Watch UFC 316: Edwards vs. Makhachev — Prelims Free.

What's at Stake

The UFC 316 preliminary card serves as a high-stakes proving ground for prospects aiming to secure a spot in the official rankings before the elite welterweight and lightweight headliners take the stage. For the featured veterans, these bouts represent a final opportunity to defend their positions against a new wave of versatile finishers in two of the promotion's deepest divisions.

Head-to-Head

The matchups across this preliminary slate feature a blend of established gatekeepers coming off resilient decision wins and surging contenders carrying multi-fight knockout streaks. Recent history suggests a clash of styles, as several bouts pit high-level decorated wrestlers against technical strikers who have spent their recent camps focusing on takedown defense and cage control.

Key Players to Watch

• Jack Della Maddalena — A clinical striker looking to maintain his momentum toward a potential top-five backup slot.
• Grant Dawson — A grappling specialist focused on utilizing his relentless pressure to stifle the movement of explosive opponents.
• Manon Fiorot — A powerful flyweight contender aiming to solidify her status as the clear next in line for a championship opportunity.

Prediction

Expect a night defined by tactical grappling, with the more experienced wrestlers likely securing unanimous decision victories by controlling the tempo against the fence. The featured prelim bout is predicted to end via a late-round technical knockout as the conditioning of the higher-ranked favorite begins to overwhelm the challenger in the closing minutes.