The UFC is back in the Apex in Las Vegas as lightweights Islam Makhachev and Thiago Moises battle in the main event.
Kenai Andrews checks in with his thoughts on the main card.
MAIN CARD (10PM ET/7PM PT)
GABRIEL BENITEZ (22-8-0) VS. BILLY QUARANTINO (15-3-0)
Andrews: Both guys have struggled as of late so this one should be closely contested. I think Benitez has fought tougher competition and will edge this one out.
Andrews Prediction: Gabriel Benitez via UD
RODOLFO VIERA (7-1-0) VS. DUSTIN STOLTZFUS (13-2-0)
Andrews: Dustin has a Twister submission in Germany on his resume. So while Rodolfo will want to get the fight to the ground, he has to be careful with his lesser UFC experienced opponent. Have to go with Viera to get the tap.
Andrews Prediction: Rodolfo Viera via submission
JEREMY STEPHENS (28-18-0, 1NC) VS. MATEUSZ GAMROT (18-1-0, 1NC)
Andrews: Stephens needs a win badly but does he have enough left in the tank to fend off Gamrot? Lil’ Heathen needs to prove it he is back. Gamrot gets a decision over a big name.
Andrews Prediction: Mateusz Gamrot via UD
#12 MARION RENEAU (9-7-0) VS. MIESHA TATE (18-7-0)
Bantamweight vets 🙌
💥 @BelizeanBruiser welcomes @MieshaTate back inside the Octagon.
[ #UFCVegas31 | July 17 on @ESPN & #ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/4K8OHYtW2T
— UFC (@ufc) July 16, 2021
Andrews: Tate hasn’t fought in five years but is still better than Reneau. A rusty decision should be in the works for “Cupcake.”
Andrews Prediction: Miesha Tate via UD
MAIN EVENT
#9 ISLAM MAKHACHEV (19-1-0) VS. #14 THIAGO MOISES (15-4-0)
Both have something to prove 😤
👊 Don’t miss @MakhachevMMA vs @ThiagoMoisesMMA tomorrow!
[ #UFCVegas31 | July 17 on @ESPN & #ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/F57j9ebOnK
— UFC (@ufc) July 16, 2021
Andrews: The grappling game of Islam is too strong. It will lead to a decision or submission.
Andrews: Islam Makhachev via submission
Enjoy the fights, everyone.
