5 Predictions For UFC 251

The long awaited debut of the UFC fight island is finally here. UFC 251 promises to be a spectacular event with a strong main card packed with title fights and evenly contested bouts to kickstart this new chapter in UFC history.

Can Jorge Masvidal rise to the occasion against the odds and topple the aptly named 'Nigerian Nightmare' Kamaru Usman for the Welterweight title? It will be interesting to see if he has had enough time to prepare for this fight and whether he will even make weight.

This is not the only championship on the line in 251, with both the Featherweight and vacant Bantamweight titles being contested over in Dubai this weekend. It remains to be seen whether Volkanovski will be able to edge out Holloway again in their rematch and whether Petr Yan will be able to make the most of his first title shot against a true UFC veteran in Jose Aldo.

There are two other strong fixtures on the main card, which sees a rematch between former champions Rose Namajunas and Jessica Andrade of the Strawweight division. To finish off, there will also be a look at the other women's bout which sees Paige VanZant take on Amanda Ribas. All fights will include analysis and fight outcome predictions.

The first fight on the main card may not be the most eye-catching of the night but will still see two strong competitors face off against one another to get the event off to a strong start.

This fight comes with some behind the scenes drama attached. This will be Paige VanZant's final fight in the UFC with the fighter expressing dissatisfaction with her current contract. She has expressed a desire to leave in the hopes of obtaining a better contract elsewhere. Amanda Ribas however, is coming into this fight undefeated during her brief time within the UFC and so, if she was to come away with a win at 251 not only will it help raise her profile dramatically but will also provide the added sting of reducing VanZant's when it comes to her finding alternative employment.

Despite Ribas coming into this as the heavy favourite, the bout is likely to come down to a decision victory which Ribas should come away with. A win via submission is another possibility. Ribas has proven her technical ability and this was showcased during her round two victory against Emily Whitmire at UFC Fight Night. She managed to gain victory over her opponent with a rear naked choke.

Prediction: Ribas decision victory.