After taking their mixed martial arts circus on the road to Arizona for UFC 263, the Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to the UFC Apex on Saturday night with UFC Vegas 29. The event’s headlined by a featherweight tilt between top-10 talents in fourth-ranked fan-favorite Chan Sung Jung and Hawaiian tough guy Dan Ige. And in the co-main event, heavyweight stalwart Aleksei Oleinik faces off with Sergey Spivak in a timeless battle of experience versus youth.
How to watch UFC Vegas 29 on June 19
- The card kicks off at 4 pm ET on both ESPN and streaming service ESPN+.
- Main card action follows the prelims at 7 pm ET. Also on ESPN 2 and ESPN+
UFC Vegas 29 Fight Card
Main card (7 pm ET, ESPN 2 & ESPN+)
Chan Sung Jung vs. Dan Ige
Aleksei Oleinik vs. Sergey Spivak
Wellington Turman vs. Bruno Silva
Preliminary card (4 pm ET, ESPN 2 & ESPN+)
Virna Jandiroba vs. Kanako Murata
Josh Parisian vs. Roque Martinez
Julian Erosa vs. Seung Woo Choi
Lara Procópio vs. Casey O’Neill
UFC Vegas 29 preview: Appointment television fights
Chan Sung Jung vs. Dan Ige
If Chan Sung Jung is fighting it is always a must-watch affair. That’s the sort of reputation you earn when you have an 88% finish rate in 16 wins. However, on the rare occasions when the “Korean Zombie” does fall, it’s often by way of a spectacular finish, or as part of a bonus winning throwdown. At UFC Vegas 29, Jung will get a man in Dan Ige who will be more than willing to oblige him in a cage-bound war of attrition. On paper, this one has “fight of the year” potential.
Prediction: Jung by unanimous decision
Aleksei Oleinik vs. Sergey Spivak
Even at 43, Aleksei Oleinik is still a world-class heavyweight competitor. His maintaining a spot in the division’s top-15, despite back-to-back losses, is proof of that. Obviously, trying to avoid three straight losses for the first time in his career is more than enough reason to watch one of the best heavyweight grapplers of all time compete.
However, his clash with Sergey Spivak has added intrigue as an elite litmus test for the streaking 26-year-old. The 17 years younger Moldovan has won two straight and is looking to go for three for the first time since he was competing outside the promotion. If he can upend “The Boa Constrictor” he’s in the rankings next week and becomes a “one to watch” talent in the division. If not, Oleinik proves once again his grizzled grappler skills are truly timeless.
Prediction: Spivak by TKO, round 2
Dhiego Lima vs. Matt Brown
Matt Brown’s 22-18 record is one of the least impressive on the entire UFC roster. Nevertheless, there is no fighter less defined by their record than “The Immortal.” Win or lose, he gives fans their money’s worth. Even at a far from his prime 40-years-old. The proof being a 91% finishing rate in his wins, and a 72% rate in his losses. If anything can be guaranteed on fight night, it’s that Brown is going to fight until he stops his opponent or they stop him. Dheigo Lima is going to have to earn every second if he is to put down Brown on Saturday night.
Prediction: Lima by split-decision
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