UFC Fight Night: Grasso vs. Araujo Picks, Predictions, Odds

Two of the highest-ranked fighters in the UFC Women’s Flyweight division will meet in the main event of UFC Fight Night 212 this weekend. No. 5 Alexa Grasso will face No. 6 Viviane Araujo in the last major competition before UFC 280 next week. The co-main event will feature the exciting Cub Swanson, but we won’t be highlighting his bantamweight showdown with Jonathan Martinez.

UFC Fight Night: Grasso vs. Araujo will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at UFC Apex in Enterprise, Nevada. This entire card will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN+ with the prelims starting at 4 p.m. ET and the main event kicking off at 7 p.m. ET.

Updated on 04/26/2024

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Alexa Grasso vs. Viviane Araujo Prediction

Before she joined the UFC, Alexa Grasso was 8-0 as a professional MMA fighter. Grasso distinguished herself in Invicta FC, but she had some early struggles in the topflight. She traded wins and losses through her first six fights in the UFC, yet her last loss showed her potential as she lost a majority decision to UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Carla Esparza.  Grasso has won three straight fights since that loss, and she scored a first-round submission over Joanne Wood back in March.

Viviane Araujo is 5-2 in the UFC. She scored a knockout in her first fight in the promotion, but her last six fights were all decided by the judges. That makes the ‘Over’ the best bet in the main event, as neither fighter is likely to finish their opponent.

To Win Fight: Alexa Grasso (-220)
Total Rounds: Over 4.5 (-225)

Askar Askarov vs. Brandon Royval Prediction

A second straight loss would be extremely disappointing for Askar Askarov. He was a sizeable favorite over Kai-Kara France by the UFC betting odds back in March, but he was soundly defeated and lost by unanimous decision. That was his first loss in 15 professional MMA fights, and it stopped his climb up the UFC Flyweight rankings. Askarov should be able to bounce back against Brandon Royval this week.

Royval is a submission specialist just like Askarov. However, he doesn’t have quite the same grappling skill, and he doesn’t have the same power as Askarov either. Royval does have the range advantage, but it feels like the only way that he wins this fight is if Askarov is too cautious.

To Win Fight: Askar Askarov (-250)
Total Rounds: Under 2.5 (+110)

Misha Cirkunov vs. Alonzo Menifield Prediction  

Former CFL player Alonzo Menifield has been up and down since winning a UFC contract. He is 5-3 in the UFC, but he is pretty predictable with his style. Menifield comes out guns blazing in the first round, and he is in trouble if he doesn’t finish his opponent in the first five minutes.

Misha Cirkunov has lost six of his last eight fights, but he is a promotion veteran. He has proven that he has the stamina to go the distance, so he is well worth the risk at this price.

To Win Fight: Misha Cirkunov (+180)
Total Rounds: Over 1.5 (-138)