A former champion looks to move up the ladder and reclaim his throne, and his opponent is also looking at a title shot. There will undoubtedly be fireworks when the UFC makes its way to San Diego for UFC Fight Night: Vera vs Cruz.
Two featherweights are looking for their time in the spotlight as Nate Landwehr takes on David Onama in the co-main event.
UFC Fight Night: Vera vs Cruz
Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera vs Dominick ‘The Dominator’ Cruz
When a fighter gets to the later stages of their career, they aren’t as formidable as they once were. For Dominick Cruz, that doesn’t seem to be the case. After a two-fight skid, Cruz has won back-to-back fights and has his sights on the Bantamweight championship.
The man known as ‘Chito’ is looking at spoiling Cruz’s run at the title. Vera would like a shot at the title himself. Ranked fifth in the division, he has beaten fighters such as Edgar and O’Malley. While a win won’t get him an immediate title shot, it will get him a step closer.
Cruz will have to do what he does best, stick and move, and he has excellent movement that baffles any fighter. Vera has knock-out power but can go the distance if needed. If he puts one on Cruz’s chin, it might just be ‘Goodnight Irene!’
Betting Odds on Neds: Marlon Vera $1.40 Dominick Cruz $2.95
Nate ‘The Train’ Landwehr vs David Onama
David Onama is a 10-1 fighter with back-t0-back wins in the UFC. However, the poor guy doesn’t have a Wikipedia page! All jokes aside, Onama looks like he has a big future in UFC, and a win over a tough fighter like Landwehr should get people to take notice of him.
Landwehr is a tough, durable fighter who loves nothing more than to throw down. And he will get his wish against Onama. After losing Julian Erosa, Landwehr won his last fight against Slovakian L’udovit Klein.
Onama will need to use his jab to keep the distance and mix up his striking with some level changes and takedowns. For Landwehr, he has to make this a low-down dirty (but not too dirty) brawl.
Hopefully, if Onama wins the fight, someone will make a Wikipedia page for him.
Betting Odds on Neds: Nate Landwehr $3.75 David Onama $1.28
Yazmin Jauregui vs Iasmin Lucindo
Both women are making their UFC debut. These ladies are two young, hungry fighters looking to impress those in charge.
Jauregui is undefeated and has made her way to the UFC via promotions such as Combate Americas and Combate Global: Last Latina Standing, a one-night tournament.
Lucindo is a 13-4 fighter with a seven-fight win streak. She is the more experienced (just) fighter of the two; However, everything changes when you’re under the bright lights and beamed into millions of homes worldwide.
Betting Odds on Neds: Yazmin Jauregui $1.46 Iasmin Lucindo $2.70
Devin ‘Brown Bear’ Clark vs Azamat ‘The Professional’ Murzakanov
A mainstay of the Light Heavyweight division, Devin Clark is looking at winning two in a row by defeating Murzakanov. Clark has faced stiff competition in the UFC, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.
With a nickname like ‘The Professional’, you would be forgiven for thinking that the Russian was once a hitman, especially with his icy demeanour. Coming up through the Contender Series, Murzakanov is 11-0 in his fight career.
This should be a cracking fight and one that will have significant implications for both men.
Betting Odds on Neds: Devin Clark $2.25 Azamat Murzakanov $1.64
Priscilia ‘Zombie Girl’ Cachoeira vs Ariane Lipski
Finally, these two women (with the best nicknames in all MMA) will meet in the middle of the Octagon after two false starts. Originally meant to face off in 2019, but Cachoeira tested positive for a diuretic and was suspended. They were then supposed to fight last week on the Santos vs Hill card, but Lipski missed weight and wasn’t medically cleared to fight. Lucky these two aren’t cursed like Furguson and Khabib!
Both women are coming off a win; they want to keep their momentum going to make it two in a row. Lipski likes to come forward and is known as a striker, but she does have a few submissions on her record. Could this be the way to victory for the Brazilian?
Cachoeira, like Lipski is a striker. If there is one area where she is uncomfortable, it’s off her back. Cachoeira will want to keep the standing; Lipski has the better ground game.
Betting Odds on Neds: Priscilia Cachoeira $2.60 Ariane Lipski $1.50
Bruno ‘Blindado’ Silva vs Gerald ‘GM3’ Meerschaert
Kicking off the main card is a Middleweight showdown between two very experienced fighters.
After a three-fight win streak, Meerschaet was brought back down to earth with a loss to Krzystof Jotko. Before that loss, he was riding a three-fight win streak, all three wins coming via submission.
Silva is coming off a loss to top Middleweight prospect, Alex Pereira. Silva looked very sharp against the former Glory Kickboxing champion, showing his toughness. He stood with Pereira and went the distance.
Both men are black belts in BJJ, but Meerschaet has eight wins via submission, whereas Silva has none. That might be the key for Meerschaert, but it may also be his downfall.
Betting Odds on Neds: Bruno Silva $1.33 Gerald Meerschaet $3.40
The fights will start at 6:00 am AEST on UFC Fight Pass and ESPN 1, available on Foxtel or Kayo.