Main event: Holly Holm (#2) vs. Valentina Shevchenko (#7)

Prediction: Holm

Although Holly Holm was unable to defend the belt she won at UFC 193 when she took on Miesha Tate back in March, Holm returns to the Octagon on Saturday, favored to get back to her winning ways. Shevchenko is coming into this fight in a virtually identical situation as the former champion. She suffered a loss to now-Champion Amanda Nunes at UFC 196, and while this is only her 3rd fight under the UFC banner, she is looking to put her name back into title contention with a win in Chicago. The two bantamweights come from similar backgrounds; striking specialists with professional backgrounds in both boxing and kickboxing. Holm, however, has been more impressive in her career endeavors, with 33 career wins and multiple world titles in boxing, and a quick rise to the top in MMA. And while Shevchenko has great striking to match Holm, if those skill sets are neutralized and the fight ends up becoming a grappling match, I give the nod to Holm, who comes from a more well-rounded camp with the training partners to improve her grappling.

Edson Barboza (#6) vs. Gilbert Melendez (nr)

Prediction: Barboza

With Gilbert Melendez on the shelf for 13 months due to a failed drug test result after his loss to Eddie Alvarez at UFC 188, Edson Barboza looks to keep the momentum going that he created with a unanimous decision victory over ex-champion Anthony Pettis in April. Despite the fact that Barboza has gone .500 in his last 4 fights, he looks to be hitting his peak in the 16th fight of his UFC career. With some of the most effective striking in the promotion, Barboza looks to use his blinding speed to keep Melendez on the back foot, who will likely experience some ring rust in his first fight back. I say Barboza continues to rise in the division with a unanimous decision on Saturday.

Francis Ngannou vs. Bojan Mihajlovíc

Prediction: Ngannou

Francis Ngannou will welcome UFC newcomer Mihajlovíc on Saturday night that promises to be a showcase of relatively unknown, but hard-hitting, heavyweights. Ngannou, one of the UFC’s most physically impressive athletes, has made quick work of his first two opponents, finishing them each in the 2nd round. Mihajlovíc has made a name for himself on the eastern European circuit with a 10 fight win streak dating back to December of 2007. However, he has been inactive since his last victory in November, and is taking on a man in Ngannou who has 2 UFC victories in that time frame. I give the nod to the man with all the momentum, and my money says he leaves Chicago with an extra $50k for Knockout of the Night, showing the American public his skills on national television.

Felice Herrig vs. Kailin Curran

Prediction: Curran

Suffering two finish losses to kick off her UFC career, Curran was able to get into the win column with a submission victory when she took on Emily Kagan at UFC Fight Night 80 in December. While Curran has seen her defeats, she is only 25 years old, and young in a sport where fighters can improve significantly with more experience. Herrig, an MMA veteran who had her UFC debut in early 2009, seems to be trending the other way. At 31 years old, Herrig appears to be on the homestretch of her career, and a loss to Curran on Saturday night could very well be the end. While it wouldn’t be shocking for Herrig to come in and steal the youngster’s thunder, I am always hesitant to favor a fighter who seems to have one foot out of the water. Curran will squeak this one out.