UFC 320: Punahele Soriano vs Nikolay Veretennikov

The showdown between Punahele Soriano and Nikolay Veretennikov is set for October 4, 2025, at UFC 320: Ankalaev vs Pereira 2, held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The bout is slotted on the preliminary card, with an estimated start around 6:00 p.m. ET as part of the early prelims, according to fight card listings.

Heading into the event, there were no confirmed reports of any significant injuries hampering either fighter. Both camps appeared to be in full training mode, and media sources did not flag any health issues affecting their preparations. Soriano, transitioning well to welterweight, and Veretennikov, fresh off a key win, were both portrayed as being in solid physical condition.

Tactical plans from the corners suggested contrasting strategies. Soriano’s coaches emphasized maintaining a high work rate, pressure striking, and cutting angles to keep Veretennikov off balance. His team likely drilled combinations, forward movement, and attempts to overwhelm with pace. Veretennikov’s camp, aware of Soriano’s aggression, planned to use defensive footwork, counter attacks, and avoid heavyweight grappling exchanges. Since Nikolay Veretennikov is not known for strong wrestling metrics, his strategy probably focused on staying upright and picking shots rather than engaging in scrambles.

Pre-fight press coverage generally favored Soriano. Betting lines listed Soriano as a moderate favorite (around –245 in some previews), with Veretennikov seen as an underdog. Analysts pointed to Soriano’s momentum, finishing capabilities, and improved consistency since his shift to the welterweight division. Some media made note that Veretennikov’s limited offensive output and fewer grappling tools might handicap him unless he finds opportunities to disrupt Soriano’s rhythm. A few writers also cautioned that if Soriano overextends, Veretennikov could capitalize on counters or fatigue.

Analysts in studios largely echoed the press consensus. Most commentators expected Soriano to set the pace and control the striking exchanges, with the possibility of a finish if Veretennikov could not maintain distance. Some panelists raised the caveat that if Veretennikov survives early pressure and forces slower pacing, the fight could grow tighter. But overall, the consensus was that Soriano’s forward momentum, output, and tactical confidence would give him the edge unless Veretennikov could deliver an unexpected tactical adjustment.