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UFC Vegas 93 Predictions for Alex Pérez vs. Tatsuro Taira and Other Featured Bouts
Rising flyweight contender Tatsuro Taira aims to extend his unbeaten streak to 16 when he faces Alex Pérez in the main event of UFC Fight Night at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas this Saturday at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN Deportes/ESPN+, with prelims at 7 p.m. on ESPN2/ESPN+ in the US.
Taira (15-0), ranked No. 13 in the UFC, could break into the Top 10 with a win over Pérez, ranked No. 5 in the UFC and No. 7 by ESPN. Taira has finished three of his last four opponents. Pérez (25-8) ended a three-fight losing streak in April with a second-round knockout victory over Matheus Nicolau.
Data Almanac
Main Event
Flyweight Division
Alex Pérez VS Tatsuro Taira
Bet on Winner: Tatsuro Taira
Odds: 1.44 (69% chance of success)
Recommendation: Taira has shown notable ability to control the pace with superior grappling, and his unbeaten streak suggests he has the momentum and confidence to defeat Pérez, who has had ups and downs in his recent career.
Analysis by Kirian Fitzgibbons, CSA Gym MMA coach
How Pérez Wins: Despite facing an undefeated fighter, Pérez is confident after his knockout win against Nicolau. To win, Pérez needs to keep the fight standing, use his jab and leg kicks, and avoid Taira’s grappling. Pérez has an advantage in striking but must keep the fight at distance and prevent Taira from taking him down.
How Taira Wins: Taira is an excellent grappler with nearly 2.5 submission attempts per fight. Although his takedown efficiency is 41%, once on the ground, Taira excels at finishing opponents. His reach advantage and ground transitioning give him a clear edge in this fight.
Ian Parker’s Prediction: Taira by submission. At -195 odds, Taira is the favorite. Parker anticipates Taira will use his jiu-jitsu early and often to secure another submission victory. While Pérez has knockout power, limited preparation could be a determining factor against him.
Bet on Over 2.5 Rounds in the Fight
Odds: 2.10 (48% chance of success)
Recommendation: Given both fighters’ defensive styles and the possibility of prolonged strategies, betting on over 2.5 rounds could be an interesting option to increase potential earnings.
Combo Bet: Tatsuro Taira Winner + Over 2.5 Rounds
Odds: 3.20 (31% chance of success)
Recommendation: This combined bet offers a good balance of risk and reward. If Taira follows his usual strategy of taking the fight to the ground and seeking a submission in the middle rounds, this combo could be quite profitable.
Co-Main Event
Featherweight Division
Timothy Cuamba VS Lucas Almeida
Bet on Winner: Lucas Almeida
Odds: 1.75 (57% chance of success)
Recommendation: Almeida has shown remarkable ability to finish fights, and his striking prowess could be decisive against Cuamba.
Bantamweight Division
Douglas Andrade VS Miles Johns
Bet on Winner: Miles Johns
Odds: 1.60 (62% chance of success)
Recommendation: Johns has demonstrated notable control in his fights with superior grappling, giving him a slight edge in this matchup.
Flyweight Division
Asu Almabaev VS Jose Johnson
Bet on Winner: Asu Almabaev
Odds: 1.50 (66% chance of success)
Recommendation: Almabaev has been consistent in his performances, displaying solid grappling technique that could be crucial against Johnson.
Welterweight Division
Josh Quinlan VS Adam Fugitt
Bet on Winner: Josh Quinlan
Odds: 1.68 (59% chance of success)
Recommendation: Quinlan has proven to be a strong contender in his category, and his ability to finish fights quickly gives him a considerable advantage.
