UFC Fight Night: Ribas vs Namajunas Preview

UFC Fight Night: Ribas vs Namajunas Preview

The UFC is taking over Sin City once again, as Amanda Ribas and Rose Namajunas are set to battle it out with the winner set to edge closer to the Women’s Flyweight title.

Justin Tafa is back in the octagon and ready to replace his brother against Karl Williams this weekend.

Prolific knockout artist Edmen “Golden Boy” Shahbazyan is looking to bounce back this weekend after a third-round knockout loss in May of 2023.

There’s a lot to cover on this weekend’s fight night and my thoughts are down below.

Amanda Ribas vs Rose Namajunas
Amanda Ribas via Points

Rose Namajunas might think she’s the best, but the former strawweight champion has fallen since her shock loss to Carla Esparaza.

At the time of writing, the number 8 ranked Flyweight has been considered the underdog which makes no sense.

In her 13 victories, she’s had 8 finishes including 4 in the first round.

I’ll be on the value for Amanda Ribas to take this one out and edge herself closer to championship glory.

Karl Williams vs Justin Tafa
Justin Tafa via KO/TKO

He may have been born in New Zealand, but he moved to Brisbane, Australia…. SOOOOOO.

Australia’s very own is back in the octagon this weekend as Justin Tafa takes on Karl Williams in what should be a quick affair.

Justin Tafa was supposed to fight on the UFC 298 card however with an injury sustained in training, younger brother Junior stood up to the test and Justin has returned the favour and replaced Junior in this weekend’s fight night.

Tafa has won all seven of his bouts via knockout including five first-round finishes.

Yes I know, I know, Karl Williams is the favourite in this market (at the time of writing at least) and he’s currently on a six-fight win streak.

But heavyweight bouts are typically a flip of the coin setup.

One punch can be the difference between a highlight reel and a spell in the paddock.

With that being said, I’ll be taking Justin Tafa to secure a Knockout victory and make his way back to a top 15 shot.

Edmen Shahbazyan vs AJ Dobson
Edmen Shahbazyan via KO/TKO

Edmen Shahbazyan is making a return to the octagon after his third-round knockout defeat to Anthony Hernandez in May last year.

However, The Golden Boy is ready take on the Apex and the value is there for him to win by way of knockout.

Edmen has on 10 of his 12 bouts by way of knockout including three first-round knockouts.

This will be an intriguing bout for both athletes however I think Edmen Shahbazyan will wipe the floor clean with AJ Dobson!