prepolec: Predicts a submission victory for Ricky Simon.
Isabella Harris: Forecasts a knockout win for Ricky Simon.
Maya Turner: Expects Ricky Simon to win by unanimous decision.
Ethan Clarke: Anticipates Ricky Simon capturing a unanimous decision victory.
Kylan Knowler: Believes Brian Kelleher will secure a submission win.
Ava Foster: Calls for a unanimous decision victory for Ricky Simon.
