UFC 286: Leon Edwards vs Kamaru Usman 3 is shaping up to be one of the biggest events of the year. The two welterweights will compete in the main event of a stacked card, at the O2 Arena, on Saturday, 18th March. So ahead of the main event, we look at the early prelims, see who’s fighting on the early prelims, and give our prediction. Follow UFC 286: Edwards vs Usman 3 LIVE Streaming updates with Insidesport.IN.

The main card will also feature an exciting lightweight bout between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev. As a result, it is evident that the main card will get all the attention. However, we will look at the early prelims and see if any fights might steal the show.

UFC 286: Edwards vs Usman 3: Early Prelims Preview, Prediction, and Latest Betting Odds

UFC 286 early prelims preview and prediction

Lerone Murphy vs Gabriel Santos

Two undefeated featherweights will feature in a clash of high stakes in the UFC 286 early prelims. Englishman Lerone Murphy will face Brazilian Gabriel Santos, who makes his UFC debut. Both fighters are comfortable in either striking or wrestling. Therefore, this will be a contest between two well-rounded fighters.

Our prediction: Gabriel Santos beats Lerone Murphy by decision.

Christian Duncan vs Dusko Todorovic

Undefeated Englishman Christian Duncan will make his UFC debut on the UFC 286 early prelims. He will face Dusko Todorovic in the middleweight division. This will be a fight between two contrasting styles. Duncan is a better striker, while Todorovic is a much better wrestler.

Our prediction: Christian Duncan beats Dusko Todorovic by TKO.

Jake Hadley vs Malcolm Gordon

The UFC 286 early prelims will also witness a flyweight contest between Jake Hadley and Malcolm Gordon. Both have identical physical attributes. And while Hadley fights in a southpaw stance, Gordon fights in a switch stance. Moreover, Hadley is by far the better striker, while Gordon is the better wrestler.

Our prediction: Jake Hadley beats Malcolm Gordon by decision.

Joanne Wood vs Luana Carolina

Scottish fighter Joanne Wood will also feature on the UFC 286 early prelims. She will take on Brazilian Luana Carolina. And while the Brazilian has the reach advantage, Wood has the better stats in striking and wrestling.

Our prediction: Joanne Wood beats Luana Carolina by decision.

Jai Herbert vs Ludovit Klein

Lightweights Jai Herbert and Ludovit Klein will compete on the UFC 286 early prelims. Herbert has a clear upper hand in terms of the physical attributes. However, Klein fights in a southpaw stance and has slightly better stats.

Our prediction: Ludovit Klein beats Jai Herbert by TKO.

Juliana Miller vs Veronica Hardy

UFC 286 early prelims kick off with a women’s flyweight bout between Juliana Miller and Veronica Hardy. Miller has the slight upper hand in the physical attributes. However, Hardy fights in a southpaw stance which could cause problems. Their striking numbers are fairly similar, but Miller is much more accurate. In addition, Miller’s grappling numbers are much better than Hardy’s.

Our prediction: Juliana Miller beats Veronica Hardy by submission.