UFC Vegas 75: Vettori vs. Cannonier will take place this Saturday, June 17th at the Apex.
The co-main event features a lightweight match up between rising prospect Arman Tsarukyan and Brazilian TUF veteran Joaquim Silva. This bout is bound for fireworks as both men have picked up at least 10 finishes throughout their careers. Silva has accumulated a record of 4-3 in his stint with the UFC, as Tsarukyan has had a 6-2 run in his time with the promotion. Let’s take a more in depth look at what each fighter has to offer in the co-main event.
Arman Tsarukyan (19-3)
Arman “Ahalkalakets” Tsarukyan is one of the UFC’s most promising prospects. The 26 year old is currently number eight in the lightweight rankings. The Armenian fighter is coming off an impressive win against Damir Ismagulov in his last contest. He has claimed 4 performance bonuses over his short time with the promotion. His only 2 defeats in the UFC have come against the likes of the current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, and the number seven ranked lightweight Mateusz Gamrot. Both of these bouts were closer contests than the judges would have you believe.
Tsarukyan is dazzling in his ability to mix his wrestling with his striking. He averages 3.56 significant strikes landed per minute to go with a 3.30 average amount of take-downs landed per 15 minutes. He is one of most well rounded fighters in the UFC and I expect him to showcase that again on Saturday.
Joaquim Silva (12-3)
Joaquim “Netto BJJ” Silva enters Saturday’s competition losing three of his last five fights. In his most recent bout, Silva was able to claim a win against Jesse Ronson. He landed a flying knee in the second round and finished the fight with brutal ground and pound. This secured a performance of the night bonus for the Brazilian. He had only received one post fight bonus beforehand.
Silva brings a plethora of striking skills to the Octagon, as well as a solid output of strikes. He averages 4.08 significant strikes landed per minute and has the ability to switch stances, as shown in his last fight. He likes to mix his punches with kicks and his powerful overhand right will play a crucial role in his success on Saturday.
Prediction: Arman Tsarukyan via submission
Tsarukyan currently sits as -1100 favorite over the Brazilian. This line is inflated, but it does illustrate the level of skill that Arman holds over his opponent. Silva could pose some problems on the feet for the young prospect. I suspect Arman to show he is better in that area as well. I believe the Armenian fighter will use his high level wrestling once again to find the win and be the first man to submit Silva in his career.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
