UFC 238 occurs June 8 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois, and the card recently had a range of fresh bouts added to the card. Below are my first thoughts on them.
Aljamain Sterling vs. Pedro Munhoz, UFC 238
Top bantamweight contenders Aljamain Sterling and Pedro Munhoz are set to match at UFC 238. The bout was first reported by ESPN. Sterling (17-3) is 9-3 in the UFC and is currently riding a three-fight win series that includes a decision win over Jimmie Rivera his last time out. Munhoz (18-3, 1 NC) is 8-3, 1 NC and can also be riding a three-fight win streak that contains an incredible KO over Cody Garbrandt in his final bout. Though Sterling has looked great recently and is finally beginning to live up to his potential, Munhoz’ win over Garbrandt showed that he’s an elite bantamweight in the sport, and he deserves to be the favorite in this struggle.
Jimmie Rivera vs. Petr Yan, UFC 238
As well, bantamweights Jimmie Rivera and Petr Yan will fight UFC 238. Rivera (22-3) is a remarkable 6-2 overall from the UFC but is coming off of a decision loss to Aljamain Sterling. Yan (12-1) is 4-0 in the UFC and most recently defeated John Dodson by choice. Rivera continues to be a solid bantamweight for several years within the Octagon but with a 1-2 record over his last three fights is beginning to show serious signs of a decline, whereas Yan seems like he might be a future champion at 135lbs. I’d expect Yan for a sizeable favorite in this bout.
Ricardo Lamas vs. Calvin Kattar, UFC 238
An intriguing featherweight bout pits Ricardo Lamas against Calvin Kattar. The news of the bout was initially reported by The Chicago Tribune. Lamas (19-7) is 10-5 overall at the UFC and is coming off of a TKO win over Darren Elkins. Kattar (19-3) is currently 3-1 at the UFC and most recently conquered Chris Fishgold by TKO. Lamas has been a fantastic, underrated featherweight for many years within the Octagon, but Kattar has appeared amazing in every fight he has had from the UFC rescue for his decision loss to Renato Moicano. I’d have to slightly favor Kattar to win this fight.
Felice Herrig vs. Xiaonan Yan, UFC 238
Women’s strawweights collide as Felice Herrig is set to shoot on Xiaonan Yan. Herrig (14-8) is a Chicago-area native who’s 5-3 overall in the UFC, but she’s coming from last-minute conclusion losses to Michelle Waterson and Karolina Kowalkiewicz. Yan (10-0, 1 NC) is 3-0 so far in the UFC but her greatest win is likely over Kailin Curran. Yan is a good prospect at 115lbs, but I’m not ready to write off Herrig only yet, and that I would need to favor her to win this fight.
Tai Tuivasa vs. Blagoy Ivanov, UFC 238
And heavyweights Tai Tuivasa and Blagoy Ivanov will battle UFC 238. Tuivasa (8-1) is currently 3-1 in the UFC but is coming from a brutal TKO loss to Junior dos Santos. Ivanov (17-2, 1 NC) is 1-1 at the UFC with a choice loss to JDC and a decision win over Ben Rothwell. This resembles a coin flip, but according to Tuivasa’s childhood advantage and KO power I Had marginally lean towards him to get the win.
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