UFC Fight Night 273: Dennis Buzukja vs. Marcio Barbosa Predictions for Saturday, 04/18/26

The first fight on the Main Card at UFC Fight Night 273 will see Dennis Buzukja take on Marcio Barbosa. This will be a fight in the UFC Featherweight division. Buzukja enters this fight with an MMA record of 12-5 and 2-4 in the UFC. He is averaging 4.21 significant strikes per minute and has a striking accuracy of 43%. Buzukja absorbs 4.82 strikes and has a striking defense of 48%. His grappling ability is decent at best, averaging 0.63 takedowns every 15 minutes. He has a takedown accuracy of 27% and a takedown defense of 75%.

Barbosa enters this fight with an MMA record of 17-2 and 1-0 in the UFC. He is averaging 8.27 significant strikes per minute and has a striking accuracy of 47%. Barbosa absorbs 7.56 strikes and has a striking defense of 50%. He has not yet shown any grappling ability, but has a takedown defense of 100%.

Barbosa is the significant favorite in this fight; therefore, we will be looking at the round in which he will win. Barbosa is known for having quick fights, considering that 16 of his 19 career fights have ended in the first round, with 16 of his 17 career wins coming in the first round as well. Additionally, he has won 14 times by KO/TKO, including his lone UFC fight. For that reason, backing Barbosa to win in Round 1 will be our play.