The UFC returns to the UFC Apex as the bantamweights Rob Font and Marlon Vera compete at a catchweight of 138.5 pounds in the main event.
The change is to accommodate Font’s weight miss of 138.5 pounds at the weigh-ins. The bout will continue but Font will forfeit 20 per cent of his purse to Vera.
Kenai Andrews checks in with his thoughts on the main card, but first a word from Dana White.
If you don't know, now you know.@RobSFont vs @chitoveraUFC is LIVE and FREE TOMORROW on @espn! #UFCVegas53 pic.twitter.com/QP3HFAX6GK
— danawhite (@danawhite) April 29, 2022
MAIN CARD (7PM ET/4PM PT) ESPN+
KRZYSZTOF JOTKO (23-5-0) VS. GERALD MEERSCHAERT (34-14-0)
Andrews: I don’t think Jotko can keep it standing. Meerschaert gets the tap.
Andrews Prediction: Gerald Meerschaert via submission
DARREN ELKINS (26-10-0) VS. TRISTAN CONNELLY (14-7-0)
One year later, Tristan Connelly is BACK!
🇨🇦@MMATristan returns to face Darren Elkins on tomorrow’s main card!
📺 Watch #UFCVegas53 live on TSN & RDS tomorrow in Canada pic.twitter.com/3sNz17cPIE
— UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) April 29, 2022
Andrews: Elkins is tough, but I think the Canadian Tristan shakes off the rust and gets it done!
Andrews Prediction: Tristan Connelly via TKO
JARED GORDON (18-4-0) VS. GRANT DAWSON (17-1-1)
Andrews: Both guys haven’t fought the best of competition in the UFC, so I’ll take Dawson to get the decision.
Andrews Prediction: Grant Dawson via UD
ANDRE FILI (21-8-0, 1NC) VS. JOANDERSON BRITO (12-3-1)
Andrews: The DWCS alum Brito needs a win, but he’s in tough against “Touchy” Fili. Have to go with the veteran.
Andrews Prediction: Andre Fili via UD
ANDREI ARLOVSKI (33-20-0, 2NC) VS. JAKE COLLIER (13-6-0)
Get ready for some high level heavyweight action 🍿@AndreiArlovski & @JakeCollier88 go head-to-head in tomorrow’s co-main event 🤜🤛
[ #UFCVegas53 | Prelims 4pm ET on ESPN 2 | Main Card 7pm ET LIVE on @ESPN ] pic.twitter.com/OiPAgbNjFT
— UFC (@ufc) April 29, 2022
Andrews: Arlovski continues to chug along and as long as he can avoid the big shot, he should get the decision here.
Andrews Prediction: Andrei Arlovski via UD
MAIN EVENT
#5 ROB FONT (19-5-0) VS. #8 MARLON VERA (18-7-0)
Big business at BW 💼@RobSFont vs @ChitoVeraUFC is set to close out #UFCVegas53 with a BANG 💥
[ #UFCVegas53 | Prelims 4pm ET on ESPN 2 | Main Card 7pm ET LIVE on @ESPN ] pic.twitter.com/v8u1Xenp9W
— UFC (@ufc) April 29, 2022
Andrews: Font missed weight and that is a concern. I think Vera is hungry enough to take it to him and get the decision.
Andrews Prediction: Marlon Vera via UD
Enjoy the fights.
