It’s fight week at the UFC Apex again, as the presents UFC Vegas 70 Krylov vs Spann. Reliable sources (The Ringer MMA Show), this is the last show at the Apex for two months. Now that the world is back, it will be good to see more fight nights on the road, like in the past.
Two men looking to move up the Light-Heavyweight ladder and a shot a champion Jamahal Hill will collide in the main event, While undefeated Flyweight Tatiana Suarez returns after being on the shelf for two years.
UFC Fight Night Main Card Preview
Nikita ‘The Miner’ Krylov vs Ryan ‘Superman’ Spann
After back-to-back losses, Ukraine’s Nikita Krylov got his UFC career back on track by winning two fights. ‘The Miner’ beat two former Light-Heavyweight fighters, Alexander Gustafsson and Volkan Oezdemir, though both were shadows of their former selves. That’s not to say Krylov is not a problem for fighters because he can, but to prove that he belongs in that upper echelon, he must perform well in this main event.
Spann is about as dangerous as anyone on the feet, and he especially showed that in 1st round win over Dominick Reyes. He also has some submission skills, which should be handy here, as most of Krylov’s losses have come via submission. That’s not to say Spann can’t knock ‘The Miner’ out, but the only person to do so was a Heavyweight.
Odds on Neds: Nikita Krylov $1.55 Ryan Spann $2.50
Andre “Sergipano’ Muniz vs Brendan ‘All In’ Allen
Currently riding an eight-fight win streak, the man known as ‘Sergipano’ may soon be ready for some of the top fighters the Middleweight division offers. He has slick submission skills; almost all his UFC victories have been via submission. Muniz has come up through the Dana White Contender Series, a show that is unearthing talented fighters.
Allen’s grappling isn’t to be scoffed at either, he submitted Krzysztof Jotko, but the Polish fighter put him in some uncomfortable positions. The same thing will happen here; Muniz will put Allen into all sorts of positions, so seeing how he responds to them will be good. There is no doubt that Allen’s coaches will be simulating his Brazillian opponent, so he should be well prepared. Like Muniz, Allen also made his way to the UFC via the Contender Series.
Odds on Neds: Andre Muniz $1.45 Brendan Allen $2.80
Augusto Sakai vs Don’Tale ‘Lord Kong’ Mayes
Sakai’s career is on the line in this fight; he may be cut if he loses five in a row. However, those losses have been against the top fighters in the Heavyweight division. Before his slide, Sakai was doing well in the promotion. After beating Marcos Conardo Jr in season one of the Contender series, he would win his next four fights. One of those wins even came against former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski.
DonTale Mayes only fought once in 2022; originally, it was a split decision loss to Hamdy Abdelwahab, but it was later overturned due to Abdelwahab testing positive for Methenolone. The man known as ‘Lord Kong’ will want to kick off 2023 with a bang and get a win. Mayes will be game to stand and bang with Sakai, but will he be successful?
Odds on Neds: Augusto Sakai $1.78 Don’Tale Mayes $2.05
Tatiana Suarez vs Montana De La Rosa
It has been nearly three years since Tatiana Suarez fought in the Octagon. The former TUF winner was showing just how hot of a prospect she was before a knee injury ruined her run. Suarez is a strong wrestler, showing her skills against former Strawweight Champion Carla Esparza. Will there be any ring rust this weekend? She will undoubtedly need to get the bugs out, but Suarez is a natural, and the comeback is always bigger than the setback.
De La Rosa is willing to get down and dirty to get the win; she showed that in her win against Ariane Lipski. She has extra motivation to get the victory after losing her last fight to Maycee Barber. She will also be keen to show that she is no pushover in this fight.
Odds on Neds: Tatiana Suarez $1.12 Montana De La Rosa $6.40
Mike ‘Proper’ Malott vs Yohan ‘White Lion’ Lainesse
Not only are both fighters from Canada, they always made their way to the UFC the same way, the Contender Series. Mike Mallot had a successful debut in the Octagon when he knocked out Mickey Gall and showed in that fight that he has power in his fists. He will improve as he goes along, but he is a game fighter and will trade with anyone right now.
Linesse has one win and one loss since coming off the series. He has knockout power, as he showed against Justin Burlinson to get that coveted UFC contract. He also has loss via TKO, so he may want to hit first in this fight instead of getting hit, as Malott will put him to sleep. This is a good fight to start the main card.
Odds on Neds: Mike Malott $1.45 Yohan Lainesse $2.80.
Aussie fans can watch this event on ESPN 2, available on Foxtel or Kayo. You can also watch on UFC Fight Pass.