Nikolay Veretennikov vs Austin Vanderford at UFC Fight Night 252 | Preview & Prediction
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Kudos to Austin Vanderford who steps in on short notice to make his UFC debut against Nikolay Veretennikov at UFC Seattle
Nikolay Veretennikov vs Austin Vanderford Facts
When is UFC Fight Night 252? UK – the preliminary card starts at 11:00pm on Saturday 22nd February 2025, followed by the main card at 2:00am (Sunday) / USA – 6:00pm/9:00pm ET and 3:00pm/6:00pm PT
Where is UFC Fight Night 252? Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, USA
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 252? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC Fight Night 252
What TV channel is UFC Fight Night 252 on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 252? UK – TNT Sports subscribers can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass
For viewers in the United States, UFC Fight Night 252 will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
What time are Nikolay Veretennikov and Austin Vanderford expected to walk out? 12:00am UK / 7:00pm US ET / 4:00pm US PT
UFC Fight Night 252 Main Card
Henry Cejudo vs Song Yandong (Bantamweight)
Brandon Allen vs Anthony Hernandez (Middleweight)
Jean Silva vs Melsik Baghdasaryan (Featherweight)
Ion Cutelaba vs Ibo Aslan (Light Heavyweight)
Alonzo Menifield vs Julius Walker (Light Heavyweight)
UFC Fight Night 252 Prelims
Nursulton Ruziboev vs Eric McConico (Middleweight)
Andre Fili vs Melquizael Costa (Featherweight)
Ricky Simon vs Javid Basharat (Bantamweight)
Mansur Abdul-Malik vs Nick Klein (Middleweight)
Modestas Bukauskas vs Raffael Cerqueira (Light Heavyweight)
Rob Font vs Jean Matsumoto (Catchweight)
Nikolay Veretennikov vs Austin Vanderford Prediction
Austin Vanderford (12-2) steps in for this fight at short notice and it will be an incredibly tough assignment for the fighter better known for being married to Paige VanZant. The 34-year-old has been fighting in Bellator for years and had good pedigree as he finally gets his shot in the big time.
He takes on Nikolay Veretennikov (12-5) who lost on his UFC debut last time out to Danny Barlow via split decision. That was just his second loss since 2014 and both losses have come on the scorecards.
One could argue that it is Vanderford who has the greater pedigree having fought at a higher level for longer. This is a golden opportunity for him and he will be desperate to take it.
Much depends on how prepared he is for this opportunity and such late notice. In normal circumstances we may well favour him to get the win but we see the two being a little cautious and this going to the scorecards.
Prediction: Fight to go the distance