Sunday, April 5, 2026
Mikey Balhan Sports
Home Blog Page 9

Milwaukee Brewers Sign Infielder Cooper Pratt to Multi-Year Contract

0

Pratt Agrees to Eight-Year Deal Through 2033 with Club Options for 2034 and 2035

MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee Brewers have signed infielder Cooper Pratt to an eight-year contract through 2033 with club options for 2034 and 2035. Pratt has been added to the 40-man roster and optioned to Triple-A Nashville. In a corresponding move, outfielder Steward Berroa was designated for assignment. The announcement was made by President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Matt Arnold.

“We are very excited to make this long-term commitment to Cooper,” said Arnold. “He is a player we feel will be an instrumental part of our future success in Milwaukee. Cooper has all the tools to be a special player, and we are thrilled that he will be in a Brewers uniform for years to come. This commitment continues to show our organization’s passion, led by ownership, to consistently produce a winning team season after season.”

Brewers manager Pat Murphy added, “More than his baseball ability is just who Cooper is as a person. I think Brewers fans will fall in love with him. He is a remarkable kid who has great baseball acumen and comes from a baseball family.”

Pratt, 21, was selected by Milwaukee in the sixth round of the 2023 First-Year Player Draft out of Magnolia Heights (MS) High School and was signed by scout Scott Nichols. He committed to the University of Mississippi prior to being drafted. Pratt is currently ranked as the third-best prospect in the Brewers organization and 51st overall prospect in baseball according to Baseball America. He is currently ranked by MLB Pipeline as the fourth-best prospect in the organization and 62nd overall prospect in baseball.

Pratt was named 2024 Brewers Co-Minor League Player of the Year (with Jesús Made) after batting .277 with 8 HR, 45 RBI and 27 SB in 96 games between Class-A Carolina (73 games) and Class-A Wisconsin (23 games). He earned a Gold Glove Award that season as the top defensive shortstop in Minor League Baseball and was selected to the All-Star Futures Game.

Pratt, who was tabbed by Baseball America as the best defensive infielder in the organization entering the 2025 and 2026 seasons, is currently playing at Triple-A Nashville, his first season at that level. He spent last season at Double-A Biloxi.

Pratt’s father, Russell, was an infielder at the University of Utah. His uncle, Scott Pratt, was an infielder in the Indians and Braves organizations from 1998-2005. His uncle, Trent Pratt, was a catcher in the Phillies organization from 2002-05 and also played two seasons (1999-2000) for Pat Murphy at Arizona State University before transferring to Auburn University. He is now the head baseball coach at Brigham Young University.

Boston Red Sox announce three roster transactions

0

BOSTON, MA – The Boston Red Sox today announced the following roster moves:

  • Placed right-handed pitcher Garrett Whitlock on the Paternity Leave List.
  • Placed right-handed pitcher Johan Oviedo on the 15-Day Injured List (retroactive to March 31) with a right elbow strain.
  • Recalled right-handed pitchers Zack Kelly and Tyler Uberstine from Triple-A Worcester. Uberstine will wear number 79.

Whitlock, 29, tossed a scoreless inning on Wednesday against the Houston Astros. The right-hander has made three scoreless appearances this season, totaling 3.0 innings with two hits, two walks, and four strikeouts. Originally selected by the New York Yankees in the 18th round of the 2017 First-Year Player Draft, the Georgia native owns a 3.10 ERA (109 ER/316.2 IP) with 347 strikeouts in 168 career Major League games (23 starts), all with the Red Sox (2021-26).

Oviedo, 28, made his Red Sox debut on March 30 against the Houston Astros, pitching 3.2 innings in relief. The right-hander posted a 4.91 ERA (8 ER/14.2 IP) with 17 strikeouts in five Grapefruit League starts this Spring. Originally signed by the St. Louis Cardinals as a non-drafted free agent in July 2016, the Cuba native owns a 4.29 ERA (174 ER/364.2 IP) in 82 career Major League games (67 starts) for the Cardinals (2020-22), Pittsburgh Pirates (2022-25), and Red Sox (2026).

Kelly, 31, has tossed 3.0 scoreless innings over a pair of relief appearances for Worcester this season, most recently pitching a scoreless inning on Wednesday against St. Paul. The right-hander pitched in 49 games for Boston during 2025, recording a 3.97 ERA (25 ER/56.2 IP) with 61 strikeouts. Signed by the Red Sox as a minor league free agent in January 2021, the Virginia native owns a 4.15 ERA (53 ER/115.0 IP) in 98 career Major League games (three starts), all with Boston (2022-25).

Uberstine, 26, started in Worcester’s second game of the season on March 28 against Syracuse, tossing 4.0 innings and allowing one run on two hits and one walk with three strikeouts. The right hander pitched in 25 games (21 starts) during 2025 with Double-A Portland (six starts) and Worcester (19 games, 15 starts), recording a 3.58 ERA (48 ER/120.2 IP) with 137 strikeouts. Selected by the Red Sox in the 19th round of the 2021 First-Year Player Draft, the California native owns a 3.54 ERA (90 ER/228.2 IP) in 55 career minor league games (41 starts).

Ottawa Senators’ Brady Tkachuk Fined for Unsportsmanlike Conduct

0

NEW YORK – Ottawa Senators forward Brady Tkachuk has been fined $2,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct toward an opponent while on Ottawa’s bench during NHL Game No. 1191 against the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday, April 2, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today.

The incident occurred at 9:57 of the first period. Tkachuk was assessed a minor penalty for slashing.

The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

NFL team transactions report for Friday, April 3, 2026

0

WAIVER SYSTEM TRANSACTION
TERMINATION VIA WAIVER SYSTEM
TAMPA BAY
Smith, Jaden WR Nevada (1)*
*Indicates player’s accrued seasons at end of 2025 season.

FREE AGENCY SYSTEM TRANSACTION
SIGNING: PLAYER WHOSE CLUB RETAINED EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS
LAS VEGAS
McCollum, Tristin DB Sam Houston State

OTHER TRANSACTION/COMMENTS
VISIT
LAS VEGAS
Harris, Najee RB Alabama

UFC Vegas 115 MMA Match Preview: Jose Delano (16-3-0) vs. Robert Ruchala (11-2-0)

Injury Report

No major injuries have been reported for the main card or the featured Jose Delano vs. Robert Ruchala bout as of April 3, 2026. All listed fighters, including Delano and Ruchala, successfully made weight at early weigh-ins (Delano at 144.5 lbs, Ruchala at 146 lbs).

One earlier withdrawal occurred (middleweight Henrique pulled out vs. Charlie Radtke due to an undisclosed issue), and the card saw late additions (e.g., Kai Kamaka III vs. Dakota Hope on short notice). No active injuries affect Delano vs. Ruchala or the headline fights. The card remains intact heading into fight night.

Key Fighter Matchups

The event features a mix of ranked veterans, prospects, and debuts across 13 fights. The main card (8 PM ET) includes:

Lightweight (Main Event): Renato Moicano (20-7-1) vs. Chris Duncan (15-2)

Women’s Strawweight: Virna Jandiroba vs. Tabatha Ricci

Light Heavyweight: Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev vs. Brendson Ribeiro

Bantamweight: Rafael Estevam vs. Ethyn Ewing

Featherweight: Tommy McMillen vs. Manolo Zecchini

Featherweight (featured early/main card opener): Jose Delano (16-3-0) vs. Robert Ruchala (11-2-0) — the matchup highlighted in your query.

Prelims (5 PM ET) feature additional bouts like Guilherme Pat vs. Thomas Petersen, Alessandro Costa vs. Stewart Nicoll, and others (full 13-fight card.

Detailed Preview: Jose Delano vs. Robert Ruchala (Featherweight, 145 lbs)

Jose Delano (Brazil, age 29, Brazilian Top Team, 5’8″, 70″ reach, orthodox) makes his highly anticipated UFC debut. He enters on a 4-fight win streak with a pro record of 16-3-0 (4 KO/TKO, 5 submissions, 7 decisions). His recent form is excellent:

Aug. 19, 2025: Unanimous decision win over Manuel Exposito (DWCS Season 9) — earned a UFC contract with strong striking output and control.

Feb. 7, 2025: 1st-round KO/TKO win over Abu Muslim Alikhanov (LFA).

Mar. 23, 2024: 1st-round rear-naked choke submission win (LFA).

Delano is a well-rounded prospect with high striking volume (SLpM ~9.73, 65% accuracy), solid defense, and finishing ability. He has lost only once since 2023 (to UFC vet Gabriel Santos) and brings regional dominance from LFA into the Octagon.

Robert Ruchala (“Faker,” Poland, age 27, Grappling Kraków, 5’8″, 72″ reach, 11-2-0) looks for his first UFC win. He is 0-1 in the promotion after a competitive but clear unanimous decision loss to William Gomis in his debut (Sept. 6, 2025, UFC Paris). Prior to that, he was a decorated KSW competitor with finishes (3 KO/TKO, 3 submissions). Recent form: 1 loss in last 5 (the Gomis defeat), but he showed durability and grappling in the UFC debut.

Fight History & Styles: Delano is the more active, high-volume fighter with better recent competition depth. Ruchala brings power and grappling but struggled with pace and range against a taller, more experienced opponent in his UFC debut. This should be a competitive featherweight scrap—Delano’s pressure and versatility vs. Ruchala’s finishing threat—but most analysts view it as a step-up spot for the debuting prospect.

FIGHT ODDS

Jose Delano                        – 350

Robert Ruchala                 + 275

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

UFC Vegas 115 MMA Match Preview: Tommy McMillen (9-0-0) vs. Manolo Zecchini (11-4-0)

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). This featherweight bout is the main card opener (first fight on the main card). 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: Featherweight (145 lbs).

Injury Report and Card Notes
No injuries or withdrawals have been reported for this main-card opener or the broader card. Both McMillen and Zecchini successfully made weight with no issues noted. The lineup remains fully intact with all athletes medically cleared. Zecchini’s extended layoff (approximately 2.5 years since his last fight in September 2023) is the primary storyline, but he has trained consistently and is cleared to compete.

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

Featherweight Main Card Opener: Tommy “The Gun” McMillen (9-0-0, USA) vs. Manolo “Angelo Veneziano” Zecchini (11-4-0, Italy).

McMillen (6’0″, age ~28): Undefeated high-level prospect and Sean O’Malley training partner. Elite grappler with explosive finishes (89% finish rate career). UFC debut after a dominant Contender Series performance and regional run.

Zecchini (5’8″, age ~30): Veteran striker/finisher (91% finish rate) making his second UFC appearance after a long layoff. UFC record 0-1.
A classic prospect showcase: McMillen’s undefeated momentum and grappling vs. Zecchini’s striking power in a high-stakes featherweight debut for the Arizona native.

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

Tommy McMillen: Perfect 9-0 with an impressive finishing pedigree (multiple first-round stoppages). Most recent: Strong Contender Series win showcasing 15-minute durability and improvements. Prior regional wins include highlight-reel grapples and KOs. Strengths: Elite grappling, pace, and finishing ability; no weaknesses exposed yet.

Manolo Zecchini: 0-1 in the UFC with a loss in his promotional debut. Last fight: September 2023; extended layoff raises rust concerns. Pre-UFC: Strong regional finishes via striking. Strengths: Early power and aggression, but defensive vulnerabilities and inactivity are major question marks.

Fight History: First meeting—no prior bouts. McMillen enters as the heavy favorite in a setup-style debut against a layoff-returning veteran.

Tommy McMillen (-1200 to -1400) vs. Manolo Zecchini (+700 to +800): One of the heaviest favorites on

FIGHT ODDS

Tommy McMillen            – 1300

Manolo Zecchini              + 750

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

UFC Vegas 115 MMA Match Preview: Ethyn Ewing (9-2-0) vs. Rafael Estevam (14-0-0)

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). This bantamweight bout is featured on the main card. 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: Bantamweight (135 lbs).

Injury Report and Card Notes
No injuries or withdrawals have been reported for this main-card bout or the broader card. Both Ewing and Estevam successfully made weight with no issues noted. The lineup remains fully intact with all athletes medically cleared. Estevam’s move up from flyweight (where he previously missed weight in two of his first three UFC bouts) adds intrigue, but he has committed to a full camp at 135 lbs.

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

Bantamweight Main Card: Ethyn “The Professor Finesser” Ewing (9-2-0, USA) vs. Rafael “Macapá” Estevam (14-0-0, Brazil).

Ewing (5’8″, age 28): High-flying prospect with elite striking creativity and scrambling ability. UFC debut: Impressive short-notice unanimous decision win over heavily favored Malcolm Wellmaker (UFC 322, Nov. 2025).

Estevam (5’8″, age 29): Undefeated grappling specialist making his bantamweight debut after going 3-0 in the UFC at flyweight (all decisions, most recently over Felipe Bunes in Aug. 2025).
A highly anticipated prospect clash pitting Ewing’s momentum and debut hype against Estevam’s perfect record and grappling pedigree in a stylistic wildcard at 135 lbs.

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

Ethyn Ewing: 5-0 in his last five fights overall (9-2 career). Most recent: Dominant short-notice UFC debut decision over Wellmaker after stepping in on days’ notice. Prior losses came early in his pro career; he has since shown elite fight IQ, volume striking, and durability. Strengths: Striking creativity, scrambling, and finishing rate (~78%).

Rafael Estevam: Perfect 14-0 overall and 3-0 in the UFC (all unanimous decisions: Charles Johnson, Jesus Aguilar, Felipe Bunes). Recent form shows consistent grappling control but lower finishing rate (50%) and occasional weight-cut struggles at lower divisions. Strengths: Elite takedowns, control time, and durability; now healthy and strong at 135 lbs.

Fight History: First meeting—no prior bouts. Both enter undefeated in the UFC with high expectations in a rankings-relevant bantamweight scrap.

FIGHT ODDS

Ethyn Ewing                       – 155

Rafael Estevam                 + 130

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

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