UFC Vegas 98 is upon us on October 12, 2024, and there are some interesting matchups and betting opportunities to consider. The event takes place back at the UFC Apex, with a main event that promises to be pivotal in shaping the flyweight division. Let’s take a closer look at each fight and make some predictions.
Clayton Carpenter vs. Lucas Rocha
Clayton Carpenter is a prospect with an impressive grappling game. He has showcased strong top control and submission skills, which will be key against Lucas Rocha, a debutant who hasn’t faced this level of competition. Rocha has some defensive vulnerabilities, especially when it comes to grappling, which Carpenter will likely exploit. Expect Carpenter to pressure early, secure takedowns, and dominate from top position.
Prediction: Clayton Carpenter to win
Daniel Argueta vs. Cody Haddon
Daniel Argueta has a well-rounded game with grappling as his strongest asset. Cody Haddon, while promising, hasn’t faced the caliber of fighters that Argueta has. Argueta’s ability to control opponents on the mat with submissions and relentless ground control will likely give him the edge. Haddon may have his moments on the feet, but once the fight hits the mat, Argueta’s experience and grappling will shine through.
Prediction: Daniel Argueta to win
Chris Barnett vs. Junior Tafa
Chris Barnett is known for his unpredictable style, wild exchanges, and durability. Junior Tafa has big power and will look to finish Barnett early. However, Barnett’s ability to take punishment and keep coming forward makes him a dangerous opponent in longer fights. If Barnett can survive the early storm from Tafa, he could capitalize later when Tafa slows down, turning this into a high-risk, high-reward fight.
Prediction: Chris Barnett to win
Themba Gorimbo vs. Niko Price
Themba Gorimbo’s wrestling and control-based style could prove to be a problem for Niko Price, who thrives in chaotic exchanges but struggles against fighters who can take him down and control him on the mat. Gorimbo’s wrestling will likely dictate the pace of this fight, allowing him to neutralize Price’s striking. While Price is always dangerous with his unpredictability, Gorimbo’s top control and grappling should lead him to a decision victory.
Prediction: Themba Gorimbo to win
Jonathan Pearce vs. Pat Sabatini
This grappler-heavy matchup features Jonathan Pearce’s relentless wrestling against Pat Sabatini’s slick submission game. Pearce’s pressure and ability to grind down opponents with his wrestling have been impressive, but Sabatini’s submission skills, particularly in scrambles, could be the deciding factor. Sabatini is dangerous from almost any position on the ground, and if Pearce isn’t careful in transitions, he could find himself in trouble. In what should be a competitive grappling battle, Sabatini’s ability to find submissions may give him the edge.
Prediction: Pat Sabatini to win
Carlos Vergara vs. Ramazonbek Temirov
Carlos Vergara has shown his potential with aggressive striking and constant pressure, and this fight against the UFC debutant Ramazonbek Temirov could be an opportunity for him to shine. Temirov is relatively unknown at this level, and Vergara’s experience in the UFC should give him a distinct advantage. Expect Vergara to push the pace and control the exchanges, both on the feet and in clinch situations, leading to a decision victory.
Prediction: Carlos Vergara to win
Chidi Njokuani vs. Jared Gooden
Chidi Njokuani is a technical striker with excellent ability to control range and pace, which will be crucial against Jared Gooden. Gooden is always a threat with his knockout power, but Njokuani’s ability to maintain distance and pick apart his opponents from the outside should allow him to avoid Gooden’s heavy punches. If Njokuani can stick to his game plan and avoid trading in the pocket, he should outpoint Gooden in a striking-heavy affair.
Prediction: Chidi Njokuani to win
Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. Joshua Fremd
Abdul Razak Alhassan is known for his explosive knockout power, and Joshua Fremd may have difficulty handling that pressure. Fremd has struggled to impose his grappling in previous fights, and without a solid takedown game, he could be left vulnerable to Alhassan’s early aggression. Alhassan will likely come out fast, looking for the knockout within the first round, and if Fremd can’t neutralize that, this fight could end quickly.
Prediction: Abdul Razak Alhassan to win
Daniel Rodriguez vs. Alex Morono
Daniel Rodriguez is a dangerous striker who likes to keep the fight standing, which plays perfectly into his matchup with Alex Morono. Morono has struggled defensively in his recent fights, especially against aggressive strikers, and Rodriguez is likely to take advantage of those gaps. Rodriguez’s ability to apply pressure and land heavy punches should make it difficult for Morono to control the pace, leading to a possible knockout or a decision victory for Rodriguez.
Prediction: Daniel Rodriguez to win
Julia Polastri vs. Cory McKenna
Cory McKenna’s grappling will be her key to victory in this matchup. Julia Polastri is a skilled striker, but her takedown defense is questionable. If McKenna can secure takedowns and control Polastri on the mat, she should be able to dominate the fight. While Polastri is dangerous on the feet, McKenna’s ability to grind out control time with her wrestling should be enough to get her the win.
Prediction: Cory McKenna to win
Grant Dawson vs. Rafa Garcia
Grant Dawson is a dominant wrestler who thrives in top control, and this fight against Rafa Garcia should showcase that. Garcia is tough and resilient, but Dawson’s relentless pressure and grappling are likely to overwhelm him. Dawson has the ability to secure takedowns and control opponents for extended periods, which should lead to a dominant performance and a clear win.
Prediction: Grant Dawson to win
Brad Tavares vs. Jun Yong Park
Brad Tavares has historically had some of the best takedown defense in the UFC, and that could be a problem for Jun Yong Park, who relies heavily on his grappling. While Tavares has shown signs of decline in recent fights, his ability to stuff takedowns and control the fight on the feet may give him an advantage here. Park is younger and more aggressive, but Tavares’ experience and defensive abilities could allow him to grind out a decision win.
Prediction: Brad Tavares to win
Brandon Royval vs. Tatsuro Taira
Tatsuro Taira is a rising star in the flyweight division, known for his outstanding grappling. Brandon Royval is a scrappy, dangerous fighter with finishing abilities, but his tendency to give up takedowns could be his undoing in this fight. Taira’s wrestling and ability to control fights on the mat will likely be the deciding factor. While Royval can be explosive, Taira’s ability to impose his grappling will likely lead him to a victory.
Prediction: Tatsuro Taira to win
Those are the predictions for UFC Vegas 98. While it may not be the most stacked card of the year, there are still some intriguing matchups and opportunities for betting. Remember to consider each prediction individually and avoid bundling them all into one bet slip, as every fight has its own unique variables and outcomes. Bet responsibly!
