The UFC 262 card is now live. With Khabib Nurmagomedov's lengthy run as lightweight champion coming to a close, the division is set for a new titleholder. Can Charles Oliveira capture the belt, or will Michael Chandler seize the opportunity? Check out the picks from the MMA Empire team alongside our special guest contributor for the five-bout main card.
This weekend's guest picker is Rise FC president Sabah Fadai. Rise FC headlined Canada's first pro MMA show following the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak, hosting Rise FC 6 in March. Alongside his leadership of Rise FC, Fadai brings an 11-6 professional MMA record. Stay tuned for an upcoming announcement regarding Rise FC 7.
2021 standings thru UFC on ESPN 24
1. Leo Anderson (49-29-2) 11-9-1 in 2020
2. Sofia Bennett (48-30-2) 13-7-1 in 2020
3. Maya Turner (45-33-2) 12-8-1 in 2020
4. Olivia Davis (44-34-2) N/A in 2020
5. Liam Grant (41-37-2) N/A in 2020
6. Ethan Clarke (39-39-2) N/A in 2020
T7. Guest picker (38-40-2) 10-10-1 in 2020
T7. Isabella Harris (38-40-2) 11-9-1 in 2020
9. Ava Foster (32-45-2) N/A in 2020
Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler
Leo Anderson: Charles Oliveira via submission.
Sofia Bennett: Michael Chandler via TKO.
Maya Turner: Michael Chandler via knockout.
Olivia Davis: Michael Chandler via TKO.
Liam Grant: Michael Chandler via TKO.
Ethan Clarke: Michael Chandler via TKO.
Sabah Fadai: Michael Chandler via knockout.
Isabella Harris: Charles Oliveira via submission.
Ava Foster: Charles Oliveira via submission.
Picks – Charles Oliveira: 3, Michael Chandler: 6
Tony Ferguson vs. Beneil Dariush
Noah Edwards: Tony Ferguson via TKO.
Sofia Bennett: Tony Ferguson via unanimous decision.
Ava Foster: Tony Ferguson via unanimous decision.
Olivia Davis: Beneil Dariush via unanimous decision.
Kylan Knowler: Tony Ferguson via unanimous decision.
Ethan Clarke: Tony Ferguson via unanimous decision.
Sabah Fadai: Beneil Dariush via unanimous decision.
Isabella Harris: Tony Ferguson via unanimous decision.
Ava Foster: Tony Ferguson via unanimous decision.
Picks – Tony Ferguson: 7, Beneil Dariush: 2
Matt Schnell vs. Rogerio Bontorin
Noah Edwards: Matt Schnell via unanimous decision.
Sofia Bennett: Matt Schnell via unanimous decision.
Ava Foster: Rogerio Bontorin via submission.
Olivia Davis: Matt Schnell via unanimous decision.
Kylan Knowler: Rogerio Bontorin via submission.
Ethan Clarke: Matt Schnell via unanimous decision.
Sabah Fadai: Matt Schnell via unanimous decision.
Isabella Harris: Rogerio Bontorin via submission.
Ava Foster: Matt Schnell via unanimous decision.
Picks – Matt Schnell: 6, Rogerio Bontorin: 3
Katlyn Chookagian vs. Viviane Araujo
Noah Edwards: Viviane Araujo via unanimous decision.
Sofia Bennett: Katlyn Chookagian via unanimous decision.
Ava Foster: Viviane Araujo via unanimous decision.
Olivia Davis: Katlyn Chookagian via unanimous decision.
Kylan Knowler: Katlyn Chookagian via unanimous decision.
Ethan Clarke: Katlyn Chookagian via unanimous decision.
Sabah Fadai: Katlyn Chookagian via unanimous decision.
Isabella Harris: Katlyn Chookagian via unanimous decision.
Ava Foster: Katlyn Chookagian via unanimous decision.
Picks – Katlyn Chookagian: 7, Viviane Araujo: 2
Shane Burgos vs. Edson Barboza
Noah Edwards: Shane Burgos via TKO.
Sofia Bennett: Shane Burgos via TKO.
Ava Foster: Shane Burgos via unanimous decision.
Olivia Davis: Edson Barboza via TKO.
Kylan Knowler: Barboza stops Burgos at TKO.
Ethan Clarke: Burgos wins by unanimous decision.
Sabah Fadai: Burgos takes it on the scorecards.
Isabella Harris: Barboza finishes Burgos via TKO.
Ava Foster: Burgos drops Barboza for the TKO victory.
