UFC Fight Night 276: Nikolay Veretennikov vs. Khaos Williams Prediction for Tomorrow, 05/16/26

The first fight on the Main Card at UFC Fight Night 276 will see Nikolay Veretennikov take on Khaos Williams. This will be a fight in the UFC Welterweight division. Veretennikov enters this fight with an MMA record of 14-7 and 2-4 in the UFC. He is averaging 2.69 significant strikes per minute and has a striking accuracy of 56%. Veretennikov absorbs 3.30 strikes and has a striking defense of 45%. In terms of grappling, he is averaging 0.42 takedowns every 15 minutes, has a takedown accuracy of 16%, and a takedown defense of 62%.

Williams enters this fight with an MMA record of 15-5 and 6-4 in the UFC. He is averaging 4.94 significant strikes per minute and has a striking accuracy of 39%. Williams absorbs 5.39 strikes and has a striking defense of 40%. He has not shown any grappling ability in the UFC, but has a takedown defense of 51%.

Williams is the small favorite in this fight; however, he still looks to be the best betting option. While neither fighter has been consistent in the UFC, Williams has a clear advantage due to his striking volume. Veretennikov, on the other hand, has a slight edge in grappling, but does not land takedowns with much accuracy for it to be a threat to Williams. Regardless, given that Williams has still been more successful in the UFC, backing Williams to win will be our best bet.