Preview: UFC on ABC 5 ‘Emmett vs. Topuria’

Featherweights

Gabriel Santos (10-1, 0-1 UFC) vs. David Onama (10-2, 2-2 UFC)

ODDS: Santos (-230), Onama (+195)

This should be a banger. It will be fascinating to see if Onama shows any new wrinkles since the UFC’s first Ugandan-born fighter has all the potential in the world. Onama impressed in his late-notice debut back in 2021, holding his own in a three-round war against Mason Jones, then leaned on his physical tools in finishing Gabriel Benitez and Garrett Armfield. However, his technical issues came home to roost a bit in his loss to Nate Landwehr in August. It is hard to complain about the encounter itself, another absolute war that left both men exhausted after a “Fight of the Year” contender, but after Onama was unable to put Landwehr away early, he found himself as the much wilder and more tired fighter down the messy home stretch. Having changed camps in the wake on James Krause’s betting scandals, Onama can hopefully show a new level of evolution against Santos, even if the Brazilian figures to be a tough opponent either way. Santos has not gotten much notice thus far, as his lone UFC fight was a controversial split decision loss to Lerone Murphy in March, but he looks like a prospect ready for some big things sooner rather than later. Santos’ style is strictly defense-optional, but his fight against Murphy continued his trend of threatening his opponents in all phases while demonstrating an inhuman level of durability. Onama has the type of looping power that could hand Santos the first knockout loss of his career, but it seems likelier that the Brazilian can drag him into yet another three-round dogfight. The bet is that Santos can keep up the pace enough to lean on his better cardio and walk away with the win on the scorecards. The pick is Santos via decision.

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Emmett vs. Topuria
Ribas vs. Barber
Tafa vs. Lane
Santos vs. Onama
Allen vs. Silva
The Prelims