Popular Canadian heavyweight Tanner Boser makes his return to the UFC after a brief departure, stepping back in against Turkish debutant Gokhan Saricam.
Boser went 5-5 during his first UFC tenure and has shown himself to be a reliable source of entertaining heavyweight action throughout his career.
Saricam arrives at 35 years old with a solid Bellator background and seven wins in his last eight fights, including back-to-back first-round finishes.
He is described as a physically capable heavyweight with above-average striking power and some wrestling credentials.
Fighting in the UFC for the first time represents a massive step up, but he is not coming in cold — Bellator competition has prepared him for a legitimate test.
The Boser homecoming factor is significant. He is comfortable in Canada, experienced, and will likely have the crowd behind him in this prelim slot.
Key Factors:
- Boser’s UFC experience and crowd support give him the edge on the mental side
- Saricam’s athleticism and power make him dangerous in early rounds
- Heavyweight fights can always be ended by a single punch — upsets are always on the table
Tanner Boser vs. Gokhan Saricam Prediction
- Final Prediction: Gokhan Saricam wins by KO, Round 1 or 2
Saricam’s physical freshness, power, and finishing streak make him a live upset pick in this one. Boser’s returns to the cage have historically featured rust, and against a powerful debutant, that can be costly. This is a close call, but Saricam’s momentum edges it.
Confidence Level: Low-Moderate | Method: KO | Round: 1-2