The MMA Daily

In what should be an exciting fight for as long as it lasts, the UFC is clearly looking at this fight to open the card with a bang. Justin Gaethje is not only one of the most exciting men in combat sports, but one of the best Lightweight’s on the planet. An absolute workhorse, who’s cardio and pace can outlast anyone, Gaethje is not one you’d want to spend twenty-five minutes in the octagon with. As the Lightweight division’s all-time significant strikes per minute leader at 7.46 and striking accuracy at 59.4%, Gaethje is a handful for anyone who dares stand across from him. Michael Chandler, though, is up for the task. The former Bellator Champion for the longest time, was considered one of the best fighters to not compete in the UFC. Having already fought in two fights inside the octagon, one for the title, the UFC brass hold Chandler in high order. With power in his hands and a wrestling background, Chandler has made it known, he’s not here for a long time, he’s here for a good time.

As for a prediction, I have Gaethje winning. While Chandler may find success with his wrestling early, as the fight wanes, the pressure, pace and output of Gaethje is going to prove to be too much. Of course, Chandler has power in his hands and could knock out Gaethje. It won’t be easy however, as Eddie Alvarez knocked Gaethje out on his 155 significant strike. It also took Dustin Poirier 174th significant strike to put down Gaethje. In other words, one shot won’t do the trick. So with that said, I predict that Gaethje will win via knockout.