Iwo Baraniewski vs Junior Tafa Prediction & Picks - UFC Fight Night
UFC - UFC Fight Night
New customers only | Commercial content | 21+ age limit | T&Cs apply
by Bill Christy | in MMA Picks
The theme of fight changes continues on this weekend’s UFC Fight Night. Iwo Baraniewski (8-0-0) was scheduled to fight Billy Elekana, but Elekana withdrew and was replaced by Junior Tafa (7-5-0).
Iwo, the 27-year-old light heavyweight prospect, has been putting on a show in each of his fights. In his 8 career fights, he has yet to see the 2nd round. He began his career with two submission victories but has since KO/TKO’d each of his next 6 opponents. He will likely look to continue his early overpowering style here against Tafa.
Junior Tafa had lost 4 of his last 5 fights dating back to 2024. However, he was able to get a 1st round KO/TKO victory over Kevin Christian. He is going to have to be careful if he wants to try and finish things once again in the 1st round here against Iwo. His best path to victory is likely to try to avoid Iwo’s power early and try to gas out the youngster in the later rounds.
The strategy of getting past the 1st round and forcing Iwo to work late into the 2nd and 3rd rounds is easier said than done. And even if Tafa is successful in working him to the later rounds, Tafa has not been proven to be much of a cardio warrior himself.
Limited Offer. Currently at DraftKings
Iwo Baraniewski - Junior Tafa Key Points
- Baraniewski is 8-0 in his 8 career fights.
- Baraniewski has finished all 8 of his opponents in his career.
- Tafa is 2-4 in his last 6 fights.
- Tafa has lost 4 of his 5 fights by finish.
Limited Offer. Currently at DraftKings
Our Iwo Baraniewski vs Junior Tafa Prediction
Tafa is certainly a bigger name than Baraniewski’s prior opponents, but that is likely not to mean much here. While a change of opponent can sometimes throw a fighter off, we do not expect that here for Baraniewski. His style allows him to throw caution to the wind early and look to get the finish early against whoever his opponent is set to be. He should be able to get the finish, but we are more comfortable taking the risk on the money line here.
Our prediction for Iwo Baraniewski vs Junior Tafa: Baraniewski to win
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
