Featherweights

Jeremy Stephens (28-15) vs. Zabit Magomedsharipov (16-1): Magomedsharipov sums up the current state of the UFC. The promotion has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to talent, and Magomedsharipov is one of the fighters leading the way. He came into the UFC with the expectation that he would rise through the ranks in short order, and indeed, he has racked up four impressive wins against mid-tier featherweight talent. However, despite his flashy, dynamic fighting style and the fact that the UFC has featured him on two pay-per-view main cards, the Russian has not quite caught on to the level that he should thanks to the organization’s constant crush of events. That hopefully changes here, as Magomedsharipov gets his opportunity to break into the featherweight elite against a promotional stalwart in Stephens. “Lil’ Heathen” has come a long way from the middling lightweight brawler that the UFC used to fill out cards a decade ago. Still somehow just 32 years old, Stephens has finally learned the finer points of strategy, becoming more patient and mixing up things where he needs to. At his core, he is still a stand-and-plant striker, and that will probably be his undoing against Magomedsharipov, who can keep Stephens at a distance with his pipe-cleaner frame and beat him to the punch -- or kick -- with constant combinations. Stephens should be game, but this looks like a clear fight in which comparative youth will win the day. The pick is Magomedsharipov via decision. ODDS: Magomedsharipov (-255), Stephens (+215)

Light Heavyweights

Misha Cirkunov (14-4) vs. Johnny Walker (16-3): This fight was originally supposed to be a breakthrough opportunity for Cirkunov against Ovince St. Preux, but with “OSP” out due to injury, it is now all about Cirkunov’s new opponent. It is hard to explain Walker’s charisma, outside of the fact that he is always doing something weird, and the appeal of the entire package is buoyed by his penchant for violence. His two UFC fights have each ended in sensational finishes, as he has beaten Khalil Rountree and Justin Ledet in roughly two minutes combined. Walker has quickly become a breath of fresh air in the light heavyweight division, but this fight against Cirkunov will do a ton towards his transition from prospect to contender. Cirkunov has been bubbling under light heavyweight contender status for a few years now. The Latvian-Canadian finally made his much-hyped UFC debut in 2015, and by the end of 2016, he looked like the next man up to join the ranks of the divisional elite. However, his 2017 campaign raised some concerns that Cirkunov’s striking was too stiff and his judo base was not powerful enough to make it over the hump. He was a victim of Volkan Oezdemir’s sudden rise through the ranks and followed that up with a quick loss to Glover Teixeira. If it was not for Cirkunov’s last fight, an excellent effort against Patrick Cummins in which he looked much-improved, that previously stiff striking would have made Walker an easy call. However, it is easier than ever to see a scenario in which Cirkunov can take down the tall Walker with little effort and quickly work for a submission. That might be the smart pick -- Walker does seem like someone bound to get exposed against the higher-level grapplers the UFC has to offer -- but Cirkunov’s tendency to wade into the clinch and Walker’s dynamism there and in general on the feet gives the Brazilian a solid chance at finding his counterpart’s chin. This is an excellent test for both guys, but the pick is Walker via first-round knockout. ODDS: Walker (-125), Cirkunov (+105)

Bantamweights

Cody Stamann (17-2) vs. Alejandro Perez (21-6-1): It is impressive just how much Perez has exceeded expectations. He did not particularly stand out on the inaugural season of “The Ultimate Fighter Latin America,” which made it a bit disappointing when he won the show’s bantamweight bracket. However, after his first post-“Ultimate Fighter” outing saw him get choked out by Patrick Williams in 23 seconds, it seemed like a safe bet to write off Perez. Since then, Perez has quietly reeled off a seven-fight unbeaten streak and become an under-the-radar threat. Perez’s game is not particularly exceptional, but he is quick and well-rounded, and those two qualities have allowed him to take advantage of his opponent’s weaknesses in each fight. He takes on a fellow surprising bantamweight concern in Stamann, who was an unknown prospect before a 2017 win over the much more hyped Tom Duquesnoy. That victory forced people take notice of Stamann’s abilities, even if his game is also fairly unremarkable, built around strong wrestling and solid striking. Stamann is a more consistent pressure fighter and can probably rely on that wrestling, so he can win rounds even if his fireplug frame may make it easy for Perez to land counters while moving backwards. This has split verdict written all over it, but the minor lean goes to Stamann via decision. ODDS: Stamann (-170), Perez (+150)

Welterweights

Diego Sanchez (28-11) vs. Mickey Gall (5-1): Sanchez is still hanging on, even as his body is breaking down. “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 1 winner was once known for surviving legendary wars, but Joe Lauzon cracked his chin in 2016, and since then, Sanchez has been worryingly brittle, suffering some brutal knockouts when opponents manage to connect with him. On the plus side, Sanchez has seemingly adjusted, staying a bit more cautious on the feet and in particular relying more and more on his oft-underrated wrestling game. The latter led to a win in his last fight over Craig White, and it will be crucial here against Mickey Gall. Yes, Gall is a talent, but being tabbed as the man to spoil CM Punk’s UFC debut led to his getting rushed onto the roster and facing an uphill climb towards developing into a productive fighter. Gall seems to have some underrated pop in his hands, which makes this a dangerous fight for Sanchez during the entire time it lasts, but he is also a fighter who mostly looks to grapple. If nothing else, Sanchez is still more than capable of holding down an overmatched opponent for three rounds, and as an undersized welterweight, Gall certainly qualifies. The pick is Sanchez via decision. ODDS: Gall (-340), Sanchez (+280)

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