UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs Oleinik – Preliminary Card Predictions

UFC Fight Night in the Apex Facility, set for August 8, has a stacked main card. The headlining feature sees a heavyweight showdown between Derrick Lewis and Aleksei Oleinik, in a fight primed for future contention. Not to mention, the preliminary section of the card is slated to entice fight fans with a series of exciting bouts.

UFC Welterweights: Tim Means vs Laureano Staropoli

‘The Dirty Bird’ Tim Means comes into this fight with a significant amount of experience over his opponent. Staropoli will give up a portion of his purse after he failed to make weight. He has gone 2-1 in his young professional career, recently falling to Muslim Salikhov.

Although Tim Means has failed to be consistent during his run in the promotion, he has shown to be durable. Not to mention, his ability to control pace has been a key feature in his storied UFC career that spans back to 2012. The scrappy veteran should have the strength advantage on the ground and could secure a late finish.

Prediction: Tim Means to claim a second-round submission [RNC Choke]

Kevin Holland vs Joaquin Buckley

Joaquin Buckley (10-2) makes his UFC debut after back-to-back Knockouts in the LFA promotion. His tenure at Bellator came in with mixed results, and he will look to enter a realm of stability. His opponent for August 1, Trevin Giles, failed to make the walk to the cage. Holland will come into his scheduled bout with a chip on his shoulder.,

‘The Trailblazer’ Kevin Holland is a fast starter, as shown by his recent performances. Given their stylistic components, the fight should primarily play out on the feet. Buckley is a well-rounded prospect, but keeping up with Holland’s blistering pace will prove to be a challenge.

Prediction: Kevin Holland to claim a second-round TKO finish.

Nasrat Haqparast vs Alex Munoz

The aforementioned lightweight bout can be a shoot-out on paper. Haqparast is coming off a violent first-round loss to Drew Dober in his last outing. His opponent will come into the fight and look to swipe some shine off the Afghanistani prospect.

Given his disappointing outing against Dober, the 11-3 fighter in Haqparast will look to steamroll through the undefeated fighter. A safe pick would be an electrifying finish early into the final round.

Prediction: Nasrat Haqparast to claim a third-round KO finish.

Andrew Sanchez vs Wellington Turman

The 185-pounders have shared history, having victories over the same opponent, Marcus Perez. Turman is on a tear, going 5-1 in his last 6 fight, and will look to continue his momentum. Additionally, Sanchez has shown signs of slowing down when met with high volume striking in his past fights. The Brazil native, Turman, should cruise to a scorecard victory if he keeps a consistent pace.

Prediction: Wellington Turman to claim a unanimous decision victory

Gavin Tucker vs Justin Jaynes

Although both the featherweights have a relatively close split in reach, Justin Jaynes has failed to mount an offense against range strikers. Tucker is known to inject forward momentum disguised with a constant takedown threat. The fight will most likely be played at range, with Gavin Tucker peppering his opponents with his patented side-kicks.

Prediction: Gavin Tucker to claim a unanimous decision victory

Youssef Zalal vs Peter Barrett

The second fight of the night will see a competitive, albeit slow-paced back-and-forth battle. Both fighters are relatively slow starters, known more for their technical display. Chiefly, Zalal’s famed inside leg-work and the close-range offense is expected to overpower his opponents. However, the fight should go the distance given ‘Slippery Pete’ Barrett’s durability.

Prediction: Youssef Zalal to claim a unanimous decision victory

Irwin Rivera vs Ali Alqaisi

Both Bantamweight fighters are new to the UFC stage, with Rivera being the one to have a fight in the promotion. Considering this, they will be eager to aim for the finish in the Preliminary card’s opener. Ali Alqaisi takes his opponents to deep waters and also has the gas tank to do so.

Rivera has infamously scattered defense when it comes to precision strikers in the past. Chiefly, he may not withstand the debutant’s hunger to claim the finish.

Prediction: Ali Alqaisi to claim a second-round TKO finish

Also Read: UFC Fight Night Lewis vs Oleinik Predictions

Source: Tim Means Sherdog, Kevin Holland Sherdog, Nasrat Haqparast Sherdog, Wellington Turman Sherdog, Gavin Tucker Sherdog, Youssef Zalal Sherdog, Ali Alqaisi Sherdog