Get a round of bold UFC predictions for the promotion’s next event, UFC 289 on June 10.
The MMA world leader be back in Canada for the first time in a while on Saturday night. And leading this rare return will be a bantamweight title fight as Amanda Nunes will look to defend her belt for the first time in her second reign when she battles Mexican star, Irene Aldana.
Related: UFC tonight – Get watch times, fight card, and odds for the next UFC event
The card from inside the Rogers Arena also includes a major matchup in the lightweight rankings when former division king Charles Oliveira competes for the first time since losing his belt to take on red-hot fighter Beniel Dariush in the night’s co-main event.
UFC 289 also features the return of Octagon veterans Dan Ige, Miranda Maverick, and Eryk Anders. With all of that in mind, let’s make a few bold UFC predictions for the promotion’s next Saturday event
UFC predictions: 5 likely UFC 289 winners
Amanda Nunes (22-5) vs. Irene Aldana (14-6)
Nunes was originally set to battle Julianna Pena in the rubber match of their trilogy, however, the former champion suffered a rib injury and was knocked out of the bout. In her place is UFC veteran Aldana. However, it won’t be a tougher test for the women’s MMA GOAT.
Aldana is a battle-tested fighter who should not be underestimated, but the 35-year-old has never shown that she is an elite or unique talent that is capable of beating the best in the world. The biggest threat to Nunes in this fight is if she doesn’t come in focused and takes Aldana lightly. Don’t expect her to do that on Saturday.
- UFC 289 odds: Nunes (-325), Aldana (+270)
- Prediction: Nunes by TKO, Round 4
Charles Oliveira (33-9) vs. Beneil Dariush (22-4-1)
Former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira has not competed since his title loss to Islam Makhachev in October of last year. Since then there has been a developing doubt about if the Brazilian can recapture his greatness over the last few years. At UFC 289 he will do so, and against a high-level foe.
Dariush is his best version heading into Saturday and is in the midst of an eight-fight win streak. However, during that hot run, he has never faced an opponent like Oliveria. While Dariush has what it takes to win this fight, if “Do Bronx” is on his game he is just a level above “Benny” and will show it on fight night.
- Odds: Oliveira (+135), Dariush (-155)
- UFC Prediction: Oliveira by TKO, Round 1
Mike Malott (9-1) vs. Adam Fugitt (9-3)
Canadian prospect Mike Malott is getting a surprising main card slot against Adam Fugitt in what is likely a showcase opportunity from the UFC. “Proper” has been impressive in his two Octagon appearances and scored first-round finishes in both bouts. He is a sizable favorite against Fugitt on Saturday, so look for him to get another finish. The only difference is it will take an extra round to get it done at UFC 289.
- Odds: Malott (-210), Fugitt (+180)
- UFC Prediction: Malott by TKO, Round 2
Eryk Anders (15-7) vs. Marc-Andre Barriault (15-6)
Eryk Anders versus Marc-Andre Barriault is one of the pick ’em fights at UFC 289. Both are very solid UFC-level fighters and have a clear route to victory against each other. However, Anders seems to be in the early stages of an age-related decline after a long career in athletics, and the Canadian will likely eke out a decision in a very competitive fight in front of his countrymen.
- Odds: Anders (+115), Barriault (-135)
- UFC Prediction: Barriault by unanimous decision
Nassourdine Imavov (12-4) vs. Chris Curtis (30-10)
Chris Curtis has been of the more fascinating stories in the UFC over the last few years. After a long career outside the promotion where it seemed like he would never reach the Octagon, he finally got his opportunity in 2021 and has consistently delivered exciting and action-packed fights. That will happen again on Saturday.
On a talent and upside level, Nassourdine Imavov should beat Curtis, but the 40-fight veteran has a huge experience advantage and seems to be maximizing the last bit of his athletic prime right now. Look for him to get a big bounceback win over Imavov at UFC 289.
- Odds: Imavov (-165), Curtis (+140)
- UFC Prediction: Curtis by unanimous decision