UFC Predictions for UFC Fight Night: Alexander Volkov vs. Tom Aspinall

#2. UFC featherweight division: Arnold Allen vs. Dan Hooker

Highly ranked featherweight Arnold Allen features on this weekend's main card

In a huge UFC featherweight bout that’s probably as good as this weekend's headliner, Arnold Allen takes on Dan Hooker.

While he isn’t as well-known as the likes of Paddy Pimblett and Darren Till, it’s arguable that Allen is the best UK-based fighter in the UFC right now. He’s 8-0 in the octagon and is ranked at No.7 at 145 pounds. Overall, technical skill is Allen’s best attribute as he has been training with Firas Zahabi for years and rarely makes errors in his fights.

The Ipswich native essentially jabbed and boxed his way to wins over the likes of Gilbert Melendez and Sodiq Yusuff, despite their formidable reputation and heavy hands. In the only fight he appeared to be losing, he came from behind to choke out Mads Burnell.

This clash has the potential to be a tricky one for ‘Almighty’, as Hooker has more experience in the octagon against far better opponents. 'The Hangman' holds impressive wins over fighters such as Ross Pearson, Paul Felder and Al Iaquinta, and will also hold a 5” reach advantage.

At his best, Hooker is an iron-chinned fighter who can pick opponents apart from distance. He's also a very dangerous counter-striker, particularly when it comes to throwing knees at an incoming foe.

However, there will be question marks over how he’ll handle the drop to 145 pounds. He may also be past his prime after taking some horrendous damage over the years.

The beating he suffered at the hands of Edson Barboza, for instance, had the potential to change his career entirely, while he was almost knocked unconscious by Michael Chandler in their 2021 clash.

It’s a close one to call, but the pick is Allen via decision in what should be a breakout performance from him.

The Pick: Allen via decision

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#3. UFC lightweight division: Paddy Pimblett vs. Kazula Vargas

There is considerable hype around prospect Paddy Pimblett right now

When he made his octagon debut back in September, Paddy Pimblett did so as probably the most talked-about UK-based prospect in UFC history. Sure enough, ‘The Baddy’ delivered on the hype by knocking out Luigi Vendramini in the first round, although it wasn’t without some considerable effort.

It’s probably safe to say that this upcoming lightweight bout with Rodrigo Vargas isn’t quite the step up to the elite level that some fans would’ve expected for Pimblett. To be fair, his debut didn’t really warrant such a move.

After all, the Liverpool native was tagged badly by Vendramini on more than one occasion. Realistically, only his iron chin and strong will allowed him to come back and win the bout.

So can he beat Mexico’s Vargas, who has more octagon experience than him? This may actually not turn out to be the squash in favor of Pimblett that many people are expecting.

Vargas is a consummate finisher, with 10 of his 12 wins coming via knockout or submission. More importantly, he’s only been finished once in his career in turn, suffering a tapout defeat back in 2013.

In the octagon, he’s looked pretty solid, falling to a decision against Alex da Silva Coelho before knocking out Brok Weaver – albeit with an illegal knee – and then winning a decision over Rong Zhu. Essentially, the Mexican is an explosive and aggressive striker, which should mean this bout produces fireworks, regardless of who wins.

However, it’s unlikely that the promotion would look to derail a prospect as hot as Pimblett just yet. So, however dangerous Vargas seems, he’s likely to be a beatable opponent for ‘The Baddy’.

Vargas may well look to come in and take Pimblett's head off - figuring that if Vendramini could come close to knocking him out, he can finish the job. However, the styles simply don't match well for him.

Most notably, Pimblett is an excellent grappler. When you consider that Coelho’s win over Vargas came primarily on the ground, it seems likely that ‘The Baddy’ has a clear-cut path to victory.

The Pick: Pimblett via first-round submission