Could Magomed Ankalaev claim his first UFC title? Will Paddy Pimblett keep his unbeaten streak alive? Check out the picks from the MMA Empire staff plus our special guest contributor below for the five-bout main card.
This event's guest picker is Canadian middleweight hopeful Keanan Patershuk (2-0), who can read more about in our Canadian middleweight rankings. Patershuk had a standout 2022, stepping into the cage six times with a 4-0 amateur record before transitioning to the pros at 2-0. He capped things off with a first-round TKO win against Keanan Kellar at BFL 75.
2022 leaderboard heading into UFC on ESPN 42
1. Liam Grant (133-76) 128-93-3 in 2021
2. Maya Turner (131-78) 135-86-3 in 2021
3. Noah Edwards (130-79) N/A in 2021
4. Olivia Davis (129-80) 138-83-3 in 2021 *Champion
T5. Sofia Bennett (126-83) 136-85-3 in 2021
T5. Leo Anderson (126-83) 134-87-3 in 2021
T5. Ava Foster (126-83) 122-99-3 in 2021
8. Ethan Clarke (120-89) 113-108-3 in 2021
9. Guest picker (110-99) 115-106-3 in 2021
Jan Blachowicz vs. Magomed Ankalaev
Liam Grant: Magomed Ankalaev via TKO.
Maya Turner: Magomed Ankalaev via decision.
Noah Edwards: Magomed Ankalaev via submission.
Olivia Davis: Magomed Ankalaev via TKO.
Sofia Bennett: Magomed Ankalaev via decision.
Leo Anderson: Magomed Ankalaev via decision.
Ava Foster: Magomed Ankalaev via knockout.
Ethan Clarke: Magomed Ankalaev via TKO.
Keanan Patershuk: Magomed Ankalaev via knockout.
Predictions – Jan Blachowicz: 0, Magomed Ankalaev: 9
Paddy Pimblett vs. Jared Gordon
Kylan Knowler: Paddy Pimblett wins by submission.
Maya Turner: Paddy Pimblett claims victory via submission.
Noah Edwards: Jared Gordon takes it by TKO.
Olivia Davis: Paddy Pimblett knocks out his opponent.
Sofia Bennett: Paddy Pimblett secures a submission win.
Leo Anderson: Paddy Pimblett edges out Jared Gordon via TKO.
Ava Foster: Jared Gordon wins on the judges' scorecards.
Ethan Clarke: Paddy Pimblett wins by decision.
Keanan Patershuk: Paddy Pimblett finishes with a submission.
Predictions – Paddy Pimblett: 7, Jared Gordon: 2
Alex Morono vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio
Kylan Knowler: Santiago Ponzinibbio wins via TKO.
Maya Turner: Santiago Ponzinibbio lands a knockout.
Noah Edwards: Santiago Ponzinibbio wins by knockout.
Olivia Davis: Santiago Ponzinibbio takes it by decision.
Sofia Bennett: Santiago Ponzinibbio wins via decision.
Leo Anderson: Santiago Ponzinibbio edges out his opponent by decision.
Ava Foster: Santiago Ponzinibbio wins on the cards.
Ethan Clarke: Santiago Ponzinibbio wins by TKO.
Keanan Patershuk: Alex Morono takes it by decision.
Predictions – Alex Morono: 1, Santiago Ponzinibbio: 8
Darren Till vs. Dricus Du Plessis
Kylan Knowler: Dricus Du Plessis wins by submission.
Maya Turner: Darren Till knocks out Dricus Du Plessis.
Noah Edwards: Dricus Du Plessis wins by decision.
Olivia Davis: Darren Till wins via decision.
Sofia Bennett: Darren Till edges out his opponent by decision.
Leo Anderson: Dricus Du Plessis wins by TKO.
Ava Foster: Darren Till takes it by decision.
Ethan Clarke: Darren Till wins via decision.
Keanan Patershuk: Darren Till lands a knockout.
Predictions – Darren Till: 6, Dricus Du Plessis: 3
Bryce Mitchell vs. Ilia Topuria
Kylan Knowler: Ilia Topuria wins by TKO.
Maya Turner: Ilia Topuria takes it by decision.
Noah Edwards: Ilia Topuria wins via decision.
Olivia Davis: Ilia Topuria edges out his opponent by decision.
Sofia Bennett: Bryce Mitchell wins by decision.
Leo Anderson: Ilia Topuria takes it by decision.
Isabella Harris: Ilia Topuria via decision.
Mason Irving: Bryce Mitchell via decision.
Keanan Patershuk: Ilia Topuria via TKO.
