UFC Seattle has been pummelled with injuries, but the card still holds some bright spots ahead of Saturday. While losing the Dominick Cruz retirement fight and Edson Barboza’s return are huge blows to the card, UFC fans can still hold on to surging names like Jean Silva and Anthony Hernandez.
In the main event, Henry Cejudo returns from retirement to take on budding star Yadong Song. Cejudo has been out of action since last February when he lost to Merab Dvalishvili. He’s 0-2 over the previous four years but hopes to return to form while fighting down the pecking order. Song, however, has been vocal about not taking it easy on the UFC legend. Regardless of the outcome, the main event should be a banger.
Speaking of bangers, the co-main event should have fans sweating on the couch. Brendan Allen and Hernandez are going to war. While this may not be the traditional stand-up battle, it will be a grueling battle of wrestling, grappling, and attrition. Check out their first fight if you haven’t seen it.
Are there any other fights to get excited about? Definitely. Here’s a look at some of the best fights for UFC Seattle this weekend.
Nick Klein vs. Mansur Abdul-Malik
Nick Klein only has seven fights but only one has gone to a decision. His only loss is a third-round ground and pound in 2022. He’s 3-0 since then with three rear-naked chokes. He’s taking on Mansur Abdul-Malik on short notice and will need all the help he can get.
Abdul-Malik might be one of the most talked about prospects in the UFC because he checks every box. He’s 7-0 with six knockouts and one submission win, he trains at top gyms in Las Vegas and comes into the UFC after fighting in top promotions with a wrestling history at the University of Maryland.
The first round should have plenty of action, with Abdul-Malik likely getting his hand raised.
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Ricky Simon vs. Javid Basharat
Ricky Simon and Javid Basharat are both coming off losses with Simon riding a three-fight losing streak. However, in terms of skill, both fighters bring plenty to the table.
Simon is considered a long-time veteran, but he’s only 32 years old with plenty of UFC experience. He’s far from washed. Basharat fought a surging Aiemann Zahabi but was undefeated before that. If it weren’t for their most recent fights, this would be on the main card. It’s a solid battle of wrestler versus striker and will have plenty of action if it lasts three rounds.
Ion Cutelaba vs. Ibo Aslan
In a wide-open light heavyweight division, Ibo Aslan has the opportunity to make a splash in 2025. Other than a submission loss to Anton Turkalj in 2020, which he made up for in the UFC with an overhand right, Aslan is undefeated.
Will Ion Cutelaba do the smart thing and spam takedowns? He’s been known to get into unnecessary brawls and paid the price. With a 7-9-1 UFC record, Cutelaba finds a way to win when he’s desperate. He’s coming off a split-decision win against Ivan Erslan and could throw caution to the wind this time. If he does, this could be the best first round on the card.
Andre Fili vs. Melquizael Costa
If you enjoy when fighters mix it up and come in with big gas tanks, this fight’s for you. Andre Fili and Melquizael Costa have the potential to showcase solid striking battles and technical grappling.
Costa’s fights have been exciting, and he’s always looking for that submission win. Fili counters with the Alpha Male American wrestling, a style that has been successful at the UFC level. Fili hasn’t been submitted since 2015 and all of his losses have been against elite fighters.
If the fight stays standing, Fili could put on a striking clinic en route to his 13th UFC win.
Rob Font vs. Jean Matsumoto
Everyone’s already excited about Jean Silva’s return, so here’s a look at Rob Font and Jean Matsumoto.
Rob Font has fought the absolute best in the world. When you look at his resume, it’s remarkable. He’s never been finished on the feet and prime Pedro Munhoz was his only submission loss. The boxing is crips and always makes it a fight. If he can avoid the ground, a Font upset would not be surprising.
How good is Matsumoto? He’s riding a 16-0 record against unknown talent and gets his toughest test yet. He’s a good wrestler and has the chin to enjoy a slugfest. With a good game plan, he could keep Font guessing with level changes. If he wants to test his boxing, he has one of the best MMA boxers in the world as a dance partner.
UFC Seattle may not be what fans hoped, but there are still plenty of exciting fights. If grappling and endurance-based fights are your thing, the main events have you covered. If you enjoy the up-and-coming aspect of UFC talent, Jean Silva and Mansur Abdul-Malik are your cup of tea.
As always, keep it locked to SlotsFighter.com for your UFC analysis, breakdowns, and best bets.
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