Rose Namajunas (3-2-0) vs. Paige VanZant (6-1-0)
This is an interesting fight considering the trajectories of their career. Rose was a huge influence in the division according to TUF, but when she lost the title fight, she kind of disappeared from the scene. A few false starts to come back had her a little lost until her conscious ending fight for Angela Hill. In that span, Paige became the big name young fighter on the scene with three straight wins. Now, the two youngest fighters in the division face off with the intent of getting toward that title fight. VanZant is clearly a scrappy fighter having drug all of her matches into a brawl while Rose is a big finisher having finished the majority of her fights. It comes down to if Paige can drag Rose into the deep rounds since that fight will be where Rose will lose, but if Rose can catch her early she will win. VanZant by decision or late TKO.
Jim Miller (25-6-0) vs. Michael Chiesa (12-2-0)
Miller is pretty much a gatekeeper in the Lightweight division after some of his losses and close decisions. Now, he is facing Chiesa who himself has had some ups and downs in the division. Ultimately, Miller superior grappling will be the deciding factor as his submission skills should finish the fight before the end of the third bell. Miller by submission in the third.
Sage Northcutt (6-0-0) vs. Cody Pfister (12-4-0)
If you watch Pfizer on the countdown, he feigns to be totally confident but it does not ring true. What it looks like is that he wants to act confident but might be a little scared to enter the cage with he young fighter in Northcutt. So far, Northcutt has been a monster in his career and he did not disappoint in his debut. His striking ability and reach advantage will carry him through in this fight. Northcutt by TKO in the first.
Elias Theodorou (11-0-0) vs. Thiago Santos (11-3-0)
Santos is a good fighter, but he seems to lose to people who can compete with him standing. This was evident in his fight with Uriah Hall. Theodore’s background in kick boxing will carry him through in this fight as he uses it to outpace and keep away from Santos’ power. Theodorou by decision.