Conor McGregor returns to action in a rematch with Max Holloway in the main event at UFC 329 at International Fight Week in Las Vegas, and the undercard is as stacked as ever.
The prelims feature former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker, who makes his light heavyweight debut, as well as Olympic wrestling gold medallist Gable Steveson, who steps into the Octagon for the first time.
The fights will begin at 22:00 with the Early Preliminary Card, followed by the Preliminary Card at midnight and the Main Card at 02:00 on Sunday morning.
UFC 329: McGregor vs Holloway 2 Prelims Prediction
Robert Whittaker to win by KO, TKO or DQ @ 47/20
Gable Steveson to win via KO, TKO in Round 1 @ 4/7
Adrian Yanez to win via KO, TKO in Round 1 @ 53/20
UFC 329: McGregor vs Holloway 2 Prelims Predictons
Robert Whittaker to win by KO, TKO or DQ @ 47/20
It is a rare spot main eventing the prelims for Robert Whittaker (26-9-0) as he finds himself off the main card for the first time in more than a decade against Nikita Krylov (31-11-0).
The former middleweight champion makes his light heavyweight debut here following a two-fight losing run at 185lbs, suffering a split decision defeat to Reiner de Ridder last time out, after being submitted by former champion Khamzat Chimaev.
The 35-year-old's last win came in 2024 when he knocked out Ikram Aliskerov in the first round. He also defeated Paulo Costa, who recently moved up to 205lbs and won.
Krylov was last seen in January, earning a TKO victory over Modestas Bukauskas with just three seconds left on the clock, bouncing back from two first-round knockout losses to Bogdan Guskov and Dominick Reyes.
Whittaker has put on some bulk for this but should still have a significant speed and skill advantage over the Ukrainian, and could force a late stoppage as he builds momentum with his power jab and strong kicking game.
Gable Steveson to win via KO, TKO in Round 1 @ 4/7
There is not much value in the fight odds for Gable Steveson's (3-0) highly anticipated UFC debut against Elisha Ellison (5-2).
The 2020 Olympic wrestling gold medallist brings massive credentials to the Octagon, as well as a speed and athleticism rarely seen in heavyweights.
Training out of Jackson Wink alongside Greg Jackson and former heavyweight and light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, the 26-year-old is working with some of the best in the business to complete his MMA transition.
Ellison is 0-1 in the UFC after being stopped on his debut in the first round by Brando Pericic in a bout that was initially scheduled for the Contender Series.
The American should not cause too many problems for Steveson, who could well finish this fight early with a takedown and some nasty ground and pound.
Expect Steveson to look impressive and announce himself to the UFC heavyweight division in a big way.
Adrian Yanez to win via KO, TKO in Round 1 @ 53/20
Adrian Yanez (17-6-1) can get back in the win column with an impressive win over a former champion in Cody Garbrandt (15-7-0).
Yanez arrives here after a draw with Ricky Simone in March and a split decision defeat to Daniel Marcos in December 2024.
Taking 2025 off due to a lingering injury, the 32-year-old's last win came back in May 2024 when he stopped Vinicius Salvador in the first round.
Garbrandt stalled a two-fight losing skid last time out in March when he defeated Long Xiao via unanimous decision.
Four of the 35-year-old's seven defeats have come via knockout, although he last lost via that method in 2021.
A former champion at bantamweight, it has been ten years since Garbrandt won the belt in a vintage performance against Dominick Cruz.
Yanez brings power and speed and with five of his last six wins coming via KO/TKO, he could cause Garbrandt big problems as the fight progresses.
Read more UFC betting tips and predictions on site.
Odds displayed in the above article were correct at time of publishing and are subject to change or withdrawal at any time.
