The UFC returns to The Apex in Las Vegas as bantamweights Holly Holm and Ketlen Vieira throw down in the main event of UFC Vegas 55.
All fighters made weight and are ready to go. Kenai Andrews checks in with his thoughts on the main event, but first, a word from Dana White.
If you don’t know, now you know. @HollyHolm vs @ketlenvieiraufc is LIVE TOMORROW on @ESPNPlus! #UFCVegas55 pic.twitter.com/VXJwxlJVyj
— danawhite (@danawhite) May 20, 2022
MAIN CARD (7PM ET/4PM PT)
ERYK ANDERS (14-5-1, 1NC) VS. PARK JUN-YONG (13-5-0)
Andrews: Anders has been in the UFC almost five years now. He’s been up and down and right now is more on the up side. Jun-Yong has been there almost three years but hasn’t done anything particularly impressive either. The aggressiveness and experience of Anders should see him get the decision.
Andrews Prediction: Eryk Anders via UD
POLYANA VIANA (12-4-0) VS. TABATHA RICCI (6-1-0)
Andrews: Viana is surging right now and has an 100 per cent finish rate. Ricci is good but lost to her biggest name opponent. I’ll take the surging Viana.
Andrews Prediction: Polyana Viana via submission
CHIDI NJOKUANI (21-7-0, 1NC) VS. DUSKO TOROVIC (11-2-0)
Andrews: Both fighters come from DWCS but Chidi has won two straight while Dusko just snapped a two fight losing skid. Chidi has the slight height advantage. A close fight on paper, but going with Chidi to bang this one out.
Andrews Prediction: Chidi Njokuani via TKO
#14 SANTIAGO PONZINIBBIO (28-5-0) VS. MICHEL PEREIRA (27-11-0)
All smiles ahead of this absolute 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑 😁@SPonzinibbioMMA vs @UFCPereira is set for tomorrow’s co-main event!
[ #UFCVegas55 | TOMORROW | Prelims 4pm ET | Main Card 7pm ET | LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/uciGatZ4h7
— UFC (@ufc) May 20, 2022
Andrews: Pereira needs to shove aside his fuzzy feelings for Santiago and do what he’s capable of doing. If he does that, Pereira wins via stoppage.
Andrews Prediction: Michel Pereira via submission
MAIN EVENT
#2 HOLLY HOLM (14-5-0) VS. #6 KETLEN VIEIRA (12-2-0)
ONE. MORE. SLEEP!@HollyHolm vs @KetlenVieiraUFC
[ #UFCVegas55 | TOMORROW | Prelims 4pm ET | Main Card 7pm ET | LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/HIflfxzKRJ
— UFC (@ufc) May 20, 2022
Andrews: Holm is 40 now but is still performing at a high level, having only lost to top competition in the last six years. So Holm is undeniably the favourite. Vieira beat Tate but can she break through Holm’s keep-away striking and get the fight to the ground? I have to go with Holly as no one other than the greats have been able to do it.
Andrews Prediction: Holly Holm via UD
Enjoy the fights.
