Unified MMA is bringing their promotion to Ontario for the first time, headlined by a loaded Unified MMA 48 lineup featuring some of the country's finest fighters, including Shane Campbell, Scott Hudson, Teshay Gouthro and Pat Pytlik.
Below are my picks for every fight on the card:
Shane Campbell (20-8) vs. Darren Smith Jr. (22-12): PRO 165-pound Title Bout** FIGHT PREVIEW
Campbell has been virtually untouchable inside the Unified MMA cage throughout his career, never tasting defeat despite facing elite competition time and again. Smith Jr. brings legitimate skill to the table, but I think Campbell holds the edge in every aspect of this matchup.
Prediction: Campbell wins via decision.
Scott Hudson (13-5-1) vs. Austin Tweedy (11-3): PRO 165 pounds
Hudson faces a significant hurdle here as he aims to extend his current winning streak to seven consecutive victories. Tweedy is a genuine ground-based threat, but I expect Hudson to secure a finish through his striking. Provided Hudson keeps the fight standing, he should come out on top.
Prediction: Hudson wins via TKO.
Pat Pytlik (7-1) vs. Michael Hill (11-7-1): PRO Welterweight
This bout stands out as one of the more compelling fights on the card. Pytlik hasn't stepped through the ropes since March 2019, while Hill enters riding a three-fight skid. Pytlik's a serious striking threat, so if Hill wants to trade on the feet I see it going Pytlik's way. Should Hill pursue takedowns, though, it gets complicated—striking was where Pytlik found trouble in his sole career loss.
Prediction: Pytlik wins via decision.
Vladimir Kazbekov (7-4) vs. Jesse Stirn (13-6): PRO Featherweight
Stirn, a seasoned PFL veteran, represents the most formidable challenge Kazbekov has faced in his career to date. This feels like a tightly contested affair that could swing either direction. Still, I'm backing Kazbekov, who appears to have recently elevated his game.
Prediction: Kazbekov wins via decision.
Gabe Sagman (7-5) vs. Louis Jourdain (5-3): PRO 130 pounds
A fascinating clash between two fighters with distinct advantages. I see Jourdain holding the upper hand on the feet, while Sagman has the better ground game. The outcome likely hinges on whether Jourdain's takedown defense can hold firm—and if it breaks down, how swiftly he can recover.
Prediction: Jourdain wins via decision.
Ergys Sigeta (4-0) vs. Kaecy Raddon (3-0): PRO 175 pounds
Calling this one is tricky since I haven't watched much of Raddon. On the flip side, Sigeta used to be considered one of Canada's most promising fighters, though he hasn't competed since 2018. I'm expecting him to still carry that fire from four years back.
Prediction: Sigeta wins via decision.
Teshay Gouthro (6-1) vs. Morgan Rhynes (5-5): PRO Bantamweight GOUTHRO PREVIEW, RHYNES PREVIEW
Aside from a single stumble against a formidable opponent, Gouthro has been virtually untouchable throughout his career and keeps getting better with every outing. Rhynes is a gritty competitor with deep roots in the Canadian MMA landscape. Even though Rhynes will likely hold his ground, I believe Gouthro's relentless pace will ultimately prove insurmountable.
Prediction: Gouthro wins via TKO.
Matt Speciale (4-0) vs. Mohamed Ado (0-0): PRO 163 pounds
Ado is stepping into the cage for his first MMA bout against Speciale — that's a steep mountain to climb. I can't find any reason to pick anyone else here.
Prediction: Speciale wins via TKO.
Amin Almelik (0-2) vs. Kristian Bouchard (2-1): PRO 140 pounds
Almelik has struggled early in his pro career, and facing Bouchard doesn't make things any simpler. I expect this contest to be razor close.
Prediction: Almelik wins via decision.
Patrick Connors (5-5) vs. Bilal Nasari (0-0): PRO 151 pounds
Nasari isn't someone I know well, but it's difficult to ignore how much more experienced Connors is, even with this fight coming on extremely short notice.
Prediction: Connors wins via submission.
