Fight Night UFC Forecast: Tybura vs. Spivac Rematch Forecast
UFC Vegas 95 headlines the heavyweight division as Marcin Tybura and Sergey Spivac square off for the second time, four years after their initial dance. This time around, they're competing in the main event at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Here's a breakdown of the card:
MAIN CARD (from 4 AM Sunday SA time):
Marcin Tybura (2.36) v Sergey Spivac (1.61) (Heavyweight)
After their first encounter in 2020, it's time for round two between Tybura and Spivac. The Polish powerhouse got his hand raised by decision in their first fight. With two more rounds at stake this time, both heavy hitters will look to make their mark. Tybura has the edge in striking with nine knockouts to his name, but Spivac, a grappling-heavy fighter, may look to wear him down with pressure. momentum is on Tybura's side as he's rebounded from a loss to Tom Aspinall with a first-round submission win over Tai Tuivasa, while Spivac was stopped by Cyril Gane in his last bout.
Prediction: Tybura by decision
Best Bet: Tybura at 2.36
Alternative Bet: Tybura by decision at 4.50
Damon Jackson (2.90) v Chepe Mariscal (1.43) (Featherweight)
Both featherweight veterans, Jackson and Mariscal, are eager to move closer to a place in the top 15. Jackson is a submission specialist, with 15 wins by tapout, while Mariscal is a promising striker, with seven knockouts on his record. A cautious start from Mariscal early on may see him avoid being caught in a submission. However, as an experienced fighter who's mastered staying out of trouble, he's set to continue his winning ways.
Prediction: Mariscal by decision
Best Bet: Mariscal by decision at 2.65
Alternative Bet: Over 2.5 rounds at 1.76
Danny Barlow (1.26) v Nikolay Veretennikov (4.00) (Welterweight)
Barlow, an unbeaten prospect, welcomes Veretennikov to the UFC in the featured bout. Barlow is a southpaw, slick, fast, and powerful on the feet, while Veretennikov comes in for Uros Medic on short notice. Given these unusual circumstances, expect Barlow to capitalize and secure an impressive victory.
Prediction: Barlow by knockout
Best Bet: Barlow by KO/TKO/DQ at 2.10
Alternative Bet: Under 2.5 rounds at 1.74
Chris Gutierrez v Quang Le (Bantamweight)
Gutierrez is set to face an undefeated newcomer Le in his second stint in the UFC. Gutierrez was on an eight-fight unbeaten streak that included a knockout win over Frankie Edgar and was on the cusp of a top 10 ranking not that long ago. However, he's lost two of his last three. Le has a decent foundation, having fought primarily under the LFA banner, but stepping up to face a recent Fight Night main eventer is a significant challenge for the newcomer.
Prediction: Gutierrez by decision
Best Bet: Gutierrez by decision
Yana Santos (1.67) v Chelsea Chandler (2.24) (Bantamweight)
This match features two top 15 bantamweights. Santos boasts almost three times the number of fights than her opponent, although she's currently on a three-fight losing streak. Chandler, representing the Nick Diaz Academy, is ranked 14th and is known for her grappling skills. With good takedowns and heavy top control, she's a strong contender for the upset.
Prediction: Chandler by decision
Best Bet: Chandler at 2.24
Alternative Bet: Chandler by decision at 3.50
Toshiomi Kazama (3.10) v Charalampos Grigoriou (1.38) (Bantamweight)
This fight promises an exciting start to the main card, as both fighters look to pick up their first UFC wins. Kazama, a slick grappler, has lost both of his fights in the promotion by knockout, while Grigoriou lost his Octagon debut by decision. Grigoriou, a good, speedy, and sophisticated striker, attacks from various angles and has good combinations. With Kazama's questionable defense, expect Grigoriou to find the target and finish him off.
Prediction: Grigoriou by knockout
Best Bet: Grigoriou by KO/TKO/DQ at 1.90
Alternative Bet: Under 1.5 rounds at 2.10
Quintin van Jaarsveld is a former MDDA-Sanlam SA Local Sports Journalist of the Year and a former three-time Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal Sports Journalist of the Year. Formerly the sports editor and Outstanding Journalist of the Year award winner at The Fever Media Group, deputy editor at eHowzit, editor at SARugby.com, and senior staff writer at Rugby365.com, he boasts over 15 years' experience and is currently a freelance sports writer.
Tybura and Spivac may also be involved in some sports betting this weekend, as their heavyweight match at UFC Vegas 95 is sure to draw interest from fans. Moreover, rugby enthusiasts might find an adrenaline rush in the featherweight match between Damon Jackson and Chepe Mariscal, both known for their strong performances in their respective sports.
