UFC 320: Ramiz Brahimaj vs Austin Vanderford

On October 4, 2025, at UFC 320: Ankalaev vs Pereira 2, Ramiz Brahimaj and Austin Vanderford were scheduled to meet in a welterweight bout. The fight took place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, and was listed on the preliminary card for the evening session. According to official listings, the fight was expected to begin around 6:00 p.m. ET as part of the early prelims, drawing attention as a clash between two dangerous grapplers with different paths in their UFC careers.

Neither fighter entered the matchup with any reported injuries. Both appeared healthy and fully prepared, with training camps running smoothly according to media reports. While Brahimaj had a well-documented medical history, including previous ear and spinal surgeries earlier in his career, there was no mention of any lingering issues ahead of UFC 320. Vanderford’s camp also remained quiet on any physical setbacks, with all indications pointing to a clean bill of health for both athletes as fight week approached.

From a tactical standpoint, each camp focused on playing to their fighter’s natural strengths. Brahimaj’s team built its strategy around his superior submission game and ability to transition quickly on the mat. His coaches emphasized forcing grappling exchanges early, using clinch pressure, and testing Vanderford’s scrambling defense. Vanderford’s corner, aware of that threat, likely planned to keep the fight standing as long as possible or use top control to avoid risky submission attempts. His background in wrestling and physical strength made positional control a major focus, aiming to frustrate Brahimaj by keeping him on the defensive throughout.

Media coverage before the event positioned Vanderford as the favorite among analysts and oddsmakers. Most predictions highlighted Vanderford’s wrestling base, athleticism, and strong cage control as deciding factors. Brahimaj’s finishing ability was acknowledged, especially after his quick wins over Mickey Gall and Billy Ray Goff, but several outlets suggested that his low striking volume and limited takedown defense would put him at a disadvantage. Betting odds across sportsbooks reflected that sentiment, with Vanderford hovering around a -290 favorite. The consensus expectation was that the fight could go the distance unless Brahimaj secured an early submission.

Studio analysts and commentators shared similar views in pre-fight coverage. Many predicted Vanderford would use his wrestling to dictate pace and control positioning throughout the three rounds. Some discussions also raised the possibility of a ground-and-pound stoppage if Ramiz Brahimaj failed to escape from prolonged control sequences. Analysts acknowledged Brahimaj’s potential to turn the tide with a submission if given a brief window but ultimately leaned toward Vanderford’s consistency, cardio, and tactical discipline. Overall, pre-fight analysis across platforms such as Sherdog, Yardbarker, and The Playoffs pointed to Vanderford’s superior wrestling and composure as key factors likely to carry him to victory.