UFC Fight Night: Ribas vs Namajunas main card preview & tips

The main card for this weekend’s UFC Fight Night: Ribas vs Namajunas at the Apex in Las Vegas presents a selection of compelling matchups. Besides the main event, heavyweights Karl Williams and Justin Tafa will collide in the co-main event, former wonderkid Edmen Shahbazyan is looking to rebuild against AJ Dobson, and young guns Payton Talbott and Cameron Saaiman will throw down in what appears a classic battle of emerging prodigies. Read on for our fight previews and free UFC betting tips.

Amanda Ribas v Rose Namajunas

Amanda Ribas vs Rose Namajunas

Amanda Ribas (13-4-0) has produced a mixed record in recent years, going win-loss for her last seven UFC appearances. The 30-year-old has been knocked out twice since 2021 and is susceptible to heavy ground strikes. On the plus side, she has high-level grappling skills, with four victories and zero losses coming her way via submission, and boasts an excellent winning record with the judges.

Rose Namajunas (12-6-0) lost her belt in 2022 in a bizarre fight against Carla Esparza where both athletes carefully avoided each other for 25 minutes. The American barely threw an attacking shot and was adjudicated the loser by the three judges present. At her best, Namajunas is a crisp striker who slides in and out of range and plays the MMA game like a chess master.

Karl Williams v Justin Tafa

Karl Williams vs Justin Tafa

Despite his powerful physique and fearsome appearance, UFC heavyweight Karl Williams (9-1-0) has just three knockouts to his credit — an anomaly in the 265-pound division. He is riding high on a six-fight win streak, five of which lasted the distance. Williams faces a much larger opponent here, and his defences and chin will be tested.

In stark contrast, Justin Tafa (7-3-0) has scored all his wins via early stoppage and his last four bouts have all lasted less than two minutes. The Kiwi likes to take care of business in an efficient manner and boasts some of the hardest strikes in the heavyweight class. Tafa throws heavy kicks in addition to his leaden fists and might go hunting high against a taller opponent.

Edmen Shahbazyan v AJ Dobson

Edmen Shahbazyan vs AJ Dobson

Edmen Shahbazyan (12-4-0) started his career with 11 consecutive victories and appeared destined for championship status. The boom turned to bust in 2020, however, and the American dropped three straight fights, two by heavy knockout. The 26-year-old has appeared twice since, with a TKO loss and a TKO win, but is clearly not the prospect he was once thought to be — especially when it comes to defence and patience.

AJ Dobson (7-2-0) has fought three times at UFC level for two losses and one win, all coming via the scorecards. The 32-year-old has three knockouts and two submissions on his early record but is still adjusting to the level of competition demanded by the UFC. He boasts solid wrestling skills and might be wise to close the distance against a taller and more talented striker.

Payton Talbott v Cameron Saaiman

Payton Talbott vs Cameron Saaiman

Payton Talbott (7-0-0) is an exciting, unbeaten talent who might be ready to make a name for himself. The 25-year-old is blessed with solid striking power and has finished six of his seven professional bouts. He will look to exploit a height and reach advantage by striking from long range against a similarly dangerous prospect.

Cameron Saaiman (9-1-0) is coming off his first defeat and will be out to regain the momentum that had him compared favourably with fellow South African Dricus du Plessis, who hoisted the middleweight crown earlier this year. Saaiman was outworked by Christian Rodriguez in the loss and was unable to unleash his full array of power shots, but the 23-year-old is still learning his craft and should be unperturbed by the setback.

Billy Quarantillo v Youssef Zalal

Billy Quarantillo vs Youssef Zalal

Billy Quarantillo (18-5-0) has been unable to string together successive victories across his last seven UFC appearances but is coming off a resolute win against the dangerous Damon Jackson. The 35-year-old tends to slacken his output in the latter stages of rounds, which can harm his chances with the judging panel; however, if he can dominate the early exchanges and apply sufficient pressure, his chances will improve sharply.

Youssef Zalal (13-5-1) was cut from the UFC roster in 2020 following three straight losses and one draw. One of those defeats was a tough three-rounder against Ilia Topuria, the current featherweight champ. Since his demotion, the 27-year-old has scored three straight stoppage wins in the Sparta Combat League, and he will be keen to cement his UFC position with a bold showing here.

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