The UFC returns to the UFC APEX in Las Vegas this weekend with a compact but intriguing card featuring rising contenders, elite strikers and decorated grapplers. We’ve highlighted three key main-card bouts (taking place early Sunday morning in South Africa) and take a look at each from a betting perspective.
Click here for the full card betting
KENNEDY NZECHUKWU vs MARCUS “BUCHECHA” ALMEIDA
Light Heavyweight
Kennedy Nzechukwu enters this clash looking to reassert himself in a busy light heavyweight landscape. His size, reach and resilience make him a difficult assignment for any opponent, and his best work typically comes late as he applies steady pressure and accumulates damage.
Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida brings one of the most decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) résumés in the world, with world-class submission skills and dominant grappling. His MMA transition has shown strong takedowns and top control, but he still lacks the UFC experience and cage time that Nzechukwu has built.
The key question is whether Almeida can secure early takedowns before Nzechukwu’s striking and superior late-fight cardio begin to tilt the fight.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Nzechukwu 1.80
Almeida 2.05
VERDICT:
Almeida is a huge submission threat early, but if Nzechukwu survives the first round, his pace and striking should take over.
Prediction: Nzechukwu by TKO in Round 2 or 3
GIGA CHIKADZE vs KEVIN VALLEJOS
Featherweight
Giga Chikadze remains one of the UFC’s elite strikers, armed with vicious body kicks, sharp hands and elite distance management. When he finds rhythm early, he can control a fight with precision and power.
Kevin Vallejos is a rising prospect with strong pace and athleticism, but this bout marks a significant step up in class. To win, he must apply pressure, disrupt Giga’s timing and add wrestling threats to prevent a clean kickboxing match.
If this stays at range, Chikadze’s class and striking accuracy should shine through.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Chikadze 3.40
Vallejos 1.33
VERDICT:
Vallejos has potential, but Chikadze’s striking pedigree and experience give him a realistic chance at an upset.
Prediction: Chikadze to win
BRANDON ROYVAL vs MANEL KAPE
Flyweight
Brandon Royval brings chaos, creativity and relentless aggression into the octagon. His ability to create scrambles and force high-tempo exchanges is unmatched in the division.
Manel Kape, however, is a master of timing and counter-striking. His power and accuracy make him a serious threat anytime an opponent overcommits and Royval’s style tends to create those openings.
If Kape keeps this clean and patient, he should find the better opportunities throughout the fight.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Royval 3.40
Kape 1.36
VERDICT:
Royval’s pace is dangerous, but Kape’s sharper striking and discipline make him the deserved favourite.
Prediction: Kape to win by Decision
MMA Double Up
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SUGGESTED BETS (Across All Three Fights)
- Kennedy Nzechukwu by KO AT 2.50
- Giga Chikadze to Win at 3.40
- Manel Kape to Win by Decision at 4.00
- Treble: Nzechukwu / Chikadze / Kape – All to Win at 8.45
All betting prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change. Please check the latest odds before placing your bets.
