UFC Vegas 8: Anthony Smith vs Aleksandar Rakic – Prelims Prediction

UFC on Vegas 8, headlined by Anthony Smith and Aleksandar Rakic, will bring back the action for MMA fans on August 22.

Other than the epic light heavyweight main event, the main card is locked with several other intense matchups. Breaking a hiatus of a year, Robbie Lawler will return against Neil Magny in the upcoming Fight Night.

However, what might go unnoticed is the stacked undercard. Dana White and his team have finalized a promising preliminary card containing six fights. Many new fighters will look forward to making a massive statement on their respective debuts. Here are the predictions for the prelims of UFC Fight Night: Smith vs Rakic.

UFC on Vegas 8: Preliminary Predictions

After two women’s strawweight bouts, a middleweight and a featherweight bout will follow. The prelims will then conclude with back-to-back-middleweight fights.

Maki Pitolo vs Impa Kasanganay

‘Coconut Bombz’ Pitolo failed to impress his fans with his ongoing run in the UFC. He is 1-2 in the promotion and will desperately hunt for a win against Impa.

In his last performance against Darren Stewart on August 8, the 30-year-old suffered a crushing submission defeat. Meanwhile, Impa Kasanganay will make his promotional debut with an undefeated record of 7-0. He is a huge threat to Pitolo unless the latter becomes dominant.

Prediction: Impa Kasanganay defeats Maki Pitolo via decision

Alessio Di Chirico vs Zak Cummings

Both Chirico and Cummings will look forward to arresting their losing streak on August 29. They have last competed in September 2019, losing their individual contests.

Although both men are equally skilled on the feet, Cummings will have the edge because of his ground game.

Prediction: Zak Cummings defeats Alessio Di Chirico via decision

Alex Caceres vs Austin Springer

Austin Springer will register his UFC debut against a veteran featherweight, Alex Caceres.

Despite having double-digit losses, Caceres is still a deadly force inside the cage. That said, he is already on a two-fight win streak. Springer also has the chance of getting the upper hand. Springer (12-3) looks like a hot prospect and will try to keep up with the expectations on August 29.

Prediction: Alex Caceres defeats Austin Springer via decision

Sean Brady vs Christian Aguilera

Undefeated Sean Brady (12-0) will lock horns against Christian Aguilera and try to extend his win streak in UFC. Sean is currently 2-0 in the promotion.

Aguilera has also notched an impressive win in UFC. It will be a battle between two rising prospects, where anybody can win.

Prediction: Sean Brady defeats Cristian Aguilera via KO (Round 3)

Polyana Viana vs Emily Whitmire

After a successful debut in 2018, Viana suffered three consecutive losses in the UFC. Thus, her upcoming contest will be highly important.

Meanwhile, Whitmire also has had a run full of ups and downs. She is 4-3 in MMA and 2-2 in UFC. While she is still young and hungry, Viana has all the chances of dominating her throughout.

For the fans, it can be one of the most exciting encounters of the fight card.

Prediction: Polyana Viana defeats Emily Whitmire via decision.

Mallory Martin vs Hannah Cifers

Hannah Cifers is a true veteran of women’s MMA. However, she has had a bad run in the UFC till now. With a record of 2-4 in UFC, Cifers will lock horns against Mallory Martin.

Meanwhile, Martin had an unsuccessful UFC debut against Virna Jandiroba in December 2019. She will fight to get back in the win column. However, it might not be an easy ride for her.

Cifers is a lethal fighter, and she can dominate Martin badly in their upcoming fight.

Prediction: Hannah Cifers defeats Mallory Martin via KO (Round 2)