The UFC returns once again to the UFC APEX in Las Vegas tonight as the number eight-ranked Amanda Ribas faces Rose Namajunas in a flyweight contest. The event has drawn some criticism from fans due to the perceived lack of depth on the card and the repetitive nature of the UFC of holding events in front of an almost empty arena. While they are valid, the main event between Ribas and Namajunas is an interesting match-up and is more than likely to end in a stoppage.
Main Event: Amanda Ribas vs. Rose Namajunas
Tonight will be the fourteenth UFC fight of the former strawweight champion’s career. Namajunas has amassed a 9-3 record during her time in the UFC and became a huge star thanks to some breathtaking displays which have included back-to-back wins over the recent inductee into the UFC Hall of Fame, Joanna Jędrzejczyk as well as a stunninghead kick KO of Weili Zhang at UFC 261.
More recently, things haven’t gone Namajunas’ way as she lost the title in an uneventful fight with Carla Esparza before moving to flyweight to face Manon Fiorot, losing via a unanimous decision in Paris, France. The defeat in her last outing hasn’t impacted Namajunas too much mentally, and after taking some time out to recover from an injury to her finger, she’s ready to get back in the Octagon.
Her opponent, Amanda Ribas, will look to utilize her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills against the versatile striker. Rose Namajunas has just a 60% takedown defense, so Ribas will fancy taking the fight to the ground and securing a submission win. Surprisingly, Ribas lands more significant strikes per minute than Namajunas but is more susceptible to taking shots, as evidenced in her last fight with Luana Pinheiro. Despite eating a number of big blows, Ribas won via TKO and will bring that confidence into her fight with one of the biggest stars in women’s MMA history.
Namajunas goes into the fight as the -220 favorite, and the most likely method of victory would be a stoppage, given that the fight is five rounds. If Ribas manages to takedown Rose repeatedly, she could end up with a non-eventful points victory but most likely would find a submission within the twenty-five minutes. A win for Ribas against Namajunas would be huge for her career, given the status of her opponent.
Co- Main: Karl Williams vs. Justin Tafa
The co-main event is a heavyweight bout between Karl Williams (9-1) and Justin Tafa (7-3-1 NC). Williams was supposed to be fighting Justin’s younger brother, Junior. The younger Tafa stepped in for his brother to face Marcos Rogério de Lima at UFC 298, so now Justin is returning the favor. All very confusing, but here we are.
100% of Justin’s victories have come by knockout so it’s no surprise to hear that the key to victory against Williams will be through his stand-up game. Tafa is small for a heavyweight in terms of height (six feet) and will be up against a good wrestler in Karl Williams. With a 33% stoppage statistic, it wouldn’t be at all surprising if we see Williams try and take the fight to the ground early on as if he tries to stand and trade with Tafa, it could get ugly. Williams lands less significant strikes per minute than Tafa (2.93 as opposed to 5.13) and has slightly less accuracy. Utilizing his wrestling will be key for Williams, but it won’t be easy, as Tafa has yet to be taken down.
UFC Vegas 89 card in full
Amanda Ribas (12-4) vs. Rose Namajunas (12-6)
Karl Williams (9-1) vs. Justin Tafa (7-3-1 NC)
Edmen Shahbazyan (12-4) vs. AJ Dobson (7-2-1 NC)
Payton Talbott (7-0) vs. Cameron Saaiman (9-1)
Billy Quarantillo (18-5) vs. Youssef Zalal (13-5-1)
Fernando Padilla (15-5 vs. Luis Pajuelo (8-1)
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