UFC Fight Night 217: The UFC returns to action this weekend after a great 2022. The new year promises big things for the leading promotion in MMA. However, it all kicks off this weekend at UFC Fight Night 217, with Nassourdine Imavov taking on Kelvin Gastelum on January 14. Follow UFC Fight Night 217: Imavov vs Gastelum LIVE Streaming on Insidesport.IN.

While Imavov and Gastelum will get the lion’s share of the attention as the main event, the card includes some exciting contests. So here’s our preview and prediction for the full main card at UFC Fight Night 217.

UFC Fight Night 217 full main card preview and prediction

1. Umar Nurmagomedov vs Raoni Barcelos (Bantamweight)

The main card kicks off with a cracking contest between Khabib Nurmagomedov’s cousin, Umar Nurmagomedov. The Russian will face Brazilian Raoni Barcelos in a fight that could steal the show. Umar Nurmagomedov has a slight advantage in the physical attributes. Moreover, the Russian is clearly the better grappler. However, Barcelos throws more punches. Therefore, it could end up being a fight between two different styles.

Our prediction: Umar Nurmagomedov beats Raoni Barcelos via submission in round two.

2. Ketlen Vieira vs Raquel Pennington (Women’s Bantamweight)

The second fight of the main card features Brazilian Ketlen Vieira and American Raquel Pennington. Both fighters match very closely in terms of physical attributes. And although their striking and grappling numbers are very similar, Pennington is the slightly better striker, while Vieira is the slightly better wrestler. This means the contest is going to be very close.

Our prediction: Ketlen Vieira beats Raquel Pennington by a decision.

3. Punahele Soriano vs Roman Kopylov (Middleweight)

American Punahele Soriano will face Russian Roman Kopylov on the main card of UFC Fight Night 217: Imavov vs Gastelum. Kopylov edges out Soriano in the physical attributes. However, Soriano has better numbers in terms of striking and grappling.

Our prediction: Punahele Soriano beats Roman Kopylov via decision

4. Dan Ige vs Damon Jackson (Featherweight)

The co-main event of UFC Fight Night 217 will feature Americans Dan Ige and Damon Jackson. Both fighters have almost identical physical attributes. However, they have vastly different styles. Ige is the better striker, while Jackson is the better wrestler. Thus, making for an intriguing fight.

Our prediction: Damon Jackson beats Dan Ige via submission in round three.

5. Nassourdine Imavov vs Kelvin Gastelum (Middleweight)

Finally, in the main event, Russian Nassourdine Imavov will look to make a statement and continue his impressive rise against perennial contender Kelvin Gastelum. Imavov has a clear advantage in terms of physical attributes. Moreover, he also has a big advantage in the grappling department. And while their grappling numbers are almost identical, Imavov has better submission numbers.

Our prediction: Nassourdine Imavov beats Kelvin Gastelum via submission in round 3.