The UFC returns to the Apex on Saturday night, and there’s been no shortage of news leading up to the event. Fans and fighters alike are eagerly anticipating the action-packed night, with a lot of exciting developments and matchups on the card. Let’s hope the news does not overshadow the fact that this is a great card, filled with some top talent. Enjoy the matchups!
MAIN CARD | MAIN EVENT | FEATHERWEIGHT · 145 LBS
? Sodiq Yusuff (13-2) ? Edson Barboza (23-11)
The main event features ranked featherweights Sodiq Yusuff and Edson Barboza. Yusuff, with a 6-1 UFC record, is on a two-fight winning streak, hoping to make his way into the Top 10. Despite his age, Barboza remains a quick and formidable fighter. The outcome of this matchup will determine whether Yusuff advances or Barboza makes a comeback toward the Top 10. Sodiq gets it done to stay on the right path to gold at 145.
MAIN CARD | CO-MAIN EVENT | WOMEN’S FLYWEIGHT · 125 LBS
? Jennifer Maia (21-9-1) ? Viviane ‘Vivi’ Araujo (11-5)
In the co-main event, Jennifer Maia faces Viviane Araujo. Maia, with six years in the UFC, is known as a tough challenge in the flyweight division. Her recent victories over younger fighters demonstrate her prowess. Araujo, though not much older than Maia, remains in the Top 15. Maia should be able to get her hand raised in this fight between two evenly skilled fighters.
MAIN CARD | BANTAMWEIGHT · 135 LBS
Jonathan ‘Dragon’ Martinez (18-4) ? Adrian Yanez (16-4) ?
Ranked fighters Jonathan Martinez and Adrian Yanez have their hopes on advancing in the division. Martinez is on a five-fight winning streak. He gained recognition with a victory over Cub Swanson and a very controversial win over Said Nurmagomedov. Yanez is another contract winner of Dana White’s Contender Series. He started his UFC journey with five consecutive wins, but recently suffered a loss to Rob Font. Despite Martinez’s higher ranking, Yanez has garnered more attention. Martinez brings diverse striking skills. Yanez is known for his swift combinations and power in boxing. Expect intense bantamweight action in this main card clash, with Yanez catching him with a powerful hook to finish the fight.
MAIN CARD | MIDDLEWEIGHT · 185 LBS
? Andre Petroski (10-1) ? Michel ‘Demolidor’ Pereira (28-11)
Former ranked welterweight Michel Pereira moves up to middleweight for his first fight in this division, facing short-notice opponent Andre Petroski. Pereira is on a five-fight winning streak, although he’s toned down his wild style. The bout promises an intriguing clash between a dynamic striker and a suffocating wrestler, with the outcome likely depending on who can impose their style more effectively. The underdog Petroski has great value here as he has looked unstoppable on the ground.
MAIN CARD | BANTAMWEIGHT · 135 LBS
? Christian ‘CeeRod’ Rodriguez (9-1) ? Cameron Saaiman (9-0)
The main card starts with an exciting bantamweight clash between Christian Rodriguez and Cameron Saaiman, two young talents. Rodriguez, 25, transitioned to bantamweight after a short-notice fight in a different division and secured two consecutive wins. However, he has now missed weight in back-to-back fights and will be forced to move up to featherweight after this bout. Saaiman, at just 22, earned his UFC place with a DWCS stoppage win and has continued with three Octagon victories. This fight showcases two top emerging fighters in the UFC. Accordingly, the winner should be set for a promising 2024. Regardless of a loss, the defeated fighter will still be one to watch in the future. Look for Rodriguez to take advantage of the reach advantage and edge out a decision win.
PRELIMS | BANTAMWEIGHT · 135 LBS
? Chris ‘El Guapo’ Gutierrez (19-5-2) ? Alatengheili (16-8-2)
Chris Gutierrez is set to fight Chinese veteran Alatengheili after a change in opponents. Gutierrez was originally supposed to face Montel Jackson but now aims to get back on track after his eight-fight unbeaten streak was broken in his last bout. Alatengheili had initially been scheduled to fight Rani Yahya. He is hoping to continue his two-fight winning streak and maintain a three-fight unbeaten run. Gutierrez should be able to find the finish here as the fight goes on.
PRELIMS | LIGHTWEIGHT · 155 LBS
?Terrance ‘T.Wrecks’ McKinney (14-6) ? Brendon ‘The Kid’ Marotte (8-1)
Terrance McKinney has been busy. This will be his fourth fight of the year. Now he is taking on short-notice newcomer Brendon Marotte in a lightweight bout on the preliminary card. Despite his impressive seven-second knockout debut in 2021, McKinney has had a mixed record of 3-3 in his last six fights. He ended a two-fight losing streak with a first-round victory over Mike Breeden in August, and unquestionably be looking to keep the momentum going against Marotte. McKinney will be looking for the finish straight out of the gate, so don’t blink.
Thank you for reading this UFC article. Our UFC page is your premier destination for all things MMA. Head to my Belly Up Sports Page. Follow me on Twitter. For more articles on the UFC and all other sports go to Belly Up Sports. Featured image by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images.
