UFC Fight Night: Bautista vs. Oliveira - Odds, Predictions & Picks

• Bantamweight contenders headline a stellar night of action inside the UFC APEX this Sunday

• Mario Bautista is looking to resume his climb up the rankings against dangerous finisher Vinicius Oliveira

• Japanese legend Kyoji Horiguchi is set to make a long-awaited comeback to the UFC spotlight against top 10 Flyweight Amir Albazi

UFC Fight Night: Bautista vs. Oliveira

Odds from FanDuel Sportsbook. Visit FanDuel and claim $200 in bonus bets with your initial winning wager. Read our FanDuel Sportsbook review and learn how to claim your FanDuel Sportsbook bonus.

If you're in a state where FanDuel Sportsbook is not yet legal, we recommend playing at Underdog. See how to claim your Underdog Promo Code WSNPLAY and sign up below.

UFC Fight Night: Bautista vs. Oliveira - Picks & Predictions

Mario Bautista vs. Vinicius Oliveira - Bantamweight Division

Our pick: Mario Bautista (-205) at FanDuel

Amir Albazi vs. Kyoji Horiguchi - Flyweight Division

Our pick: Kyoji Horiguchi (-340) at FanDuel

Jailton Almeida vs. Rizvan Kuniev - Heavyweight Division

Our pick: Jailton Almeida (-154) at FanDuel

Michal Oleksiejczuk vs. Marc-Andre Barriault Middleweight Division

Our pick: Michal Oleksiejczuk (-330) at FanDuel

Jean Matsumoto vs. Farid Basharat Bantamweight Division

Our pick: Farid Basharat (-290) at FanDuel

Mario Bautista vs. Vinicius Oliveira - Bantamweight Division

The main event brings together two surging Bantamweights as Mario Bautista comes head-to-head with Brazilian knockout extraordinaire Vinicius Oliveira in a bout that could have serious top-ten ramifications. It’s a technician-versus-aggressor matchup, with both men entering the Octagon on strong runs of form.

Bautista has singularly built one of the most impressive résumés outside the title picture, melding devastating boxing with efficient grappling and a robust fighting IQ. The 32-year-old rarely wastes movement and has developed a reputation for making smart mid-fight adjustments, which has allowed him to consistently outmaneuver opponents over three rounds. His composure in the midst of battle is his greatest asset; although he is arriving on the back of a defeat to Khabib Nurmagomedov, a loss which temporarily stalled his title momentum. But, having dropped just two bouts in his last ten outings, he’s still the division's model for consistency.

Contrastingly, Oliveira is all warfare with a generous dose of chaos. The Brazilian has proven one-punch power and thrives most in wild exchanges, often suffocating his opponents before they can settle into any sort of rhythm. He’s also won all four of his UFC fights to date, so a victory over Bautista would likely put him right on the brink of title contention. With 23 wins and only three losses to his name, he’s demonstrated he can see off a fight in many a way, but questions still linger about how he copes against methodical, defensively sound opponents who refuse his invitations to brawl.

This feels like a contest that will come down to discipline. If Bautista can orchestrate the tempo and avoid Oliveira’s brawls, his technical edge should see him through. He looks the safer and smarter selection at -205 with FanDuel.

Bet $5 at FanDuel, Get $200 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins

Amir Albazi vs. Kyoji Horiguchi - Flyweight Division

This intriguing Flyweight clash sees Amir Albazi welcome former Bellator and Rizin champion Kyoji Horiguchi back onto the UFC canvas. It’s an elite meeting between two fighters who are at very different levels at the moment, yet are still firmly in the title conversation.

Albazi has settled in as one of the division’s most well-rounded fighters, enjoying the fruits of a dangerous submission game and steadily improving striking. The Iraqi-born fighter is composed and deliberate with his efforts, and rarely overextends into risky scenarios, which has helped him grind out victories against high-level opposition. At 32, he’s unmistakably in his competitive prime, but following his latest loss to Brandon Moreno by unanimous decision and a year-long sabbatical hampered by medical issues in the summer of last year, can he still compete to the same level?

Meanwhile, Horiguchi arrives with a wealth of championship pedigree and one of the most developed skill sets in the lighter weight classes. The Japanese star brings blistering speed and technical exactitude that out-trumps preparation. His ability to transition between striking and grappling has long made him a nightmare matchup. Even at 35, his athleticism and timing remain exceptional, and this marks only his second fight since returning to the UFC, where he already sits eighth in the rankings. Having previously challenged for the flyweight title back in 2015, this run feels very much like a calculated build toward another shot at gold.

While Albazi’s authority inside the Octagon and grappling pose numerous threats, Horiguchi’s experience and versatility give him the overall edge. Expect a tactical but fast-paced contest, with the veteran looking worth siding with at -340 with FanDuel.

Get $200 in Bonus Bets at FanDuel With a $5 Winning Wager

Jailton Almeida vs. Rizvan Kuniev - Heavyweight Division

The stage is set for Heavyweight action as submission specialist Jailton Almeida squares off with Russian bulldozer Rizvan Kuniev in a bout that promises a clash of fighting styles. It’s rare for grappler versus striker narratives like this to disappoint at such a high weight class.

Almeida has made a name for himself as one of the most feared ground fighters among the heavyweights. Despite his split-decision loss over Alexander Volkov in the fall of last year, his ability to close distance, secure takedowns, and dominate from a leading position has taken apart some strong opposition. The Brazilian’s confidence in his grappling is anything but fleeting despite his recent form, and his physical strength will always allow him to impose his might once the fight hits the mat. 

Kuniev imposes different dangers. The Dagestani powerhouse is blessed with a lumbering, heavy set of hands and surprising agility for a big man, making him one of the deadliest knockout threats whenever the fight isn’t on the mat. His defensive wrestling has come on in leaps and bounds, taking Curtis Blaydes to a knife-edge split decision last year, narrowly missing out on a victory. The question now is whether he's prepped his game enough to handle relentless takedown pressure since that bout.

This matchup hinges on who commands the dimensions of the cage. If Almeida fastens with early ground exchanges, he’ll be able to dictate proceedings. His grappling edge makes him the sensible choice at -154 with FanDuel.

Win a $5 Wager at FanDuel, Get $200 in Bonus Bets

Michal Oleksiejczuk vs. Marc-Andre Barriault - Middleweight Division

Two seasoned Middleweights collide this weekend as Poland’s Michal Oleksiejczuk goes toe-to-toe with hardened Canadian veteran Marc-Andre Barriault in what is shaping up to be an unforgettable battle. Both men are known for their enthusiasm to trade blows, leaving little room for error.

Oleksiejczuk is well known for his aggressive striking and raw knockout power. He’ll often look to end a fight quickly before his opponent catches tempo with precise body shots and clinical combinations. Still only 30 and with first round knockout wins in his last two fights, he still holds the speed advantage over many peers in the division and is at his most dangerous whenever he finds rhythm early.

On the other side of the card, Barriault thrives on toughness and direct pressure. The 35-year-old has shaped himself a reputation as one of the division's most heavy-duty competitors, refusing to take a backward step and habitually dragging opponents into gritty exchanges. However, his durability has been tested in recent outings, with only one victory in five. Defensive lapses have cost him dearly, particularly in the earlier rounds and he will be keen to prove that he isn’t heading into the twilight of his career. 

This feels like a contest where speed and precision will surely outdo grit and determination. Oleksiejczuk’s repertoire of striking tools and instinctive finishing make him the more appealing choice at -330 with FanDuel.

Grab $200 in Bonus Bets With a $5 Correct Bet at FanDuel

Jean Matsumoto vs. Farid Basharat - Bantamweight Division

The card rounds out with an all-eyes-on Bantamweight run-in between promising prospect Jean Matsumoto and undefeated technician Farid Basharat. It’s a clash that could plot the advent of the division’s next breakthrough name.

With only one professional loss to his name, Matsumoto enters with an impressive record and versatile skillset, showcasing free-flowing strikes and solid defensive awareness. The 26-year-old has a steady head on his shoulders, demonstrating maturity beyond his years, but this bout is a significant step up in level against a fighter yet to taste defeat, with his only career loss having come against a ranked opponent.

Basharat has built a reputation as one of the most composed young fighters in the UFC, even outside of the Bantamweight division. His ability to manage distance, switch up styles on the fly, and remain cool under pressure has made him exceptionally difficult to beat, a fact underlined by five straight victories since joining the promotion. At 28, he’s entering the prime years in a stride, and momentum is firmly on his side.

Although Matsumoto is undoubtedly talented, Basharat’s consistent displays and unbeaten confidence make him the stronger option. His current standing and determination to maintain a perfect record sits at -290 with FanDuel.

Bet $5 at FanDuel and Get $200 in Bonus Bets if Your Wager Hits

How to Watch UFC Fight Night: Bautista vs. Oliveira

• Location: Meta APEX, Las Vegas, United States

• When: Sunday, February 9

• Time: 08:00 PM ET

• How: ESPN