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Fight of the Night: Jeka Saragih (13-2-0) vs. Anshul Jubli (6-0-0)
Talk about a pick ‘em. Two Road to the UFC contract winners and superb strikers in Jeka Saragih and Anshul Jubli face off in their UFC debuts, representing Indonesia and India respectively. Sitting at 13-2, Saragih is an experienced mixed martial artist with a pack in his punch, knocking out Pawan Maan and Won Bin Ki on his path to the show. Like many fighters before him, Saragih is always waiting to land that signature overhand shot that will eventually get his hand raised. His opponent, Anshul Jubli, is an undefeated kickboxer who’s kept his unbeaten ways in his transition to MMA. He’s four inches taller than Saragih, and isn’t afraid to throw and work in the cage. Both men are very evenly matched with an intriguing stylistic matchup. Don’t let the new names fool you, this fight is going to be fun.
Performance of the Night: Tatsuro Taira (12-0-0)
23-year-old Japanese phenom Tatsuro Taira goes into UFC Vegas 68 undefeated professionally and as the night’s opening act in his third official bout for the promotion. Taira faces the debuting Jesus Aguilar (8-1-0), who’s coming off a contract-earning Guillotine on Dana White’s Contender Series last August. Although Aguilar is a talented young fighter with fantastic ground skills, he’s no match for his opponent tonight. Taira is widely regarded as one of the best young MMA prospects in the world, and there’s nothing Aguilar has to offer that he can’t handle. Not to mention, Taira is also coming in with a whopping eight-inch reach and three-inch height advantage, while beating Aguilar in all aspects of the fight game. Expect a quick finish or pure domination for the up-and-coming star.
Underdog of the Night: Derrick Lewis (26-10-0), (1 NC)
DO NOT FORGET that Derrick Lewis is still that guy. He may not be in his prime anymore, but remember that the Beast can still throw down with your favorite UFC heavyweight. Sitting at +255 on Betfred Sportsbook, Lewis is my favorite underdog on the card. He’s healthy, in great shape, and is coming off some downtime to get in the right headspace after a loss to Sergei Pavlovich. His opponent Serghei Spivac isn’t the most technically sound, dangerous fighter Lewis has faced. His biggest wins are against the likes of a washed up Augusto Sakai and Greg Hardy, with Lewis being his toughest test to date. With one strike being the difference between a win and a loss at 265, you can never count out the UFC KO king.
