UFC Vegas 5 will mark the return of UFC in Las Vegas at the Apex Center on Saturday. No wonder Dana White has stocked the main card with some intense matchups.

However, if you don’t know, the preliminary card is similarly intense. Before the main card, UFC Fight Night: Brunson vs Shahbazyan will witness six bouts in the prelims.

Three of them will be bantamweights contests, one catchweight, one featherweight, and one will be a light heavyweight matchup. The upcoming Fight Night is set to happen on August 1 and here are our predictions for the preliminary fights.

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Predictions for UFC Vegas 5

Frankie Saenz vs Jonathan Martinez

Both Saenz and Martinez have lost their last UFC appearances, and they will desperately hunt for a victory this week.

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Frankie Saenz is a talented bantamweight contender, flexing a pro record of 13 wins and six losses. Although he has seen some humiliating defeats in his professional career, he has all the potential to bounce back in the win column. There’s no denying that the upcoming contest will be a critical one for his UFC journey and career.

Jonathan Martinez is only 4 fights old in the UFC. After having an unsuccessful debut against Andre Soukhamthath in 2018, Martinez notched two back-to-back wins. However, he lost his latest fight against Andre Ewell at UFC 247. Thus, he will also look forward to putting his UFC career back on track this weekend.

Winner: Frankie Saenz (via unanimous decision)

Ed Herman vs Gerald Meerschaert

‘Short Fuse’ Herman is on a two-fight win streak. While the American veteran reflects double-digit losses in his career, he is one of the most experienced fighters in the light heavyweight division. A person who can hit flush and seal the day in his favor anytime.

His upcoming opponent. Meerschaert is also an acknowledgeable contender. However, his UFC resume (6-5) hasn’t been that dominating. That said, Gerald would require to bag an immediate win to make an impact in the stellar light heavyweight roster.

Winner: Ed Herman (via knockout)

Ray Borg vs Nathan Maness

Ray Borg will face a tough test this weekend as he is set to square off against the debutant Nathan Maness.

Borg, 35, is an elite bantamweight contender, who has never been knocked out in UFC. Although he has faced five tragic losses in the promotion, he is still an A-listed prospect. His last appearance against Ricky Simon in May ended on the losing side. Thus, the upcoming matchup will be a precious opportunity for Borg to revive himself into UFC relevancy.

Nathan Maness boasts a pro-MMA record of 11 wins and one loss. Although he is a debutant, he is assumed to be one of the biggest signings of the UFC this year. It won’t be surprising if Nate makes a statement on his very first fight. The American has got all the chances.

Winner: Nate Maness (via decision)

Eric Spicely vs Markus Perez

Eric Spicely is not deemed to be the favorite in the contest. However, if he wants to retain himself in the promotion, he has to be the winner this week. He is currently on a three-fight losing streak, holding a UFC record of 2 wins and four losses. The orthodox fighter needs to give it all inside the cage. Else, it won’t be a surprise to anyone if the UFC releases him.

Perez would also look for a desperate victory as he holds 2 wins from his five matchups in the UFC. The wins need to level up and Perez will hunt for it. Although his MMA resume looks similar to Spicely on several aspects, he is still the favorite one in the matchup.

Winner: Markus Perez (via knockout)

Jamall Emmers vs Timur Valiev (canceled)

However, Timur will not be making his UFC debut this week. According to reports by MMA Junkie, he has been pulled from the contest. The exact reason for the decision is still unknown. Nonetheless, UFC officials are targeting Vincent Cachero to replace the debutant on a short notice at UFC Vegas 5.

Chris Gutierrez vs Cody Durden

Amid all the UFC debuts this week, Cody Durden is another promising fighter on the list.

Durden, 29, is 11-2 in MMA and is ready to set foot against ‘El Guapo’ at Apex Center. While Gutierrez is also a potential contender, he can have some difficulties inside the octagon. If Durden strikes a victory at debut, he will catch the limelight instantly at UFC Vegas 5.

Winner: Cody Durden (via decision)

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Source: UFC.com  MMA Junkie