The UFC is back at The Apex in Las Vegas as middleweights Robert Whittaker and Kelvin Gastelum square off in the main event.
Jeremy Stephens vs. Drakkar Klose has been pulled.
Kenai Andrews checks in with his thoughts on the main card. But here’s Uncle Dana to fire everyone up first.
If you don't know, now you know.@robwhittakermma vs @KelvinGastelum is LIVE and FREE SATURDAY on @espn and #ESPNPlus at 10pm ET #UFCVegas24 pic.twitter.com/y2qVSVCz22
— danawhite (@danawhite) April 15, 2021
MAIN CARD (10PM ET/7PM PT)
LUIS PENA (8-3-0) VS. ALEXANDER MUNOZ (6-1-0)
Andrews: Pena has been inconsistent and since he lost in last bout, he should be due to prevail here. but I think Munoz spoils the show and does it emphatically.
Andrews Prediction: Alex Munoz via TKO
ABDUL RAZAK ALHASSAN (10-3-0) VS. JACOB MALKOUN (4-1-0)
Andrews: Both guys need a big win and Alhassan should want this one a bit more.
Andrews Prediction: Razak Alhassan via TKO
ANDREI ARLOVSKI (30-20-0, 2NC) VS. CHASE SHERMAN (15-6-0)
Andrews: Arlovski is till chugging along at 42, but the “Vanilla Gorilla” takes him down here.
Andrews Prediction: Chase Sherman via TKO
TRACY CORTEZ (8-1-0) VS. JUSTINE KISH (7-3-0)
Andrews: This is a catchweight at 126 pounds as Cortez missed weight. Kish has lost three of her last four bouts. Cortez is six years younger ad although she doesn’t have the power, she has the striking to grind out a decision.
Andrews Prediction: Tracy Cortez via UD
MAIN EVENT
#1 ROBERT WHITTAKER (22-5-0) VS. #8 KELVIN GASTELUM (16-6-0, 1NC)
Guaranteed to deliver!
🇦🇺 No. 1 contender @RobWhittakerMMA takes on 🇺🇸🇲🇽 @KelvinGastelum tomorrow.
[ #UFCVegas24 | On @ESPN and #ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/vm1q1FwvMR
— UFC (@ufc) April 16, 2021
Andrews: Whittaker puts his stuff together better than Gastelum, but if Gastelum can hurt Whittaker early, is his best shot to win. Hurt Whittaker before he gets going. Because Whittaker has a better ground game and keep the pressure on better too. Plus Whittaker is the former champion and has a big experience edge.
Andrews Prediction: Robert Whittaker via UD
