Venue:  Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi

Oliveira record: 34-9-0

Makhachev record: 24-1-0

Odds: Oliveira (3.65) Makhachev (1.33 fav)

It's been nearly a year since the world was treated to a short but spectacular fight between these two warriors - a second-round submission from Makhachev did for Oliveira, and he won the vacant  UFC Lightweight Champion belt, which he still holds today.

So, who is likely to win here? In truth, the odds are spot on. Makhachev is an incredibly awkward fighter, and when you consider 11 of his 24 fights have been won by submission, you sense that the early knockings of this fight will see Makhachev weaving a web. If Oliveira gets entangled, there will be no way out. He's also in sensational form, having won 12 fights in a row, and a 60.2% strike rate, whether in the clinch or on the ground, means he is incredibly economical with his output.

All that being said, it would take a brave person to write off Oliveira, who has 20 finishes to his name - the most in UFC history. He knows when to start swinging when in trouble, and he could prove dangerous when backed into a corner.

Our pick is Makhachev - it's impossible to bet against him, but it should prove a cracking fight.

What does our prize fighter think? 

Here is The Hurricane's verdict:

The art of martial arts will blossom again in Abu Dhabi. In their first meeting, Makhachev won using the famous "triangle" hold in the second round. What awaits us this time?

I'm certain Oliveira has worked hard to correct and learn from his mistakes. In this rematch, he will appear in better shape than ever. As for Makhachev, his preparation has been top notch, and his team is not underestimating the Brazilian.

With these two masters of fighting in the same ring, we are promised an unforgettable show and a historic fight that will be remembered for a long time.

Venue: UFC Apex, Enterprise, Nevada

Yusuff record: 13-2-0

Barboza record: 23-11-0

Odds: Yusuff (1.62 fav) Barboza (2.33)

This is the first headline fight for Sodiq Yusuff, who has won back-to-back fights since losing to Arnold Allen back in 2021. He's an intriguing talent, and his youth and agility is likely to prove too much for 37-year-old Brazilian fighter Barboza.

Venue: UFC Apex, Enterprise, Nevada

Maia record: 21-9-1

Araujo record: 11-5-0.

Odds: Maia (2.13) Araujo (1.77 fav)

In the upcoming co-main event, we witness a crucial clash between Jennifer Maia and Viviane Araujo, two women whose careers are currently headed in contrasting directions.

Maia, riding the momentum of consecutive victories, is ascending the ranks of the women's flyweight division, while Araujo, burdened by back-to-back losses, struggles to regain her footing.

Nevertheless, this fight presents a pivotal opportunity for both. A victory here would likely secure a top-ten position in the class for the winner, staging the area for a significant bout in their subsequent outing. Given their combined record of nine knockouts, spectators should anticipate an explosive and dynamic encounter. This fight is not just about a win, it's about regaining control and rewriting narratives for these two gladiators.

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