The MMA Daily

UFC 232: Jones vs. Gustafsson II Predictions

December 29, 2018

Amid the controversy surrounding Jon Jones and has the last second venue change, the rematch will go on as planned. And as crazy as it is to wrap your head around all that’s happened this week, I for one am happy that this fight is a go. The first fight between the two, is still to this date one of the top five fights ever in UFC history. This one is a mystery though given the drama that Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson has had to deal with all week. Add that fact that both haven’t competed in over a year and is hard to decipher what to expect. However, both men are of the elite in the division and are bound to put on a show.

Anyways, to the Predictions!

UFC 232 Main Card (10 p.m. ET):

205 lbs.: Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson for the vacant Light Heavyweight title – In my opinion, as long as Jon Jones steps into that octagon, no man has what it takes to beat him. Gustafsson is elite, but he’s going to be backpedaling in this fight like he did against DC. While that fight was close, it was clear Gustafsson isn’t comfortable while backing up. Jones is going to land enough offensive outpoint and in the clinch, I could see him battering Gustafsson. In the end, Jones gets his hand raised via decision in a less competitive fight then the first time.

145 lbs.: UFC Featherweight Champion Cristiane Justino vs. UFC Bantamweight Champion Amanda Nunes for the Featherweight title – This is by far the toughest fight of either’s career. Both women posses fight ending power, but it’s Cyborg whom is stronger and a more technical striker. Add in her excellent cardio and pace she puts on in fights and I’m not sure Nunes can get the job done. Now, Nunes was known to have cardio issues, but of late it’s vastly improved. Then again, Cyborg will offer a different pace and pressure to this fight that will most likely zap Nunes. So with that, I have Cyborg retaining via late TKO.

170 lbs.: Michael Chiesa vs. Carlos Condit – While this fight leans towards Chiesa due to his wrestling and Condit’s lack there of takedown defense, it’s Condit whom I’m siding with. At the weigh ins, he looked like the old “Natural Born Killer” I’m used of. I expect him to be less hesitant on the feet than usual and even if Chiesa gets him to the mat, his active guard strikes are going to lead to mistakes for him to get back up. At some point, Condit cuts open Chiesa and gets a doctor stoppage. Condit via TKO.

205 lbs.: Corey Anderson vs. Ilir Latifi – In my opinion, Anderson has all the tools it takes to challenge for the belt at 205 lbs. The only thing holding him back is his questionable chin. Against Latifi, a human bull, he’s going to need to protect it. The “Sledgehammer” hits like a truck and has excellent wrestling abilities to compliment his power on the feet. In a tough call, I lean Anderson. I feel like if he keeps Latifi on the outside, he can outpoint him. The further the fight goes, a tired Latifi will be easier to keep at bay. So with that, I have Anderson winning via decision.

145 lbs.: Chad Mendes vs. Alexander Volkanovski – At first, I was leaning Volkanovski in this fight. However, Mendes is the better striker with way more power and his wrestling should easily neutralize Volkanovski’s. Mendes via decision.

UFC 232 “Prelims” on FOX Sports 1 (8 p.m. ET):

265 lbs.: Andrei Arlovski vs. Walt Harris – Either Arlovski shrugs off Harris on the feet and uses his wrestling to grind out a win or Harris lands one of his power shots early and knocks out Arlovski. I’ve got the latter… Harris via knockout.

135 lbs.: Cat Zingano vs. Megan Anderson – I’m conflicted here. On one end, Anderson is big and hits hard on the feet. On the other end, Zingano despite her willingness to strike is a grappler whom offers excellent ground-and-pound and submissions while in top control. In a tough call, I’ll go with Zingano via decision.

135 lbs.: Douglas Silva de Andrade vs. Petr Yan – This fight has fireworks all over it and despite the odds, this should be close fight. I’ve got Yan though. I believe that de Andrade has the clear power edge on the feet and is the better grappler. However, if de Andrade can’t hurt Yan early, his cardio will fade with the pace Yan puts forth. So with that, I have Yan winning via decision.

155 lbs.: Ryan Hall vs. B.J. Penn – On one end, I could see Hall stick to the outside and use his speed to outpoint Penn on the feet with just leg kicks. On the other, I can see Penn crack Hall and force him him to pull guard, in which Penn maintains top control en route to a decision victory. I’ll go with the latter…

UFC 232 “Prelims” on Fight Pass (6:15 p.m. ET):

135 lbs.: Andre Ewell vs. Nathaniel Wood – Tough fight, but I believe that Wood will get inside of Ewell’s distance striking and land the heavier blows en route to a close decision victory.

185 lbs.: Uriah Hall vs. Bevon Lewis – Don’t know much about Lewis, but this is a must win for Hall. From being dubbed the next Anderson Silva to potentially dropping five of his last six fights won’t cut it in the UFC. So with that, I have Hall winning via knockout.

170 lbs.: Siyar Bahdurzada vs. Curtis Millender – This should be an awesome fight. Bahdurzada is an absolute bull and throws his hands with fight ending intentions. Combined with solid hand speed, power and accuracy, anyone who dares strikes with him often gets clipped at some point. Millender too is a striker, but he uses distance to set up his long strikes and kicking game. In what should be a fun fight, I think Millender counters Bahdurzada often and in the third round, head kicks a tired Bahdurzada into oblivion. So with that, I have Millender winning via knockout.

135 lbs.: Brian Kelleher vs. Montel Jackson – This could end up a close fight, but it’s the more experienced Kelleher who should get the nod via decision.
UFC on Fox 31: Lee vs. Iaquinta II Predictions

December 15, 2018

In August of 2011, the UFC took a major step in gaining mainstream legitimacy, agreeing to a seven year television deal with FOX. Two months later, the UFC debuted on FOX with one fight on the main card. A Heavyweight title fight that pitted Champion Cain Velasquez against Junior dos Santos. The fight lasted only 64 seconds, as dos Santos captured UFC gold by putting away Velasquez with strikes. The fight also captured an audience, as it peaked at 8.8 million viewers. The most watched MMA event on TV ever to this date!

Over seven years later, the UFC FOX deal will come to a close at the end of the year. However, on big FOX, it ends tonight with one last event featuring Lightweight contenders in Kevin Lee and Al Iaquinta. This will be a rematch, as their first encounter took place on February 1, 2014 at UFC 169. The fight marked Lee’s octagon debut and it was a pretty close fight. Iaquinta dominated the first round, dropping Lee with a stiff Jab. Then Lee came back in the second round with a well timed takedown, in which he got Iaquinta’s back and remained there for round. In the third, a late flurry by Iaquinta edged out the round in his favor and the judges awarded him the nod.

Over three years later, both men are drastically better fighters. I’d say though, Lee has improved the most. Since his defeat to Iaquinta, Lee has won ten of his last twelve fights. He has beaten the likes of Michel Prazeres, Francisco Trinaldo, Michael Chiesa and Edson Barboza. Lee also fought for an Interim Lightweight Championship, ultimately losing to Tony Ferguson.

As for Iaquinta, since defeating Lee, he was won five of his last seven fights. Due to injuries and contract disputes, Iaquinta hasn’t been able find consistency in fighting often. However, perhaps the biggest notch on his career came in his last fight when he fought for the UFC Lightweight title against Khabib Nurmagomedov. An injury to Tony Ferguson and a deemed medically unfit Max Holloway thwarted Iaquinta into a title fight on a days notice. Iaquinta would ultimately lose, but Iaquinta lasted the full five rounds and even shrugged off several Nurmagomedov takedown attempts. If anything, the fight proved Iaquinta with some more experience and consistency could compete with the best.

Anyways, to the Predictions!

UFC On FOX 31 Main Card (8 p.m. ET)

155 lbs.: Kevin Lee vs. Al Iaquinta – I’ve broken down the first fight and what they’ve done since their first encounter over four years ago. So, I’ll just get right to the prediction. I’ve got Iaquinta. The Long Island real estate agent has been hampered over the year by injuries and a contract dispute, but his last fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov was a massive learning experience. And the fact that he fought all five rounds and did very well, is major confidence booster heading into this fight.

Now, Lee has definitely vaulted Iaquinta in terms of improvement and overall skill set. However, it’s Iaquinta who I believe has the cardio and power to present issues for Lee the later this fight goes. His wrestling and grappling can neutralize or the very least sap Lee’s cardio as he works hard to get the fight to mat. On the feet, both are solid, but it’s Iaquinta who has the power to turn the fight on a dime. In what should be a hell of a main event, it’s Iaquinta I’m edging to weather the early storm and win via decision.

155 lbs.: Edson Barboza vs. Dan Hooker – Man, this is going to be an amazing striking contest. Both men are among the elite strikers of the division, who are not afraid to risk position when they throw crazy spinning back kicks or flying knees. In other words, this fight is in my opinion destined for fight of the night. Now, as for a prediction I have Barboza. I feel like he’s fought the best of the best and has enough experience to thwart off the new threat in the Lightweight division in Hooker. I’ve been very impressed with Hooker, but his four-fight win streak includes two old veterans. Not one of the fighters in his win streak include a top fifteen foe. In other words, this fight while winnable, is in my opinion too much, too soon. So with that, I have Barboza winning via decision.

135 lbs.: Rob Font vs. Sergio Pettis – I’ve got Font. He’s got a big size advantage and is physically stronger then the natural Flyweight Pettis. Font is a solid technical striker, as is Pettis, but it’s Font who carries the fight ending power in his hands. In a fight that should take place a majority of the time on the feet, it’s Font who’s power shots that keeps Pettis at bay. So with that, I have Font winning via decision.

155 lbs.: Jim Miller vs. Charles Oliveira – Eight years ago, almost to the date, the young upstart Oliveira took on a prime Miller and got finished via submission in the very first round. Oliveira was just starting out his UFC career, meanwhile Miller was in the midst of a five-fight win streak and on the cusp of a title shot. Now, the trajectory has changed, as Miller has lost four of his last fight fights and Oliveira has won three of this four fights. Seemingly this should be an easy pick, as Miller has definitely lost a step. However, I feel that Miller has the ability to turn this into an ugly fight. I can foresee Miller using his wrestling to land several takedowns and his grappling is solid enough to avoid Oliveira slick submissions. On the feet, his pressure and dirty boxing in the clinch could present issues for Oliveira. So with that, I’ll go with the old dog in Miller to upset Oliveira via decision.

UFC On FOX 31 Prelims On FOX Sports 1 (5 p.m. ET)

170 lbs.: Dwight Grant vs. Zak Ottow – This is a tough fight to call. On one end, Ottow is fighting at home and is the more complete fighter. On the other end, Grant is on a roll heading into his UFC debut and will have a significant speed and power advantage. In my opinion, Ottow just doesn’t have the volume striking, speed and durability needed to advance at his level. Against Sage Northcutt he folded early and I foresee the same in this one. So with that, I have Grant winning via knockout.

155 lbs.: Bobby Green vs. Drakkar Klose – Pardon the pun, but this is a going to be a close fight. I believe Klose is the better fighter, especially in the IQ department. He is very well rounded and has shown the ability to pick apart opponents on the outside with an assortment of leg kicks, as well as mix in well timed takedowns. Green is solid wrestler, who chooses to stand-and-bang with his foes. He’s got power and hell of a chin, but his antics after getting hit in my opinion don’t bode well with the judges. Green often spends too much time shaking his head and finger wagging then fighting, which is a shame because he has all the tools to become a contender. Anyways, as for a prediction, I’ve got Green. I think he shrugs off Klose’s takedowns and lands the more punishing power shots on the feet. I don’t envision a finish, so with that, I’ve got Green winning via decision.

155 lbs.: Jared Gordon vs. Joaquim Silva – This fight is simple, either Gordon’s pace and volume striking breaks Silva down or Silva lands the power shot to put away Gordon. Now, hanging on a power shot to land is a tough sell unless it’s Dan Henderson or Francis Ngannou you’re talking about. So with that, I’ve got Gordon winning via decision.

185 lbs.: Zak Cummings vs. Trevor Smith – I’ve got Cummings in this fight. Even though Smith has a pretty big size advantage and will look to use his strength to bully and grind out a decision victory, it’s Cummings wrestling chops that will neutralize that. On the feet, Cummings is a pretty good boxer while Smith lacks anything significant striking-wise other than a looping power shot.

185 lbs.: Jack Hermansson vs. Gerald Meerschaert – This should be a fun fight as long as it last. Meerschaert is as tough as they come and is game wherever the fights goes. However, he lacks the athleticism, speed and striking needed to beat the upper echelon of the division. Hermansson isn’t yet upper echelon, but he’s big and strong for the Middleweight division. He’s got a nice technical striking game, with a stiff jab and some legit power to add. In what should be a fast furious start to the fight, I see Hermansson landing the harder shots and ultimately putting away Meerschaert via TKO.

145 lbs.: Jordan Griffin vs. Dan Ige – Don’t know much about Griffin, but Ige is fairly well rounded. He’s got some wrestling and submission chops that should aid him in this fight. So with that, I have Ige winning via decision.

UFC On FOX 31 Prelims On Fight Pass (4:00 p.m. ET)

205 lbs.: Adam Milstead vs. Mike Rodriguez – This is a toss up between two bottom dwellers of the Light Heavyweight division. I’m leaning Milstead though due to his last performance against Jordan Johnson. Also, Rodriguez has terrible takedown defense. So with that, I got Milstead winning via decision.

265 lbs.: Juan Adams vs. Chris De La Rocha – Adams all day. De La Rocha is tough, but he is nothing more than fodder for this young upstart. So with that, I got Adams winning via knockout.
UFC 231: Holloway vs. Ortega Predictions

December 8, 2018

The UFC is back in action, with a stacked card featuring the most anticipated Featherweight fight of the year. Featherweight kingpin Max Holloway looks to defend his Championship for the second time, while extending his winning streak to a ridiculous thirteen. Challenger Brian Ortega looks to remain undefeated and realize the dream of becoming a UFC Champion. If anything is certain, this fight as all the ingredients of becoming five round back-and-forth instant classic. Due to youth and talent, I am certain this is the best fight on paper in the Featherweight division. Expect to be blown away!

Anyways, to the Predictions!

UFC 231 PPV Main Card (10 p.m. ET):

145 lbs.: UFC Featherweight Champion Max Holloway vs. Brian Ortega – What an excellent fight we have scheduled. The absolute two best of the division going toe to toe, in what I’m foreseeing to be the best fight in Featherweight history. As for the prediction, I’ve got Ortega. And that’s tough for me to say given I’m a massive fan of Holloway dating back to before his UFC debut. It’s the first fighter I saw potential in, but Championship material and thirteen victories in a row is another story.

Anyways, my reasoning of picking Ortega stems from him having more routes to victory, especially with his ridiculous submission game. While I expect Holloway to get the better of Ortega on the feet, I feel Ortega has shown the power to stun foes and even knock them out. Given Holloway’s recent issues with “concussion-like” symptoms and the tough weight cut, his chin could be compromised. Nevertheless, if at any time Holloway is in danger, once Ortega locks in a submission, it’s a wrap. Given that alone, I have to side with Ortega. So with that, I have Ortega winning via submission in the fourth round.

125 lbs.: Valentina Shevchenko vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk for vacant flyweight title – I’m so happy Jedrzejczyk went up in weight, she looks physical and mentally in a better place. That weight cut drained her severely and I believe it really hampered her abilities, especially the first fight against Strawweight Champion Rose Namajunas. As for Shevchenko, she too is fighting at her real weight class. And it’s borderline scary, given the fact she dominated in the Bantamweight division and obviously the absolute beat down she displayed on Priscila Cachoeira in her return to Flyweight debut.

As for a prediction, I’ve got Shevchenko. She beat Jedrzejczyk three times in Muay Thai and I expect her yet again to get the better of the former Strawweight queen on the feet. Add in the fact that Shevchenko has some pop and really sneaky good grappling abilities, and I can’t envision her leaving Toronto without the belt. So with that, I have Shevchenko winning via late submission.

170 lbs.: Gunnar Nelson vs. Alex Oliveira – I’m happy to see Nelson is back, but could of chosen a warmup return fight instead? In my opinion, Nelson can outgrapple Oliveira, but he often elects to strike with opponents. And on the feet, I foresee Oliveira blitzing Nelson in a brawl and knocking him out.

145 lbs.: Kyle Bochniak vs. Hakeem Dawodu – This is a coin flip. Dawodu is the better talent, but his UFC debut showed his aggression can be his downfall. On the other hand, Bochniak doesn’t have the power to knock you out, but his fight IQ is top notch. He’s shown the ability to adjust to whatever style his opponent comes at him with, which is impressive. In what should be a close fight, I got Bochniak via decision.

205 lbs.: Jimi Manuwa vs. Thiago Santos – Manuwa’s chin is way too suspect to trust in what should be a fire fight. So with that, I’ve got the Brazilian slugger Santos via knockout.

UFC 231 ‘Prelims’ On FOX Sports 1 (Start Time 8 p.m. ET):

115 lbs.: Nina Ansaroff vs. Claudia Gadelha – Ansaroff has been on a nice streak of late, but now she runs into an elite fighter in the division. In my opinion, I don’t think Gadelha has fought to her abilities of late, but not at full strength, I still think she edges out Ansaroff. So with that, I have Gadelha on the helms of her grappling winning via decision.

155 lbs.: Olivier Aubin-Mercier vs. Gilbert Burns – I really like OAM’s gimmick as the Canadian Gangster, as well as his skill set. However, this is a tough fight for him. On the feet, Burns is the better striker and has legit power. Grappling, which is OAM’s strength is overridden by Burn’s superior grappling. I think chin, toughness and wrestling is where I edge OAM, but that’s not enough for me to pick him. So with that, I have Burns winning via decision.

115 lbs.: Katlyn Chookagian vs. Jessica Eye – This fight comes down to what the judges favor more. Will it be Chookagian’s volume striking or will it be Eye’s higher quality of strikes landed? I’ll go with the latter and say Eye lands the more ‘wow’ strikes, edging out Chookagian via decision.

185 lbs.: Eryk Anders vs. Elias Theodorou – I’ve got Anders in this fight. I think he proved in his last fight against Thiago Santos, he can take punishment and still keep coming forward. Anders wrestling looked really good too, an aspect of his game he looks like he will implement more in fights. Now Theodorou is well rounded, but he lacks the power necessary to climb the ranks. He’s as tough as nails and can too take punishment, but again nothing in his skill set jumps out as something to watch out for. So with that, I have Anders winning via decision.

UFC 231 ‘Prelims’ On Fight Pass (Start Time 6 p.m. ET):

135 lbs.: Brad Katona vs. Matthew Lopez – Katona is well rounded, but not particularly strong in any aspect yet. Lopez is a really solid wrestler, who has a questionable chin and suspect cardio. In this particular fight, I envision Lopez starting out strong for two rounds and fading in the third. Considering Katona doesn’t have power, I don’t see him finishing Lopez in that third round. So with that, I have Lopez winning the decision on the strength of his wrestling early in the fight.

170 lbs.: Chad Laprise vs. Dhiego Lima – I’m sorry, but the Lima brothers are on extremely opposite ends. Douglas Lima is championship material, Dhiego is borderline UFC talent. I expect Laprise to have his way with Lima and ultimately finish him via TKO.

155 lbs.: Diego Ferreira vs. Kyle Nelson – Two days notice against a well rounded and underrated Lightweight in Ferreira…ouch. I expect Ferreira to make light work of Nelson and finish the fight via submission.

205 lbs.: Devin Clark vs. Aleksandar Rakic – Clark is a very solid wrestler, which is his base and much of what relies on in fights. Given he’s a smaller Light Heavyweight, against bigger guys such as Rakic, he’s going to have a tough ting the takedown. On the feet, there is no question Rakic is way better. I expect Rakic to fend off Clark’s wrestling and outpoint him the feet, in the end earning the decision victory.
UFC Fight Night 142: Dos Santos vs. Tuivasa Predictions

December 1, 2018

In the second leg of the UFC doubleheader, we got ourselves an excellent card from down under in Adelaide, Australia. Headlining the event is former UFC Heavyweight Champion Junior Dos Santos and rising Aussie superstar Tai Tuivasa.

Dos Santos is a staple in the UFC Heavyweight division, accumulating a total of 13 wins in his UFC career thus far. However, after winning the first nine fights inside the octagon, Dos Santos has fell into a win one, loss one pattern. The most recent fight being a decision win over UFC newcomer Blagoy Ivanov.

Tuivasa enters this contest undefeated and is fresh off the biggest win of his career. In an entertaining fight, he took on former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski and edged him out via decision. A fate that his previous seven opponents hadn’t faced, as Tuivasa knocked them all out. With the home crowd behind him and another former UFC Heavyweight Champion standing across the octagon, the stars have aligned for Tuivasa to take the leap to Heavyweight contender.

Anyways, Let’s get to the Predictions!

UFC Fight Night 142 Main Card (10 p.m. ET start time)

265 lbs.: Junior dos Santos vs. Tai Tuivasa – Great matchmaking, as this is the ole changing of the guard fight. However, I have the old dog holding off the young upstart. Now, I think Tuivasa has a bright future, but his last fight against Arlovski showed me he isn’t ready for the like of Dos Santos. I mean, Tuivasa looked good in that fight, but Arlovski had his moments and his usually suspect chin held off. And that’s no knock on Tuivasa power, as he could definitely put Dos Santos to sleep.

However, I just believe Dos Santos is the better technical striker, has the ability to absorb punishment and has way more experience in every aspect including five round fights. In what should be an all striking battle, it’s Tuivasa who looks good early, but the veteran Dos Santos adapts and adjusts to take it late. So with that, I have Dos Santos winning via decision.

205 lbs.: Tyson Pedro vs. Mauricio Rua – I love Rua, but his last fight showed the game has past him by. Also Pedro’s size and length trump over the legend. I hope Rua can turn back the clock, but I’ve got to go with Pedro via TKO.

265 lbs.: Mark Hunt vs. Justin Willis – This will be Hunt’s last fight on his UFC contract and most likely one inside the octagon unfortunately. However, he looks fired up and it’s all because Willis has been talking some trash. That’s a mistake, a big mistake. Expect Willis to try to wrestle Hunt, but be met with a fight ending, walk-off knockout.

170 lbs.: Tony Martin vs. Jake Matthews – I’ve been very impressed with both men of late. The way Matthews beat Li Jingliang was eye opening, however Martin has been on another level. He’s handling wrestlers, even blending in his own takedowns with his really improved striking. I think I’m what should be a close back-and-forth fight, Martin eeks out a split decision victory.

135 lbs.: Suman Mokhtarian vs. Sodiq Yusuff – Mokhtarian has fought no one on the regional scene and is in for rude awakening against a real striker like Yusuff. Expect a big difference on the feet with Yusuff landing often and with authority. Possible early, but eventually Yusuff wins this via knockout.

205 lbs.: Paul Craig vs. Jim Crute – Craig has one trick up his sleeve, catching you with a submission. Other than that, his game is less to be desired. He’s tough though, but I’m not willing to put my marbles on toughness and one trick. So with that, I’ll go with Crute via late TKO.

UFC FOX Sports 1 ‘Prelims’ (8 p.m. ET start time)

170 lbs.: Alexey Kunchenko vs. Yushin Okami – Either Okami is going to find success in taking down Kunchenko and eek out a decision victory or Kunchenko is going to shrug off Okami’s takedown attempts and pick apart the veteran on the feet. I’ll go with the latter. I wasn’t impressed in Kunchenko’s debut, but he looked to have a good base and legit power in his hands. So with that, I have Kunchenko winning via decision.

125 lbs.: Ben Nguyen vs. Wilson Reis – This is a tough fight to call. Reis is a solid wrestler with even better grappling. He’s going to get this fight down to the floor, but can he sustain holding down Nguyen for three rounds? Also, in the little time I assume Reis will be striking, he’s bound to get dropped. He does every fight. The problem this time around though is Nguyen is probably the heaviest hitter in the Flyweight division. So with that, I believe that Nguyen either knocks Reis out early or in the third round when Reis is gassed.

170 lbs.: Keita Nakamura vs. Salim Touahri – Nakamura is underrated and will prove that by using his superior grappling abilities to sink in a fight ending submission victory. Lock it up.

125 lbs.: Kai Kara-France vs. Elias Garcia – Why the UFC let Kara-France walk after his showing on TUF 24 escapes me, but he picked up three wins on the regional scene and finally will make his octagon debut in his home country. Unfortunately his division’s in limbo, but fortunately he should tear up late notice foe Garcia. Expect Kara-France to pick apart Garcia on the feet and eventually put him via knockout.

UFC Fight Pass ‘Prelims’ (7 p.m. ET start time)

155 lbs.: Christos Giagos vs. Mizuto Hirota – Fun fight and a real toss up. Giagos has youth and size on his side, as well as a fairly well rounded game. Hirota too is well rounded, but his lack of volume in the striking department has cost him in several close fights. Most of his opponents are bigger than him, which he’s overcome or been dominated due to it. In a coin flip, I’m going with the veteran Hirota via decision.

155 lbs.: Alex Gorgees vs. Damir Ismagulov – The UFC has a special talent in the Kazakh Ismagulov. The former M-1 Champion has reeled off eleven consecutive wins and hasn’t tasted defeat in over three years. Considering Gorgees never tested himself on the regional scene, he’s in for a rude awakening. Expect Ismagulov to easily take down his foe and ground-and-pound him in route to a TKO victory.
TUF Finale 28: Dos Anjos vs. Usman Predictions

November 30, 2018

A UFC doubleheader is upon us and it’s not even International fight week! The Ultimate Fighter 28 Finale live from Las Vegas marks the first event and then the next day, the UFC heads down under to Australia for UFC Fight Night 142.

First things first, we got a hell of a main event at the TUF Finale 28, as Welterweight contenders Rafael Dos Anjos and Kamaru Usman lock horns. The former UFC Lightweight Champion Dos Anjos returns to the octagon for first time since his failed Interim title bout against Colby Convington. Much to everyone’s surprise, he got fairly dominated via Covington’s not-stop pressure and pace. As for the TUF 21 season winner Usman, he looks to remain undefeated in the octagon. Eight have challenged the “Nigerian Nightmare”, eight have fallen. With perhaps some of the best wrestling in the UFC, it’s no secret why he’s faired the way he has.

Anyways, let’s get to the Predictions!

TUF 28 Finale Main Card On FOX Sports 1 (10 p.m. ET):

170 lbs.: Rafael dos Anjos vs. Kamaru Usman – This is really an excellent fight and both men are very similar fighters. I mean, dos Anjos is definitely the better striker due to his ability to mix it up. Usman is more of a boxer and he does have some power despite the lack of knockouts on his UFC record. As far as wrestling/grappling goes, Usman gets the edge. He’s had little problems taking foes down and controlling them thus far. And on the other side of it, he’s yet to be taken down.

On the other end, dos Anjos is excellent in his own right, but Covington kind of showed a weakness in dos Anjos. When pressured with a heavy wrestling game, he can be broken. I mean, dos Anjos has some of the best cardio in the UFC, but Covington’s gameplay zapped dos Anjos earlier than usual. Considering Usman is already a pressure fighter who applies a heavy dose of wrestling, I expect him to follow Covington’s game plan in route to decision victory. PS – I’ve been on the Usman bandwagon for some time, he’s a guaranteed future Champion.

265 lbs.: Juan Espino vs. Justin Frazier – TUF 28 heavyweight tournament final – I really wish I watched TUF so I can make educated predictions…Frazier via KO.

145 lbs.: Pannie Kianzad vs. Macy Chiasson – TUF 28 featherweight tournament final – Oof, I only know Kianzad…so I’ll go with her via decision.

135 lbs.: Bryan Caraway vs. Pedro Munhoz – Caraway is great grappler and has excellent control, but when someone like Munhoz can neutralize that, it comes down to striking. And if I’m being honest, Caraway is formidable, but not that great. Munhoz on the other can hold his own and he’s got a little pop in those hands. So with that, I’ve got Munhoz wining this via decision.

185 lbs.: Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Darren Stewart – The “Dentist” Stewart throws some heavy leather and while he didn’t start his UFC career out well, he’s certainly turned it around with two straight knockout victories. Make it three!

125 lbs.: Ji Yeon Kim vs. Antonina Shevchenko – The sister of Valentina Shevchenko…sign me up! I’ve got big expectations for her and in this fight, she should dominate on the feet in route to a decision victory.

TUF 28 Finale Prelims On FOX Sports 1 (8 p.m. ET):

145 lbs.: Rick Glenn vs. Kevin Aguilar – No clue who Aguilar is, but Glenn is the American Zombie. He’ll eat every punch and just keep coming forward. He’s lanky and has a long reach, so I expect him to pitter patter Aguilar and eventually finish him with his relentless pace via TKO.

125 lbs.: Joseph Benavidez vs. Alex Perez – Joey B looked a little slow and vulnerable in his last fight against Sergio Pettis. I mean, other than Demetrius Johnson, I always thought Benavidez beats anyone in the Flyweight division. However, the last fight and how he was so hittable left a sour taste in my mouth. So with that, I’m going with red hot Perez via decision.

265 lbs.: Maurice Greene vs. Michel Batista – Didn’t really watch TUF this year or for some time, so I’ll coin flip this one…Greene via TKO.

145 lbs.: Leah Letson vs. Julija Stoliarenko – No clue, but going with Letson via decision.

TUF 28 Finale Prelims On Fight Pass (6:30 p.m. ET):

155 lbs.: Darrell Horcher vs. Roosevelt Roberts – I think Horcher’s best UFC performance thus far was in his loss against now UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. And that was a TKO loss. In other words, he hasn’t lit the world on fire, at least in my eyes. So with that, I have Roberts winning via TKO.

170 lbs.: Tim Means vs. Ricky Rainey – I think Rainey is a pretty formidable foe with good striking, but Means is just as good of a striker with solid cardio. I expect a fun fight early, but when Means gets those standing elbows going, that’s when it’s all downhill for Rainey. So with that, I have Means winning via TKO.

145 lbs.: Raoni Barcelos vs. Chris Gutierrez – Barcelos really impressed me in his debut and he just has way too much power for Gutierrez. So with that, I have Barcelos winning via knockout.
UFC Fight Night 141: Ngannou vs. Blaydes II Predictions

November 24, 2018

After an exciting event in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the UFC travels 12,000 miles to it’s next destination in Beijing, China. Headlining the event is a rematch between two Heavyweight contenders in Francis Ngannou and Curtis Blaydes. In the first fight, Ngannou was able to shrug off most of Blaydes takedown attempts. While on the feet, it was competitive, but Ngannou’s power proved to be too much. By the end of the second round, Blaydes eye was swollen shut and the doctor waved off the contest in result. The victory by Ngannou was a big one, aiding him to bigger fights and ultimately a title shot.

Two years later, Blaydes is on the rise and Ngannou has fallen off. Blaydes has not lost since the first meeting, winning five fights including big ones over Mark Hunt and Alistair Overeem. As for Ngannou, the Cameroonian has suffered back to back defeats including a title fight against then Champion Stipe Miocic. Another defeat would be crippling for Ngannou’s title aspirations.

Let’s get to the Predictions!

UFC Fight Night 141 Main Card On Fight Pass (6:30 a.m. ET):

265 lbs.: Curtis Blaydes vs. Francis Ngannou – As much as I’d like to believe Ngannou can rid of the demons and get back to knocking out fools senseless, his lack of wrestling is such a glaring hole. It’s what cost him from being a Champion. Blaydes on the other end is the complete package and his heavy wrestling style is going to be a problem all night for Ngannou. After what should be a wrestling clinic for three rounds, in the fourth, a tired Ngannou will eventually succumb to Blaydes ferocious ground-and-pound. So with that, I got Blaydes evening the score via TKO.

265 lbs.: Alistair Overeem vs. Sergey Pavlovich – While Pavlovich is long overdue for his UFC debut, I’m not quite sure that it being against Overeem is exactly what I was thinking. I mean, he is quite fast on the feet for a Heavyweight and has legit power. However, he’s up against one of the very best strikers to grace the octagon. Armed with an arsenal of strikes and a more patient style, Overeem has evolved to avoid being hit so often. Of course, his chin has always proven to be an issue in fights. In this one, it could be too, but experience and the several routes of victory courtesy of his arsenal of strikes has me favoring the Reem to win this via knockout.

135 lbs.: Vince Morales vs. Song Yadong – This is going to be a be a fun fight, but Song should prevail. In his two UFC fights, I’ve been impressed. Song throws in volume, has some nice pop in his hands, is extremely fast and has excellent head movement that sets up hard counter punches. Morales might have some moments early, but I expect the pace and accumulation of strikes from Yadong to result in a late TKO victory.

170 lbs.: Li Jingliang vs. David Zawada – This fight reeks of being the Fight of the Night. Jingliang always brings it and has never shied away from brawling. He’s also an underrated wrestler with smothering top control. As for the Zawada, the German showed in his UFC debut a relentless and aggressive fighting style. Literally wherever the bout went, Zawada was attacking. He showed an excellent ability to scramble, a real prowess for submissions and durability. With all that said, while Jingliang has the wrestling and power edge, I think Zawada’s volume and ability to be on the attack even in a disadvantageous position aids him to a split decision victory.

UFC Fight Night 141 Prelims On Fight Pass (3 a.m. ET):

170 lbs.: Alex Morono vs. Kenan Song – Morono is a scrapper, but he’s also wildly inaccurate with his striking and extremely susceptible to being taken down. I expect Song to dictate where this fight goes, batter Morono and eventually put him away late in the fight. So with that, I have Song winning this fight via TKO.

125 lbs.: Lauren Mueller vs. Wu Yanan – Don’t know either, but I’ll go with Mueller via decision.

265 lbs.: Rashad Coulter vs. Hu Yaozong – Both these guys came up from the regionals beating several cans. However, it’s Coulter who’s three UFC fights deep and shown heart and some power in his hands. Despite a real cardio problem, I expect Coulter to notch his first UFC victory. I just don’t think Yaozong has the striking chops or chin to make it in the UFC. So with that, I have Coulter winning via knockout.

115 lbs.: Jessica Aguilar vs. Weili Zhang – Not too familiar with Zhang, but if she’s got solid takedown defense, then she’s got this in the bag. If not, which I’m doubting, then I see the former Strawweight queen taking her down at will. So with that, I have Aguilar winning this fight via decision.

135 lbs.: Martin Day vs. Liu Pingyuan – Not too informed about Day, but I was in ways impressed by Pingyuan’s debut. He showed decent takedown defense, a durable chin and ability to turn it on late in fights. His hesitancy early is a problem, but I chalk that up to UFC jitters. Anyways, my prediction is that Pingyuan wins this fight via decision.

115 lbs.: Syuri Kondo vs. Yan Xiaonan – Despite winning both UFC fights via decision, make no mistake about, Xiaonan has some fight ending power. The opposite could be said about Kondo, who lacks in the power department and will find it hard for her foe to respect anything she throws. In what should be dominant fight by Xiaonan, I see the accumulation of strikes eventually finishing Kondo via TKO

185 lbs.: Kevin Holland vs. John Phillips – While Phillips is extremely heavy handed, that all goes away when you grapple with the inept. I mean, his weakness is glaring and Holland’s literally a takedown away from locking up a submission victory. In fact, that’s exactly what I foresee happening.

125 lbs.: Louis Smolka vs. Sumudaerji – I’m not impressed with Sumudaerji’s body of work. Every time the Chinese striker stepped up in competition, he failed. And while he might be a better striker then Smolka, he certainly doesn’t have the grappling to even make this bout competitive. I envision Smolka quickly taking this bout to the floor and eventually locking in a submission.
UFC Fight Night 140: Magny vs. Ponzinibbio Predictions

November 17, 2018

Another week, another UFC event. From Denver, Colorado to Buenos Aires, Argentina. The UFC continues its international expansion into South America with yet another event this year in Argentina. Headlining the event, is Argentina’s own in Santiago Ponzinibbio and top contender Neil Magny. In what should be a fun fight, the home crowd will certainly be aiding Ponzinibbio as he continues his trek to the top.

Since I’m busy today, this weeks predictions will be very brief.

UFC Fight Night 140 Main Card (10 p.m. ET)

170 lbs.: Neil Magny vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio – Magny is talented, but Ponzinibbio is a great athlete who packs a punch. In what should be a back forth battle, I think Ponzinibbio’s striking accumulation will eventually get to Magny. So with that, I have Ponzinibbio winning via TKO.

145 lbs.: Darren Elkins vs. Ricardo Lamas – I think Elkins takes this. He’s going to out wrestle, pressure and scrap with Lamas. I’ll say in the end, Elkins earns the close decision victory.

205 lbs.: Khalil Rountree vs. Johnny Walker – Someone’s getting finished. I’ll say it’s Rountree who walks away from this via knockout.

185 lbs.: Cezar Ferreira vs. Ian Heinisch – Tough task for a debut, as Ferreira should outmuscle and submit Heinisch early.

135 lbs.: Guido Cannetti vs. Marlon Vera – Vera is too big and dangerous for the overly aggressive Cannetti. I expect this one to end early…Vera via knockout.

115 lbs.: Poliana Botelho vs. Cynthia Calvillo – Calvillo missed weight which is worrisome, but I like her scrappiness to edge this one out via decision.

UFC Fight Night 140 Prelims On FOX Sports 1 (8 p.m. ET):

170 lbs.: Bartosz Fabinski vs. Michel Prazeres – I presume tons of grappling in this bout. However, Prazeres does have power and he wings it. I think he connects and finishes Fabinski at some point via knockout.

125 lbs.: Alexandre Pantoja vs. Ulka Sasaki – Fun fight, but Pantoja is as well rounded as they come. Sasaki will be looking to take Patoja down, but it’s not happening. So with that, I have Pantoja via TKO.

145 lbs.: Austin Arnett vs. Humberto Bandenay – Close Fight, but I ultimately see Bandenay getting the job done via TKO.

170 lbs.: Hector Aldana vs. Laureano Staropoli – Aldana has been a punching bag for several foes, and I don’t see that changing in a fight against the hometown knockout artist. So with that, I have Staropoli via knockout.

UFC Fight Night 140 Prelims On Fight Pass (7 p.m. ET):

155 lbs.: Devin Powell vs. Jesus Pineda – I see Powell getting beat up early, but weathering the storm with toughness and durability. So with that, I got Powell via decision.

145 lbs.: Anderson dos Santos vs. Nad Narimani – dos Santos looks to be the part, but Narimani’s wrestling should stifle him. Also dos Santos is coming up a weight class, so yet again advantage Narimani. So with that, I have Narimani via late TKO.
UFC Fight Night 139: Korean Zombie vs. Rodriguez Predictions

November 10, 2018

Almost exactly to the date (November 12, 1993), the UFC held their first ever event in Denver, Colorado. An event that saw Royce Gracie win three fights in one night, showing the world that no matter what weight the opponent was, Jui-Jitsu was a mixed martial art form to be reckon with. Twenty five years later, the UFC returns to where it all started in Denver, Colorado with a fun card. Headlining the event is a pair of exciting Featherweights in Chan Sung Jung aka the “Korean Zombie” and Yair Rodriguez.

Jung, is one of the very best Featherweights on the planet. However, between mandatory military service for South Korea and a multitude of lengthy injuries, Jung hasn’t quite been able to prove just that. In fact, he’s only fought once since August of 2013. Don’t get it twisted though, Jung has already proved that “ring rust” doesn’t apply to him. In February of 2017, after a three plus year layoff from his last fight, Jung knocked out a top ten Featherweight at the time in Dennis Bermudez. Featuring an all around mixed martial arts game and a legendary chin, hence the moniker “Korean Zombie”, Jung is back to climb the ranks.

As for Rodriguez, the dynamic striker from Mexico has already proven to be one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC. After winning TUF: Latin America, Rodriguez proceeded to storm through UFC foes. In fact, Rodriguez began his UFC career with a sterling 6-0 record. That was until, he faced off against Frankie Edgar in May of 2017. In an absolute beat down, Rodriguez suffered his first UFC career defeat and he hasn’t fought since. Injuries, a weird UFC feud that saw him cut and then brought back have derailed his return. However, Rodriguez is taking this fight on short notice which makes believe he’s healthy and anxious to get back into the cage.

Anyways, enough talk, to the Predictions!

UFC Fight Night 139 Main Card on FOX Sports 1 (10 p.m. ET):

145 lbs.: Chan Sung Jung vs. Yair Rodriguez – What an awesome main event. You got a guy who literally eats punches for breakfast and keeps coming like he’s a real life terminator in Chan Sung Jung. Then you got a guy who throws an arsenal of ridiculous kicks you’d only see in video games in Yair Rodriguez.

My prediction though is that Chan Sung Jung is going to prevail. He’s a more well rounded fighter, has ridiculous cardio and can put on pace that will absolute tire out foes within three rounds. Rodriguez is no slouch, but I feel in cardio and pace department and especially in a five round fight, he can be exposed. Jung is going to eat a lot of Rodriguez’s early striking success, but in the end, he’s going to tire out Rodriguez with pressure and punches. So with that, I have Jung winning via TKO in the 4th round.

170 lbs.: Donald Cerrone vs. Mike Perry – When Cowboy fights, it’s exciting and packed with non-stop action. When Perry fights, it’s wild, violent and down right scary at times. Put the two together and we are in for an absolute war. Usually Cowboy fights at his best when there is no animosity with his opponent, but due to how personal this one has gotten, I feel like we may see the old Cowboy come out. As for Perry, in his last fight, he looked like mixed martial artist. He was more technical, used wrestling and didn’t use all of his energy in the first round trying to knock out his foe. It was actually quite refreshing to see a fighter drastically change his game to evolve and boost his chances in the long run against the upper echelon.

Anyways, as for a prediction, I got Cowboy. I know Perry presents a lot of issues for Cowboy, but I just sense this fight due to whole Jackson-Winklejohn camp issue has lit a fire under Cowboy. This fight is for revenge and redemption. So with that, I got Cowboy via knockout.

135 lbs.: Raquel Pennington vs. Germaine de Randamie – As tough as Pennington is, her quickness and speed has faded to the point of being a standstill punching bag. Against a power puncher such as de Randamie, it only sets up the inevitable. So with that, I have de Randamie winning via TKO.

155 lbs.: Beneil Dariush vs. Thiago Moises – Dariush should win this. He’s an all around better fighter, who’s chin has failed in. In a fight to get him out of gatekeeper status, I believe he shines and gets Moises out of there in two rounds. I say via submission.

115 lbs.: Maycee Barber vs. Hannah Cifers – No clue, I’ve never seen either fight so I’m very curious in this bout. As for a prediction, I’ll go with Barber via decision.

155 lbs.: Mike Trizano vs. Luis Pena – Trizano has a lot of heart, but in a fight against a long and dangerous foe in Pena, heart might not save you from being chocked out. So with that, I have Pena winning via submission.

UFC Fight Night 139 “Prelims” On FOX Sports 1 (8 p.m. ET):

115 lbs.: Amanda Cooper vs. Ashley Yoder – Good fight , but I believe Yoder should take this. She’s been competitive her last three fights, despite them being defeats. On the feet she’s a way better striker and grappling wise she can hold her own and thwart Coopers takedown attempts. So with that, I got Yoder winning via decision.

145 lbs.: Chas Skelly vs. Bobby Moffett – This might be a close fight, but I believe that Shelly’s veteran experience should prevail him here. I mean, he’s not a great striker, but he makes it up with his ability to absolutely grind down foes. I expect a lot of grappling in this fight, with Skelly getting the best of Moffett. So with that, I have Skelly via decision.

155 lbs.: Davi Ramos vs. John Gunther – This just seems like a mismatch… Ramos via submission.

155 lbs.: Devonte Smith vs. Julian Erosa – This fight is going to be wild and violent for however long it last. My guess is that it’s Smith who lands first and puts away Erosa via knockout.

UFC Fight Night 139 “Prelims” On UFC Fight Pass (7 p.m. ET):

125 lbs.: Joseph Morales vs. Eric Shelton – This is a toss up fight, but I got Shelton. If he can shore up his wrestling woes, he’s actually a solid athlete who’s decently well rounded. His record doesn’t speak for it, but Shelton has a lot of potential. So with that, I got Shelton via decision.

125 lbs.: Mark De La Rosa vs. Joby Sanchez – For whatever reason, Sanchez has had a difficult time in the UFC. I mean, I remember him dropping Wilson Reis and looking promising throughout the fight in his debut. Since then, besides the recent regional success, there’s not much to be impressed about. Anyways, I’ve got De La Rosa winning this fight. I believe his grappling should ultimately aide him into an advantageous position where he locks in a submission victory.
UFC 230: Cormier vs. Lewis Predictions

November 3, 2018

In April of 2016, mixed martial arts finally became legal in New York. The UFC quickly booked their first event in November of 2016, pitting Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez against Conor McGregor. The event would break several Madison Square Garden records including live gate, in which saw Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield’s 1999 fight that brought in 13.5 million shattered. In the UFC’s first ever event in New York, they brought in a live gate of 17.7 million. The market clearly was starving for mixed martial arts.

With seven fight cards in New York in the books, the UFC embarks on their eight at Madison Square Garden. Headlining the card, is a late addition, as Daniel Cormier puts up his Heavyweight title against Derrick Lewis. In what has been an entertaining build-up, more so comedically, we have ourselves an unlikely, yet fun fight. Cormier returns to the octagon since defeating Stipe Miocic for the UFC Heavyweight Championship in July. Nursing a hand injury, Cormier clearly see’s this as a stylistically favorable matchup. As for Lewis, the “Black Beast” has won three straight fights and nine of his last ten. His most recent victory was a comeback for the ages, as he knocked out Volkov with eleven seconds left in the fight, after being down on the scorecards for entirety of the fight. His post fight antics equal his fighting excitement, thus prompting him the opportunity of a lifetime.

Anyway, to the predictions!

UFC 230 PPV Main Card (10 p.m. ET):

265 lbs.: UFC Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier vs. Derrick Lewis – I appreciate both men for stepping up and garnering us with this fight. However stylistically, this is a bad fight for Lewis. It’s the main reason Cormier took this fight. He’s better everywhere but one aspect, power. Lewis has a puncher’s chance to land that knockout punch, but so did Anthony Johnson. And Cormier not only handled Johnson’s power once, but twice in victories. Cormier is going to dictate this fight and the later it goes, the quicker Lewis is going to fade, as his cardio is not good. So without further adu, I have Cormier retaining his Heavyweight Championship via submission.

185 lbs.: Chris Weidman vs. Ronaldo Souza – This is a fight I believe UFC fans have been waiting for a long time. Weidman, hasn’t fought in over a year due to a thumb injury, which slowed down the momentum on his big submission victory over Kelvin Gastelum. Souza, is coming split decision loss to Kelvin Gastelum, which perhaps cost him a title shot given Gastelum is fighting for the belt.

Stylistically this is a fun fight. Weidman is a formidable striker with excellent cardio and wrestling. His top control and ground and pound are among the elite. Souza too is a formidable striker with perhaps the best jui-jitsu in all of mixed martial arts. His cardio has been suspect however of late, which is perhaps due to age and fight mileage. Given that reason alone, I feel like early on Jacare looks good, but Weidman’s pace and cardio eventually breaks Jacare. In a closely contested fight, it’s Weidman who edges out Souza via decison.
185 lbs.: David Branch vs. Jared Cannonier – While everyone see’s Branch steamrolling Cannonier with his wrestling, I see Branch looking to once again prove his striking chops like in his last fight against Thiago Santos. This time however, I believe the short notice foe in Cannonier cracks Branch early and upsets him. So with that, I got Cannonier winning via knockout.
185 lbs.: Jack Marshman vs. Karl Roberson – Marshman is too willing to brawl for me to believe he will withstand the power of Roberson. Make no mistake about it though, Roberson is still green, but I think his power alone gets it done here via knockout.
185 lbs.: Israel Adesanya vs. Derek Brunson – This is a hell of a way to start any PPV card, especially given the bad blood between the two. In what should be an exciting fight, it’s Adesanya I see coming out on top. I believe that Brunson is the more complete mixed martial artist, especially with his power on the feet and excellent wrestling. However, this fight has gotten so emotional, I can see Brunson abandoning his route to winning in wrestling and going back to his old aggressive rush striking style. Given Adesanya’s striking background, this will make a counter strike all that much easier. So with that, I have Adesanya remaining undefeated via a knockout victory.

UFC 230 “Prelims” on FS1 (8 p.m. ET):

145 lbs.: Jason Knight vs. Jordan Rinaldi – I’m not quite sure what happened to Knight, but with his skill set, I can’t see him losing four straight fights. Rinaldi is the perfect foe to get back on track. So with that, I have Knight winning via submission.

125 lbs.: Roxanne Modafferi vs. Sijara Eubanks – Even with Eubanks missing weight, I don’t see that stopping an inevitable beatdown of Modafferi. She’s just a brute force with way better striking. So with that, I have Eubanks winning via knockout
145 lbs.: Julio Arce vs. Sheymon Moraes – Arce has looked really solid since stepping foot in the octagon and I don’t believe his momentum stops here. I mean, Moraes is a legitimate foe and he’s capable of edging this one out. His cardio though has been suspect though of late and Arce’s hasn’t. So with that, I have Arce winning via decision.
170 lbs.: Ben Saunders vs. Lyman Good – Saunders can’t take a punch anymore and Good not only has a solid chin, but some legit power. I believe Good gets it done early via knockout.

UFC 230 “Prelims” on Fight Pass (6:30 p.m. ET):

155 lbs.: Matt Frevola vs. Lando Vannata – While Vannata hasn’t really impressed since his exhilarating short-notice debut against Tony Ferguson, he’s still a hell of lot better than Frevola. I say, Vannata gets this done via early knockout.

145 lbs.: Shane Burgos vs. Kurt Holobaugh – This should be an exciting fight that heavily remains on the feet. Both men are formidable strikers, but it’s Burgos who’s more technical and precise in approach. Burgos also has excellent head movement, which should only aide him in a unanimous decision victory.

265 lbs.: Marcos Rogerio de Lima vs. Adam Wieczorek – For a curtain jerker, this should awaken the crowd right off the bat. Due to cardio issues, De Lima is an absolute storm for the first round. After that, he’s a sitting duck. As for Wieczorek, the Polish brawler has certainly showed potential thus far, winning his first two UFC bouts. However, for whatever reason I think De Lima will land a clean shot in his early storm that puts Wieczorek to sleep.
UFC Fight Night 138: Oezdemir vs. Smith Predictions

October 27, 2018

It’s been awhile, but the UFC is back in action for the first time since a historic UFC 229 Card on October 6th. In a world where the UFC has very much saturated the fight game, three weeks seems like an eternity. Nevertheless, we got ourselves a fun card with two heavy hitting Light Heavyweight contenders in Volkan Oezdemir and Anthony Smith. Given I’m late to these predictions, I’ll briefly run down my thoughts.

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UFC Fight Night 138 Main Card on FOX Sports 1 (10 p.m. ET):

205 lbs.: Volkan Oezdemir vs. Anthony Smith – This comes down to who gets hits first, who can survive and who can keep up with the frantic pace. I say Oezdemir comes out aggressive, tags Smith, but it’s Smith who counters and puts away Oezdemir maybe even with a flying knee. So with that, I have Smith via KO!

145 lbs.: Artem Lobov vs. Michael Johnson – While Johnson has shown to have poor fight IQ and engage in brawls, I think he starts to smarten up here. Lobov has power, but he fights with his hands down. Johnson should easily be able to use his speed and boxing advantage against Lobov and with his power, the knockout will eventually come.

205 lbs.: Misha Cirkunov vs. Patrick Cummins – Neither fighter has a claim to fame about their chin, but I like Cirkunov better in this fight. His striking and power advantage should allow him to fend off Cummins takedowns and ultimately lead to a finish via KO.

135 lbs.: Jonathan Martinez vs. Andre Soukhamthath – Never heard of Martinez, so by default I have the above average Soukhamthath getting it done via decision.

205 lbs.: Gian Villante vs. Ed Herman – This most likely will be a sloppy slugfest. In the end, the younger and fighter with less mileage, Villante will prevail via KO.

170 lbs.: Alex Garcia vs. Court McGee – Despite gas tank issues, Garcia’s speed and power on the feet should lead to a relatively short night for Mr. McGee. So with that, I have Garcia via KO.

UFC Fight Night 138 Prelims on FOX Sports 1 (8 p.m. ET):

170 lbs.: Nordine Taleb vs. Sean Strickland – This should be a close fight, but ultimate the strength of Taleb should garner him a few key takedowns that lead to the decision victory.

145 lbs.: Thibault Gouti vs. Nasrat Haqparast – Gouti is a sacrificial lamb to yet another potential rising star. So with that, I have Haqparast via KO.

145 lbs.: Calvin Kattar vs. Chris Fishgold – Kattar should be able to keep this upright and effectively outpoint Fishgold on the feet in a decision victory.

135 lbs.: Sarah Moras vs. Talita Bernardo – Really depends on who’s ground game is better and I’m a side with Bernardo’s. Thinking decision victory.

UFC Fight Night 138 Prelims on Fight Pass (6:30 p.m. ET):

155 lbs.: Te Edwards vs. Don Madge – Not familiar with either, but Madge hasn’t fought that great of competition. So, I’m a go with Edwards via KO.

265 lbs.: Arjan Bhullar vs. Marcelo Golm – Bhullar’s heavy dose of wrestling should wear down an aggressive Golm. Midway into the second, Golm will be gassed and could be susceptible to the finish. I’ll predict tough, a decision victory for Bhullar.

155 lbs.: Stevie Ray vs. Jessin Ayari – Ray is the better all around fighter and should be able to outpoint Ayari on the feet.