This is one of the newer fights added to the card and it makes sense because Ricky is the local guy and they want some hometown heroes in the mix. I like Yanez a lot. He's been on the show and is nothing but positive vibes. But unfortunately I do think vibes will be down Saturday. I think Ricky's pressure will negate the technical striking and open up the takedowns. Roani was able to defend Ricky's takedowns, but Roani is a 5x Brazilian national champion wrestler. Ricky will be the pick here but i do expect Yanez to make it a scrap.

Ricky Simon

Ricky Simon is a high energy wrestler who will dive on leg after leg with 100% energy over and over until he gets a takedown. If he doesn't get a takedown, plan b is to bomb overhands and then go back to the takedowns. His biggest asset is his gas tank and willingness to stick to a plan. He is not a technical striker but it is there to setup his takedowns and he does have some very real power. He is coming off the decision loss to Roani Barcelos where he went 0-6 in takedown attempts.

Adrian Yanez

Adrian Yanez is a fun technical striker with high striking IQ, fast hands, real power and a solid chin. He can be a slow starter but when he picks up the pace and hits a flow state, he is one of the cleaner boxers in the division. He has 10 fights in the UFC with 5 fight of the night bonuses and 6 stoppage wins. He has great takedown defense at 81% and zero offensive takedowns so far in the UFC. He shines in technical exchanges and has very clean boxing. He is coming off the close loss to Daniel Marcos where despite being rocked early his striking was clean