The UFC is back in the Apex for another week, this time bringing a five-round top-ranked Flyweight clash between Amanda Ribas and Rose Namajunas.

In the co-main, Justin Tafa steps in for his brother Junior against Karl Williams, while Edmen Shahbazyan and AJ Dobson throw down in the Middleweight featured bout.

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Main Card

Amanda Ribas (12-4) vs. Rose Namajunas (11-6) (FLW)

Although I am somewhat concerned by Whitman once again absent from Namajunas’ corner, I like her a lot here. SHe has proven she has the defensive wrestling to thwart the strong judo of Ribas and the technical striking to pick her apart on the feet. Meanwhile, Ribas has a history of not standing up to damage and I can’t see her making it all five rounds against a heavy-handed Rose up a weight class.

My Pick: Rose Namajunas via Knockout

Karl Williams (9-1) vs. Justin Tafa (7-3) (HW)

Tafa has historically solid takedown defense while Williams often relies too much on his size to secure takedowns, an advantage he will not have here. I see Tafa finding the kill shot early.

My Pick: Justin Tafa via Knockout

Edmen Shahbazyan (12-4) vs. AJ Dobson (7-2) (MW)

Shahbazyan will have a massive speed advantage here and should have no issue picking apart Dobson, along with the takedown defense to keep it standing. Even if he cannot find the finish, I see him getting his hand raised on the scorecards provided he doesn’t gas and get finished.

My Pick: Edmen Shahbazyan via Knockout

Payton Talbott (7-0) vs. Cameron Saimann (9-1) (BW)

I expect a close fight here between two young prospects. Talbott has fun striking but can be caught when he blitzes in. Saimann has the power to catch him along with the speed edge. Plus, he can take it to the floor if he needs.

My Pick: Cameron Saimann via Decision

Billy Quarantillo (18-5) vs. Youssef Zalal (13-5-1) (FTW)

I’ve been waffling on this pick all week, as I rate Billy Q highly and love watching him fight. However, Zalal’s range management and brutal low kicks, along with consistent takedown attempts make this a tough matchup. That’s not even to mention he seemed to be sporting some sort of arm injury at the faceoffs.

My Pick: Youssef Zalal via Decision

Luis Pajuelo (8-1) vs. Fernando Padilla (15-5) (FTW)

I am expecting a fun clash here between two DWCS products who bring a lot of offense, but not the best defense. I expect someone to get finished here and I think it’s gling to be Pajuelo, who rushes into the pocket with little regard for where his chin is sitting.

My Pick: Fernando Padilla via Knockout

Prelims

Trey Ogden (16-6) vs. Kurt Holobaugh (20-7) (LW)

My Pick: Trey Ogden via Decision

Ricardo Ramos (16-5) vs. Julian Erosa (28-11) (FTW)

My Pick: Ricardo Ramos via Knockout

Miles Johns (13-2) vs. Cody Gibson (19-9) (BW)

My Pick: Cody Gibson via Decision

Steven Nguyen (9-1) vs. Jarno Errens (13-5-1) (FTW)

My Pick: Jarno Errens via Decision

Montserrat Rendon (6-0) vs. Darya Zheleznyakova (8-1) (BW)

My Pick: Montserrat Rendon via Decision

Igor da Silva (8-0) vs. Andre Lima (7-0) (FLW)

My Pick: Andre Lima via Decision

Mohammed Usman (10-2) vs. Mick Parkin (8-0) (HW)

My Pick: Mick Parkin via Knockout

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