UFC 254 finishes off the promotion’s second trip to Abu Dhabi in recent months. The PPV card is extremely stacked with some amazing fights. However, the prelim fights are not far behind and feature some of the best fighters in the UFC. We take a look at the prelim fights and offer our predictions and analysis on the said fights. 

Joel Alvarez Vs Alexander Yakovlev 

Joel Alvarez will take on Alexander Yakovlev in a catchweight bout to get us started with the early prelim card at UFC 254. ‘El Fenomeno’ made his UFC debut last February. However, his UFC career did not get off to the best start as he lost to Damir Ismagulov. 

Since then Alvarez has been on a tear. The fighter has stopped both of his previous opponents, one via TKO and the other via submission. He will be looking to continue the good run against the ‘Russian Thunder’ 

Alexander made his UFC debut in 2014 with a loss against Demian Maia. Since then, the Russian fighter has had results swing both ways in his UFC career and holds a 3-5 record. 

‘El Fenomeno’ has secured a staggering 88% of his wins via submission. It is, therefore, safe to say that the Spanish fighter will be most dangerous on the ground. However, he is impressive on his feet as well, as he lands on average  2.53 significant strikes per minute. 

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Given his recent run of form and his prowess on the ground, ‘El Fenomeno’ should be able to extend his winning streak to 3-0 

Prediction: Joel Alvarez via submission

Liana Jojua Vs Miranda Maverick 

Liana Jojua takes on Miranda Maverick in a flyweight bout as the last fight on the early prelims card. Jojua made her debut in the UFC last September, with an unfortunate TKO loss to Sarah Moras. Since then she has bounced back brilliantly and secured a win over Diana Belbita in July. 

Miranda Maverick, on the other hand,  will be making her UFC debut on Saturday. She could not have asked for a bigger card to announce her arrival. ‘Fear The’ is on a three-fight win streak and two of those victories have come via submission. 

Maverick has secured a mind-boggling 71% of her wins via submission. However, she is up against a fighter in the ‘She Wolf’ who has secured an insane 75% of her wins via submission. Hence, it’s very likely that this fight will see a submission victory. Despite having lesser experience as a professional, Miranda Maverick should be able to secure a win on her UFC debut. 

Prediction: Miranda Maverick via submission