The UFC returns to Canada for the first time since before the COVID era, bringing an eleven-bout PPV card to the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia.

In the main event, double champ Amanda Nunes looks to defend her recently reclaimed Bantamweight strap against replacement Irene Aldana, while Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush face off in a Lightweight clash with a title shot on the line.

The prelims are headlined by a Middleweight clash between Nassourdine Imavov and Chris Curtis, while Canadian prospects like Jasmine Jasudavicius and Aiemann Zahabi look for statement wins on their home turf.

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Nassourdine Imavov (12-4) vs. Chris Curtis (30-10) (MW)

We have an excellent clash of strikers in our headlining prelim. Imavov has impressed with his kickboxing at range, also mixing in powerful control and damage on the mat, though his takedown entries leave something to be desired. Curtis’ volume is always a concern though he has proved time and time again that he can find the killshot even behind on the cards with knockouts over Phil Hawes and Brendan Allen. I see this fight playing out on the feet with Curtis’ TDD keeping the bout standing, although Imavov’s range and movement on the outside could present challenges. I expect a close decision on the scorecards either way but favor the power and output of Curtis to get the nod.

My Pick: Chris Curtis via Decision

Jasmine Jasudavicius (8-2) vs. Miranda Maverick (11-4) (FLW)

This is a fun clash of Flyweight prospects and I expect some fun grappling exchanges. Both are skilled wrestlers, though Jasudavicius does more work with her judo, but boasts solid control and TDD, nonetheless. I like Maverick’s striking fundamentals more, though I am interested to see how she deals with Jasudavicius’ range. I like Maverick to get the nod with the judges, though betting lines are far too inflated for this one.

My Pick: Miranda Maverick via Decision

Aiemann Zahabi (9-2) vs. Aoriqileng (24-9) (BW)

Expect action from the Bantamweights, as per usual. Zahabi has extremely technical striking, being coached by his legendary brother Firas Zahabi, with slick defensive movement and footwork along with the power to end fights quick. Aoriqileng mixes up his attack more and uses his pressure expertly as a weapon, with which I expect him to work volume and control for the judges’ nod.

My Pick: Aoriqileng via Decision

Blake Bilder (8-0-1) vs. Kyle Nelson (13-5-1) (FTW)

Fun Featherweight clash. Bilder keeps a high volume and is most impressive with his wrestling, doing solid work from top position. Nelson’s size will be a real factor in this one, and I expect his strength advantage to support his takedown defense, particularly down the stretch. On the feet, Nelson has the power and timing to catch Bilder when overexposed and while I’m not confident, I like the dog here.

My Pick: Kyle Nelson via Knockout

David Dvoràk (20-5) vs. Steve Erceg (9-1) (FLW)

This bout is much closer than odds indicate (although I am admittedly hyped for the UFC debut of “Astroboy”). Dvorak has the technical striking advantage but I expect him to struggle with the reach of Erceg, though he should be on the right side of volume. Erceg has an advantage on the mat, particularly from top position, but Dvorak’s TDD is solid enough to keep it standing. Dog or pass, betting wise, however.

My Pick: David Dvorak via Decision

Diana Belbita (14-7) vs. Maria Oliveira (13-6) (SW)

Expect a tense striking/clinch battle from this one, as both do their best work from range. I like the superior accuracy and potential grappling upside of Belbita to get the nod, though I’m not confident.

My Pick: Diana Belbita via Decision

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Tune in to our home page for the main card predictions, dropping tomorrow!