How will Curtis Blaydes fare in what could be another commanding wrestling showcase? Can Alexa Grasso rise to the occasion in what stands as the most challenging bout of her career? Below, you'll find the forecasts from the MMA Empire crew and our guest analyst ahead of the six-bout main card at UFC on ESPN 33.
This week's guest picker is Canadian bantamweight challenger and current UFC competitor Chad Anheliger (12-5). Following a stunning upset and contract-clinching showing at Dana White's Contender Series, Anheliger carried that momentum into his UFC debut last month, stopping Jesse Strader in round three to notch his inaugural UFC victory. Stay tuned for news of Anheliger's upcoming bout.
2022 rankings through UFC Fight Night 204
T1. Leo Anderson (36-13) 134-87-3 in 2021
T1. Ethan Clarke (36-13) 113-108-3 in 2021
T3. Ava Foster (35-14) 122-99-3 in 2021
T3. Sofia Bennett (35-14) 136-85-3 in 2021
5. Olivia Davis (34-15) 138-83-3 in 2021 *Champion
T6. Noah Edwards (32-17) N/A in 2021
T6. Kylan Knowler (32-17) 128-93-3 in 2021
8. Maya Turner (31-18) 135-86-3 in 2021
9. Guest picker (30-19) 115-106-3 in 2021
Curtis Blaydes vs. Chris Daukaus
Leo Anderson: Curtis Blaydes via TKO.
Ethan Clarke: Curtis Blaydes via TKO.
Ava Foster: Curtis Blaydes via decision.
Sofia Bennett: Curtis Blaydes via TKO.
Olivia Davis: Curtis Blaydes via TKO.
Noah Edwards: Curtis Blaydes via decision.
Kylan Knowler: Curtis Blaydes via decision.
Maya Turner: Curtis Blaydes via TKO.
Chad Anheliger: Chris Daukaus via TKO.
Picks – Curtis Blaydes: 8, Chris Daukaus: 1
Joanne Wood vs. Alexa Grasso
Leo Anderson: Alexa Grasso via decision.
Ethan Clarke: Alexa Grasso via decision.
Ava Foster: Alexa Grasso via decision.
Sofia Bennett: Alexa Grasso via decision.
Olivia Davis: Alexa Grasso via decision.
Noah Edwards: Alexa Grasso via decision.
Kylan Knowler: Alexa Grasso via TKO.
Maya Turner: Alexa Grasso via decision.
Chad Anheliger: Joanne Wood via decision.
Picks – Joanne Wood: 1, Alexa Grasso: 8
Matt Brown vs. Bryan Barberena
Leo Anderson: Matt Brown via knockout.
Ethan Clarke: Bryan Barberena by unanimous decision.
Ava Foster: Bryan Barberena by decision.
Sofia Bennett: Matt Brown via TKO.
Olivia Davis: Matt Brown by technical knockout.
Noah Edwards: Matt Brown via TKO.
Liam Grant: Bryan Barberena by decision.
Maya Turner: Bryan Barberena via decision.
Chad Anheliger: Matt Brown via TKO.
Staff Verdict – Matt Brown: 5, Bryan Barberena: 4
Askar Askarov vs. Kai Kara-France
Leo Anderson: Askar Askarov by decision.
Ethan Clarke: Askar Askarov by decision.
Ava Foster: Askar Askarov via submission.
Sofia Bennett: Askar Askarov by decision.
Olivia Davis: Askar Askarov by decision.
Noah Edwards: Askar Askarov via submission.
Liam Grant: Kai Kara-France by decision.
Maya Turner: Askar Askarov via submission.
Chad Anheliger: Askar Askarov by decision.
Staff Verdict – Askar Askarov: 8, Kai Kara-France: 1
Marc Diakiese vs. Viacheslav Borshchev
Leo Anderson: Viacheslav Borshchev via TKO.
Ethan Clarke: Viacheslav Borshchev by decision.
Ava Foster: Marc Diakiese by decision.
Sofia Bennett: Viacheslav Borshchev by decision.
Olivia Davis: Viacheslav Borshchev via TKO.
Noah Edwards: Marc Diakiese by TKO.
Liam Grant: Marc Diakiese by decision.
Maya Turner: Marc Diakiese via TKO.
Chad Anheliger: Viacheslav Borshchev via TKO.
