UFC Vegas 22 predictions: ‘Brunson vs Holland’ late ‘Prelims’ undercard preview
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is bringing more “Prelims” fights to ESPN+ this weekend (Sat., March 20, 2021) when UFC Vegas 22: “Brunson vs. Holland” returns to UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada. MMAmania.com’s Patrick Stumberg continues the UFC Vegas 22 “Prelims” party with the second (and final) installment of a two-part undercard preview series below.
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Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, hosts yet another event this Saturday (March 20, 2021), headlined by surging Middleweight contenders Derek Brunson and Kevin Holland in a pivotal match up. UFC Vegas 22 will also see Brad Riddell attempt to continue his rise through the Lightweight ranks at the expense of Gregor Gillespie, while Max Griffin trades hands with fellow Welterweight slugger Song Kenan.
UFC 254 provides us with two female bouts, each interesting in their own ways. We have Lauren Murphy up against late replacement Liliya Shakirova, as well as Miranda Maverick against Liana Jojua. Murphy’s fight is set to be part of the main card, while Maverick and Jojua are on the early prelims. So, let’s get into these fights.
Lauren Murphy vs. Liliya Shakirova
Admittedly, I did not know a whole lot about Shakirova, so I had to watch some extra video on her to be able to give a proper assessment. Some of what I found will become evident here in talking about Murphy.
In the wise words of Timon the Meerkat in our childhood favorite film
The Lion King, “You’ve got to put the past behind you.” This is exactly what MMA fans are doing now that the dust has settled on the aftermath of UFC 229. It stands without question why it was such an unforgettable moment in MMA history, but for all the wrong reasons. The UFC hopes to give fans what they are looking for when UFC Fight Night 138 rolls around on Saturday in Canada.
The main event features two rising light heavyweight contenders looking to cement their place in the division and lock down a chance to capture UFC gold. Anthony “Lionheart” Smith takes on Volkan “No Time” Oezdemir in a fight that fans need right now. Both men are on the rise. Oezdemir is coming off a failed title bid, while Smith has been busy taking out two former champions. It’s a fight that could easily propel Oezdemir back into the title picture or could allow Smith to emerge as a true force within the division.
UFC on ABC 1 delivered with a fun card and some really good match-ups. The lineup included two female bouts, one between Sarah Moras and Vanessa Melo and another that pitted Yanan Wu against Joselyne Edwards.
I also previewed Claire Guthrie’s fight against Nadine Mandiau, but I was unable to watch that Legacy Fighting Alliance contest due to work and have yet to see it. From what I understand, it was all Guthrie as she cruised to a decision win.
After my review of the UFC on ABC 1 fights, I will give a brief synopsis of the midweek UFC on ESPN 20 card’s female fights. It won’t be my normal extended preview, but it’s a little something extra.
UFC Fight Island 7 Medical Suspensions: Calvin Kattar Gets Much Needed Time Off
Max Holloway and Calvin Kattar ahead of UFC Fight Island 7 Credit: UFC
The first event of the year produced no shortage of fireworks and, as a result, no shortage of medical suspensions. Every fighter on the fight card is facing some level of medical suspension ranging from a week to six months.
Somewhat unsurprising is the first 180 suspension, which goes to Calvin Kattar. Following his slobber-knocker with Max Holloway, the Massachusetts native sustained a broken nose along with more than a few cuts and bruises. He’ll take six months off, but could have that suspension shortened if he has his nose cleared by a doctor prior to that mark. Joining him on the six month layoff is Justin Tafa. The New Zealand heavyweight lost a close split decision to Carlos Felipe. During the bout he took damage to his left thumb, which will need a clean x-ray to shorten his suspension.