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UFC on ESPN 3: Ngannou vs. dos Santos Predictions

June 29, 2019

The UFC is back in action for the second consecutive week with a hard hitting headliner. Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Junior dos Santos looks to continue his climb back to the top, as he puts his three fight win streak on the line against former title challenger Francis Ngannou. The hard hitting Cameroonian has won three in a row including dispatching former UFC Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez in a mere 26 seconds.

Undoubtedly the winner of the headliner is in line for a title shot. Given both men are heavy handed, I’d say not to blink as this one might be over within a minute.

UFC on ESPN 3 Main Card (9 p.m. ET):

265 lbs.: Francis Ngannou vs. Junior dos Santos – This is a hell of a main event and I have an inkling this fight won’t go past two minutes. Why? Well because Ngannou is the hardest hitter on the planet. I mean, Alistair Overeem’s head is still in orbit as we speak. Jokes aside, I’m not quite sure that the former UFC Heavyweight Champion dos Santos has the chin to withstand Ngannou’s power. The wars with Cain Velasquez and even Stipe Miocic have clearly nicked off what was once an iron chin. Now, it’s susceptible to what’s coming in this fight. A knockout. So with that, I have Ngannou winning via knockout.

125 lbs.: Joseph Benavidez vs. Jussier Formiga – Tough fight to call. Benavidez has long been a perennial top three Flyweight and has been on a bit of a career resurgence of late. However, Formiga has won four in a row. The last two were super impressive over Sergio Pettis and Deivenson Figueiredo. The Brazilian has never gotten over the hump in title eliminators, but I truly think it’s finally his time. So with that, I have Formiga winning via decision.

170 lbs.: Demian Maia vs. Anthony Rocco Martin – This is a toss up. Martin is on a tear, and has a well rounded game that can stifle Maia. However, the 41 year old veteran is master at grabbing a hold of his foes, working into an advantageous position and either winning controlling the opponent or winning via submission. As for a prediction, I actually think the old man gets it done. Let’s say, Maia via submission.

155 lbs.: Roosevelt Roberts vs. Vic Pichel – I’m high on Roberts, but not sold yet. Pichel is tough step up in my opinion. He’s got solid power and an improving takedown defense. I could very well see him edge this one out. So with that, I’m calling upset. Pichel wins via decision.

155 lbs.: Drew Dober vs. Marco Polo Reyes – If Dober chooses to brawl, Reyes has a chance to knock him out. However, Dober has a chin. Dober also has the wrestling to neutralize anything Reyes has to offer. Throw in Dober’s high volume striking and I see him easily taking this fight via decision.

205 lbs.: Paul Craig vs. Alonzo Menifield – Maybe Craig can pull off a miraculous submission, but I’m not banking off that one trick. Menifield looks like a promising young talent with heavy hands. Given Craig’s willingness to strike, I’m expecting Menifield to capitalize and knock him out.

UFC on ESPN 3 Prelims (6 p.m. ET):

135 lbs.: Journey Newson vs. Ricardo Ramos – Don’t know anything about Newson, but Ramos is a tough debut. He’s well rounded, has already notched three UFC wins and has more experience against better talent. So with that, I have Ramos winning via submission.

205 lbs.: Eryk Anders vs. Vinicius Moreira – This is a do or die fight for Anders. Luckily Moreira has been a gluten for punishment and a willing striker, despite being a stationary target. With that said, I have Anders winning via knockout.

155 lbs.: Jared Gordon vs. Dan Moret – Despite dropping two straight fights via knockout, I still have high hopes for Gordon. He’s tough as nails, throws tons of volume, puts on a tiring pace and has cardio for days. Moret is fodder for Gordon to get back on track. So with that, I have Gordon winning via late TKO.

205 lbs.: Dalcha Lungiambula vs. Dequan Townsend – Um, Lungiambula is fun to say, but I’m going with short notice Townsend. Even though he’s fighting a weight class above, he’s still 6 inches taller than his foe. He’s also fought better talent outside the UFC and is a pure finisher. So with that, I have Townsend winning via TKO.

115 lbs.: Emily Whitmire vs. Amanda Ribas – Don’t know Ribas, but Whitmire impressed me in her last fight when she absolutely tore through Alexandra Albu. I’m non expecting that again, but Whitmire to win via decision.

265 lbs.: Maurice Greene vs. Junior Albini – After debuting with a quick knockout over a durable Timothy Johnson, Albini has proved to be nothing more than a flash in a pan. Given his cardio woes, I’ll go with Greene here via late submission victory.
UFC on ESPN+ 12: Moicano vs. Korean Zombie Predictions

June 22, 2019

The UFC is back in action, as they make their first trek to South Carolina, USA. It’s bittersweet though, as the card is missing the pride of South Carolina, former Welterweight title challenger Stephen Thompson. Unfortunately Thompson was knocked out (first time in his career) in his last fight by Anthony Pettis, and this would of simply been too soon.

However, make no mistake about it, the headliner in way eases the pain. Two Featherweight strikers in Renato “Moicano” Carneiro and “the Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung are more than capable of putting on a fight for the ages. Moicano enters this contest on the heels of a TKO loss to Jose Aldo. Before setback, a Moicano had reeled off two straight victories and was perhaps a win away from a title shot.

As for TKZ, minus one second of an epic fight against Yair Rodriguez, he’d a been a fight away from a title shot. A lapse in judgement, perhaps due to Rodriguez embracing Jung several times in the final round led to a confusion in how much time was left. Ultimately what happened, happened and it led to an insane knockout. That aside, TKZ’s stock didn’t drop. He got a main event against a top contender who will put him right back into contention.

All I know is, this fight is going to be an all out battle!

UFC Fight Night 154 Main Card on ESPN+ (7 p.m. ET):

145 lbs.: Renato Carneiro vs. Chan Sung Jung – Love this Main event. Two strikers who will undoubtedly put on a show. Renato “Moicano” Carneiro is a stud. The Brazilian striker is technical and does a great job of staying on the outside. From there, Moicano picks apart his opponents with his jab and lethal kicks. I could very well see him giving “The Korean Zombie” issues. I mean, he’s already handled a heavy handed brawler like Jeremy Stephens and two technical strikers in Cub Swanson and Calvin Kattar.

As for the TKZ, what’s there not to say. The man is a well rounded warrior. Gifted with an iron chin, and an ability to keep coming forward, TKZ is a hard out for any opponent. He’s got power and an ability to land flush shots at such a consistency. In a five round fight, I really believe that at some point in the later rounds, TKZ is going to land the fight ender. We’ve seen Moicano’s chin take punishment, so it won’t be easy. However, the amount of punishment and the fact that his cardio is going to be put to the test for five rounds has me siding with who’s done it before. And that’s TKZ. So with that I have TKZ winning via TKO!

170 lbs.: Bryan Barberena vs. Randy Brown – I really like Randy Brown and how the UFC has built him up, however his progression hasn’t really showed like I thought it would. He’s got the size, youth and talent to be a known commodity in the Welterweight division, yet he still shows glaring problems in his overall game. Bryan Barberena on the other hand is a nightmare for any opponent. The man is gluten for punishment and is the real life terminator. If you can’t put him out, expect to be pressured and swarmed with volume striking. Also expect it to last for three rounds, as the Barberena’s cardio is one the best in the UFC.

As for a prediction, I have Barberena winning. Brown might shine early with his dynamic offense and potentially a takedown. However, as the fight goes on, Barberena will break Brown like others with his pressure. So with that, I have Barberena winning via submission in the later rounds.

145 lbs.: Anderson dos Santos vs. Andre Ewell – On the strength that Anderson dos Santos has been knocked out three times in his career and Andre Ewell is going to use his massive reach advantage to jab down the Brazilian, I’m picking Ewell to win via TKO. There’s a real danger though that dos Santos resorts to his grappling, in which Ewell has yet to show he can keep the fight standing. Nevertheless, I still am going with Ewell.

125 lbs.: Montana De La Rosa vs. Andrea Lee – This is a fantastic fight and a tough one to call. If Montana De La Rosa can get this fight to the ground, I’m certain she has very few issues controlling Andrea Lee. That’s not a knock on Lee’s ground game, but more so how dam good De La Rosa is on the mat. However, on the feet, Lee is an excellent kickboxer. She’s technical and accurate, which De La Rosa just isn’t yet. In a close one, I’m going to trust the Lee keeps the fight standing long enough to edge her the rounds. So with that, I have Lee winning via decision.

185 lbs.: Alessio Di Chirico vs. Kevin Holland – This is Kevin Holland’s fight to lose. He’s better everywhere than Alessio Di Chirico, but his wild unpredictability leads to his chin being exposed. Now, his chin has proven to be forged from iron, but it’s going to melt one of these days. Today just isn’t the day though. So with that, I have Holland winning via decision.

UFC Fight Night 154 Prelims on ESPN2 (4 p.m. ET):

145 lbs.: Kevin Aguilar vs. Dan Ige – Fun fight, but I really like Kevin Aguilar in this fight. I feel like stylistically the fight plays into his game. Dan Ige is an aggressive fighter, whereas Aguilar is powerful counterpuncher. Aguilar is the bigger man and has a better gas tank, which will come into play the later this fight goes. Due to Ige’s toughness, I’ll say Aguilar wins this fight via decision.

115 lbs.: Syuri Kondo vs. Ashley Yoder – I expect Syuri Kondo to bring forth the volume in this fight, but it’s Ashley Yoder who’s going to land the more precise shots. I also believe Yoder has a sneaky ground game that’s ultimately going to grab her a late submission victory.

145 lbs.: Luis Pena vs. Matt Wiman – I’m kind of in the air about this fight. On one end Matt Wiman has been out for four years and the games definitely passed him by, but he’s also healed his body tremendously in the process. On the other end, Luis Pena is dynamic and has speed, size and youth on his side. However, mix in his overall inconsistency’s, and there’s an opening for the veteran Wiman. In the end, I have Pena winning this one via decision. Just hard to gauge what Wiman returns here to really side with him.

265 lbs.: Allen Crowder vs. Jair Rozenstruik – Allen Crowder likes to brawl, but he leaves his chin wide open when doing so. Against a legit knockout artist like Jair Rozenstruik, except that kind of defense leading to Crowder face down on the mat. So with that, I have Rozenstruik winning via knockout.

125 lbs.: Ariane Lipski vs. Molly McCann – This is going to be an early contender for Fight of the Night. Molly McCann is warrior. A true brawler, who will go toe to toe with her foe inside the pocket. She makes for entertaining scraps. Unfortunately though, when someone that’s technical, powerful and young like Ariane Lipski steps across from her, she’s going to be nail. I expect Lipski to land often and with authority, ultimately finishing McCann in the 3rd round via Doctor Stoppage.

185 lbs.: Deron Winn vs. Eric Spicely – Since being let go by the UFC, Eric Spicely has finished two foes in short order. Back for a second stint and on short-notice, Spicely has his hands full against the 30 year old prospect Deron Winn. The AKA product, who is the protege of Daniel Cormier, looks very much the part of the former double champ.

Winn features a top notch wrestling background to go along with heavy hands. He’s also very aggressive on the feet, leading to four of his five wins coming via knockout. Now, Spicely is much bigger sand features a really sneaky submission game. However, much like DC, being undersized doesn’t always mean much. Winn is more athletic and I don’t see size being an issue here. So with that, I have Winn getting inside the pocket and cracking Spicely en route to a TKO victory,
UFC 238: Cejudo vs. Moraes Predictions

June 8, 2019

The UFC is back in action with a hell of a PPV event. Two title fights and an absolute barnburner between two of the absolute best in the Lightweight division. However it’s the main event that takes the cake. For the vacant Bantamweight Championship, Flyweight Champion Henry Cejudo looks to become a double champ, as he takes on one of the very best Bantamweights in the world, Marlon Moraes. Cejudo has taken the UFC by storm, upsetting the Flyweight kingpin Demetrius Johnson and then starching the former Bantamweight kingpin T.J. Dillashaw. A win over Moraes would absolutely solidify as one of the pound for pound greats. However, Moraes has other plans. On the heels of four victories, the Magician has hit another level. He’s defeated three top ten Bantamweight’s in less than five minutes combined. It could be argued, Moraes is in his prime and an new era could be upon us.

UFC 238 PPV Main Card on ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET):

135 lbs.: UFC Flyweight Champion Henry Cejudo vs. Marlon Moraes – Gosh I’m excited for this fight. Cejudo is on another level and perhaps it could be all smokes and clouds, but this fight is going to clear all that up. Moraes has been one of the very best Bantamweights for the last five years and we all knew as hardcore fans, it was only a matter of time before he’d contend for a belt. The last three fights though, perhaps have shown that Moraes has hit his prime. To finish Aljamain Sterling, Jimmie Rivera and Raphael Assunacao is a ridiculous feet.

As for a prediction, I’m going with Cejudo. I have a feeling that not having to cut that extra ten pounds will have Cejudo moving at an extra gear. I also envision that he’ll be able to take down Moraes several times in the fight. In my opinion, Cejudo is going to do anything in his power to keep Moraes from standing in front of him and striking. If he doesn’t and obliges a striking contest against the Magician, then well he’s going to disappear in short order. So with that, I believe in the heels of his wrestling and easier weight cut, Cejudo becomes a double champ via decision.

125 lbs.: UFC Flyweight Champion Valentina Shevchenko vs. Jessica Eye – I love Eye. She’s a badass and can absolutely crack. Problem is, and I’ve stated it before, Shevchenko is never going to lose the Flyweight belt for as long as she remains in the sport. She’s the complete package and there is nothing she hasn’t faced. Eye has power, but not like Nunes. And Shevchenko has fought eight rounds with Nunes and never got finished. So with that, I have Shevchenko winning via doctor stoppage in the fifth round.

155 lbs.: Donald Cerrone vs. Tony Ferguson – This is going to be a ridiculous fight and easily the number one contender for fight of the night. Cerrone since becoming a dad is 3-0 and looks to have found the fountain of youth. I still can’t believe he tuned up Al Iaquinta for five rounds like that. As for Ferguson, the man has won eleven fights in a row and is being robbed at this point of a title shot. Mental issues have also gotten in the way and that’s a real question heading into the fights. From what I’ve seen in interviews though, he seems to be in a good place.

As for a prediction, I’ve got Ferguson. The mans been rocked before and never finished. He’s a pressure fighter and aggressive to default. Cerrone has notoriously had issues with fighters who bring the fight to him and Ferguson is perhaps the very best at that. I expect a fun fight fight for however long it last, so with that, I have Ferguson winning via submission.

135 lbs.: Jimmie Rivera vs. Petr Yan – Honestly, Rivera could counter Yan and end the hype in one shot, but his recent fights don’t give me any indication of that happening. Give me Yan winning via decision.

265 lbs.: Blagoy Ivanov vs. Tai Tuivasa – Ivanov is tough as nails and durable, but did he really win that fight against Ben Rothwell? Tuivasa is coming off his first professional loss, looks in the best shape of his life and is ready to get back his footing in his climb to the top. I think Bam Bam is going put on a show and win this fight via TKO.

UFC 238 Prelims on ESPN (8 p.m. ET):

115 lbs.: Nina Ansaroff vs. Tatiana Suarez – Ansaroff is a beast and she’s progressed so much in such little time. The problem is, I’ve been touting Suarez as a Champion since I saw her UFC debut. She’s a next level wrestler, that can take anyone down. With that in your back pocket, and a controlling top game…it’s only a matter of time before she’s a Champion. This fight is no different then the rest, takedown after takedown. So with that, I have Suarez via decision.

135 lbs.: Pedro Munhoz vs. Aljamain Sterling – I guess this is a Prelim fight because it’s on ESPN, but it’s easily the 3rd or 4th best fight on the card. As for a prediction, I’ve got Sterling. In what should be a barnburner, I believe that Sterling’s striking defense and rangy kickboxing should be able to fluster and keep Munhoz at bay. Make no mistake though, Munhoz is a killer and that Garbrandt knockout was no fluke. The man’s got a chin and his striking is starting to catch up to his grappling, which is scary. However, at this present moment, I’ve got Sterling taking this via decision.

125 lbs.: Alexa Grasso vs. Karolina Kowalkiewicz – I’m really conflicted in this fight. I believe Grasso is the better fighter, but Kowalkiewicz desperately needs a win. I expect her to pull out all of the stops to edge this out via split decision.

145 lbs.: Calvin Kattar vs. Ricardo Lamas – I truly believe Lamas could be the complete package if he’d shore up his striking and actually threw more. In this fight, I expect Lamas to wrestle and bully Kattar against the cage. However, I believe Kattar has the takedown defense to nullify Lamas from flooring him. On the feet, Kattar’s volume is going to ultimately be the deciding factor. So with that, I have Kattar winning via decision.

UFC 238 Prelims on UFC Fight Pass (6:15 p.m. ET):

115 lbs.: Angela Hill vs. Yan Xiaonan – This is going to be a fun technical striking matchup, that features a lot volume from both. Going based off strength of competition, I edge Hill. I’m just not sure what to make of Xiaonan, but this is a good test. So with that, I have Hill winning via decision.

185 lbs.: Bevon Lewis vs. Darren Stewart – Lewis looks like a good edition in the Middleweight division. In his UFC debut, he was dominating Uriah Hall for over two rounds. Then, Hall landed a perfectly timed counter right hand that halted the bout. Lewis showed good clinch work and a rangy kickboxing game. He’ll need that here, as he faces an absolute blitzkrieg in Stewart. A fun, wild and heavy handed striker, Stewart has showed he can put anyone out if they stand with him. However, I’m siding with Lewis. I believe he will pick apart Stewart, staying on the outside and avoiding any power shots. So with that, I have Lewis winning via decision.

135 lbs.: Eddie Wineland vs. Grigory Popov – Back in the WEC, Wineland was an absolute killer. Nowadays, he’s more or less a gatekeeper. However, make no mistake about it, Wineland still has the striking to stop anyone. Especially the debuting can crusher Popov. So with that, I have Wineland winning via TKO.

125 lbs.: Katlyn Chookagian vs. Joanne Calderwood – Tough fight to call, but I got Calderwood. In what should mainly be contested on the feet, I believe that Calderwood’s power shots should edge out Chookagian’s low accuracy volume. I’m expecting this to be a tight one, but Calderwood getting the victory via split decision.
UFC on ESPN+ 11: Gustafsson vs. Smith Predictions

June 1, 2019

The UFC is back in Sweden with their Swedish poster boy Alexander Gustafsson leading the charge, as he takes on former Light Heavyweight title challenger Anthony Smith. Both men are coming off title defeats to Jon Jones, and this certainly is a fight that will get them right back into the title picture should they win. For Gustafsson, this fight is career defining, as the Swede has made it known that he struggles with keeping the fire lit in mixed martial arts. The losses have made him question his future and another loss could prove to be the end of the Swede.

As for Smith, the career journeyman has made the most of his second stint in the UFC. Smith has tallied seven victories since rejoining the UFC in 2016. He’s changed weight classes, climb the ranks and faced the pound for pound best fighter Jon Jones in a title fight. A title fight he lost, but lasted all five rounds with Jones. A win over Gustafsson puts him right back on track for a title shot, perhaps at the very least one fight away.

UFC Fight Night on ESPN+ 11 Main Card On ESPN+ (1 p.m. ET):

205 lbs.: Alexander Gustafsson vs. Anthony Smith – Ive got to say, Jon Jones made both men look worse than they actually are. However, the most shocking of the two was Gustafsson. After the first fight between Jones and Gustafsson mixed in with the most recent win over Glover Teixeira, I didn’t see the Swede mentally breaking down. He got outclassed and finished, a rarity for a fighter with such talent and mental fortitude.

As for a prediction, I’ve got Gustafsson. He may not have the power of Smith, but he’s the better all around fighter. If Gustafsson still has the fire and mentally is checked in, I believe he’s going to technically pick apart Smith. Even in the grappling exchanges, I favor Gustafsson. He’s got sneaky trips and actually a pretty solid top game. In the end, this is going to be a fun fight, but I believe in his home country, Gustafsson will prevail via TKO victory.

205 lbs.: Jimi Manuwa vs. Aleksandar Rakic – Gosh darn it. The pick is Rakic. He’s fresh blood in a Light Heavyweight division starting to pick up a steam. Rakic is also a hell of a striker and fighter. However, I’m going against the grain and picking Manuwa. Despite his balls to the wall style and iffy chin, the Brit is desperate need of a win. With three straight losses and at the age of 39, the window of becoming a world champion is closing. This is the last run for the “Poster Boy”. And it starts now. So with that, I got Manuwa salvaging his career with a big KO victory.

145 lbs.: Makwan Amirkhani vs. Chris Fishgold – This is a tough fight to call, but I’m going with Amirkhani. Despite his flaws, he’s decently well rounded fighter. I believe his biggest issue is with pace, as he often exudes too much energy on a moment to moment basis. Given the time off, I’m hoping the former prospect has solved his pace, cardio and defensive issues. So with that, I have Amirkhani winning via decision.

155 lbs.: Christos Giagos vs. Damir Hadzovic – This is a tough fight to call. Giagos has the wrestling chops good enough to take this fight, but his cardio issues are a problem. Hadzovic is a solid striker with power, and has shown in the past that he can withstand an opponents early surge and comeback. Giagos could very well swarm and dominate Hadzovic, but in that third round, he’s going to be a gassed and a sitting duck for the “Bosnian Bomber”. So with that, I’ll take Hadzovic via TKO.

145 lbs.: Daniel Teymur vs. Sung Bin Jo – I have little intel on Jo, but I’ve seen enough of Teymur not to side with him. Teymur is a bundle of energy and reckless excitement for a round or two, then he fades hard. He’s 0-3 inside the octagon and his cardio is really to blame. Unless he’s conditioned himself better, I really don’t seeing him pull this off. So going off the known, I’ve got Jo taking this fight via late KO.

UFC Fight Night 153 Prelims On ESPN2 (10 a.m. ET):

170 lbs.: Rostem Akman vs. Sergey Khandozhko – When in doubt, go with the Russian. Khandozhko takes this via knockout.

135 lbs.: Tonya Evinger vs. Lina Lansberg – Evinger hasn’t had it easy in the UFC, facing the likes of Cyborg Santos and Aspen Ladd in her first two UFC fights. Now, she gets a tailored matchup for her grinding wrestling style. The Swede Lansberg is a good striker who excels in the clinch, landing her trademarked elbows. Her problem however, has been staying upright. Evinger is a tough customer, and will eat some heavy blows to get inside and work the takedown. Given the level of competition she’s faced, we haven’t seen her best. I believe here we will. So with that, I have Evinger picking up her first UFC victory via decision.

155 lbs.: Stevie Ray vs. Leonardo Santos – This is a tough fight to call. Ray is the younger and more active of the two, but has had troubles with fighters who can take him down. Santos has been out for nearly three years, isn’t a prolific takedown artist, but is a well rounded. Impressively, Santos has a knockout win over Kevin Lee and a submission victory over Rocco Martin. The rust scares me, and being 39 years old does too, but I’m going to side with Santos winning via decision

155 lbs.: Nick Hein vs. Frank Camacho – This is going to be a fun striking match. Hein is the better technical striker, whereas Camacho brings forth power and volume. In an all striking battle, Hein lacks the necessary volume and power needed to halt Camacho. Towards the end of the second round Camacho’s pressure, pace and volume are going to overwhelm Hein. However, due to Hein’s toughness, he survives three rounds. So with that, I have Camacho winning via decision.

135 lbs.: Bea Malecki vs. Eduarda Santana – Looks like my quarter is going to be active today. Coin flip says Santana via decision.

205 lbs.: Darko Stosic vs. Devin Clark – Either Stosic cracks the shaky chin of Clark early or Clark uses his wrestling to drag this into the later rounds, where a gassed Stosic provides little resistance. I’m going with the later, even though Clark is an undersized Light Heavyweight. I just feel that Stosic hasn’t faced a real wrestler yet, especially one who embraces the grind like Clark. So with that, I have Clark winning via decision.

155 lbs.: Joel Alvarez vs. Danilo Belluardo – With 500 fighters on the roster, these two I have little clue about. Coin flip says, Alvarez via decision.
UFC on ESPN+ 10: dos Anjos vs. Lee Predictions

May 18, 2019

After an interesting UFC 237 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the UFC treks northeast to Rochester, New York. This will be the sixth consecutive week of UFC fight card’s, as well as the promotions first visit to Rochester, New York. Headlining the event is former UFC Lightweight Champion Rafael dos Anjos against Kevin Lee, who makes his Welterweight debut. RDA has suffered two straight losses, one in an Interim Welterweight fight against Colby Covington and the other against the now current Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman. As for Lee, the Motown Phenom is 1-2 in his last three contests and now seeks a restart at Welterweight. The cut down to 155lbs. was tougher than the fight for Lee, so with an extra 15 pounds we may very well see the best of the phenom.

UFC on ESPN+ 10 Main Card (8 p.m. ET):

170 lbs.: Rafael dos Anjos vs. Kevin Lee – This is a good fight, but I see it playing out with Kevin Lee using his wrestling to grind out a victory. RDA has the striking and power to hurt Lee, but he lacks the ability to thwart off power wrestlers. When RDA is the one coming forward with pressure, he’s at his best. He’ll mix in heavy leg kicks and takedowns. When RDA gets backed up and is pressured, he gets stuck on the cage and is often taken down. The latter is what I fully expect Lee to implement in his gameplan. So with that, I have Lee winning via decision.

185 lbs.: Ian Heinisch vs. Antonio Carlos Junior – I was really impressed with Ian Heinisch in his UFC debut. He showed to be scrappy, with a pretty good gas tank. He completely neutralized Cesar Ferreira’s game, avoiding the dangers on the ground. The same dangers he will presumably have to face against a submission artist like Carlos Junior. The difference is, Carlos Junior was formerly a Heavyweight and since he’s dropped down to Middleweight, his strength advantage is apparent. Tie that in with excellent grappling and submissions, and you get a man on a five-fight win streak. With four of those five victories coming via rear-naked chokes. Make it six fights in a row and a fifth rear-naked choke.

145 lbs.: Megan Anderson vs. Felicia Spencer – I cant say I’ve ever seen Felecia Spencer fight, but from her record, she’s got solid grappling and a prowess for submissions it seems. And given Megan Anderson got easily take down and controlled by a natural Bantamweight in Holly Holm, that’s definitely a concern. At the end of the day though, I have Anderson. She’s a solid striker, with nice pop in her hands. Her eventual clash with Cyborg awaits. So with that, I have Anderson winning via TKO.

170 lbs.: Vicente Luque vs. Derrick Krantz – Gotta respect Derrick Krantz for taking this fight on days notice. With all due react though, Vincent Luque is the complete package. Armed with legit power in his hands, it’s only a matter of time before the future Welterweight contender puts the debuting Krantz down. Luque has won eight of his last nine fights and four in a row all by finish, make it five with this one coming via a TKO victory.

155 lbs.: Nik Lentz vs. Charles Oliveira – The only justifiable reason for this odd trilogy, is that the previous two fights won Fight of the Night honors. Other than that, Charles Oliveira won one and the other fight was a no contest due to an illegal knee by Oliveira. I’m not seeing anything different from their previous encounters, in that Oliveira is just the better fighter. So with that, I believe it’s only a matter of time before Oliveira eventually sinks in the fight ending submission victory.

155 lbs.: Austin Hubbard vs. Davi Ramos – Squash match. Ramos easily gets to the mat and wins via submission.

UFC on ESPN+ 10 “Prelims” Undercard (5 p.m. ET):

135 lbs.: Sijara Eubanks vs. Aspen Ladd – This is an awesome rematch. Both have improved since their first encounter and I’m still somewhat unsure who will take this one. Sijara Eubanks finally moved up to 135 lbs., which seemed like a no brainer given the missed weight cuts. A trip to the hospital costing her a title shot, missed weight on weigh ins costing her a percentage of her pay and criticism probably aided the trip up.

As for the fight, I have Aspen Ladd. Her wrestling is just so good and while Eubanks is naturally strong and has good takedown defense, her cardio issues eventually will no longer keep her upright. Although, early on, Eubanks power and the fact that Ladd’s striking defense is a tad questionable could lead to a potential finish. At any rate, I’ll take Ladd’s wrestling and volume ground-and-pound en route to a close decision victory.

155 lbs.: Desmond Green vs. Charles Jourdain – It’s a rarity that Desmond Green fights an opponent who made weight, but Charles Jourdain is a professional and made it. As for the fight, I have Green. He’s a good striker at range, has a knack avoiding getting hit and his takedown defense is solid. Mix in the fact that he’s fighting in his hometown and I doubt we’ll see him walk away with anything but a decision victory. Lock it in!

170 lbs.: Michel Pereira vs. Danny Roberts – If you haven’t seen Michel Pereira against Dae Sung Kim, do yourself a favor and check it out. With that said, aside from Pereira’s flashy and dynamic abilities, the opponents he’s faced have had iffy records at best. Danny Roberts is a tough task, but given his durability issues, it isn’t completely out of the question for Pereira to strike gold in his UFC debut.

As for a prediction, I have Roberts. Despite the chin concerns, Roberts is a good striker whom if taken down, has a formidable submission game. Pereira is very much unproven and from what I’ve seen, his gas tank isn’t very good. So with that, I have Roberts winning via TKO.

145 lbs.: Grant Dawson vs. Mike Trizano – I’ve doubted Mike Trizano in his first two UFC fights, but he’s a good striker whom has solid takedown defense. He’s got two split decision nods at Lightweight and now is dropping back down to Featherweight. Grant Dawson is a pure wrestler and a good one at that. In his debut, he accrued 6 take downs en route to a decision victory. As for a prediction in this fight, I’ve got Dawson. I believe Trizano will stuff his fair share of takedowns, but the amount of body kicks he throws is going to open up opportunities for Dawson to get this to the mat. In a close fight, I’ve got Dawson winning via decision.

205 lbs.: Patrick Cummins vs. Ed Herman – Patrick Cummins has kind of plateaued. Either he’s going to physically overwhelm his opponent against the cage, take them down and control them. OR, Cummins wrestling gets stuffed and his lack of chin and striking abilities get him battered and likely finished.

Luckily, this is a fight where I believe Cummins can physically overwhelm his opponent. Ed Herman is a Middleweight, fighting 20 lbs. above his natural weight class. Herman is durable and has decent takedown defense, but Cummins should still be able to get him to the ground. Herman holds a significant striking and power advantage, but I don’t expect him to be able to throw much with Cummins grinding him down for three rounds. So with that, I have Cummins winning via decision.

185 lbs.: Zak Cummings vs. Trevin Giles – As good of a fighter Zak Cummings is, I believe Trevin Giles is going to batter and finish the veteran. Of more recent, I’ve noticed Cummings getting into 50/50 exchanges. Against a powerful puncher like Giles, that’s not going to work. Tie in the fact that Cummings isn’t a successful takedown artist and I believe it’s going to be a long night on the feet for Cummings. So with that, I have Giles winning via TKO.

145 lbs.: Julio Arce vs. Julian Erosa – Julio Arce may not have the power necessary to be a contender, but he’s got a well rounded game good enough to rack up wins. Add in a hell of a chin and the ability to comeback in the later rounds, and I’m going to say Arce should easily beat a defensively poor Julian Erosa via decision.
UFC 237: Namajunas vs. Andrade Predictions

May 11, 2019

For the fifth consecutive week, the UFC is back in action. The promotion heads south of the equator, as they touch down in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Headlining the event is a Women’s Strawweight Title fight between Champion Rose Najamunas and challenger Jessica Andrade. This will be Namajunas first fight in over a year, as well as her second title defense. Thug Rose is on a three fight win streak, beating Michelle Waterson and Joanna Jedrzjejczyk twice. As for Andrade, despite being the challenger, she will be fighting on home soil. Andrade has won three fights in a row, with the last being a one-punch knockout over Karolina Kowalkiewicz. This is bound to be an excellent fight and a very ballsy one for Thug Rose to take the fight in her opponents backyard.

UFC 237 PPV Main Card on ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET):

115 lbs.: UFC Strawweight Champion Rose Namajunas vs. Jessica Andrade – Man this is a tough fight to call. On one end, Rose Namajunas is an excellent fighter at range and has show glimpses of legit pop in her hands. She also has a dangerous ground game, one in which she really hasn’t used much of recently though. On the other end, you have a bull in Jessica Andrade. Loaded with endless cardio, Andrade steams forward with pressure and aggression. She is one of the few women in the division who has legit one punch knockout power. I mean, the way she put away Karolina Kowalkiewicz was downright scary. Andrade also can wrestle and control her foes on the mat, as she physically is a brute to deal with.

As for a prediction, I lean Andrade. I just believe physically she can rag-doll Namajunas in the clinch. On the feet, Andrade’s pressure and aggression is going to give Namajunas fits, as she cant set up her rangy offense. In the end, Andrade’s cardio, pace and volume striking is going to eventually engulf Namajunas en route to a TKO victory.

185 lbs.: Anderson Silva vs. Jared Cannonier – While I’m very high on Jared Cannonier at Middleweight, I suspect a competitive fight that favors Anderson Silva in his home country of Brazil. I also suspect that given Silva is noncommittal about retirement, the UFC is going to do everything in their power to get him back into a title fight. A win over Cannonier grants Silva a title eliminator against Jack Hermansson, book it. As for this fight, Silva has an iron chin and is going to endure Cannonier’s early onslaught. As Cannonier’s power and speed wane, I expect Silva to counter punch and land just enough to edge out the later rounds en route to a decision victory.

145 lbs.: Jose Aldo vs. Alex Volkanovski – This a great fight and I love how everyone wrote Jose Aldo off, but seemingly is back on the bandwagon after two consecutive finishes over top opponents. I however, realized that Max Holloway is just a monster for anyone at Featherweight and Aldo wasn’t washed up. As for Alex Volkanovski, what a rise. From a Rugby player to a legit UFC Featherweight contender. The Aussie is a perfect 6-0 in the octagon, with three finishes and the most recent one coming against Chad Mendes.

As for a prediction, I’ve got Aldo. The former Featherweight kingpin is a handful. He’s got impeccable takedown defense and a dangerous kickboxing game that features speed, good movement, heavy leg kicks and power hooks. Volkanovski is extremely durable, has excellent cardio and his jab/body kicks have gotten the job done thus far. The problem I see though is Volkanovski isn’t going to take Aldo down nor bully him against the cage. And in a kickboxing fight, Aldo is going to keep Volkanovski at a range where he’s going to crack him. In the end, I see Aldo taking this via TKO.

170 lbs.: Thiago Alves vs. Laureano Staropoli – Given Laureano Staropoli is a brawler and Alves is an aging vet who’s durability is questionable, I feel like this might be a rough one for Alves. However, Alves is coming off a controversial victory over Max Griffin and is likely to get home cooking in Brazil should this be competitive. Except, I don’t think it will. I believe Staropoli will batter Alves for three rounds, ultimately finishing the veteran towards the waning minutes of the fight via TKO.

135 lbs.: Irene Aldana vs. Bethe Correia – I’m sorry, but Bethe Correia isn’t very good and she hasn’t fought in nearly two years. Aldana on the other hand has a bright future and she’s tall and lanky for the division. In this contest, I see Aldana’s reach picking apart Correia, eventually finishing the Brazilian later in the fight via TKO.

UFC 237 Prelims on ESPN (8 p.m. ET):

205 lbs.: Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Ryan Spann – While the safe bet is to side with Ryan Spann, for whatever reason I’m leaning Antonio Rogerio Nogueira. I just don’t think Spann will blitz Nogueira out of the gate, keeping the veteran around longer than he should. In the later rounds, Nogueira’s boxing will aide him to a TKO victory over a gassed Spann.

155 lbs.: Kurt Holobaugh vs. Thiago Moises – Kurt Holobaugh has a had tough second stint in the UFC, facing two talented foes in Shane Burgos and Raoni Barcelos. Despite being finished in both fights, he looked good up until the finish. Now at Lightweight, he should be healthy and ready to rock. No offense to Thiago Moises, but Holobaugh is in desperate need of a win and I’m backing him to take this fight via decision.

170 lbs.: Warlley Alves vs. Sergio Moraes – I used to be high on Warlley Alves, thinking he could be a Welterweight contender. He backed that notion up too, winning his first four UFC fights. Even taking out top foes like Colby Covington, Alan Jouban and Nordine Taleb. However, cardio issues have plagued him. Also he just looks slower. Now, Sergio Moraes isn’t exactly a world beater, but he serviceable. He throws looping power strikes on the feet and has a very dangerous ground game. In a rather close fight, I’ll take Moraes winning via decision.

a striker, but he pressures and throws looping punches that get his foes attention.

155 lbs.: Clay Guida vs. B.J. Penn – It’s been over eight years since B.J. Penn last tasted victory. He’s lost six fights in a row and the only competitive fight he’s had, was against a veteran in Denis Siver. Now, Clay Guida is exactly the opponent he should be fighting if he’s going to continue to do such. Problem is, it’s too late. With that said, Guida takes down Penn at will en route to a decision victory.

UFC 237 Prelims on Fight Pass (6:30 p.m. ET):

135 lbs.: Luana Carolina vs. Priscila Cachoeira – I cant trust Priscila Cachoeira. She’s a brawler whom just swings with no technique. So with that, I have Luana Carolina winning via decision.

135 lbs.: Raoni Barcelos vs. Carlos Hauchin – Raoni Barcelos is a player at Bantamweight and Carlos Hauchin is a short-notice sacrificial lamb. With that said, Barcelos wins this via submission.

135 lbs.: Talita Bernardo vs. Viviane Araujo – Talita Bernardo should easily wrap this fight up with takedowns, ultimately winning via decision.
UFC on ESPN+ 9: Iaquinta vs. Cerrone Predictions

May 4, 2019

For the fourth consecutive week, the UFC is back in action. The promotion heads north, as they touch down in Canada’s capital, Ottawa. This will be the second time Ottawa has played host to the UFC. Headlining the event is a pair of Lightweight contenders in Al Iaquinta and Donald Cerrone. Both men are in a crowded division, with very little clarity on what awaits the winner. Perhaps a number one contenders fight against Tony Ferguson or even the “retired” Conor McGregor. However, the fight is first and its expected to be a doozy.

UFC on ESPN+ 9 Main Card (8 p.m. ET):

155 lbs.: Al Iaquinta vs. Donald Cerrone – What an awesome main event. In one corner, you got “Ragin” Al Iaquinta. The Long Island real estate agent, whom recently beat Kevin Lee in a grueling five round fight. Prior to that, he went five rounds with Khabib Nurmagomedov, ultimately losing via decision. In the other corner, you have a rejuvenated Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone. Since becoming a father, Cerrone has rattled off two straight victories. Both against young hotshots whom were both favorites to win.

As for the prediction, I have Iaquinta. While Cerrone is an excellent striker and sneaky submission artist, I question his durability in a five round fight. Cerrone has said, the cut to Lightweight is extremely tough on his body and given he gone up and down weight classes, I can only imagine it taking its toll. Iaquinta is extremely durable and as well rounded as they come. Armed with relentless pressure and cardio, Iaquinta is going to put on a pace and striking volume that is going to eventually swarm Cerrone. My belief is that either in the later part of the third round or the fourth, Iaquinta’s strike totals are going to add up and he’s to win via TKO.

185 lbs.: Derek Brunson vs. Elias Theodorou – This fight either could end in devastating fashion or be a typical sloppy Theodorou fight. Given Brunson’s inconsistencies, this could very well lean toward a sloppy fight. However, I believe that Brunson needs to go back to being wild and head hunting in this particular fight. He has legit knockout power and to be honest, Theodorou doesn’t even remotely have any. Theodorou is tough as nails, but his putter patter punching and cardio are going to take a hit when he feels the power of Brunson. In my opinion, I see Brunson finishing Theodorou via TKO.

145 lbs.: Shane Burgos vs. Cub Swanson – Besides the main event, this is the best fight on the card. Two willing strikers, whom love to stand toe-to-toe and slug it out. Swanson, has lost three consecutive fights to the essentially three of the top five fighters in the division. Meanwhile, Burgos bounced back from his first professional defeat, with a submission victory over Kurt Holobaugh. In a fight I expect to take place almost entirely on the feet, I actually favor Burgos. I feel like Swanson has considerable slowed down in regards to output and durability. I believe the Doo Ho-Choi fight took a lot out of Swanson unfortunately. Burgos is younger and hungrier, throws with volume, has some pop, good submissions and despite losing by knockout, has a solid chin. All reasons why I side with Burgos via decision.

135 lbs.: Merab Dvalishvili vs. Brad Katona – This is a tough call, but I edge Katona. Even though Dvalishvili sets a tough pace and takes foes down at will, I believe Katona’s scrambling abilities will keep him upright the majority of the fight. On the feet, Katona is the cleaner striker and mixes in tons of kicks. In a close fight, I have Katona edging out the decision, perhaps via home cooking.

265 lbs.: Walt Harris vs. Sergey Spivak – For a guy as physically gifted as Harris, I’d expect better results. He’s got the size, the power and the makeup of a Heavyweight talent. Yet, he’s often hesitant to throw more volume, costing him fights in the process. From what I’ve seen about Spivak, is the complete opposite. He lacks power, but makes it up with an aggressive approach and volume striking. Spivak’s chin remains a question mark, but I prefer his style and momentum heading into this fight. So with that, I got Spivak winning via submission.

185 lbs.: Marc-Andre Barriault vs. Andrew Sanchez – This fight can go either way, but I’m leaning Sanchez. Despite cardio issues, he’s a good striker with excellent wrestling abilities. Against a knockout artist like Barriault, I expect Sanchez to avoid striking and go straight for the takedown. The hope is he doesn’t gas himself like in the past, but either way, I got Sanchez via decision.

UFC on ESPN+ 9 Prelims (5 p.m. ET):

135 lbs.: Macy Chiasson vs. Sarah Moras – This fight is going to get ugly, unless Moras can pull off a sneaky submission early. Chiasson is a big Bantamweight, and holds a sizable 4′ inch height and 5′ reach advantage in this fight. Chiasson has some legit power and has shown really strong takedown defense to start her UFC career. Given Moras is a poor striker and her only route to winning this fight taking down Chiasson, then I’d say she’s in for a rude awakening. So with that, I have Chiasson winning via TKO.

135 lbs.: Vince Morales vs. Aiemann Zahabi – Morales has too many defensive liabilities for Zahabi not to exploit. And given Zahabi got flatlined in his UFC debut, I expect him to not to play around on the feet as much. Eventually Zahabi will get this fight to the ground and lock in a fight ending submission.

170 lbs.: Nordine Taleb vs. Kyle Prepolec – Taleb should have his way with the short-notice Lightweight Prepolec. Taleb is a physically strong Welterweight, with some decent pop in his hands. Age hasn’t been kind to him though, as his chin has recently failed him. Durability issues aside, I expect a heavy dose of takedowns and grinding eventually lead to a late TKO stoppage victory for Taleb.

145 lbs.: Kyle Nelson vs. Matt Sayles – This a tough fight to call. Both men debuted against fighters that were already established. They each had moments within there debut where they shined. However, Nelson got finished in his fight whereas Sayles nearly came back and finished his foe in the third round. To be fair though, Nelson fought up a weight class. As for a prediction, I have Sayles. He’s durable, has good cardio and carries heavy hands. In a back-and-forth fight early, it’s Sayles who will land a knockout blow.

265 lbs.: Juan Adams vs. Arjan Bhullar – At first I was leaning Bhullar due to his ability to push his foes against the cage and bully them. However, his ability to score takedowns is poor. Add that with his decent striking and it’s hard not to side with a physically imposing man like Adams. Gifted with legit power and a wrestling background, Adams looks the part of a future Heavyweight contender. In this particular fight, Adams has a 5 inch height advantage and 5.5 inch reach advantage. I believe Adams can keep this fight upright, get the better of the striking exchanges and take a decision victory.

135 lbs.: Mitch Gagnon vs. Cole Smith – Gagnon would be the safe play given his experience inside the octagon. Problem is, Gagnon hasn’t fought in over two years. Normally I’d still side with experience and the fact that Gagnon is a solid grappler with a submission prowess, BUT I’m calling upset. Smith is the bigger man, with a six inch height advantage. From the little video out there, he’s a grinder? With the massive size advantage, I’m banking on him to impose his will for two of the three rounds en route to a decision victory.
UFC on ESPN+ 8: Jacare vs. Hermansson Predictions

April 27, 2019

The UFC is back in action for the third consecutive week, as we have a jam packed card. Headlining the event is a pair of Middleweight contenders in Jacare and Jack Hermansson. Jacare has won four of last six fights, with the most recent fight resulting in a knockout victory over Chris Weidman. Jacare has been promised a title shot with a victory over Hermansson. As for the Joker, he’s won three consecutive fights and five of his last six. All five victories have been via finish. The most recent victory came in a mere 49 seconds, as Hermansson submitted BJJ black belt David Branch. Could the Joker submit a Gator in Florida no less? We’ll see…

UFC on ESPN+ 8 Main Card:

185 lbs.: Ronaldo Souza vs. Jack Hermansson – I’ve loved the rise of Hermansson. He’s a really solid edition to a fun Middleweight division. However, a foe like Jacare, whom has been promised a title shot with a victory here seems too soon. Even at 39 years of age, Jacare is still a threat. He’s won four of his last six fights, all via finish. The only two defeats came to reigning Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya and recent Interim title challenger Kelvin Gastelum, whom he lost via split decision too.

Jacare has only been finished once since 2009, and despite being dropped in several contest, his chin is still wavering favorable. Throw in the fact that Jacare just went toe to toe with Chris Weidman, knockout him out and I just don’t see where Hermansson has the advantage. Jacare is an all around talent and a ridiculous BJJ practitioner. Given Hermansson has some sneaky submissions, but that’s useless on Jacare. The best chance is to catch him on the feet, but I just don’t see it. So with that, I have Jacare winning via TKO.

265 lbs.: Greg Hardy vs. Dmitrii Smoliakov – Not sure why this is the co-main event, but it looks like they found an opponent for Hardy to knockout relatively easily. So with that, I have Hardy winning via knockout

170 lbs.: Alex Oliveira vs. Mike Perry – While Oliveira is the better all around fighter, he’s still so dam wild. I would say the same about Perry, but he’s shown a more technical approach with a side of wrestling. I highly doubt we see the side of wrestling from Perry though, as it got him caught in a submission in his last fight to Donald Cerrone. Imagine Perry thinking he survive on the mat with Oliveira? Anyways, I feel like both will strike early, and at first it will be tepid. Then it’s going to turn into a brawl in which Perry thrives in. I’m calling upset, Perry via knockout.

205 lbs.: Ion Cutelaba vs. Glover Teixeira – This is going to be a back and forth battle. Cutelaba is a force and has the making of a really exciting striker in the Light Heavyweight division. Teixeira is a great boxer, just old and slow now. The once iron chin is gone too. However, the wrestling and BJJ of Teixeira is still a major factor and the sole reason I see him edging this out via decision.

135 lbs.: John Lineker vs. Cory Sandhagen – I think this is simple too soon for a talented Bantamweight in Sandhagen. He’s going to stature Lineker and have the reach advantage, but the power and pressure Lineker brings puts foes down. Add another one to Hands of Stones collection. Lineker via knockout.

155 lbs.: Thomas Gifford vs. Roosevelt Roberts – Gifford is coming in on short notice as a sacrificial lamb to the rise of Roberts. So with that, Roberts via submission.

UFC on ESPN+ 8 Preliminary Card:

170 lbs.: Takashi Sato vs. Ben Saunders – Someone’s getting knocked out. My guess, is Ben Saunders. Killa B is 1-4 in his last five fights and has been knocked in three of those defeats. I really hope he pulls this off, but safe bet is Sato via knockout.

265 lbs.: Andrei Arlovski vs. Augusto Sakai – Tough fight to call. Sakai could knock Arlovski out, but then again the 28-fight UFC veteran hasn’t been knocked out in his last six fights. An improved defense, more technical striking and heavier approach on wrestling has truly changed the game of the former UFC Heavyweight Champion. While he’s become a little more boring, in the end I think longevity-wise and for this matchup, Arlovski is in the right and wins this via decision.

115 lbs.: Carla Esparza vs. Virna Jandiroba – This is probably going to be a competitive fight. Jandiroba comes into her UFC debut with a perfect 14-0 record. She has submitted ten foes, six of them by rear-naked choke. However, even in Invicta FC, Jandiroba has never fought someone with the wrestling chops like that of Esparza. Jandiroba could in turn sweep Esparza with her BJJ chops, but Esparza is too strong of a wrestler and experienced to get swept or caught. So with that, I have Esparza via decision.

155 lbs.: Gilbert Burns vs. Mike Davis – I feel like Burns is becoming an afterthought in a stacked Lightweight division. Burns has world class jui-jitsu and is developing a really formidable striking game. Two of his last three wins have come via knockout. After disposing of this short notice foe Davis, Burns should be in line for a bigger fight. So with that, I have Burns winning via submission.

155 lbs.: Jason Gonzalez vs. Jim Miller – Gonzalez is massive for the weight class and could really develop into something. Problem is, he hasn’t fought in over a year and is up against a grizzly veteran in Miller. Knowing Miller is a shell of himself, I should really pick against him. However, Miller is as tough as they come and can grind you down with each. Add in the fact that I haven’t been impressed with Gonzalez thus far in his UFC tenure and I think Miller can really win this. I think a combination of striking and takedowns get this done for the vet. Miller via decision.

115 lbs.: Jodie Esquibel vs. Angela Hill – Esquibel is a little tank whom’s natural weight class seems to be Atomweight. Being at Strawweight hasn’t done her any favors. As for a Prediction, I have Hill via decision. The height and reach advantage should aide Hill in outpointing Esquibel via decision.

170 lbs.: Dhiego Lima vs. Court McGee – Lima may have surprised when he knocked Chad Laprise out. I’ll admit, I was. However, that doesn’t change the fact that he’s 2-5 inside the octagon. Against a grinding veteran like McGee, I expect takedowns and top control to reign supreme against Lima en route to a decision victory.
UFC on ESPN+ 7: Overeem vs. Oleinik Predictions

April 20, 2019

In September 2018, the UFC finally embarked on the Russian market, as Moscow played host to their first event in Russia. The main event saw Aleksei Oleinik upset Mark Hunt, submitting him in the first round. Six month’s later, the UFC is back in Russia. This time, in Saint Petersburg. However, a familiar face headlines the event in Aleksei Oleinik. The Russian looks to claim yet another main event victory in home country as he takes on the Demolition Man, Alistair Overeem. Winner of his last fight, in which he brutally finished Sergei Pavolich with nasty ground-and-pound, Overeem looks to build a win streak and make a run at UFC gold. However, the winner of four of his last five fights Oleinik looks to yet again, pull off the upset and become a Heavyweight contender.

UFC Fight Night 149 (ESPN+ 7) Main Card (1 p.m. ET):

265 lbs.: Alistair Overeem vs. Aleksei Oleinik – This is a fun main event in which I’m sure we all understand the ultimatum. Overeem is the striker, who clearly has a huge advantage over Oleinik on the feet. The Boa Constrictor Oleinik is the grappling and submission wizard, who will look to get this fight to the ground and impose his will.

As for my prediction, I have Overeem. I believe that while Oleinik can submit you from virtually anywhere, he’s too willing to brawl. You’d think, a veteran who’s about to embark on his 70th professional fight, would just go straight for his bread-and-butter. You’d be wrong. Oleinik though, has shown durability and power enough to drop foes. Given Overeem’s iffy chin, there is a real possibility he gets clipped and then submitted.

However, Overeem’s a changed man. He keeps distance, is very technical and gets hit less often. I see him landing several hard shots, maybe a patented knee or two and that’s all she wrote. So with that, I have Overeem winning via knockout.

155 lbs.: Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan – I swear, this card has the most debuting fighters. I mean, it’s not a bad thing, just an observation. As for the fight, I hear a lot of good things about Tsarukyan, but this is a brutal matchup for a debut. Makhachev is a legit talent and extremely well rounded. A training partner of UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev skills has many resemblances to the Champion. So with that, I have Makhachev winning via submission.

265 lbs.: Marcelo Golm vs. Sergei Pavlovich – Golm came into the UFC too soon and too green. Pavolich debuted against Alistair Overeem which is ridiculous, but it’s also a valuable experience. With a nine inch reach advantage, I believe Pavolich should have his way with Golm on the feet. There is potential Pavolich knocks out Golm, but the Brazilian is tough. So with that, I have Pavolich winning via decision.

125 lbs.: Roxanne Modafferi vs. Antonina Shevchenko – As much as I like Modafferi as a human being, I just don’t see how she wins this fight. While the consensus may believe Modafferi can take Shevchenko down, if you’ve watched her fights, she’s generally really not successful in doing such. And on the feet, she’s tough as hell, but lacks the speed and technique needed to keep up with Shevchenko. So with that, I have Shevchenko winning via decision.

185 lbs.: Alen Amedovski vs. Krzysztof Jotko – Man, Jotko went from a legit top fifteen Middleweight to a fighter fighting for his job. With three straight defeats, his back is against the wall. And in these situations, I tend to favor the fighter that is looking to avoid the potential pink slip. So with that, I have Jotko winning via decision.

UFC Fight Night 149 (ESPN+ 7) Prelims (10 a.m. ET):

135 lbs.: Movsar Evloev vs. Seung Woo Choi – I’ll be honest, I’ve never seen any of these UFC newcomers fight. However, word is, Evloev is legit talent that has future contender status written all over him. So with that, I have Evloev winning via decision.

170 lbs.: Sultan Aliev vs. Keita Nakamura – Aliev has been pretty awful in his UFC tenure, with a lone win coming via split decision. Meanwhile, Nakamura has made the most of his second UFC stint notching four wins. Aliev may be the better striker, but Nakamura is the better all around fighter. His grappling advantage can easily get the job done here. So with that, I have Nakamura winning via decision.

155 lbs.: Alex da Silva vs. Alexander Yakovlev – I have to say, da Silva brings in one of the more impressive records into his UFC debut. Problem is, it’s extremely padded and he’s facing a tough foe in Yakovlev. A foe in which is making the drop from Welterweight to Lightweight and is going to be extremely massive for the weight class. So with that, I have Yakovlev dominating and finishing the fight in the later rounds via TKO.

265 lbs.: Shamil Abdurakhimov vs. Marcin Tybura – I have a feeling this is going to be a semi-boring kickboxing match en which I favor Tybura in. So with that, I have Tybura winning via decision.

205 lbs.: Gadzhimurad Antigulov vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk – This fight goes either two ways. Antigulov storm out, takes Oleksiejczuk down and submits him. Or Oleksiejczuk fends off Antigulov’s takedown attempts and batters him on the feet en route to a TKO finish. I think the later is probably the safe bet, but Antigulov has shown an exceptional ability to get the fight to the mat and quickly submit them. Hell with it, I have Antigulov winning via submission.

155 lbs.: Rafael Fiziev vs. Magomed Mustafaev – This is a hell of a fight to open the card. Fiziev is making his UFC debut, and features some nasty Muay Thai. Mustafaev is an excellent grappler, who not only is physically powerful, but has legit pop in hands. Unfortunately though, Mustafaev has not fought in over two years and I’m just not quite sure what to expect. Before the layoff, the talent showed, but also the willingness to strike and brawl did too. In a fight like this, staying on the feet edges Fiziev. So with that, I have Fiziev winning via TKO.
UFC 236: Holloway vs. Poirier II Predictions

April 13, 2019

It was a rare week off in the UFC schedule, but that only meant a big PPV was looming. One that features two Interim title fights, featuring four of the top fighters in the UFC. Headlining the event, Featherweight kingpin Max Holloway takes his 13-fight win streak up to Lightweight, as he challenges Dustin Poirier for the Interim Lightweight Championship. Poirier enters this contest on a three fight win streak, finishing Eddie Alvarez, Justin Gaethje and Anthony Pettis. The winner of this fight is all but destined to meet Lightweight kingpin Khabib Nurmagomedov. Also on the card, the rising Israel Adesanya meets Kelvin Gastelum in an Interim Middleweight title fight. The winner would meet Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker to unify the belt.

UFC 236 PPV Main Card on ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET):

155 lbs.: Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier for interim lightweight championship – This is going to be exciting for however long it last. Two of the very best fighters the UFC has, vying for the Interim Lightweight Championship and the right to unify the belts against Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

As for my prediction, I have Holloway. In what should strictly be a striking contest, Holloway might just be the best striker in the UFC. Despite lacking power, Holloway brings forth aggression, cardio, pace and volume. When you fight Holloway, expect to be back pedaling and have zero room to breath the entire fight. And while Poirier is too an excellent striker, he gets hit too often. And while I’d consider him durable, he has been rocked and finished before. I can’t recall Holloway suffering any of those two. So with that, I have Holloway winning via TKO.

185 lbs.: Kelvin Gastelum vs. Israel Adesanya for interim middleweight championship – This is such an awesome fight and I feel like people are over looking Gastelum’s skills due to the meteoric rise of Adesanya. I mean, I believe Adesanya is the real deal, but I don’t see this being a walk in the park.

As for my prediction, I have Adesanya. I believe on the feet, Adesanya’s length could be problematic for Gastelum getting inside. Adesanya’s kicking game should also keep him at bay and slow him down. However, if Gastelum decides to wrestle, then Adesanya could be in for a long night. We’ve seen Adesanya get taken down by lesser wrestlers. Gastelum has the chops to grind down “Stylebender” and control him him while on the mat. Then again, Gastelum is a smaller Middleweight and perhaps has the strength to fend off the takedown attempts. So with that, I’m going Adesanya via decision.

205 lbs.: Eryk Anders vs. Khalil Rountree – This is a toss-up. Rountree has legit knockout power and is extremely athletic. Same goes for Anders, but what the former Alabama Crimson Tide Linebacker has over Rountree is wrestling. And Rountree notoriously lacks any sort of takedown defense. If it turns into a brawl, Rountree wins. However if Anders fights smart, and takes this to the ground like I think he will, then I got him via late TKO.

170 lbs.: Dwight Grant vs. Alan Jouban – Tough fight to call. Jouban has been out a awhile, but that could be a good thing for his body. Grant is striker, who has devastating power, but lacks volume. Given Jouban’s iffy chin, and Grant’s power, it could be a short night the Louisiana native. However, given Grants hesitancy and lack of volume, Jouban keeps his distance and out points Grant en route to a decision victory.

205 lbs.: Nikita Krylov vs. Ovince Saint Preux – I feel for Krylov. He got unnecessarily cut by the UFC, only to come back and have to face Jan Blachowicz and now Ovince St. Preux. While he’s an improved fighter, OSP is simply better everywhere. On the feet, he’s got the power to finish this and his wrestling chops should get him into an advantageous position in which he will lock in a fight ending submission victory.

UFC 236 ESPN “Prelims” Under Card (8 p.m. ET):

155 lbs.: Matt Frevola vs. Jalin Turner – Frevola had an epic fight against Lando Vannata, but at the same time he showed a real lack of striking defense. Against a lanky, long and knockout artist like Turner…that’s just not gonna work. So with that, I have Turner via knockout.

125 lbs.: Alexandre Pantoja vs. Wilson Reis – While Pantoja is the better all around fighter, it’s wrestlers like Reis he has struggled with. Now, will Reis have the cardio to go three rounds? That’s a tough one too answer, but I feel like he can control Pantoja for two of the three rounds en route to a decision victory.

170 lbs.: Max Griffin vs. Zelim Imadaev – Since beating Mike Perry, Griffin seemed destined to climb the ranks. However, he’s lost two straight, albeit the last loss to Thiago Alves he got robbed in. Now, with his UFC career in jeopardy, he’s tasked to fight an undefeated Russian making his UFC debut. Fortunately, Imadaev has fought no one yet near the caliber of Griffin. So with that, I have Griffin winning via decision.

135 lbs.: Boston Salmon vs. Khalid Taha – Ive never seen Taha fight yet, but I’ve seen Salmon knock a dude out cold on Dana White’s Contender Series. So….I’ve got Salmon via knockout.

UFC 236 Fight Pass “Prelims” Under Card (6:15 p.m. ET):

170 lbs.: Curtis Millender vs. Belal Muhammad – This is a toss-up. On one hand, Muhammad has the wrestling, pace and cardio to grind out Millender. On the other hand, Millender is an excellent striker who uses distance to keep his opponents at bay. If Muhammad wasn’t such a small Welterweight, I’d favor him here. However, Millender is big for the weight class and has the strength to fend off Muhammad’s wrestling. On the feet, I see Millender getting the better of Muhammad, potentially finishing him with a head. However, Muhammad is extremely tough and durable, which is why I’ll go with Millender winning via decision.

135 lbs.: Montel Jackson vs. Andre Soukhamthath – I’m very high on Jackson, but Soukhamthath is no slouch and a legitimate test. If his fight IQ were better, he’d be in the top fifteen. In the end though, I think Jackson is just physically too overwhelming for Soukhamthath to deal with. I expect Jackson to edge out Soukhamthath in all aspects, winning via decision.

125 lbs.: Poliana Botelho vs. Lauren Mueller – This could go either way, but I lean Botelho due to her vicious nature. She’s got legit striking chops with enough pop to turn off the lights. If Mueller can’t get this to the ground, she’s going to be in for a long night. So with that, I have Botelho winning via decision.

135 lbs.: Randy Costa vs. Brandon Davis – Although Davis is 1-3 inside the octagon, he’s faced some tough opponents thus far. Obviously his most recent fight against Zabit Magomedsharipov takes the cake. While Davis doesn’t exactly have the wrestling chops, his striking, durability and cardio make him a tough out for anyone. This newcomer Costa has yet to fight anyone with a winning record thus far and is in for a rude awakening. So with that, I have Davis winning via decision.