UFC on ESPN 62 Predictions and Fight Card Breakdown

Emerging Talent and Established Veterans Clash

The main card is packed with compelling matchups, showcasing a blend of rising stars and seasoned UFC veterans. In the women’s flyweight division, Wang Cong, with a perfect 5-0 MMA record, steps in to face Victoria Leonardo, who is looking to improve her UFC standing. The odds favor Cong significantly, but Leonardo has proven she can compete. The women’s bantamweight bout features Jacqueline Cavalcanti against Josiane Nunes; both fighters have strong recent form, making this a potentially close contest. Further down the card, Jose Medina makes his UFC debut against Zach Reese in a middleweight clash, with Reese being the betting favorite. These early fights offer a fantastic opportunity to witness fighters aiming to make a significant impact on the UFC landscape.

Striking Power and Grappling Prowess on Display

As we move further into the main card, the skill sets on display become even more diverse and intriguing. The lightweight division sees Slava Borshchev, known for his striking, take on James Llontop, who has a more extensive professional record. Borshchev is the favorite here, but Llontop’s experience could prove to be a significant factor. In the featherweight division, Dennis Buzukja faces newcomer Francis Marshall; this is a classic matchup where Buzukja, with more UFC experience, will be looking to assert his dominance against a hungry opponent. A highly anticipated middleweight bout pits Gerald Meerschaert against Edmen Shahbazyan, with Shahbazyan being the betting favorite in a fight that promises fireworks.

Main Event Showdown and Key Contenders

The main card culminates with several high-stakes matchups featuring ranked fighters and contenders looking to climb the divisional ladder. The welterweight division features the veteran Neil Magny facing the undefeated Michael Morales. Morales is a significant favorite, and a win here would solidify his status as a top prospect. In the women’s strawweight division, the eleventh-ranked Tabatha Ricci takes on Angela Hill, a fighter who has faced numerous top contenders throughout her career. Ricci is a slight favorite, but Hill’s resilience and experience make this a dangerous fight for anyone. The co-main event sees middleweight contenders Jared Cannonier and Caio Borralho go head-to-head. Cannonier, a former title challenger, is ranked seventh, while Borralho is ranked eleventh and is on an impressive undefeated streak. This bout is a critical test for both fighters as they look to move closer to a middleweight championship opportunity.