UFC Singapore, Ben Askren vs Demian Maia: Fight Card, Predictions, Start Time, How to Watch

After an action-packed fight night in Boston, UFC goes to Singapore. In the main event, we have two of the most elite grapplers in UFC at the moment, Ben Askren and Demian Maia fighting to get back up to the top of the division. While in the co-main we have Michael Johnson taking on Stevie Rey. Although this card is not packed with big names, there are many exciting matchups for the fans this weekend. Here is the fight card and prediction for UFC Singapore.

UFC Singapore Main Card:

Ben Askren: 19-1 (W-L)
Last 5 Fights: W W W W L

Demian Maia:27-9(W-L)
Last 5 fights: L L L W W

Ben Askren makes his return to the UFC octagon since the first loss in his MMA career. Askren takes on former title contender, Demian Maia in the main event of UFC Singapore. This is a must-win fight for Ben Askren after the 5-second knock out loss to Masvidal. On the other Demian Maia is on a two-fight win streak and this win streak might be his last hope for another title shot in the welterweight division.

Stylistically, this fight will be a great competition between a decorated wrestler and a decorated grappler. While both Askren and Maia are wizards on the ground, Maia has the striking advantage over Ben Askren for sure.

This is a tough match up for Ben Askren. Demian Maia is as good as a grappler can get and he for sure can grapple with Ben Askren on the ground. Now it can not be said that Demian Maia is going to submit Ben Askren, but he can defend himself on the ground for five rounds, where the most significant part of the fight will take place. Ben Askren is likely to control the fight on the ground, however, the biggest concern surrounding Askren is his striking and the fact that he is returning to the octagon in a very short span after a devastating KO loss. However, considering most of the fight is likely to take place on the ground Askren is going to get the job done. While Askren must take Maia down and control him on the ground, Maia needs to use his striking a lot more than he has ever done his career.

Prediction: Ben Askren

Michael Johnson: 19-14 (W-L)
Last 5 fights: L L W W L

Stevie Rey: 22-9 (W-L)
Last 5 fights: W L L W L

Michael Johnson is a great boxer and he has proven it many times. Even though he lost some of the fights such as the fights against Nate Diaz, Justin Gaethje, and Josh Emmett, he showed the world that he can trade punches with the very best this division has to offer. He was winning his last fight against Josh Emmet until he got knocked out with a great shot from Emmett. He has wins over Tony Ferguson, Dustin Poirier, and Edson Barboza in his resume to show that he can win the fight against Stevie Rey.

Stevie Ray is a good striker but he has just not shown enough skills based on which we can predict him to either knock Michael Johnson out or out strike him for three rounds. Hence Michael Johnson should get the job done quite easily.

Prediction:- Michael Johnson

Frank Camacho: 22-7 (W-L)
Last 5 Fights: W L L W L

Beneil Darisuh:16-4(W-L)
Last 5 fights: W W L D L

After facing the loss against Geoff Neal in the welterweight division, Frank Camacho came back to the lightweight and got a win over Nick Hein. This is going to be a striking battle and Beneil Dariush is likely to win the fight. He has some great wins over Michael Johnson, James Vick, Jim Miller and he is likely to get the job done in UFC Singapore against Frank Camacho.

Prediction:- Beneil Dariush

Ciryl Gane: 4-0 (W-L)
Last 5 Fights: W W W W

Don’Tale Mayes:7-2(W-L)
Last 5 fights: W W W W L

In a heavyweight bout, Ciryl Gane takes on Don’Tale Mayes. None of the fighters have a ton of experience. However, Ciryl Gane looks a much more well rounded fighter than Mayes. Gane has a few knockouts as well as a submission victory in his resume and he is going to get the job done against Mayes.

Prediction: Ciryl Gane

Muslim Salikhov: 15-2 (W-L)
Last 5 Fights: W W L W W

Laureano Staropoli: 9-1 (W-L)
Last 5 fights: W W W W W

Muslim Salikhov takes on Laureano Staropoli in the main card of UFC Singapore. Both fighters are pretty new to UFC and do not have a ton of experience. While Staropoli has won his last two fights via unanimous decision, Salikhov has been knocking his opponents out. Salikhov is likely going to catch Staropoli before the 3rd round. Staropoli does not rely on ground games to get the decision wins, he is predominantly a striker and hence Salikhov will have a ton of time to fire the knock out blow.

Prediction:?Muslim Salikhov

UFC Singapore Prelims:

Both Randa Markos and Ashley Yoder are predominantly grapplers. However, Ashley Yoder has the momentum in her side with 2 wins in the last two fights and she gets the job done against Randa Markos.

Prediction: Ashley Yoder

Fiziev is coming from a win, while Alex White is coming from a loss. However, Alex White has got the knock out power to get the job done against Rafael Fiziev.

Prediction: Alex White

The unbeaten featherweight, Movsar Evloev is an exciting talent. He has been the champion in organizations outside UFC. He has the reach advantage and he is the better striker of the two. Hence Movsar Evloev gets the W in UFC Singapore.

Prediction: Movsar Evloev

In another heavyweight clash, Sergei Pavlovich is taking on Maurice Greene. This might be a bad matchup for Pavlovich. Maurice Greene is a tall guy with good grappling skills. However, Sergei Pavlovich has the knock out power and he also has the reach advantage despite being the shorter guy here. Pavlovich gets the job done via KO.

Prediction: Sergei Pavlovich

Alexander Albu takes on Loma Lookboonmee in a women’s strawweight bout. Albu is the more experienced fighter when it comes to competing in UFC. She has got decent ground skills and striking and she is going to get the job done against Loma Lookboonmee.

Prediction: Alexander Albu

In a heavyweight bout, Jeff Hughes takes on Raphael Pessoa. Hughes fought Todd Duffee in his last fight which ended in a no contest. However, he gets the job done against Raphael Pessoa who is coming from a loss against Ciryl Gane.

Prediction: Jeff Hughes

Start Time:

UFC Singapore takes place at the Singapore indoor stadium, Singapore on October 26th. The prelims start at 5 AM ET (2.30 PM IST). While the main card starts at 8 AM ET (5.30 PM IST).

How to Watch:

The entire fight card including Main Card and Prelims will be available on ESPN Plus with a subscriptions fees of 4.99$ per month. The streaming option through ESPN + will also be available on Google Play and I Tunes.

That apart the main card will be televised on Sony Ten 2 HD and Sony Ten 2.