Kupoa10

Elekana is coming off a big statement at UFC Vegas 110 where he dropped Kevin Christian and then choked him unconscious, showing both improved striking and a dangerous back game. Tafa is the much bigger name with devastating knockout power from his kickboxing background, but he’s traditionally a heavyweight and a move to 205 could test his gas tank and durability. Tafa is the much bigger name with devastating knockout power from his kickboxing background, but he’s traditionally a heavyweight and a move to 205 could test his gas tank and durability.

Fiziev has proven himself at top-10 lightweight level, with sharp kickboxing, vicious body and leg kicks, and strong takedown defense. Ruffy is a slick boxer with good accuracy and a big reach, but he’s much less tested against elite competition and tends to rely almost entirely on his stand-up. Over three rounds, I expect Fiziev’s shot selection, cage cutting, and experience in high-level striking battles to win out. Unless Ruffy can badly hurt him early, this looks like Fiziev by decision or a late attritional stoppage.

Volkanovski already beat Lopes over five rounds at UFC 314, showing he can solve Diego’s tricky guard and creative striking across a full championship distance. Lopes has leveled up since then with big wins over Ortega, Ige, and a violent finish of Jean Silva, so he’s far more confident and dangerous this time. Still, Volk’s pace, feinting game, and ability to stay safe on top while shutting down submissions should let him bank rounds again. I see a more competitive rematch, but Volkanovski edging a competitive decision with wrestling and ringcraft.