Is Ciryl Gane poised to capture the heavyweight title? And will Brandon Moreno retain his flyweight strap? Below you'll find the staff projections from the MMA Empire team alongside our guest analyst for each of the five featured bouts on the main card.
Our guest analyst for this event is Canadian bantamweight veteran Jesse Arnett (18-8). Boasting multiple quality victories and a habit of stepping up against elite opposition, Arnett continues to rank among Canada's finest fighters still awaiting a shot on the grandest stage. Stay tuned for Arnett's return to the cage early this year competing under the UAE Warriors banner.
2022 standings thru UFC on ESPN 32
1. Ava Foster (5-1) 122-99-3 in 2021
T2. Sofia Bennett (4-2) 136-85-3 in 2021
T2. Maya Turner (4-2) 135-86-3 in 2021
T2. Ethan Clarke (4-2) 113-108-3 in 2021
T5. Olivia Davis (3-3) 138-83-3 in 2021 *Champion
T5. Kylan Knowler (3-3) 128-93-3 in 2021
T5. Guest picker (3-3) 115-106-3 in 2021
8. Leo Anderson (2-4) 134-87-3 in 2021
9. Noah Edwards (1-5) N/A in 2021
Francis Ngannou vs. Ciryl Gane
Ava Foster: Francis Ngannou via knockout.
Sofia Bennett: Francis Ngannou via knockout.
Maya Turner: Ciryl Gane via decision.
Ethan Clarke: Francis Ngannou via knockout.
Olivia Davis: Ciryl Gane via decision.
Kylan Knowler: Francis Ngannou via knockout.
Jesse Arnett: Ciryl Gane via TKO.
Leo Anderson: Ciryl Gane via submission.
Noah Edwards: Ciryl Gane via TKO.
Picks – Francis Ngannou: 4, Ciryl Gane: 5
Brandon Moreno vs. Deiveson Figueiredo
Ava Foster: Brandon Moreno via decision.
Sofia Bennett: Brandon Moreno via decision.
Maya Turner: Brandon Moreno via decision.
Ethan Clarke: Deiveson Figueiredo via decision.
Olivia Davis: Deiveson Figueiredo via decision.
Kylan Knowler: Brandon Moreno via decision.
Jesse Arnett: Brandon Moreno via submission.
Leo Anderson: Brandon Moreno via decision.
Noah Edwards: Deiveson Figueiredo via decision.
Picks – Brandon Moreno: 6, Deiveson Figueiredo: 3
Michel Pereira vs. Andre Fialho
Ava Foster: Michel Pereira via knockout.
Sofia Bennett: Michel Pereira via TKO.
Maya Turner: Michel Pereira via submission.
Ethan Clarke: Michel Pereira via TKO.
Olivia Davis: Michel Pereira via TKO.
Kylan Knowler: Michel Pereira via TKO.
Jesse Arnett: Andre Fialho via knockout.
Leo Anderson: Michel Pereira via TKO.
Noah Edwards: Michel Pereira via TKO.
Picks – Michael Pereira: 8, Andre Fialho: 1
Cody Stamann vs. Said Nurmagomedov
Ava Foster: Cody Stamann via decision.
Sofia Bennett: Said Nurmagomedov via decision.
Maya Turner: Said Nurmagomedov via decision.
Ethan Clarke: Said Nurmagomedov via decision.
Olivia Davis: Said Nurmagomedov via decision.
Kylan Knowler: Said Nurmagomedov via decision.
Jesse Arnett: Said Nurmagomedov via decision.
Leo Anderson: Said Nurmagomedov via decision.
Noah Edwards: Said Nurmagomedov via submission.
Picks – Cody Stamann: 1, Said Nurmagomedov: 8
Michael Morales vs. Trevin Giles
Ava Foster: Trevin Giles via decision.
Sofia Bennett: Michael Morales via TKO.
Maya Turner: Michael Morales via decision.
Ethan Clarke: Michael Morales via decision.
Olivia Davis: Trevin Giles via decision.
Kylan Knowler: Trevin Giles via decision.
Jesse Arnett: Trevin Giles via decision.
Leo Anderson: Michael Morales via TKO.
Noah Edwards: Trevin Giles via TKO.
