Fight Night Ribas vs Namajunas Predictions

Another week another Fight Night. This week we’ve got UFC Vegas 89, a UFC Fight Night Ribas vs Namajunas. This is going to be an exciting night with 13 total fights. Shoutout to a friend of the podcast, Kurt Holobaugh, season 31 Ultimate Fighter winner. He’s headling the prelims against Trey Ogden. Go follow him on the socials, he’s great!

Fight Night Ribas vs Namajunas (UFC Vegas 89)

Women’s Flyweight 125lbs

Amanda Ribas (+175)

• 5′ 3″, 125 lbs
• 8/26/1993 (30)
• Ribas Family
• Orthodox
• 66″

Last 5

Rose “Thug” Namajunas (-210)

• 5′ 5″, 125 lbs
• 6/29/1992 (31)
• 303 Training Center
• Orthodox
• 65″

Last 5

Amanda Ribas always fights poised, she is always ready for a win, and often forces a finish. Rose Namajunas on the other hand is a former two time champion whose last two outing would leave you questioning who she’s beaten to secure that stature. While both have faced adversity in the UFC, Rose is in a precarious position. Can she come back and prove to people and herself that she still has it? I think so, I believe firmly, that Rose has been in her head since losing the belt to Carla Esparza in May of 2022. Be ready for an all out war in this one, to be the best, you’ve got to beat the best.

Rose Namajunas by Decision

Heavyweights 265lbs

Karl Williams (-185)

• 6′ 3″, 246 lbs
• 1/6/1990 (34)
• American Top Team Atlanta
• Orthodox
• 79″

Last 5

Justin “Bad Man” Tafa (+155)

• 6′ 0″, 265 lbs
• 12/13/1993 (30)
• NTG Fight & Fitness
• Southpaw
• 74″

Last 5

It’s not often you see fighters going to the scorecards in the heavyweight division. Karl Williams has been there and won for 6 of his professional fights. (60%) 2-0 in the UFC, Karl Williams is on a 6 fight win streak with 1 stoppage. Justin Tafa started his UFC career off rocky, going into the fire often, and only coming out victorious once. (1-3 in his first 4.) Since then, the bad man, has gone 3-0-1. The draw came due to an eye poke to Austen Lane, and in the rematch, Tafa made quick work. I think that Tafa is in his groove right now, and should do what it takes to stop Mr. Williams streak.

Justin Tafa by Rd 2 TKO

Middleweight 185lbs

Edmen “The Golden Boy” Shahbazyan (-200)

• 6′ 2″, 185 lbs
• 11/20/1997 (26)
• Xtreme Couture
• Orthodox
• 75″

Last 5

AJ Dobson (+170)

• 6′ 1″, 185 lbs
• 1/18/1992 (32)
• Carlson Gracie Team Ohio
• Orthodox
• 76″

Last 5

Edmen Shahbazyan is another guy who likes to get into wars. He’s 4-4 in the UFC, with only one of those contests going to the scorecards. Shahbazyan typically faces orthodox fighters, and is 5-3 agaisnt them. We meet AJ Dobson where Shahazyan leaves off, poised, and willing to wait to take his shot. So far though, he’s waiting a little to long. 1-2 in the UFC, all by decision, AJ Dobson is going to have to get aggresive to win this one. It stands to reason that this should be a good fight.

Edmen Shahbazyan Rd 2 TKO

Bantamweight 135lbs

Payton Talbott (-155)

• 5′ 10″, 136 lbs
• 9/9/1998 (25)
• Reno Academy of Combat
• Switch
• 70.5″

Last 5

Cameron “MSP” Saaiman (+130)

• 5′ 8″, 135 lbs
• 12/20/2000 (23)
• CIT Performance Institute
• Southpaw
• 67″

Last 5

Both fighters coming into this one boasting heavy power for their weight class. Payton Talbott has an opportunity to show off his finishing power with a 3.5 inch reach advantage. Alternatively, Cameron Saaiman has immense stopping power and more UFC experience that Talbott. I like this similar style matchup to see who can carry their hype further.

Payton Talbott Rd 1 TKO

Featherweight 145lbs

Billy Quarantillo (+100)

• 5′ 10″, 145 lbs
• 12/8/1988 (35)
• Gracie Tampa South
• Orthodox
• 70″

Last 5

Youssef “The Moroccan Devil” Zalal (-120)

• 5′ 10″, 145 lbs
• 9/4/1996 (27)
• FactoryX Muay Thai
• Switch
• 72″

Last 5

Billy Quarantillo has been alternative win/ loss since 2021. Billy Q is still 6-3 in the UFC. Zalal on the other hand is making is second debut in the UFC. He was cut from the promotion after a draw. MMAJUNKIE I’m leaning on the fact that in the UFC as a favorite Youssef Zalal only won 40% of the time. Despite his current win streak, I believe Billy Q will take the win.

Billy Quarantillo Rd 3 Sub

Featherweight 145lbs

Fernando “El Valiente” Padilla (-180)

• 6′ 1″, 145 lbs
• 12/15/1996 (27)
• Team Oyama
• Orthodox
• 76″

LAst 5

Luis “Corazon de Leon” Pajuelo (+150)

• 5′ 10″, 145 lbs
• 12/12/1994 (29)
• Contacto Livre
• Orthodox
• 69.5″

Last 5

Padilla is just 2 fights into his UFC career, with 1 win and 1 loss. He comes into this outing featuring a 7 inch reach advantage that should help his case for a victory if he uses it well. Pajuelo is debuting in the UFC after running through his regional circuit. This is the typical case of does Padilla belong, or does Pajuelo belong, maybe both. Depends. I think Pajuelo is a more explosive fighter and should he get close, Padillas rounds could be numbered.

Luis Pajuelo Rd 2 TKO