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UFC Vegas 115 MMA Match Preview: Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev (8-0-0) vs. Brendson Ribeiro (17-9-0,1 NC)

Venue and Event Details
The Meta APEX (formerly UFC Apex) is UFC’s intimate, state-of-the-art 1,200-seat facility in Enterprise, Nevada (Las Vegas Valley). It features a regulation Octagon optimized for broadcast and close-quarters action. As a standard Fight Night, the event is invitation/broadcast-focused with no public ticket sales.

Fight Card Format: 13 bouts (5 main card on Paramount+, 8 prelims). This light heavyweight bout sits on the main card as a featured showcase. All non-headliner bouts are three rounds.

Start Times (all ET): Prelims begin at 5:00 p.m.; Main Card at 8:00 p.m. Live on Paramount+ (U.S.).

Weight Class: Light Heavyweight (205 lbs).

Injury Report and Card Notes
No injuries or withdrawals have been reported for this main-card bout or the broader card. Both Yakhyaev and Ribeiro made weight successfully. The lineup remains fully intact with all athletes medically cleared.

Key Fighter Matchups and Full Card Highlights
The card mixes veterans and prospects. Standouts include the main event (Moicano vs. Duncan) and co-main (Jandiroba vs. Ricci). Spotlight main-card feature:

Light Heavyweight Main Card: Abdul-Rakhman “The Hunter” Yakhyaev (8-0-0, Turkey/Chechnya) vs. Brendson “The Gorilla” Ribeiro (17-9-0, 1 NC, Brazil).

Yakhyaev (6’2″, ~78″ reach, Orthodox, age 25): Undefeated blue-chip prospect and finishing machine (3 KOs, 4 subs; 6 first-round finishes). Explosive power, elite grappling, and 100% takedown accuracy/100% takedown defense in UFC so far.

Ribeiro (6’3″, ~81″ reach, Orthodox, age 29): Veteran power striker/grappler with early danger but defensive vulnerabilities. UFC record sits at 2-4 (recent skid).
A classic prospect showcase: Yakhyaev’s perfect record and rapid finishes vs. Ribeiro’s experience and desperation in a high-stakes light heavyweight scrap.

Recent Fighter Forms and Fight History (Focus on Key Bouts)

Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev: Perfect 8-0, with both UFC wins coming in under a minute (33-second rear-naked choke sub vs. Rafael Cerqueira, Nov. 22, 2025; 30-second TKO vs. Alik Lorenz on DWCS, Aug. 2025). Pre-UFC: Multiple first-round subs and KOs in ARES FC and regional scenes. Strengths: Blistering pace, finishing rate (7 of 8 wins by stoppage), and well-rounded athleticism. No weaknesses exposed yet.

Brendson Ribeiro: 2-4 in UFC with a current two-fight losing skid via first-round TKO (to Oumar Sy in 4:42, Sep. 2025; to Azamat Murzakanov in 3:25, Jun. 2025). Prior: Sub win over Diyar Nurgozhay (Mar. 2025) and split decision over Caio Machado. Strengths: Early power and grappling bursts, but poor striking defense (absorbs high volume) and takedown defense (~18%) have been exploited.

Fight History: First meeting—no prior bouts. Yakhyaev enters as the heavy favorite in a classic “can he be stopped?” showcase against a veteran on the roster bubble.

FIGHT ODDS

Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev            – 1750
Brendson Ribeiro                             + 900

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 3, 2026

UFC Vegas 115 MMA Match Preview: Virna Jandiroba (22-4-0) vs. Tabatha Ricci (12-3-0)

Venue and Event Details
The Meta APEX (formerly UFC Apex) is UFC’s intimate, state-of-the-art 1,200-seat facility in Enterprise, Nevada (Las Vegas Valley). It features a regulation Octagon optimized for broadcast and close-quarters action. As a standard Fight Night, the event is invitation/broadcast-focused with no public ticket sales.

Fight Card Format: 13 bouts (5 main card on Paramount+, 8 prelims). All non-main events are three rounds; this co-main is three rounds (women’s strawweight).

Start Times (all ET): Prelims begin at 5:00 p.m.; Main Card at 8:00 p.m. Live on Paramount+ (U.S.).

Weight Class: This bout is the Women’s Strawweight (115 lbs) co-main event.

Injury Report and Card Notes
No injuries or withdrawals reported for the co-main or full card. Both Jandiroba and Ricci made weight successfully (Jandiroba at 115 lbs; Ricci at 115 lbs). The lineup remains fully intact with all athletes medically cleared.

Key Fighter Matchups and Full Card Highlights
The card mixes veterans and prospects across divisions. Standouts include the main event (Moicano vs. Duncan) and several ranked bouts. Spotlight co-main:

Women’s Strawweight Co-Main: Virna “Carcará” Jandiroba (#3, 22-4-0, Brazil) vs. Tabatha “Baby Shark” Ricci (#7, 12-3-0, Brazil).

Jandiroba (5’3″, 64″ reach, Orthodox, age 37): Elite BJJ black belt and former title challenger with 14 submission wins.

Ricci (5’1″, 61″ reach, age 31): Well-rounded judo base with improving striking and finishing ability (recent TKO highlight).
A pivotal rankings clash between two Brazilians with title implications—Jandiroba’s grappling pedigree vs. Ricci’s momentum and durability in a technical strawweight grinder.

Recent Fighter Forms and Fight History (Focus on Key Bouts)

Virna Jandiroba: 1-1 in her last two. Most recent: unanimous decision loss to Mackenzie Dern (UFC 321 title fight, Oct. 25, 2025); prior unanimous decision win over Yan Xiaonan (UFC 314, Apr. 2025). Earlier highlights include submission win over Amanda Lemos (Jul. 2024) and decision over Loopy Godinez. Strengths: Elite grappling, fight IQ, and control; occasional striking lapses exposed in title shots.

Tabatha Ricci: 1-1 in recent stretch but entering on a win. Most recent: second-round TKO (elbow) over Amanda Ribas (UFC Fight Night, Jul. 26, 2025); prior unanimous decision loss to Yan Xiaonan (Nov. 2024). UFC record 7-3 with wins over Angela Hill and Tecia Pennington. Strengths: Striking improvement, wrestling pressure, and finishing threat; coming off an eight-month layoff.

Fight History: First meeting—no prior bouts. High-level strawweight matchup with clear title-path ramifications for the winner.

FIGHT ODDS

Virna Jandiroba                – 135

Tabatha Ricci                     + 115

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 3, 2026

UFC Vegas 115 MMA Match Preview: Renato Moicano (20-7-1) vs. Chris Duncan (15-2-0)

Venue and Event Details
The Meta APEX (formerly UFC Apex) is UFC’s state-of-the-art, intimate 1,200-seat facility in Enterprise, Nevada (part of the Las Vegas Valley). It features a regulation Octagon optimized for broadcast and close-quarters action. As a standard Fight Night, the event is invitation/broadcast-focused with no public ticket sales.

Fight Card Format: 13 bouts total (5 main card, 8 prelims). Main event is five rounds; all others are three rounds.

Start Times (all ET): Prelims begin at 5:00 p.m.; Main Card at 8:00 p.m. Live on Paramount+ (U.S.). International broadcast varies by region.

Weight Class: Main event is Lightweight (155 lbs).

Injury Report and Card Notes
No major injuries or last-minute withdrawals have been reported for the full card, including the main event. Both Moicano and Duncan successfully made weight (both at 156.0 lbs). The lineup remains stable with all athletes medically cleared. Minor fight-week additions (e.g., short-notice bouts on prelims) occurred elsewhere, but the headline clash is unaffected.

Key Fighter Matchups and Full Card Highlights
The card blends veterans and prospects across divisions. Standouts include the co-main (Virna Jandiroba vs. Tabatha Ricci) and several ranked/prospect bouts. Spotlight main event:

Lightweight Main Event (5 rounds): Renato “Money” Moicano (20-7-1, Brazil) vs. Chris “The Problem” Duncan (15-2-0, Scotland/UK).

Moicano (6’0″, 74″ reach, Orthodox, age 36): Former UFC Lightweight title challenger and elite BJJ specialist (8 career submissions). Known for fight IQ, leg kicks, and submission threat off his back.

Duncan (5’11”, ~72″ reach, age 32): Rising ATT prospect on a four-fight win streak with multiple finishes. Well-rounded with power striking, wrestling, and grappling.

Both train at American Top Team in South Florida, adding teammate intrigue to this high-stakes lightweight main event.

Recent Fighter Forms and Fight History (Focus on Key Bouts)

Renato Moicano: Enters on a two-fight skid and making his 2026 debut after a layoff since June 2025. Most recent: unanimous decision loss to Beneil Dariush (UFC 317, June 2025); submission loss (D’arce choke) to Islam Makhachev (UFC 311, Jan. 2025). Prior highlights include wins over Benoît Saint Denis and Jalin Turner. Strengths: Elite grappling (54% of wins by sub), experience against top competition, and durability. Question marks remain around his recent form and age.

Chris Duncan: Red-hot with a four-fight win streak, including finishes over Terrance McKinney (anaconda choke, Dec. 2025), Mateusz Rębecki (UD), and Jordan Vucenic (guillotine). Pre-streak losses were early in his UFC career. Strengths: Momentum, finishing ability (7 KOs, 4 subs career), well-rounded skill set, and youth/athleticism edge.

Fight History: First meeting—no prior bouts. This is a classic experience-vs-momentum matchup with both fighters known for finishes.

FIGHT ODDS

Renato Moicano              + 155

Chris Duncan                     – 190

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 3, 2026

UFC Vegas 115 MMA Match Preview: Kai Kamaka III (17-7-1) vs. Dakota Hope (11-1-0)

Venue and Event Details
The Meta APEX (formerly UFC Apex) is UFC’s intimate, state-of-the-art 1,200-seat facility in Enterprise, Nevada (Las Vegas Valley). It features a regulation Octagon optimized for broadcast and close-quarters action. As a standard Fight Night, the event is invitation/broadcast-focused with no public ticket sales.

Fight Card Format: 13 bouts (5 main card on Paramount+, 8 prelims). All non-main events are three rounds.

Start Times (all ET): Prelims begin at 5:00 p.m.; Main Card at 8:00 p.m. Live on Paramount+ (U.S.).

Weight Class: This bout is a Lightweight (155 lbs) prelim (fight 1 of 13 on the preliminary card).

Injury Report and Card Notes
This matchup was added on extremely short notice (just five days for Kamaka), serving as a late addition to fill out the card. No injuries or withdrawals have been reported; both fighters successfully made weight (Kamaka and Hope at 155.0 lbs). The lineup remains stable with all athletes medically cleared. Kamaka had been training consistently outside the UFC and stepped in without issue.

Key Fighter Matchups and Full Card Highlights
The card mixes veterans and prospects. Standouts include the main event (Moicano vs. Duncan) and co-main (Jandiroba vs. Ricci). Spotlight prelim opener:

Lightweight Prelim: Kai “The Fighting Hawaiian” Kamaka III (17-7-1, USA) vs. Dakota “Huracán” Hope (11-1-0, USA).

Kamaka III (5’7″, 69″ reach, Orthodox, age 31): UFC veteran returning after a 2020–21 stint (1-2-1 record) and strong performances in Bellator and PFL. Known for durability, striking creativity, and highlight-reel finishes.

Hope (5’6″, 68″ reach, age 29): UFC debutant and rising regional prospect on a five-fight win streak, including multiple first-round knockouts. Power puncher with well-rounded skills and finishing ability (5 KOs).
A classic veteran-vs-prospect lightweight scrap on short notice, pitting Kamaka’s Octagon experience against Hope’s momentum and early danger.

Recent Fighter Forms and Fight History (Focus on Key Bouts)

Kai Kamaka III: Strong run outside the UFC post-release (6-1 in Bellator, 2-1 in PFL with a playoff appearance before a loss to Brendan Loughnane). Recent form shows wins via KO and decisions; last UFC appearance was years ago. Strengths: Experience, durability, and technical striking, but short-notice return adds rust concerns.

Dakota Hope: 5 straight wins on the regional scene (LFA, Fury FC, Peak Fighting), most recently a brutal first-round TKO. Pre-UFC: Peak Fighting Featherweight champion with a high finish rate. Strengths: Power, early pressure, and well-rounded game; question marks on UFC-level opposition.

Fight History: First meeting—no prior bouts. Kamaka gets a second UFC chance on short notice; Hope makes his promotional debut in a high-stakes spot.

FIGHT ODDS

Kai Kamaka III                   – 160

Dakota Hope                     + 130

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 3, 2026

UFC Vegas 115 MMA Match Preview: Dione Barbosa (8-4-0) vs. Melissa Gatto (9-2-2)

The Meta APEX (formerly UFC Apex) is UFC’s intimate, state-of-the-art 1,200-seat facility in Enterprise, Nevada (Las Vegas Valley). It features a regulation Octagon optimized for broadcast and close-quarters action. As a standard Fight Night, the event is invitation/broadcast-focused with no public ticket sales.

Fight Card Format: 13 bouts (5 main card on Paramount+, 8 prelims). All non-main events are three rounds.

Start Times (all ET): Prelims begin at 5:00 p.m.; Main Card at 8:00 p.m. Live on Paramount+ (U.S.).

Weight Class: This bout is the Women’s Flyweight (125 lbs) prelim opener (first fight of the night).

Injury Report and Card Notes
No injuries or withdrawals have been reported for this flyweight prelim or the broader card. Both Barbosa and Gatto made weight successfully (Barbosa 126 lbs, Gatto 125.5 lbs). The lineup remains fully intact with all athletes medically cleared.

Key Fighter Matchups and Full Card Highlights
The card mixes veterans and prospects. Standouts include the main event (Moicano vs. Duncan) and co-main (Jandiroba vs. Ricci). Spotlight prelim opener:

Women’s Flyweight Prelim: Dione “The Witch” Barbosa (8-4-0, Brazil) vs. Melissa Gatto (9-2-2, Brazil).

Barbosa (5’6″, 66″ reach, Orthodox, age 33): Former Olympic judoka with well-rounded skills and grappling base. UFC record 2-2 since DWCS win.

Gatto (5’5″, 69″ reach, age 29): Striker/grappler returning from a long layoff. UFC record 3-2 prior to hiatus.
A Brazilian flyweight clash pitting Barbosa’s activity and judo base against Gatto’s power and layoff rust in a classic stylistic contrast.

Recent Fighter Forms and Fight History (Focus on Key Bouts)

Dione Barbosa: 2-2 in UFC. Most recent: unanimous decision loss to Karine Silva (August 2025); first-round submission win over Diana Belbita (April 2025). Earlier: competitive decision loss to Miranda Maverick and win over Ernesta Kareckaite. Pre-UFC: strong Contender Series showing. Strengths: Judo throws, submissions, and pace; struggles to adjust when early game plan fails.

Melissa Gatto: Returning after a 23-month layoff. Last fight: body-punch TKO win over Tamires Vidal (May 2024 at 135 lbs); prior narrow split-decision loss to Ariane Lipski. UFC record 3-2 before hiatus. Strengths: Striking power, clinch work, and finishing ability, but ring rust is a major question mark.

Fight History: First meeting—no prior bouts. Barbosa enters more active and battle-tested; Gatto looks to prove she can still hang at 125 lbs after the extended time off.

FIGHT ODDS

Dione Barbosa                   – 140

Melissa Gatto                    + 115

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 3, 2026

UFC Vegas 115 MMA Match Preview: Azamat Bekoev (20-4-0) vs. Tresean Gore (5-4-0)

Venue and Event Details
The Meta APEX (formerly UFC Apex) is UFC’s intimate, state-of-the-art 1,200-seat facility in Enterprise, Nevada (Las Vegas Valley). It features a regulation Octagon optimized for broadcast and close-quarters action. As a standard Fight Night, the event is invitation/broadcast-focused with no public ticket sales.

Fight Card Format: 13 bouts (5 main card on Paramount+, 8 prelims). All non-main events are three rounds.

Start Times (all ET): Prelims begin at 5:00 p.m.; Main Card at 8:00 p.m. Live on Paramount+ (U.S.).

Weight Class: This bout is Middleweight (185 lbs) on the prelims (approximately fight 7 of 13).

Injury Report and Card Notes
No injuries or withdrawals have been reported for this middleweight prelim or the broader card. Both Bekoev and Gore made weight without issue. The lineup remains fully intact with all athletes medically cleared.

Key Fighter Matchups and Full Card Highlights
The card mixes veterans and prospects. Standouts include the main event (Moicano vs. Duncan) and co-main (Jandiroba vs. Ricci). Spotlight prelim:

Middleweight Prelim: Azamat “Iron” Bekoev (20-4-0, Kyrgyzstan/USA) vs. Tresean “Mr. Vicious” Gore (5-4-0, USA).

Bekoev (6’0″, 75″ reach, Orthodox, age 31): Explosive power puncher and finisher (multiple first-round KOs in UFC). UFC record includes highlight-reel stoppages over Ryan Loder and Zachary Reese.

Gore (6’0″, reach ~76″, Orthodox): Power striker with grappling (recent sub win outside UFC but 0-3 or worse skid inside the Octagon). Known for early aggression but poor defensive metrics.
This is a classic power-vs-power middleweight scrap with identical height but a significant experience and athleticism gap favoring Bekoev.

Recent Fighter Forms and Fight History (Focus on Key Bouts)

Azamat Bekoev: 1-1 in his last two UFC bouts. Most recent: TKO loss (punches) to Yousri Belgaroui (R3, 0:55, Oct. 18, 2025). Prior: Dominant 1st-round TKO wins over Ryan Loder (May 2025) and Zachary Reese (Jan. 2025). Pre-UFC: LFA title contender with finishing power. Strengths: Striking output, knockout power, and pace.

Tresean Gore: Struggling 1-3 in recent UFC appearances. Most recent: Unanimous decision loss to Rodolfo Vieira (Aug. 2025); TKO loss to Marco Tulio (Apr. 2025); sub win over Antonio Trocoli (Nov. 2024). Gore absorbs high volume (7+ significant strikes per minute) and blocks only ~40% of strikes. Strengths: Early pressure and power, but durability and defense have been major issues.

Fight History: First meeting—no prior bouts. Bekoev enters on a mission to rebound from his first UFC loss; Gore is fighting to stay relevant on the roster.

FIGHT ODDS

Azamat Bekoev                 – 575

Tresean Gore                     + 450

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 3, 2026

UFC Vegas 115 MMA Match Preview: Alice Pereira (6-1-0) vs. Hailey Cowan (7-4-0)

Venue and Event Details
The Meta APEX (formerly UFC Apex) is UFC’s intimate, state-of-the-art 1,200-seat facility in Enterprise, Nevada (Las Vegas Valley). It features a regulation Octagon optimized for broadcast and close-quarters action. As a standard Fight Night, the event is invitation/broadcast-focused with no public ticket sales.

Fight Card Format: 13 bouts (5 main card on Paramount+, 8 prelims). All non-main events are three rounds.

Start Times (all ET): Prelims begin at 5:00 p.m.; Main Card at 8:00 p.m. Live on Paramount+ (U.S.).

Weight Class: This bout is Women’s Bantamweight (135 lbs) on the prelims (approximately fight 6–7 of 13).

Injury Report and Card Notes
No major injuries or last-minute withdrawals have been reported for the full card, including this women’s bantamweight prelim. Both Pereira and Cowan successfully made weight (Pereira at 135 lbs; Cowan at 136 lbs). The lineup remains stable with all athletes medically cleared. Minor fight-week adjustments occurred elsewhere on the card, but this matchup is unaffected.

Key Fighter Matchups and Full Card Highlights
The card mixes veterans and prospects across divisions. Standouts include the main event (Moicano vs. Duncan) and co-main (Jandiroba vs. Ricci). Spotlight prelim:

Women’s Bantamweight Prelim: Alice “Golden Girl” Pereira (6-1-0, Brazil) vs. Hailey “All Hail” Cowan (7-4-0, USA).

Pereira (5’8″, 71″ reach, Orthodox, age ~22–23): Youngest fighter on the current UFC roster. Explosive striker with four first-round finishes and strong knockout power (4 KOs). UFC debut: Split-decision loss to Montse Rendon (Sep. 2025).

Cowan (5’8″, ~69–71″ reach, age 34): Freestyle fighter with wrestling/grappling base (2 KOs, 2 subs). UFC record 0-2 (losses to Jamey-Lyn Horth by UD in 2023 and Nora Cornolle by RNC in Apr. 2025).

This matchup pits Pereira’s prospect-level power and athleticism against Cowan’s veteran experience and grappling in a classic “winless-in-UFC” scrap at 135 lbs.

Recent Fighter Forms and Fight History (Focus on Key Bouts)

Alice Pereira: 1-1 in her last two (UFC debut loss to Rendon by split decision after a dominant regional run). Pre-UFC: Undefeated with highlight-reel KOs and a title win (Cage Masters FC). Strengths: Striking volume, power, and youth/explosiveness.

Hailey Cowan: 0-2 in UFC (recent sub loss to Cornolle after nearly a year layoff; prior UD loss to Horth). Pre-UFC: Strong Invicta/DWCS showing. Strengths: Wrestling pressure and durability, but recent finishes expose chin/pace issues.

Fight History: First meeting—no prior bouts. Both enter desperate for their first UFC victory in a depleted women’s bantamweight division.

FIGHT ODDS

Alice Pereira                      – 120

Hailey Cowan                    + 100

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 3, 2026

UFC Vegas 115 MMA Match Preview: Lando Vannata (12-7-2) vs. Darrius Flowers (12-8-1)

Venue and Event Details
The Meta APEX is UFC’s intimate, state-of-the-art 1,200-seat facility in Enterprise, Nevada (Las Vegas Valley). It features a regulation Octagon optimized for broadcast and close-quarters action. As a standard Fight Night, the event is invitation/broadcast-focused with no public ticket sales.

Fight Card Format: 13 bouts (5 main card on Paramount+, 8 prelims). All non-main events are three rounds.

Start Times (all ET): Prelims begin at 5:00 p.m.; Main Card at 8:00 p.m. Live on Paramount+ (U.S.).

Weight Class: This bout is Lightweight (155 lbs) on the prelims (approximately fight 5 of 13).

Injury Report and Card Notes
No major injuries or withdrawals reported for the full card, including this lightweight prelim. Lando Vannata has been open about dealing with prior “medical stuff” and life issues during his nearly three-year layoff (booked fights in 2023–2024 fell through), but he is fully cleared, recharged, and back in full training. Both fighters made weight successfully (Vannata and Flowers at 156.0 lbs). The lineup remains stable with all athletes medically cleared.

Key Fighter Matchups and Full Card Highlights
The card mixes veterans and prospects. Standouts include the main event (Moicano vs. Duncan) and co-main (Jandiroba vs. Ricci). Spotlight prelim:

Lightweight Prelim: Lando “Groovy” Vannata (12-7-2, USA) vs. Darrius “Beast Mode” Flowers (12-8-1, USA).

Vannata (5’9″, 71″ reach, Orthodox, age 34): UFC veteran known for highlight-reel finishes (wheel kick KO over Makdessi) and durable, flashy style. UFC record 4-7-2 with notable wins over Yancy Medeiros and Mike Grundy.

Flowers (5’9″, 71″ reach, age 31): Power puncher and finisher making his fourth UFC appearance. 0-3 inside the Octagon so far but dangerous early with KO power (8 career KOs).

Identical height/reach sets up a classic stand-up battle with grappling threats—Vannata’s experience vs. Flowers’ size/pressure edge at 155 lbs.

Recent Fighter Forms and Fight History (Focus on Key Bouts)

Lando Vannata: 2-3 in last five UFC bouts. Most recent: unanimous decision loss to Daniel Zellhuber (April 15, 2023). Prior: sub loss to Charles Jourdain (April 2022), split-decision win over Mike Grundy (May 2021). Long layoff (nearly 3 years) raises ring-rust questions, but he’s only 34 and has trained consistently. Strengths: Striking creativity, durability, and Octagon experience.

Darrius Flowers: 0-3 in UFC (three-fight losing streak). Most recent: arm-triangle sub loss to Evan Elder (July 13, 2024); unanimous decision loss to Michael Johnson (Feb. 2024); rear-naked choke sub loss to Jake Matthews (July 2023). Pre-UFC: strong regional finisher via DWCS. Strengths: Early pressure, KO power, but struggles with elite pace and submissions.

Fight History: First meeting—no prior bouts. Both fighters are coming off extended inactivity and recent setbacks, making this a high-stakes “prove-it” scrap for roster spots.

FIGHT ODDS

Lando Vannata                  – 235

Darrius Flowers                + 195

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 3, 2026

UFC Vegas 115 MMA Match Preview: Alessandro Costa (14-5-0) vs. Stewart Nicoll (8-2-0)

Venue and Event Details
The Meta APEX (formerly UFC Apex) is UFC’s state-of-the-art, intimate 1,200-seat facility in Enterprise, Nevada (part of the Las Vegas Valley). It features a regulation octagon, elite broadcast setup, and fan-friendly viewing angles. As a standard UFC Fight Night, expect a high-energy atmosphere with no public ticket sales (invitation-only or broadcast-focused).

Fight Card Format: 13 bouts total (5 main card, 8 prelims). All fights are three rounds except the main event (five rounds).

Start Times (all ET): Prelims begin at 5:00 p.m.; Main Card at 8:00 p.m. Live on Paramount+ (U.S.). International broadcast varies by region.

Weight Classes: Heavyweight, lightweight, women’s strawweight, light heavyweight, bantamweight, featherweight, and more across the card—this specific bout is a flyweight (125 lbs) prelim.

Injury Report and Card Notes
No major injuries or last-minute withdrawals have been reported for the current fight card, including this flyweight bout. Both Costa and Nicoll successfully made weight (Costa at 125.5 lbs). Minor fight-week additions occurred elsewhere on the card, but the lineup remains stable. All fighters are medically cleared and expected to compete at full strength.

Key Fighter Matchups and Full Card Highlights
The card blends veteran experience with rising prospects across multiple divisions. Standout bouts include the main event (Moicano vs. Duncan) and co-main (Jandiroba vs. Ricci). For the prelims spotlight:

Flyweight (125 lbs) Prelim: Alessandro “Nono” Costa (14-5-0, Brazil) vs. Stewart “Kakamora” Nicoll (8-2-0, Australia).

Costa (5’4″, 67″ reach, Orthodox): Experienced UFC flyweight with power and grappling (5 KOs, 6 subs).

UFC debut via Dana White’s Contender Series; flashes of elite upside but inconsistent results (2-3 or 3-3 in the promotion).

Nicoll (5’5″, ~65.5″ reach): Australian prospect making his third UFC appearance. Strong regional finisher (4 KOs, 3 subs) but 0-2 inside the Octagon so far.

This matchup pits Costa’s Octagon experience and striking volume against Nicoll’s wrestling/grappling background in a classic flyweight scrap full of speed and technique.

Recent Fighter Forms and Fight History (Focus on Key Bouts)

Alessandro Costa: Recent form is 2-3 in his last five UFC bouts—most recently a TKO loss to Alden Coria (Round 3, 0:47) in September 2025 after a highlight-reel KO win over Kevin Borjas (Round 2, May 2024). Earlier losses to top competition (Amir Albazi, Steve Erceg) show he can hang with elites but has struggled with consistency. Strengths: Leg kicks, power, and submission threat off his back.

Stewart Nicoll: 0-2 in the UFC with losses to Lucas Rocha (unanimous decision, October 2025) and Jesus Aguilar (guillotine sub, Round 1, UFC 305 in August 2024). Pre-UFC he was a finishing machine on the regional scene. Strengths: Wrestling and early pressure, but durability and pace have been questioned against UFC-level opposition.

Fight History: First meeting between the two. No prior history; Costa enters as the more battle-tested veteran in a bounce-back spot for both.

FIGHT ODDS

Alessandro Costa             – 425

Stewart Nicoll                   + 320

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 3, 2026

UFC Vegas 115 MMA Match Preview: Guilherme Pat (6-0-0) vs. Thomas Petersen (10-4-0)

Venue and Event Details
The Meta APEX (formerly UFC Apex) is UFC’s state-of-the-art, intimate 1,200-seat facility in Enterprise, Nevada (part of the Las Vegas Valley). It features a regulation octagon, elite broadcast setup, and fan-friendly viewing angles. As a standard UFC Fight Night, expect a high-energy atmosphere with no public ticket sales (invitation-only or broadcast-focused).

Fight Card Format: 13 bouts total (5 main card, 8 prelims). All fights are three rounds except the main event (five rounds).

Start Times (all ET): Prelims begin at 5:00 p.m.; Main Card at 8:00 p.m. Live on Paramount+ (U.S.). International broadcast varies by region.

Weight Classes: Heavyweight, lightweight, women’s strawweight, light heavyweight, bantamweight, featherweight, and more across the card.

Injury Report and Card Notes
No major injuries or last-minute withdrawals have been reported for the current fight card. Minor fight-week additions occurred (e.g., Kai Kamaka III vs. Dakota Hope on short notice in the prelims), but the lineup remains stable. One earlier scheduled bout (Jun Yong Park vs. Edmen Shahbazyan) was removed from this event due to injury, but it does not affect the remaining matchups. All fighters are medically cleared and expected to compete at full strength.

Key Fighter Matchups

Featherweight Prelim Spotlight – Heavyweight (the requested matchup):

Guilherme “Kong” Pat (6-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Thomas “The Train” Petersen (10-4, 2-3 UFC).

Pat (6’5″, Brazil): Undefeated southpaw with significant reach advantage (81″ reach), elite athleticism, and knockout power (4 KOs). UFC debut: Unanimous decision win over Allen Frye Jr. in Dec. 2025. Recent form: 5 straight wins, including a dominant LFA TKO. Strengths: Size, power, distance management.

Petersen (6’1″, USA): Veteran power puncher with UFC experience. Recent form: 2-3 in last five (losses include KO/TKO to Vitor Petrino and others; wins over Don’Tale Mayes by decision). Record shows finishing ability (7 KOs) but vulnerability to elite size/athleticism. Strengths: Experience, boxing, durability in scrambles.

This heavyweight prelim is expected to be a striking battle with Pat’s height/reach potentially neutralizing Petersen’s pressure.

Recent Fighter Forms and Fight History (Focus on Key Bouts)

Moicano: Strong grappling base (20+ takedowns in UFC career, 6 subs); recent form mixed (losses to top competition but competitive).

Duncan: Four-fight win streak with finishes; aggressive style suits the Apex.


Pat vs. Petersen: First meeting (no prior history). Pat is 6-0 with momentum; Petersen is 10-4 but has shown chin issues in recent KOs. Heavyweight bouts at Apex often favor the bigger, more athletic fighter early.

FIGHT ODDS

Guilherme Pat                  – 105

Thomas Petersen             – 115

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 3, 2026