UFC Vegas 107 Predictions

Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber are still early in their careers, yet Saturday’s main event feels like a pivotal moment for both rising flyweights.

Winning this fight isn`t guaranteed to catapult either fighter to the front of the title picture, especially with Barber missing weight. And a loss shouldn`t spell the end for either woman`s title aspirations, considering they have both previously overcome setbacks.

Blanchfield faced her first significant challenge in the UFC when she was outpointed by Manon Fiorot. That result looks better in hindsight, as Fiorot recently went the distance in a competitive decision loss to flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko. Widely regarded as a top prospect, Blanchfield bounced back effectively, showing grit in a win against former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas to get back on track.

Barber once publicly targeted becoming the youngest champion in UFC history, but that goal became distant after suffering consecutive losses to veteran Roxanne Modafferi and, ironically, future champion Alexa Grasso. However, Barber has since turned her career around, stringing together six straight victories (though some were very close contests). Had she made weight successfully, Barber would likely be much closer to securing the title shot she desires.

Beyond the title picture, there appears to be genuine animosity between Blanchfield and Barber, suggesting neither will need extra motivation to engage aggressively once the fight begins.

The main card also features Mateusz Gamrot defending his top 10 lightweight ranking against the red-hot Ludovit Klein. In the light heavyweight division, Dustin Jacoby takes on Bruno Lopes in the Brazilian`s second UFC appearance. Additionally, Ketlen Vieira meets Macy Chiasson in a featherweight contest between established bantamweight contenders.

(Note: Weight issues for Vieira led to this fight being changed from bantamweight (135 lbs) to featherweight (145 lbs)).

UFC Vegas 107 Event Details

What: UFC Vegas 107

Where: UFC APEX in Las Vegas

When: Saturday, May 31. The preliminary card features four fights starting at 6:30 p.m. ET, followed by the six-fight main card at 9 p.m. ET.

Erin Blanchfield vs. Maycee Barber Prediction

From a technical standpoint, Erin Blanchfield possesses a skill set that is hard to match. While her striking continues to improve, I still rate her above Maycee Barber in most aspects of the fight game.

Barber`s main strength, at her best, is her willingness to simply brawl. It`s not always refined or consistently effective, but Barber can be dangerous when she commits fully to trading strikes. I see her primarily as a fighter driven by aggression rather than a purely technical martial artist. She steps into the cage intending to inflict damage.

However, Blanchfield also possesses a competitive intensity despite her calm demeanor. Crucially, she has more tools to dictate where this fight takes place, regardless of Barber`s approach. She is capable of exchanging punches if Barber pushes the pace but can also utilize her strength to take Barber down and control rounds on the mat.

Blanchfield is likely to win a competitive decision.

Pick: Blanchfield

Mateusz Gamrot vs. Ludovit Klein Prediction

Mateusz Gamrot is looking to stay active by facing Ludovit Klein, who is currently on a seven-fight unbeaten streak (6 wins, 1 draw). While Gamrot may have sought a higher-ranked opponent, he faces a tough test in Klein. A win here solidifies Gamrot`s position but he arguably has more to lose than gain.

Fortunately for Gamrot, Klein doesn`t present the long, rangy striking challenge posed by fighters like Dan Hooker or Jalin Turner, who have troubled Gamrot in the past. Klein is actually slightly shorter than Gamrot, which may allow “Gamer” to press forward more confidently without fearing an immediate knockout blow.

Nonetheless, Gamrot must respect Klein`s powerful kicks and counter-wrestling abilities. As he has climbed the ranks, Klein has demonstrated he is a well-rounded fighter capable of adjusting mid-fight. Expect a cautious start as both fighters feel each other out.

Ultimately, I doubt Klein can consistently defend against Gamrot`s relentless grappling and ground-and-pound offense for three full rounds. Gamrot should begin to secure takedowns more effectively in the second round and apply pressure to neutralize Klein`s attack. He might need to avoid a dangerous shot or two, but Gamrot should secure the victory on the scorecards.

Pick: Gamrot

Billy Ray Goff vs. Ramiz Brahimaj Prediction

Billy Ray Goff is a fighter you can depend on to stand and trade with anyone. The same isn`t necessarily true for Ramiz Brahimaj.

In his recent bout against Mickey Gall, Brahimaj displayed surprising power in his striking, landing a shot that resulted in the first knockout win of his career. He seemed comfortable on his feet, but if Brahimaj hopes to pull off an upset Saturday, his best path remains utilizing his grappling expertise.

Goff will make it difficult for Brahimaj to implement a wrestling-heavy strategy. Goff is known for swarming opponents and mixing up his attacks to the head and body, which can disrupt an opponent`s rhythm and make setting up takedowns challenging. Brahimaj will likely need to take some risks to draw Goff into positions where his grappling is effective.

Another potential outcome is Brahimaj getting hurt in striking exchanges and then being forced to defend off his back as Goff follows up for a finish. However, my inclination is that Brahimaj`s superior grappling will eventually prevail, allowing him to secure a submission victory.

Pick: Brahimaj

Dustin Jacoby vs. Bruno Lopes Prediction

While the light heavyweight division is sometimes seen as thin on top talent, one constant is Dustin Jacoby entering the cage ready to kickbox.

Bruno Lopes also possesses a notable striking style and appears to be an exciting addition to the division. However, I favor Jacoby`s more technical and precise striking over Lopes` more freestyle approach. Lopes` unpredictable movement should nonetheless bring out the best in Jacoby, promising some entertaining exchanges between these striking specialists.

I anticipate Lopes will largely stick to striking if the fight is going his way, although he may attempt a few takedowns to disrupt Jacoby`s rhythm. Jacoby, being an experienced veteran, is likely to successfully defend these attempts and keep the fight standing, which is where he excels.

Lopes shows potential, but Jacoby`s octagon experience provides him with the edge. Look for Jacoby to find a finish in the second round.

Pick: Jacoby

Ketlen Vieira vs. Macy Chiasson Prediction

This particular matchup is somewhat difficult to assess definitively.

Regardless of the outcome, Ketlen Vieira has consistently performed well against the top names in the bantamweight division. However, concerns linger regarding her weight management and how she handles taller opponents. It`s important to note that even though Vieira requested this fight be changed to featherweight, Macy Chiasson is expected to be the physically larger fighter on fight night.

Chiasson has faced frustration with several fights falling through due to various issues, but when she does compete, she often impresses. The winner of The Ultimate Fighter 28 brings a unique physical presence to her bouts and is likely to apply early pressure on Vieira. Vieira is exceptionally tough and an elite grappler, so it will be interesting to see how aggressively she pursues takedowns.

This fight seems poised to unfold in one of two ways: either Vieira grinds out a decision win over a potentially frustrated Chiasson, or Chiasson breaks through Vieira`s defenses and secures a finish, adding another veteran name to her list of victories. I lean towards the latter outcome.

Pick: Chiasson

Zachary Reese vs. Dusko Todorovic Prediction

Serving as our potential “quick finish” main card opener, this bout features middleweights Zachary Reese and Dusko Todorovic, both known for prioritizing offense over defense. Expect both fighters to come out aggressively looking for a stoppage win and a performance bonus.

While focusing on offense *could* theoretically lead to a more tentative fight, I believe these two will eventually revert to their natural aggressive styles and start trading blows. If that happens, I favor Reese to come out on top. Todorovic has been in more wars and has been finished too frequently in his career for me to pick him confidently at this point.

Expect Reese to secure a first-round knockout.

Pick: Reese

Preliminary Card Predictions

• Jafel Filho def. Allan Nascimento
• Jordan Leavitt def. Kurt Holobaugh
• Bolaji Oki def. Michael Aswell
• Rayanne dos Santos def. Alice Ardelean