Will Justin Gaethje capture the UFC lightweight championship? Can Carla Esparza finally settle the score against Rose Namajunas? Find the picks from the MMA Empire crew alongside our guest selector for all five main card bouts listed below.
This week's guest picker is Canadian lightweight prospect Michael Dufort (9-4). He fell short by split decision against Kyle Prepolec at Samourai MMA 1, a bout widely considered the fight of the year in Canada, but bounced back with a submission victory on the PFL Challenger Series. Though it wasn't enough to secure a PFL contract, his showing definitely caught their eye.
2022 leaderboard through UFC on ESPN 35
1. Noah Edwards (51-24) N/A in 2021
2. Ava Foster (50-25) 122-99-3 in 2021
T3. Olivia Davis (49-26) 138-83-3 in 2021 *Champion
T3. Sofia Bennett (49-26) 136-85-3 in 2021
T3. Ethan Clarke (49-26) 113-108-3 in 2021
T3. Leo Anderson (49-26) 134-87-3 in 2021
7. Kylan Knowler (47-28) 128-93-3 in 2021
8. Maya Turner (43-32) 135-86-3 in 2021
9. Guest picker (41-34) 115-106-3 in 2021
Charles Oliveira vs. Justin Gaethje
Noah Edwards: Justin Gaethje via TKO.
Ava Foster: Charles Oliveira via decision.
Olivia Davis: Justin Gaethje via TKO.
Sofia Bennett: Justin Gaethje via TKO.
Ethan Clarke: Justin Gaethje via TKO.
Leo Anderson: Justin Gaethje via TKO.
Kylan Knowler: Charles Oliveira via submission.
Maya Turner: Justin Gaethje via knockout.
Michael Dufort: Charles Oliveira via submission.
Picks – Charles Oliveira: 3, Justin Gaethje: 6
Rose Namajunas vs. Carla Esparza
Noah Edwards: Rose Namajunas via decision.
Ava Foster: Rose Namajunas via decision.
Olivia Davis: Rose Namajunas via decision.
Sofia Bennett: Rose Namajunas via TKO.
Ethan Clarke: Rose Namajunas via submission.
Leo Anderson: Rose Namajunas via decision.
Kylan Knowler: Rose Namajunas via TKO.
Maya Turner: Carla Esparza via decision.
Michael Dufort: Rose Namajunas via TKO.
Picks – Rose Namajunas: 8, Carla Esparza: 1
Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson
Noah Edwards: Michael Chandler via decision.
