UFC Fight Night 88 predictions: Bantamweights of tomorrow collide

theScore's Alexander K. Lee gives you his predictions for all the main-card fights at UFC Fight Night 88 in Las Vegas on May 29.

Bantamweight Bout

Thomas Almeida (4-0 UFC, 20-0)
vs.
Cody Garbrandt (3-0 UFC, 8-0)

This fight is all about pressure: the pressure of expectations. The pressure on two young fighters in their first UFC main event. And pressure is also the key to victory for Cody Garbrandt.

"No Love" is saying all the right things about wanting to finish Thomas Almeida in the first round. The 24-year-old Alpha Male prospect has won all but one of his eight career fights by knockout, so he certainly has the weapons to make quick work of Almeida. But the secret to his success will be denying Almeida (and fans) the anticipated firefight.

While his wrestling skills aren't on the level of teammates Urijah Faber or Danny Castillo, his team is likely preparing him to get down and dirty if the opening stand-up exchanges don't go his way. Considering Almeida's sensational striking skills, though, Garbrandt may have no choice but to resort to plan B.

Get in close, clinch, make things uncomfortable, and make the fight ugly. Sunday will be a big test of maturity for these young bantamweights, and Garbrandt is better equipped at this stage in their careers.

THE PICK: Garbrandt

Featherweight Bout

Renan Barao (8-2 UFC, 33-3)
vs.
Jeremy Stephens (11-11 UFC, 24-12)

Doubts surrounding Renan Barao are understandable after seeing him get demolished by T.J. Dillashaw twice in consecutive title matches. Dillashaw is one of the two best bantamweights in the world, however, and outside of those losses, Barao was unbeatable.

A change in weight class won't fix all of Barao's problems, but it's well-documented that his cut to 135 pounds was a struggle, and competing in a heavier division can only make his preparation easier. In Jeremy Stephens, he faces an opponent fully capable of knocking Barao out if he makes a mistake. Barao has the technique and speed to compensate for any power discrepancy, and he'll excel as as long as he doesn't overextend for a finish.

THE PICK: Barao

Welterweight Bout

Tarec Saffiedine (2-1 UFC, 16-4)
vs.
Rick Story (11-6 UFC, 18-8)

In an odd coincidence, Tarec Saffiedine and Rick Story competed at UFC Fight Night 53 in October 2014 before both were placed on the disabled list for a while with various injuries. Saffiedine picked up a win against Jake Ellenberger in January, but this is Story's first fight in over 18 months.

Story is a classic grinder, a style that will serve him well as he shakes off the ring rust. Unfortunately for him, Saffiedine is a smart fighter who will be content to pick his spots. A late surge by Story in the third round will complicate things for the judges, but Saffiedine's early work should be enough to get the win.

THE PICK: Saffiedine

Middleweight Bout

Chris Camozzi (8-7 UFC, 23-10)
vs.
Vitor Miranda (3-1 UFC, 12-4)

Chris Camozzi is a versatile fighter who just doesn't grade above a solid "B" in any particular category. His best skill is arguably his Muay Thai, which happens to be the expertise of one Vitor "Lex Luthor" Miranda. If Miranda can keep the fight standing, Camozzi will be in big trouble, and could end up becoming Miranda's fourth straight knockout victim.

THE PICK: Miranda

Welterweight Bout

Jorge Masvidal (6-3 UFC, 29-10)
vs.
Lorenz Larkin (3-5 UFC, 16-5)

Lorenz Larkin is a super athlete, and his raw creativity took him a long way in the early stages of his career. He's now at a crossroads where he's not quite quite skilled enough to beat the better fighters in the welterweight division. Does that include Jorge Masvidal?

"Gamebred" is one of the most experienced fighters on the roster, so there isn't much Larkin can throw at him that he won't be prepared for. His grappling is often overlooked and he'll make good use of it to keep Larkin from opening up on the feet. It will be close, but when the fight goes into deep waters, it's Masvidal who will emerge with his hand raised.

THE PICK: Masvidal

Lightweight Bout

Josh Burkman (6-7 UFC, 28-12)
vs.
Paul Felder (3-2 UFC, 11-2)

In just five UFC appearances, "The Irish Dragon" has established himself as a potent stand-up fighter at 155 pounds. He's fundamentally solid, with a background in karate and taekwondo that makes him difficult to figure out. His clinch defense is good enough to hold off Josh Burkman's grappling, and if the fight devolves into a brawl, it definitely won't turn out well for Burkman. Felder by KO.

THE PICK: Felder