This weekend`s UFC Vegas 107 event features a compelling lineup, highlighted by a flyweight clash between two young contenders, Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber. While neither fighter is likely to immediately jump into title contention with a victory – especially considering Barber`s miss on the scale – this matchup feels significant for both athletes as they navigate the competitive landscape of the division.
Blanchfield has already faced a tough test in her UFC journey, experiencing her first defeat against Manon Fiorot, a result that carries more weight now given Fiorot`s recent close fight with champion Valentina Shevchenko. However, Blanchfield demonstrated resilience by bouncing back with a hard-fought win over former strawweight queen Rose Namajunas.
Maycee Barber, who once aimed to become the youngest champion in UFC history, saw that goal deferred after suffering consecutive losses to seasoned veterans Roxanne Modafferi and the fighter who would eventually become champion, Alexa Grasso. Despite these setbacks, Barber has since compiled an impressive six-fight win streak, although some of those victories were closely contested. Her recent weight miss, however, has undoubtedly complicated her path toward the title shot she has long pursued.
Beyond the title picture, there`s a clear tension between Blanchfield and Barber, suggesting neither will need extra motivation when the cage door closes.
Erin Blanchfield vs. Maycee Barber Prediction
From a technical standpoint, Erin Blanchfield holds an advantage across most areas compared to Maycee Barber, despite Blanchfield`s striking still being a work in progress.
Barber`s primary strength lies in her willingness to simply “scrap” when the fight gets tough. While not always the most refined or consistently effective approach, Barber can land significant shots when she commits fully to offense. She embodies the mentality of a fighter rather than purely a martial artist, stepping into the octagon with the intent to inflict damage.
However, Blanchfield shares this same competitive fire despite her outwardly calm demeanor. She possesses more versatile tools to control the fight, regardless of Barber`s strategy. Blanchfield is capable of exchanging strikes if Barber pushes the pace aggressively, and she has the grappling prowess to muscle Barber to the ground and secure rounds.
Expect a competitive contest, but Blanchfield`s overall skill set should see her edge out a victory.
Pick: Blanchfield by Decision
Mateusz Gamrot vs. Ludovit Klein Prediction
Mateusz Gamrot seeks to remain active and solidify his position against the dangerous Ludovit Klein, who comes into this fight unbeaten in his last seven bouts (6-0-1). Although Gamrot has been targeting higher-ranked opponents, facing Klein presents a significant challenge where Gamrot arguably has more to lose than gain. A win here would certainly add credibility.
Fortunately for Gamrot, Klein doesn`t present the same stylistic problems posed by larger lightweights like Dan Hooker or Jalin Turner, whose reach has troubled Gamrot previously. Klein is slightly shorter than Gamrot, allowing “Gamer” to press forward with a bit more confidence without constantly fearing a sudden, fight-ending strike.
Nevertheless, Gamrot must respect Klein`s powerful kicks and counter-wrestling abilities. Klein has demonstrated throughout his rise that he is a well-rounded fighter capable of adapting quickly to different challenges. The fight might begin cautiously as both fighters assess each other`s game.
Ultimately, it`s questionable whether Klein can entirely neutralize Gamrot`s persistent grappling and ground-and-pound offense over three rounds. Gamrot is likely to start finding success with takedowns in the second round, using relentless pressure to stifle Klein`s offense. While he`ll need to be wary of potential knockout blows, Gamrot is expected to secure the victory on the scorecards.
Pick: Gamrot by Decision
Billy Ray Goff vs. Ramiz Brahimaj Prediction
Billy Ray Goff is known for his willingness to stand and trade punches with anyone, a trait that may not be shared by Ramiz Brahimaj.
In his recent outing against Mickey Gall, Brahimaj surprisingly displayed potent striking, landing a powerful shot that resulted in the first knockout win of his career. He appeared comfortable striking, but to secure an upset victory in this matchup, Brahimaj would be wise to revert to his fundamental grappling skills.
Goff`s aggressive, swarming style, involving mixed attacks to the head and body, will make it challenging for Brahimaj to set up takedowns. Brahimaj will need to take calculated risks to draw Goff into positions where his grappling can be utilized effectively.
Another potential scenario is Brahimaj getting hurt on the feet and then being forced to defend submissions from his back if Goff pursues a finish. However, the prediction here leans towards Brahimaj`s grappling ultimately prevailing. There`s a strong possibility he will capitalize on an opportunity and secure a submission win against Goff.
Pick: Brahimaj by Submission
Dustin Jacoby vs. Bruno Lopes Prediction
The light heavyweight division remains in a state of flux, but one constant is Dustin Jacoby consistently delivering high-level kickboxing performances.
Bruno Lopes brings his own exciting style and appears to be a promising addition to the weight class. However, Jacoby`s precise and technical striking is favored over Lopes` more free-flowing approach. Lopes` unpredictable movement should, however, push Jacoby to perform at his best, potentially leading to entertaining striking exchanges between these two specialists.
It`s anticipated that Lopes will primarily stick to striking if the fight is going his way, though he might mix in a few takedown attempts to disrupt Jacoby`s rhythm. Jacoby, a veteran, is well-equipped to defend these attempts and keep the fight in the standing realm where he thrives.
While Lopes shows potential, Jacoby`s extensive experience in the octagon provides him with the edge. The prediction is that Jacoby will find a way to finish the fight, likely in the second round.
Pick: Jacoby by Finish
Ketlen Vieira vs. Macy Chiasson Prediction
This bout presents a complex challenge for predictions. Ketlen Vieira has consistently performed admirably against the top competitors in the bantamweight division, regardless of the outcome. However, her recent weight cut issues (leading to this fight being moved to featherweight) and her track record against taller opponents are causes for concern. Despite Vieira requesting the move up, Macy Chiasson will undoubtedly hold a functional size advantage on fight night.
Chiasson has faced unfortunate luck with fights falling through, but when she competes, she frequently impresses. As a winner of The Ultimate Fighter 28, she brings a unique physical presence to her contests and is likely to apply early pressure on Vieira. Vieira is remarkably tough and an elite grappler, making it interesting to see how hard she pushes to get the fight to the ground.
This matchup seems poised to go one of two ways: either Vieira successfully implements her grappling to grind out a decision victory over a potentially frustrated Chiasson, or Chiasson manages to break through Vieira`s defense and secure a finish, adding a significant veteran name to her list of victories. The prediction here favors the latter outcome.
Pick: Chiasson by Finish
Zachary Reese vs. Dusko Todorovic Prediction
Serving as the main card opener, this middleweight clash between Zachary Reese and Dusko Todorovic features two fighters known for high-risk, high-reward styles, often referred to as `glass cannons`. Expect defense to be secondary as both aim to impress, secure their roster spot, and potentially earn a performance bonus.
While the high stakes could theoretically lead to a cautious approach, it`s more probable that both men will eventually revert to their natural tendencies and start trading heavy shots. In a scenario where strikes are exchanged freely, Reese appears more likely to emerge victorious. Todorovic has accumulated more wear-and-tear throughout his career and has been finished multiple times, making it difficult to confidently pick him in a potential slugfest at this stage.
The expectation is that Reese will land the decisive blow early in the fight.
Pick: Reese by First-Round Knockout
