UFC on ESPN 29: Cannonier vs. Gastelum predictions

The UFC is back at the Apex in Las Vegas for UFC on ESPN 29 as middleweights Jared Cannonier and Kelvin Gastelum lock horns in the main event.

Both of these fighters are trying to break out of the logjam that is currently the middleweight division.

Bantamweight Saidyokub Kakhramonov missed weight by 2.5 pounds but he was also appearing on a week’s short notice for opponent Trevin Jones. The bout will continue with a 20 per cent fine by the commission to Kakhramonov’s purse.

Kenai Andrews checks in with his thoughts on the main card.

MAIN CARD (10PM ET/7PM PT)

ALEXANDRE PANTOJA (23-5-0) VS. BRANDON ROYVAL (12-5-0)

Andrews: Both guys have fought top-notch competition and it’s a close fight on paper but Royval should get the close decision here.

Andrews Prediction: Brandon Royval via UD

VINC PICHEL (13-2-0) VS. AUSTIN HUBBARD (13-5-0)

Andrews: Pichel is 38 years old but he have enough in the tank to get the decision over the  up and coming Hubbard.

Andrews Prediction: Vinc Pichel via UD 

TREVIN JONES (13-6-0, 1NC) VS. SAIDYOKUB KAKHRAMONOV (8-2-0)

Andrews: Jones obviously has the advantage as his new opponent had only a week to prepare. So this should be a decision win for Trevin.

Andrews Prediction: Trevin Jones via UD

PARKER PORTER (11-6-0)  VS. CHASE SHERMAN (15-7-0) 

Andrews: Sherman had better win this one as he has a big experience advantage here.

Andrews Prediction: Chase Sherman via UD

CLAY GUIDA (36-20-0) VS. MARK O. MADSEN (10-0-0)

Andrews: Madsen needs to be prepared for Guida’s cardio but should pull off the close decision win with his wrestling.

Andrews Prediction: Mark O. Madsen via UD 

MAIN EVENT

#3 JARED CANNONIER (13-5-0) VS. #9 KELVIN GASTELUM (16-7-0, 1NC)

Looking to notch the spot for contention 👀

💢 @KillaGorillaMMA goes head-to-head with @KelvinGastelum

[ #UFCVegas34 | Main Card 10pmET | Tomorrow on @ESPN & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/W2ZWntvHS7

— UFC (@ufc) August 20, 2021

Andrews: Cannonier needs to return to form and come out firing while Gastelum needs to take advantage of openings and get inside. Gastelum gets the upset here.

Andrews Prediction: Kelvin Gastelum via UD 

Enjoy the fights.

@kenaiandrews