UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs Murphy main card preview & picks

The main card for UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs Murphy presents a series of interesting matchups and betting opportunities. The co-main event looks like a Fight of the Night contender between Khaos Williams and Carlston Harris, wild strikers Adrian Yanez and Vinicius Salvador will throw down in what looks like a brief affair, and the timeless Angela Hill will face promising Brazilian prospect Luana Pinheiro. Read on to see our top tips and fight predictions.

Edson Barboza v Lerone Murphy

Edson Barboza vs Lerone Murphy

The main event for UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs Murphy in Las Vegas pits a Brazilian MMA striking legend against an unbeaten British fighter on the rise. See our betting preview for Edson Barboza v Lerone Murphy here.

Khaos Williams v Carlston Harris

Khaos Williams vs Carlston Harris

Khaos Williams (14-3-0) is a talented welterweight striker who has only ever been defeated via the scorecards. He has won three out of his last four bouts, including a decision win over Rolando Bedoya at UFC 288 last May. The 30-year-old has worked hard to temper an unorthodox style with strict boxing and jiu-jitsu training; however, he can overextend on occasion, which leaves counterpunching and takedown openings.

Carlston Harris (19-5-0) has built a solid UFC record with four wins and one loss since debuting in 2021. The 36-year-old boasts a well-rounded MMA game that includes volume strikes, the occasional power shot, and a dangerous grappling arsenal. If the Guyanese fighter can break even in the stand-up portion of this bout, his submission skills may prove the difference.

Themba Gorimbo v Ramiz Brahimaj

Themba Gorimbo vs Ramiz Brahimaj

Themba Gorimbo (12-4-0) is a promising welterweight coming off a 32-second TKO win at his last contest in February 2024. The South African is primarily a submission fighter, so it was encouraging to see better striking output from him in the victory. That may prove the winning path here over a much shorter opponent who is not renowned for his stand-up skills.

Ramiz Brahimaj (10-4-0) is an unlucky fighter who has been cruelled by injuries throughout his career. The 31-year-old is coming off a two-year break after a series of unfortunate events and holds a 2-2 record at the UFC. The American has completed all his victories via submission and will need to fight at close range where he can use body locks to hunt for throws and takedowns.

Adrian Yanez v Vinicius Salvador

Adrian Yanez vs Vinicius Salvador

Adrian Yanez (16-5-0) is coming off successive TKO losses after showing early promise with five straight UFC wins. The 30-year-old is a knockout artist with 10 KO wins as a professional, but he can grow a little impatient when the finish eludes him. The American’s record with the judging panel is hit-and-miss, and he relies on heavy boxing strikes to get the job done.

Vinicius Salvador (14-6-0) is looking to chalk up his first UFC win after two straight losses with the promotion. The 27-year-old moves up a division after struggling at the scales and missing weight at 125 pounds. The Brazilian throws all his strikes with wild intent and often leaves openings, while his 14 professional wins have all come via stoppage, so this should be an intense scrap.

Luana Pinheiro v Angela Hill

Luana Pinheiro vs Angela Hill

Luana Pinheiro (11-2-0) has looked impressive since making her UFC debut in 2021, posting three wins and one loss. The defeat was a rare spinning-kick KO inflicted by Amanda Ribas in November 2023, and the 31-year-old is out to recapture the form that thrust her into the top 10 of the women’s strawweight division. Luana’s weakness can be a lack of finishing power as a fight progresses beyond the opening minutes.

Angela Hill (16-13-0) has won three of her last four fights and will enjoy a two-inch reach advantage which may prove critical to her striking success. Hill is adept both in close and from longer range but has struggled with defensive wrestling throughout her career. The veteran normally finishes strongly, so the second round might decide her chances in Vegas.

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