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.

Elsewhere on the main card, Canadian standouts Mike Malott and Marc-Andre Barriaut look to earn wins among their home crowd, while Nate Landwehr and Dan Ige make off in a Featherweight clash sure to produce action.

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Amanda Nunes (22-5) vs. Irene Aldana (14-6) (BW Championship)

This is one of the most compelling defenses of Nunes’ reign, as Aldana is certainly the sharpest boxer she has fought to date. Aldana has the superior technical weapons standing and can keep up with Nunes in the power arena. Hwoever, her grappling remains a key weakness and while her jiu-jitsu is certainly dangerous, getting dominated on the mat by Macy Chiasson isn’t a good look going into a clash with the GOAT. I expect Nunes to avoid serious danger on the feet while mixing in takedowns for a dominant decision win, though the betting upside remains on Aldana.

My Pick: Amanda Nunes via Decision

Charles Oliveira (33-9) vs. Beneil Dariush (22-4-1) (LW)

I think it’s safe to call this the People’s Main Event. Former champion Charles Do Bronx is returning for the first time since losing his title. We know what we get with Oliveira: an all-action fighter with constant pressure and striking variety along with one of the best jiu-jitsu games in MMA today. Dariush has been on the grind for the past few years, racking up eight straight victories with four finishes among them. He has heavy hands and works leg kicks well, though his top-notch grappling is undoubtedly the highlight, claiming eight submission victories in his career.

I think a finish is more than likely in this contest, as either holds the power (+durability concerns) and high-level BJJ pedigrees to end the fight no matter where it goes. I expect Dariush to have the technical advantage standing as well as the power to hurt Oliveira early, along with the grappling skill to follow him to the mat once hurt and finish the fight. Additionally, Beneil has a superior wrestling skillset, which should allow him to decide when the fight hits the mat. Although this is 100% a fight where either fighter can score a finish out of nowhere, I like Dariush to find Oliveira’s chin and secure his title shot.

My Pick: Beneil Dariush via Knockout

Mike Malott (9-1-1) vs. Adam Fugitt (9-3) (WW)

This is an excellent lash of all-action Welterweight prospects and I can’t wait to hear the pop in the Canadian crowd during Malott’s walkout. Malott has impressed in his UFC tenure so far, securing first-round finishes in all three of his UFC/DWCS fights. He has heavy hands and excellent shot selection with a very active submission game, though his defensive wrestling could use some work. Fugitt impressed with a GnP TKO in his last outing, racking up four takedowns in less than a round. He has considerable power, though his defense is a little porous for my liking. I expect a close match on the mat with Fugitt likely finding top control but struggling to get past the active guard of Malott, who can regain his footing quickly. It’s a different story on the feet, as I expect the power and accuracy of Malott to find the KO shot.

My Pick: Mike Malott via Knockout

Dan Ige (16-6) vs. Nate Landwehr (17-4) (FTW)

I thoroughly expect a barn burner here. Ige is a well-rounded fighter with a high volume and powerful hooks who also works in his composed top game. Landwehr is an all-action fighter who loves to trade in this pocket, although his durability doesn’t always hold up. While Landwehr’s volume and pressure pose concern on the feet, Ige’s superior power and ability to mix it up should give him the edge. I like him landing superior volume and mixing in the occasional takedown for a decision in an entertaining three-round affair.

My Pick: Dan Ige via Decision

Eryk Anders (15-7) vs. Marc-Andre Barriault (15-6) (MW)

We should have a close technical battle in this one, as both fighters are well-rounded enough to find success wherever the fight goes. Anders has found success at MW and LHW with his heavy hands and explosive wrestling, using his athleticism and strength to overpower his opponents. After a slow start to his UFC career, Marc Andre Barriault has gone 4-2 since with three finishes, displaying his powerful boxing and fight IQ. I expect Barriault to find more success on the feet, keeping a high volume while doing damage in the clinch. However, Anders’ wrestling attack will likely be the equalizer, as he has the strength and wrestling entries to go through Barriault’s historically porous takedown defense. This fight has split decision written all over it to me, and I like the power and takedowns of Anders to win key minutes in the eyes of the judges.

My Pick: Eryk Anders via Decision

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Click right here for the six prelims predictions and stay tuned to our home page for the live results Saturday!