Octagon Report’s predictions: UFC on ESPN Brunson vs. Shahbazyan

Following a successful month on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, the UFC returns home to Las Vegas for a middleweight showdown in the main event.

Top contenders will meet for a chance to catapult themselves up the rankings and closer to a title shot.

UFC on ESPN+ 31 will take place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas this Saturday. The event will be live on ESPN+.

Octagon Report’s analysts, writers, and editors have made their predictions below.

In the main event, Edmen Shahbazyan will face Derek Brunson. Vegas oddsmakers favor Edmen as he is the clear favorite to win. He was selected by our team. The undefeated prospect is currently riding one of the biggest hype trains in the UFC.

In the co-main event, the women will headline an interesting battle in the flyweight division. Scotland’s Joanne Calderwood will meet Jennifer Maia. Our staff has selected Joanne “JoJo” to win.

The main event also includes a welterweight bout that promised to be a fight of the night candidate. Vicente Luque and Randy Brown will clash for a chance to break the Top 10. Our team has selected the Brazilian Vicente Luque to win.

An interesting striking match is promised as lightweights Bobby Green and Lando Vannata face off. Our staff had a tough time with this one. Vannata is the favorite to win edging a poll by 53 percent.

The main card opens up with a middleweight showdown. Kevin Holland and Trevin Giles will do the honors of opening up the main event. Our team picks Kevin Holland to take home the win.

What are your picks? Do you agree with the predictions made by our team?