Full card picks, predictions for Saturday night’s UFC action

After a rare week off from fighting, the UFC returns for a late Saturday card from Perth, Australia.

Fourteen fights are on the docket this weekend as we prepare for a long night of bouts, headlined by a light heavyweight title eliminator between Carlos Ulberg and Dominick Reyes.

The entire card will be streamed on ESPN+ beginning at 7 p.m. ET.

Carlos Ulberg vs. Dominick Reyes

These two have light heavyweight title aspirations, as Ulberg profiles as the newcomer looking to break through, while Reyes has championship experience.

Reyes nearly got to the pinnacle of the sport, fighting Jon Jones for the light heavyweight strap and nearly winning a decision.

Reyes has looked like a shell of himself after that defeat, losing three straight fights all by brutal knockouts.

Now to see him back at this spot with three consecutive wins, all also by knockout against legitimate competition, is a fantastic turn for him, still just 35.

Ulberg is the rightful favorite here, boasting a 12-1 record with the elite camp at City Kickboxing helping him prepare.

Ulberg certainly has big power and should be able to control the fight with his striking.

If things get shaky in terms of striking defense, I suspect that Ulberg also has the grappling advantage.

Ulberg has been to two straight decisions, and while Reyes has had six straight fights end by KO, he is the only one in this matchup who has fought five rounds (the decision loss to Jones).

I think this one could certainly hit the scorecards, but the Over 1.5 rounds (-145, ESPN Bet) is my favorite play on this card.

THE PLAY: Over 1.5 rounds (-145, ESPN Bet)

Jimmy Crute vs. Ivan Erslan

Jimmy Crute is a fighter that I once expected to compete for a title. His athletic prowess is impressive, and he faces Ivan Erslan, who is 0-2 in the UFC.

Crute had a poor performance against Alonzo Menifield (draw) and was 0-3-2 in five fights at one point.

Crute profiles as the better grappler, but is extremely unpredictable with shotty cardio that makes it difficult to trust him.

Still, his opponent is nothing to write home about.

Erslan has had his back taken in consecutive fights, something I am extremely worried about for him in this light heavyweight matchup.

Crute has submitted some legitimate talent in the UFC. Defeating Michal Oleksiejczuk by submission while also tapping out ground ace Paul Craig.

The clear play for me is Jimmy Crute by submission here, with the hope that he is in better physical condition than we’ve seen in recent years, and hoping he doesn’t gas out.

THE PLAY: Crute by submission (+260, Fanatics Sportsbook)

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UFC Perth full fight card picks

Jack Jenkins vs. Ramon Taveras: Ramon Taveras (+240, ESPN Bet)

Jake Matthews vs. Neil Magny: Matthews over 1.5 takedowns (-116, Underdog)

Justin Tafa vs. Louie Sutherland: Sutherland ML (+105, ESPN Bet)

Tom Nolan vs. Charlie Campbell: Charlie Campbell by decision (+650, BetMGM)

Navajo Stirling vs. Rodolfo Bellato: Rodolfo Bellato ML (+210, ESPN Bet)

Cameron Rowston vs. Andre Petroski: Petroski wins and the fight starts round two (-105, DraftKings)

Jonathan Micallef vs. Oban Elliott: Elliott ML (-110, DraftKings)

Jamie Mullarkey vs. Rolando Bedoya: Small bet: Mullarkey by submission (18/1, ESPN Bet)

Colby Thicknesse vs. Josias Musasa: Musasa ML (-150, ESPN Bet)

Michelle Montague vs. Luana Carolina: Fight goes the distance (-125, Caesars Sportsbook)

Brando Pericic vs. Elisha Ellison: Pass

Loma Lookboonmee vs. Alexia Thainara: Fight goes the distance (-225, DraftKings)

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