Ramiz Brahimaj vs. Punahele Soriano prediction, odds, pick for UFC Houston

UFC Houston: Sean Strickland vs. Anthony Hernandez continues on the prelims with a bout between Ramiz Brahimaj and Punahele Soriano within the welterweight division on Saturday. Try our UFC odds series for our Brahimaj-Soriano prediction and pick.

Ramiz Brahimaj (13-5) enters this contest on his first UFC winning streak, having secured back-to-back first-round finishes. After knocking out Mickey Gall in November 2024 and submitting Billy Goff in May 2025, the grappling specialist submitting Austin Vanderford for 3 finishes in a row and appears to increase his run to 4 straight as he comes into his fight this weekend against Punahele Soriano.

Punahele Soriano (12-4) has looked revitalized since his move to welterweight, going 3-0 within the division with dominant performances. “Puna” is coming off a unanimous decision win over Nikolay Veretennikov in October 2025 and a 31-second knockout of Uros Medic earlier that 12 months as he comes into his fight this weekend against Ramiz Brahimaj.

UFC Houston Odds, courtesy of DraftKings. 

UFC Houston odds: Ramiz Brahimaj-Punahele Soriano odds

Ramiz Brahimaj: -120

Punahele Soriano: +100

Over 2.5 rounds: +140

Under 2.5 rounds: -180

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Why Ramiz Brahimaj will win

• Last Fight: (W) Austin Vanderford – SUB R2 
• Last 5: 4-1
• Finishes: 13 (1 KO/TKO/12 SUB)

Ramiz Brahimaj enters this contest with a transparent grappling advantage that might spell disaster for Punahele Soriano. Brahimaj’s submission game is amongst essentially the most dangerous within the division, particularly his guillotine choke, which he can snatch straight away during transitions or from standing clinches. Soriano has shown vulnerability to submissions prior to now, struggling when forced to defend against high-level grapplers who can chain attacks.

Soriano’s aggressive, power-punching style often leaves him open to level changes and clinching opportunities. Brahimaj excels at capitalizing on these moments, closing the space to pull opponents into his world on the canvas. Once the fight hits the mat, Brahimaj’s control and relentless pursuit of the finish will likely overwhelm Soriano’s defensive grappling.
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​Moreover, Brahimaj has evolved right into a more patient fighter, using his striking to establish his entries fairly than rushing in recklessly. If he can weather Soriano’s early storm and force the Hawaiian to work off his back, Brahimaj should have the opportunity to empty Soriano’s gas tank and secure a submission victory within the second round.

Why Punahele Soriano will win

• Last Fight: (W) Nikolay Veretennikov – DEC 
• Last 5: 3-2
• Finishes: 9 (7 KO/TKO/2 SUB)

Punahele Soriano enters this matchup with fight-ending power that poses an enormous threat to Ramiz Brahimaj from the opening bell. Since moving to welterweight, “Puna” has looked revitalized, showcasing improved cardio and speed that enhances his devastating left hand.

Brahimaj’s reliance on closing the space for grappling exchanges plays directly into Soriano’s wheelhouse, where he can intercept reckless entries with heavy counters. Now we have seen Brahimaj struggle against explosive strikers who can stuff the initial takedown, and Soriano’s wrestling defense has firmed up significantly in his recent 3-0 run.

The Hawaiian’s ability to create scrambles and explode back to his feet can be crucial, forcing Brahimaj into an uncomfortable striking battle where he’s severely outmatched. Soriano’s recent 31-second knockout of Uros Medic demonstrated his ability to search out the chin early, a dangerous proposition for a grappler who often leaves openings while shooting.

Expect Soriano to manage the middle of the octagon, punishing Brahimaj’s desperate takedown attempts with sprawls and strikes. By keeping the fight standing, Soriano will likely overwhelm Brahimaj with volume and power, securing a knockout victory in the primary or second round.

Final Ramiz Brahimaj-Punahele Soriano prediction & pick

Punahele Soriano enters this matchup with significant momentum, having looked revitalized and dangerous since his move to the welterweight division. His recent 31-second knockout of Uros Medic showcased the devastating power in his left hand that Ramiz Brahimaj will struggle to contend with on the feet.

While Brahimaj possesses a dangerous submission game, his striking defense stays a liability against explosive punchers who can maintain distance and punish telegraphed entries. Soriano has demonstrated improved takedown defense and the flexibility to scramble back to his feet, which should neutralize Brahimaj’s primary win condition of dragging the fight right into a slow-paced grappling match.

Expect Soriano to manage the middle of the octagon early, stuffing Brahimaj’s initial takedown attempts and forcing him into uncomfortable striking exchanges. Brahimaj’s tendency to depart openings during his entries plays directly into Soriano’s strength of landing heavy counters.

Punahele Soriano secures a primary or second-round knockout victory, catching Brahimaj as he attempts to shut the space. This performance will extend Soriano’s winning streak to 4 and solidify his status as a dangerous threat within the welterweight division.

Final Ramiz Brahimaj-Punahele Soriano Prediction & Pick: Punahele Soriano (+100), Under 2.5 Rounds (-180)