Predictions: BFL 74

Even with some setbacks along the way, BFL is putting together a strong show with BFL 74, headlined by two championship fights and the highly anticipated comeback of UFC alum Tristan Connelly. Take a look at my picks for who walks away victorious tomorrow evening.

Dejan Kajic (14-7-2) vs. JC Llamas (9-7): PRO 175-Pound Title Bout** KAJIC PREVIEW, LLAMAS PREVIEW

This one seems like a straightforward opportunity for Kajic on paper. Llamas hasn't stepped into the cage since 2017, yet his Brazilian jiu-jitsu credentials are far from negligible and could present genuine challenges for Kajic on the mat. That said, I'm anticipating Kajic keeps things upright and ultimately secures a stoppage.

Prediction: Kajic wins via TKO.

Mateo Vogel (6-2) vs. Taylor Christopher (2-0): PRO Featherweight Title Bout** FIGHT PREVIEW

This might very well be the finest bout on the entire undercard, and I believe it hinges on how effectively Vogel can pull off takedowns. Vogel clearly holds the advantage on the ground, but Christopher should edge it on the feet. Ultimately, I'm backing Vogel to execute his game plan most successfully.

Prediction: Vogel wins via submission.

Tristan Connelly (14-8) vs. Xavier Nash (6-5): PRO Lightweight

I'm probably swimming against the current here, but I think Nash's particular style could give Connelly plenty of trouble. Both of Connelly's most recent defeats inside the UFC came at the hands of wrestlers, which mirrors exactly what I expect Nash to deploy. If they decide to trade strikes instead, Connelly gets my nod.

Prediction: Nash wins via decision.

Gagan Gill (3-2) vs. Adam De Freitas (2-2): PRO Lightweight

This one is genuinely difficult for me to call. Gill's two losses have both come against opponents who applied relentless pressure across the full fifteen minutes, which is precisely the approach I imagine De Freitas bringing to this fight. Gill emerging victorious wouldn't shock me in the least, but I'm picking De Freitas.

Prediction: De Freitas wins via decision.

Brandon Labrecque (1-0) vs. Makinde Adeyemi (1-3): PRO Featherweight

Both competitors enter on the heels of stunning upset wins, so morale is certainly elevated in both corners. Similar to the bout discussed above, I think the deciding factor comes down to whether Adeyemi can get takedowns. I'd grant Labrecque the edge on the feet, but Adeyemi's ground game figures to be even more effective.

My take: Adeyemi takes it on the scorecards.

Sina Maani (3-0) vs. David Chen (1-3): AMATEUR Flyweight Title Bout

This matchup comes with plenty of uncertainty—Maani is stepping into flyweight for the first time, and Chen hasn't stepped inside the cage since May 2018. Maani has shown promise in his amateur beginnings, so the extended break on Chen's end pushes me toward his opponent.

My take: Maani takes it on the scorecards.

Tage Castonguay (1-0) vs. Connor Manahan (0-1): AMATEUR Featherweight

Predictions grow harder from this point forward as footage and background details become scarce. Castonguay hails from a quality gym and impressed during his opening bout.

My take: Castonguay takes it on the scorecards.

Harrison Woods (0-0) vs. Connor Sutton (0-0): AMATEUR 175 pounds

Both fighters are making their amateur debuts here, so it's essentially a coin toss. I'll lean toward the local competitor, Woods.

My take: Woods takes it on the scorecards.

Liam Arthur (1-1) vs. Jake Freeman (1-0): AMATEUR Featherweight

Another tough call given the limited visual material, but Freeman edges ahead—he trains at Revolution Martial Arts, one of Vancouver's top facilities.

My take: Freeman takes it on the scorecards.