The MMA Daily

UFC Fight Night 107: Manuwa vs. Anderson Predictions

March 18, 2017

The UFC returns to England, live from the The O₂ Arena in London. The last event to take place in England was of course UFC 204, where Michael Bisping defended his Middleweight title against Dan Henderson. While Henderson dropped Bisping several times in the bout, the judges ultimately would award Bisping the victory. It was only the second decision of the night, something that the fans hope repeats itself for UFC Fight Night 107.

Headlining UFC Fight Night 107 is two top ten Light Heavyweights in the form of Corey Anderson and Jimi Manuwa. Anderson, comes into this bout on the heels of a dominant TKO victory over Sean O’Connell. The victory got Anderson back in the win column after previously losing to Mauricio “Shogun” Rua via a controversial split decision. As for Manuwa, his most recent fight was a victorious one. He defeated Ovince St. Preux via second-round knockout, in which was by far his best performance inside the octagon. The winner of the this fight is in good hands, as they instantly will emerge as a contender in a shallow Light Heavyweight division.

Co-Headlining the card is a welterweight contest between two rising talents in the form of Gunnar Nelson and Alan Jouban. Touted as a future champion, Nelson hasn’t quite lived up to those expectations. His UFC tenure started out 4-0, but he has since traded wins and loses. I can’t blame entirely blame Nelson though, as losses to Rick Story and Demain Maia you can chalk up to veterans having more experience and had a better skill-set at the time. As for Jouban, he’s been very impressive of late, currently riding on a three-fight win streak. His last fight came against the undefeated Mike Perry, who had knocked out all of his opponents including two within the UFC. Jouban effectively kept his distance and pieced up Perry from afar earning a clear unanimous decision in the process. At 35 years of age, Jouban needs to win this to keep his title dreams alive. And for Nelson, a two-fight win streak would help him finally rise the ranks.

Anyways, let’s just get to the predictions!

UFC Fight Night 107 Fight Pass Main Card (5 p.m. ET):

205 lbs.: Jimi Manuwa vs. Corey Anderson – This isn’t exactly main event material, but it’s an intriguing fight in terms of the Light Heavyweight division. The winner conceivably is a contender and due to the shallowness of the division, perhaps gets a title eliminator fight next. So with the stakes high and I’m sure both men know to a degree, I expect this a very cautious fight. I think especially with this being five rounds, Manuwa is going to want to be conservative and pick his shots. I mean, if he’s aggressive early and he can’t get the finish, it’s going to be a long day. Anderson has cardio for days and he keeps a solid pace throughout the fight.

As for a prediction, I have Anderson. I think Manuwa is a solid striker, but he can be Jekyl & Hyde sometimes. Against OSP, he looked amazing and to be a legit threat in the division, but against Blachowicz, he looked sluggish to say the least. Anderson has been consistent and hadn’t Gian Villante landed a punch in the third round that wobbled Anderson or the judges not side with “Shogun” Rua, then Anderson would probably be fighting for the title. That might be a stretch, but maybe not with the division in shambles. Anyways, I have Anderson to weather anything Manuwa offers early and eventually finish him via TKO.

170 lbs.: Alan Jouban vs. Gunnar Nelson – I already broke this down somewhat earlier, so I’m a keep this light. Jouban wants to keep this fight on the feet and use his distance like he did against Mike Perry. Nelson will probably oblige and strike with Jouban early, but if he’s not doing well in the striking department, he’s going to resort to using his superior grappling. With Jouban’s route to victory only coming by way of out striking Nelson, I can’t side with him. I think Nelson’s grappling is the difference and in the third round, I see him submitting Jouban.

135 lbs.: Brad Pickett vs. Marlon Vera – In Brad Pickett’s retirement fight, did you think there was any way I was going to pick against him? This is going to be an awesome fight for him in his hometown of London and I firmly believe he’s going to do anything to win. He’s got to get inside and not let Vera keep distance. If he can mix in some takedowns too like he’s capable of, this should be relatively easy. However knowing Pickett, he’s going to keep this on the feet and prove to be the better striker. I concur that he is and have him winning via decision.
145 lbs.: Arnold Allen vs. Makwan Amirkhani – This is your “FOTN”, as you have two rising stars, both in which are undefeated in the UFC fighting each other. Stylistically, this is a tough fight to call, as I’d say they have more similarities than differences. However, if I were to make a call, I’d favor Amirkhani. I believe he’s going to be the stronger grappler and training at SBG is going to improve his striking. Allen might have the edge in cardio, but I expect Amirkhani to take the first two rounds and win this via decision.

UFC Fight Night 107 Fight Pass Prelims (1:30 p.m.):

155 lbs.: Joseph Duffy vs. Reza Madadi – This will be Duffy’s last fight on his UFC contract and it’s going to be a must win in order to raise his purse demands. It’s not a relatively dangerous fight either, as Madadi is pure grappler, who relentlessly will attempt take downs. Duffy is a crafty striker and submission expert and I think Madadi’s style just walks right into a finish at some point. Let’s call it the first round and via a submission.

205 lbs.: Francimar Barroso vs. Darren Stewart – The first fight between the two eventually got changed into a no contest, as a headbutt led to a TKO victory by Darren Stewart. However, from what I saw in the first fight, I expect no different. Stewart is going to crack Barroso and finish him within the first.
265 lbs.: Timothy Johnson vs. Daniel Omielanczuk – This is going to be a sloppy fight and I can’t see how 50% of this fight doesn’t take place on the cage. That’s where both these fighters live, as the like to grind down there opponents and take them down. Whoever has the better cardio will be factor too, as both these heavyweights lack finishing power. As for a prediction, I’m going with Tim Johnson. I think he’s slightly the better grinder and will have slightly better cardio en route to a very close decision victory.
155 lbs.: Marc Diakiese vs. Teemu Packalen – Albeit a close fight against Frankie Perez, make no mistake, Diakiese is the future. His striking is dynamic and precise and I really think he’s going to showcase that in this fight. While massive at 6’1, Packalen hasn’t fought anyone like Diakiese and won’t be ready for the striking. So with that, I got Diakiese via first round knockout.

170 lbs.: Oluwale Bamgbose vs. Tom Breese – Tough fight for Bamgbose, as he likens the fight to be contested on the feet. He’s a dangerous striker, as he carries legit power in those cinder blocks of hands. However, Breese is going to take him down and wear him out just like Cezar Ferreira did. And in the later rounds, Breese is going to lock in a submission and get the tap.
170 lbs.: Leon Edwards vs. Vicente Luque – Fun Fight! I’m excited for this one, as you have two young fighters with good UFC experience and success thus far. Edwards, is coming off a really impressive submission victory over Albert Tumenov. I’ll admit, I didn’t think he had a shot, let alone would be able to plant Tumenov on his back and finish him. As for Luque, since losing to Michael Graves in his debut, he’s stringed off four straight victories. The last two have come by knockout and I’ve been super impressed by his striking. As for a prediction, I’ve Luque via TKO. I really think his striking is going to stifle Edwards en route to a finish, but again, this is a fun between two similarly talented fights.

135 lbs.: Brett Johns vs. Ian Entwistle – I refuse to pick Entwistle here. He’s a literal one-trick pony, in which all he attempts is leg locks. He’s got no setup and the intent is known he’s going for your leg. With a 1-2 UFC record, that one-trick is going to have to go elsewhere when Brett Johns TKO’s him.
185 lbs.: Scott Askham vs. Brad Scott – This is literally a coin flip. I was once impressed with Askham, as he utilized knees especially in the clinch amazingly. However, he sometimes gets lulled into brawls and looks like a punching bag at times. Scott, trades wins and losses like no other and is due for a win here. However I already flipped a coint and it went in a favor of Askham.
135 lbs.: Lina Lansberg vs. Lucie Pudilova – I’ve only seen Lansberg fight against Cris Cyborg, which was pretty brutal. However, I have no idea about Pudilova other than she already lost to Lansberg early in her career. So with that, I got Lansberg via decision.
UFC Fight Night 106: Belfort vs. Gastelum Predictions

March 12, 2017

After a pretty good UFC 208 card, while at the same point disappointing due to the Khabib Nurmagomdov against Tony Ferguson fight getting scrapped along with the lackluster and at times boring main event between the Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley against Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, the UFC is back in action in Fortaleza, Brazil. Jeez, that was the run-on of run-on sentences!

Anyways, headlining the card is UFC legend and former Light Heavyweight Champion Vitor Belfort against TUF 17 winner Kelvin Gastelum. Basically, it’s the old lion against the young lion. And the old lion desperately needs a victory to stage off the vaunted word “retirement”. For Gastelum, a win over Belfort will not only be a resume booster, but will vault him up significantly in a crowded Middleweight division.

Co-Headlining the card, is the Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua against brawler Gian Villante. In my opinion, either someone gets finished in this fight or it will be a sloppy affair that’s spotlighted when cardio runs out for both men.

Anyways, let’s just get to the predictions!

FOX Sports 1 Main Card (10 p.m. ET)

185 lbs.: Vitor Belfort vs. Kelvin Gastelum – Man, this could very well be the end of a legend. Belfort, is on a two fight skid, both in which he got finished. Granted, it was against two top Middleweights in Ronaldo Souza and Gegard Mousasi. However, he didn’t even look reportedly competitive in either. His combatant, Gastelum has looked amazing of late. I mean, I thought fighting Tim Kennedy was a stylistical mistake. However, he looked like a legit threat in the Middleweight division, easily picking apart Kennedy in the grappling and striking department. It was a huge victory and it showed me that this is a guy who’s going to be a tough out for anyone.

As for a prediction, I got Gastelum. As long as he fights smart and avoids Belfort’s spurts in the first round, then he should easily win. Belfort is also sneaky off his back and Gastelum isn’t exactly Souza or Mousasi with top control, so he could pull of a submission. The more I think about it, Belfort has a legitimate shot in the fight. However, his cardio fails after the first round and in an arena without AC, it’s only a matter of time before Gastelum puts him away. So with that, I got Gastelum via second round TKO!

205 lbs.: Mauricio Rua vs. Gian Villante – Man, as much as I believe Villante can win this, I just can’t see him fighting smart to do it. He’s a willing brawler and the last thing to go in a fighter is power, which is something that Rua is known for. Again, I want to pick Villante, but he fights without caution too much for me to pick him against a weathered Rua. So with that, I got Rua via KO!

155 lbs.: Edson Barboza vs. Beneil Dariush – Aww yea! This is going to be a fun fight and clash of a pure striker in Barboza against more well rounded fighter in Dariush. And that’s not take away from Barboza, who can handle himself on the ground, but he prefers to be on the feet. I mean, his takedown defense is solid and it’s entirely used to keep the fight on the feet, where he looks to lands devastating leg kicks. Think Jose Aldo, but 10 pounds heavier. As for Dariush, he’s a technical and precise striker. He’s not going to overwhelm you or knock you with one clean punch, but he will pick you apart for three rounds. His grappling is also great and if he happens to get his opponent on the mat, his top control is suffocating. As for a prediction, this is a tough call. Barboza can wilt any fighter with his leg kicks, but Dariush can mix in striking with takedowns en route to victories. Ughh, I guess I’ll take Dariush via decision. And I believe that he will do what Michael Johnson did and pressure Barboza. It’s the only way to really neutralize his leg kicks.

125 lbs.: Ray Borg vs. Jussier Formiga – So, at first I was all about Ray Borg winning this fight. I think his grappling and transitions on the ground are phenomenal and I have no doubt that he’s going to contend for the belt at some point. However, I then realized that Formiga is also a phenomenal grappler and his striking is light years better than Borg’s. And not to disrespect Borg’s striking, as it looked way better in his last fight then against Justin Scoggins, but it’s still a work in progress. Formiga has been fighting for almost 12 years and has been a top five Flyweight for over eight years. This is not a slouch and I think he knows he’s close to a title shot in a thin division. A win over Borg should have his name in the mix and I think he gets it done via decision.
135 lbs.: Bethe Correia vs. Marion Reneau – This one should be close, as both are strikers and I don’t think either has real finishing power. Correia is a combo striker, who can take damage and keep dishing it out. Reneau is a good striker too, who implements a healthy dose of kicks and punches. As for the winner, hmm…I’m going to go with the more well diverse Reneau to edge it out via decision.
170 lbs.: Tim Means vs. Alex Oliveira – This has “Fight of the Night” written all over it! I mean, you got two strikers who are willing to eat a punch to land a punch. Means, has some of the nastiest striking. He incorporates standing elbows like no other and he’s a guy who hits you with precise combos. He’s like a Diaz brother, but with a larger arsenal. As for Oliveira, he’s an aggressive, yet wild striker. For fighters who aren’t used to pressure, it could be a rough night when you face him. Oliveira’s bread and butter though is on the mat, where he’s the far superior grappler. However, his willingness to brawl doesn’t spell well in this matchup, as I believe Means will get the better of the exchanges. Eventually, landing the KO shot in the 2nd round.

FOX Sports 1 “Prelims” (8 p.m. ET)

155 lbs.: Kevin Lee vs. Francisco Trinaldo – What a Prelim Headliner! On one hand, you have a rising talent in Kevin Lee. A guy I personally believe will be vying for a title shot by next year. He’s got all the talent in the world, however his cockiness has been his downfall. Anyways, on the other hand, you have an absolute juggernaut in Trinaldo. He’s currently on a 7 fight win streak and quite frankly I’m not sure how he’s not fighting someone that in the top ten. Also, this is not a smart fight to take. As good as Trinaldo is one the feet and grappling, I think that Lee’s striking has evolved and his wrestling based grappling outdoes Trinaldo. I’m going to predict that Lee is going to wear down Trinaldo with his wrestling like Michael Chiesa did and eventually finish him in the third round via TKO!

170 lbs.: Sergio Moraes vs. Davi Ramos – Two high level Jiu-Jitsu practitioners, although you wouldn’t guess that Moraes was of late. He’s been enamored to striking, which is crazy given how good he is on the mat. But kudos, as he’s taken on his weakness and has really improved striking. Albeit sloppy and wild, he’s shown to have legit power. Ramos on the hand, other than his Jiu-Jitsu, I have no idea of his skills. So with that, I have Moraes via decision.
135 lbs.: Joe Soto vs. Rani Yahya – Another guy with cardio issues, is Rani Yahya. And, if I’m correct, I believe that the arena they are fighting in has no AC. That doesn’t spell well for an active grappler like Yahya, who will put his all into getting this one to mat. If he can’t, then he’s going to get pieced up on the feet by Soto. In fact, I think Yayha will have mild success taking Soto down, but will gas himself out in the process. I believe that Soto will weather the early storm and take the later round en route to a decision victory.
155 lbs.: Josh Burkman vs. Michel Prazeres – At first I was thinking, Burkman should win this. He’s a good wrestler and he’s got better striking…but then I remembered that was about six years ago. Prazeres, while many might not know, has actually fought seven times in the UFC. He’s 5-2, with lone blemishes over Paulo Thiago and Kevin Lee. He’s going to be the better fighter anywhere this fight is, as Burkman is a shell of himself at this point. So with that, Prazeres extends his winning streak to four via submission, as Burkman’s cardio fails him late.

UFC Fight Pass “Prelims” (7 p.m. ET)

145 lbs.: Rony Jason vs. Jeremy Kennedy – Man talk about wasted talent…Rony Jason looked to have serious potential. However, his cardio, wild striking and often back to mat in fights have cost him over and over. But, since I have no idea who Kennedy is, I’m willing to forgive and forget Rony Jason. So with that, I got Rony Jason via decision!

185 lbs.: Paulo Henrique Costa vs. Garreth McLellan – Never heard of this Costa cat, but I’ve seen McLellan several times. In fact, I’m surprised he’s still in the UFC because he’s really not that good to be frank. So with that, I got Costa via KO in the first round.
UFC 209: Woodley vs. Thompson II Predictions

March 4, 2017

Before the weigh-ins on March 3rd, UFC 209 on paper was pure fireworks. However, an illness due to a rough weigh cut from Khabib Nurmagomedov scrapped the Interim Lightweight Title fight against Tony Ferguson. A fight that a majority of fans including me was looking forward to the most. A bummer, but the show must go!

Headlining the card is a rematch between Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley and challenger Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson. The first fight between the two took place at UFC 205 at MSG, ending in a majority draw. It was a wild fight, with both men having there moments, but Woodley landing the best shots. In the fourth round of the fight, Woodley dropped Thompson and had him in a tight guillotine choke, only for Thompson to somehow manage to escape. It was an inspirational moment, as Thompson showed real heart and toughness to survive.

Co-Headlining the card, lightweight sensation Lando Vannata takes on David Teymur. Due to the Nurmagomedov against Ferguson fight getting scrapped, this fight was thus elevated to this status. Vannata, is coming off a highlight reel knockout, one in which cemented that he’s not only a prospect, but quickly becoming one of the most exciting fighters to watch. As for Teymur, the Swede looks to build off his two-fight win streak, one in which knocked out both fighters. This is a bout not to miss, as I’m expecting an all out brawl!

Anyways, let’s just get to the predictions!

UFC 209 Main Card (10 p.m. ET):

170 lbs.: Welterweight champion Tyron Woodley vs. Stephen Thompson – The mother load! I’m super pumped for this rematch, as these two men are truly some of the best competitors in the UFC period! The first fight saw a back and forth bout, but I believe Woodley was the one who landed the better shots. He dropped Thompson several times, but kudos to Thompson for taking the shots and surviving.

In this fight, there will be some adjustments. I think for one, Thompson is going to kick more often. He shied away from one of the best elements of his striking, fearing that Woodley would catch a leg and take him down. He can’t think eliminate his strength like he did last fight. For Woodley, he needs to pressure Thompson more. Get Thompson back pedaling and force him to be uncomfortable. Mix in more wrestling too, as you are by far the more superior wrestler.

As for a prediction, I’ve got Thompson. Like I just mentioned, he barely used leg kicks in the first fight. It cost him from damaging and perhaps finishing Woodley. Instead he engaged in strictly a boxing match, often getting cracked by Woodley. That was a mistake and I’m sure he’s going use all of his arsenal in this fight. Also, Thompson needs to drag this fight into the deeper rounds too, as Woodley has been known to gas. Woodley held up fine in the five round fight, but his muscular build takes more energy and often saps him. So with that, I got Thompson taking this via TKO in the 4th round.

155 lbs.: Lando Vannata vs. David Teymur – Now, I know Teymur is skilled and he’s got what it takes to make this an all out war. But to me, this seems like a sacrifice to the highlight reel of Vannata. He’s just so unpredictable and if he sharpens up his striking defense, he’s no doubt going to be a Lightweight contender within the next year. His dynamic striking is just pure excitement and I firmly believe, he’s going to knock out Teymur with something spectacular. Perhaps a cartwheel kick or a flying knee?

185 lbs.: Rashad Evans vs. Daniel Kelly – Fun fight, but I got Evans. I feel too for picking Evans here, as I’ve always been dismissive of Kelly. I just can’t believe a guy with erratic striking and only superior judo has had as much success as him. He’s also super slow and no where near an athlete. Evans, has moved down to the Middleweight division after a slump at Light Heavyweight. A smart move and a smart first fight against the likes of Kelly. He should be 4x times faster and easily outbox Kelly on the feet. He should avoid grappling Kelly, but I could see some timely takedowns and ground and pound being effective en route to a decision victory.

115 lbs.: Amanda Cooper vs. Cynthia Calvillo – I have little clue to who these women are, but the coin flip went to Calvillo via decision.

265 lbs.: Alistair Overeem vs. Mark Hunt – What a fight! This one should be fireworks, as these two sluggers will collide in a rematch. In the first bout, Overeem was able to get Hunt to the ground where he submitted him. That was bout however was back in 2008, so as far as I’m concerned, these are two brand new fighters. Hunt, most recently fought Brock Lesnar at UFC 200. A fight in which Lesnar dominated with his superior wrestling. However, Lesnar would fail a drug test, thus turning the result into a no contest. As for Overeem, his most recent bout was for the Heavyweight title at UFC 203 against Stipe Miocic. Overeem had Miocic rocked and in serious trouble, but failed to capitalize. Overeem would get get knocked out later in round. As for a prediction, I have Hunt. Despite Overeem’s new style of distance, which I really like, he still has been oft rocked in fights. Against Hunt, a guy who’s got an iron chin and is heavy handed, Overeem’s chin will be very susceptible. Of course, these are Heavyweights and anything can happen, but I got Hunt taking the rematch via KO!2

UFC 209 Prelims on FOX Sports 1 (8 p.m. ET):

265 lbs.: Marcin Tybura vs. Luis Henrique da Silva – At first I thought Henrique da Silva was a legit Heavyweight prospect, but lately he’s looked like a dud. His cardio is brutal, which is absolutely why I’m not picking him. Tybura on the other hand has steadily progressed from a boring grinder, to a guy who’s got some legit striking skills. So with that, I got Tybura by dominant decision!

145 lbs.: Mirsad Bektic vs. Darren Elkins – Bektic is one of the hottest prospects out there, but this is a really tough fight. The odds honestly don’t do it justice, as the oddsmakers have Bektic as 7/1 favorite. I think they forget that Elkins is the epitome of a fighter. He’s got a huge heart, always enduring punishment, but continuing to come forward. I mean, if there was a Mount Rushmore based on toughness, he’s be in there. However, toughness and surviving doesn’t always win fights. As for a prediction, I have Bektic. His grappling neutralizes Elkins, who is heavily based on grappling. On the feet Elkins isn’t anything special, but Bektic is fast and should pick him apart. So with that, I have Bektic via decision.

135 lbs.: Iura Alcantara vs. Luke Sanders – This is a really tough call, as I think Sanders is a legit prospect in the division. I mean, the dude can crack and he’s physically strong, which is something that Alcantara has struggled with before. It’s hard to pick Alcantara too, as one fight, his amazing striking and grappling skills are on display and then another fight, he gasses and looks like a shell of himself. It’s really odd, but I’m banking on the extremely talented Alcantara to win this via decision.

265 lbs.: Mark Godbeer vs. Daniel Spitz – I remember seeing Godbeer fight Cheick Kongo in Bellator and his grappling was elementary at best. However despite the grappling criticism, I know knowing of Spitz, therefore I’m not picking him. So with that, I got Godbeer via knockout.

UFC 209 Prelims on Fight Pass (7:00 p.m. ET):

205 lbs.: Tyson Pedro vs. Paul Craig – Seen both fight, but only once each. That sample size is rough, but I’m going to side with Craig. He defeated Brandon Thatch in his UFC debut by submission which is impressive despite Thatch’s continued downfall. So with that, I got Craig via submission.

135 lbs.: Albert Morales vs. Andre Soukhamthath – Never heard of Soukhamthath, but I’ve seen Morales fight before. He actually looked pretty good against Thomas Almeida, tagging him several time. His relentless pressure and strikes that comes in swarms is going to seal this one up early. Morales via KO!
UFC Fight Night 105: Lewis vs. Browne Predictions

February 20, 2017

A week after UFC 208 in Brooklyn, which was a dud, the UFC is back in action in Halifax, Canada. Speaking of UFC 208, the headliner of this card was originally slated for Brooklyn. The UFC was forced to pull Derrick Lewis vs. Travis Browne off that card after the original headliner of Junior Dos Santos vs. Stefan Struve fell off due to an injury.

Lewis, comes into this bout on a five-fight win streak. He’s finished four of those five fights, with the his lone decision victory coming over Roy Nelson. This will be his second headliner in a row, a sign to come that the “Black Beast” is riding some momentum towards a title shot. As for Browne, it’s been a tough go of late, as he’s dropped two straight. However, his last two fights have been against Cain Velasquez and Fabricio Werdum. In other words, murderer’s row. Anyways, if Browne wants to prove he belongs in the upper echelon of the Heavyweight division, he needs to win this fight.

In the co-headliner, a pair of ex-Welterweights lock horns, as Johnny Hendricks takes on Hector Lombard. Hendricks, the former UFC Welterweight Champion has fallen of hard times of late. Paired with his inability to make 170 lbs, he’s lost three fights in row. A change was obviously needed, as he now heads up to the Middleweight division in hopes to revive his career. His combatant is in the form of Hector Lombard. The former Bellator Middleweight Champion has not exactly lit the UFC on fire. He’s however provided some memorable knockouts and fights. Following two straight losses, both in which could of been stopped in his favor early, Lombard perhaps has his UFC fate on the line. His last win was against Jake Shields back in 2014, although did defeat Josh Burkman in 2015, only for it to be overturned after Lombard tested positive for anabolic steroids. Obviously, this is a dire match for both.

Anyways, let’s just get to the Predictions!

Find my predictions here: Tapology Predictions

FOX Sports 1 Main Card (9 p.m. ET):

265 lbs.: Derrick Lewis vs. Travis Browne – Usually I’ll breakdown main events longer than other fights, but this one isn’t going to the judges. This one doesn’t particularly involve technique more so than who I think is going to connect with the knockout punch. Browne, while athletically gifted has squandered his UFC career ever since training at the Glendale fight club. It’s sad too because I labeled him as a future Champion back in the day, but he looks nothing more than a gatekeeper. One whom won’t do a good job at stopping the “Black Beast”. Lewis is going to connect and put Browne to sleep, mark my words!

185 lbs.: Johny Hendricks vs. Hector Lombard – Fun fight! This one should be fireworks, as you got two heavy hitters! Well, actually, Hendricks hasn’t quite been the heavy hitter he used to. In fact, his last knockout win was in 2012 over Martin Kampmann. He’s also lost three fights in a row and has been forced up to the Middleweight division in part because of the losing streak and his failure to make weight. As for Lombard, he’s on a two fight skid and it’s a tough one to swallow. He arguable could be on a two fight win streak, as he knocked down and had his opponents in serious trouble, only to later get finished himself. My heart tells me that Hendricks isn’t washed up yet, but I just can’t pick him against the heavy slugger Lombard. I think Hendricks goes night night, as Lombard wins via KO!

145 lbs.: Sam Sicilia vs. Gavin Tucker – I used to think that Sicilia was a dangerous fighter, but he’s more so reckless. He gets into brawls and throw away his wrestling, often finding himself on the wrong end of a knockout. Tucker, although a debuting fighter, I’ve seen some great things from him on youtube. He reminds me Dominick Cruz, as he’s got excellent footwork, is elusive and throws strikes coming from odd angles. He’s got more skills than Sicilia and at some point, I see Tucker dropping Sicilia and jumping on him for a submission victory.
185 lbs.: Cezar Ferreira vs. Elias Theodorou – Interesting fight, although it could be an ugly one viewing wise. Theodorou likes to grind opponents against the cage and take them down, unleashing some decent ground and pound. He’s not a finisher, so I don’t suspect him to starch “Mutante”. Speaking of which, Ferreira has really turned it around, winning three straight fights. His counter punching and grappling have been carrying him in fights, especially in his most recent win over Jack Hermansson. His chin is always suspect, but he doesn’t have to worry about that in this fight. As for a prediction, I’m conflicted, but I have Theodorou by decision on the account that it’s in his home country Canada!
135 lbs.: Sara McMann vs. Gina Mazany – Eek! McMann is going to dominant this fight, either winning by a finish or just giving out the beatdown of a lifetime. Unfortunately, I think the latter…McMann via dominant decision.
155 lbs.: Paul Felder vs. Alessandro Ricci – I feel like I know Ricci from the regional scene, but this is a rough debut. Felder is a dynamic striker that really needs to step it up in this fight, as he’s been beatable despite having a superior edge in the striking department. He never seems to finish guys, so I got him winning this via decision.

FOX Sports 1 “Prelims” (7 p.m. ET):

170 lbs.: Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Nordine Taleb – I’m conflicted in this fight. Ponzinibbio has been super impressive thus far, with a 5-2 UFC record. He’s riding a three-fight win streak, using his ever improving takedown defense, athleticism and precise striking. As for Taleb, the TUF Nations alum has also been successful, with a 4-1 UFC record. He’s a physically imposing 170 lbs., often overpowering opponents with his strength. At 35 years old, it’s due or die to make the climb and although I believe Ponzinibbio has more ways to win this and is probably more skilled, I’m siding with Taleb. He’s a cerebral fighter, which could be due to training at Tristar and also his strength could overpower Ponzinibbio. If he could push Ponzinibbio to cage and wear him down, keeping him from striking, then I think he can pull off a decision victory. So with that, I have Taleb via decision.

115 lbs.: Carla Esparza vs. Randa Markos – This is an intriguing fight, but I feel like Esparza isn’t really looking to be a contender here. Why not take the Claudia Gadelha fight? It was a fight that was scheduled to happen in Invicta FC, they have beef and Gadelha is the number one contender. Seemed like a no brainer, but maybe she isn’t quite ready for those fights, but I don’t think scheduling a fight against Markos was smart either. I really believe Markos is the darkhorse of the Strawweight division. If you saw TUF 20, the potential is there, just waiting to get tapped into. With a 2-3 UFC record, I think it’s time Markos makes a statement. So with that, I believe that Markos will outwork Esparza on the feet and deny Esparza of using her wrestling en route to a upset decision victory.
135 lbs.: Reginaldo Vieira vs. Aiemann Zahabi – Never seen either of them fight, but I do know that Aiemann Zahabi is the brother of Tristar coach Firas Zahabi. That’s all I need to know…Zahabi via KO!
185 lbs.: Jack Marshman vs. Thiago Santos – This is a really fun fight! Two strikers, but both with different styles. Marshmann is a pure boxer, meanwhile Santos is a Muay Thai specialist. I really can’t see this one needing judges and I firmly believe that Santos will get the job done. He’s got massive leg kicks that will pierce your shins, haunt your liver or shut out your lights. His hands are heavy too and I know Marshmann likes to go punch for punch, but it’s not going to be ideal in this fight. So with that, I got Santos via KO!

Fight Pass “Prelims” (6:30 p.m. ET):

185 lbs.: Ryan Janes vs. Gerald Meerschaert – Never seen either fight, but looking at their recent fights, I’d say I edge Meershaert. He’s heading into this on a six fight win streak, finishing all six of his opponents. He also seems to be a submission expert, which is what I’ll pick him to win by in this fight.
UFC 208: Holm vs. de Randamie Predictions

February 11, 2017

A week after the Korean Zombie returned to the octagon after a 3 year layoff, successfully knocking out top contender Dennis Bermudez, the UFC is back in action in Brooklyn, New York. The event will be the UFC’s first in Brooklyn and second in New York since the ban of mix martial arts was lifted.

Headlining the card, is a Championship fight for the inaugural UFC Women’s Featherweight Belt between former Women’s Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm and kickboxing superstar Germaine de Randamie. The introduction of the 145 lbs. Women’s division was meant for the kingpin “Cyborg” Santos, but she turned down several fights citing that her body needed more time. Then, a failed drug test appears, potentially shelving her for a year. Let’s just say, the UFC is probably not happy about the transpiration of events, considering the only reason this division was created was for Cyborg.

Co-Headlining the card, the dubbed “Greatest of All-Time” Anderson Silva returns the octagon against Middleweight contender Derek Brunson. Silva, seeks his first victory since 2012. His last five fights, have resulted in four defeats, two by knockout and a victory over Nick Diaz turned no contest due to a positive drug test. As for Brunson, he will look to get back in the win column, while also adding his biggest win to date. Previous to his last fight, in which he was defeated by Robert Whittaker, he had a five-fight win streak. And four of those wins came via knockout in the first round.

Anyways, let’s just get to the predictions.

UFC 208 PPV Main Card (10 p.m. ET):

145 pounds: Holly Holm vs. Germaine de Randamie for inaugural women’s Featherweight title – This fight seems to being getting a lot of flack for being the main event, but i love it. You got two kickboxers, so this one mainly should be contested on the feet. Holm, is more of a counter puncher and she is very technical in her approach. de Randamie, is more of a power puncher, who will attack the body to open up the knockout. In other words, I doubt this one is going to the distance.

As for a prediction, I have Holm. The former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion is a very cerebral fighter. She has great kickboxing skills and is improving in the grappling department offensively and defensively. She has also been in several five round fights and is more than capable of sustaining a solid pace and having the cardio to last five. de Randamie is not a very active fighter and while she might have the edge on the feet with her knockout power, I think Holm is going to effectively keep her distance and throw in some well timed takedowns en route to a late submission victory.

185 lbs.: Anderson Silva vs. Derek Brunson – Now this is a fight I really like! The dubbed Greatest of All-Time returns to the octagon and I believe, it’s going to be a more serious Silva. Not the guy who fools around, which has cost him his belt and most recently his fight against Michael Bisping. As for Brunson, this is a huge opportunity to add a legend to the resume and elevate himself into a top five matchup. However, I’ve already sold myself on the fact that I believe we are going to see a vintage Silva in this fight. Lot’s of head movement, footwork and precise strikes. I see Brunson trying to take Silva down and he might succeed, but I doubt he will be able to sustain the cardio to do it for three rounds. Silva is well conditioned and if a storm needs weathering, he’s the guy to do it. So with that, I have Silva winning this one via late knockout.

185 lbs.: Jacare Souza vs. Tim Boetsch – Another matchup I don’t like… I mean, Jacare wins this wherever he wants. And Boetsch has made a knack of coming back in fights and winning, but there’s none of that when you face Jacare. So with that, I have Jacare via submission.

205 lbs.: Glover Teixeira vs. Jared Cannonier – I don’t like this fight at all, other than it’s a huge opportunity for Cannonier. I mean, this second fight in the Light Heavyweight division and he’s being pitted against a top five Light Heavyweight. One in which is a knockout artist and submission expert. And considering Cannonier was taken down several times in his last fight against Ion Cutelaba, that spells for trouble. So with that, I got Teixiera via submission.

155 lbs.: Dustin Poirier vs. Jim Miller – Fun fight, as both of these men are pure entertainers. Poirier, is coming off a knockout defeat to Michael Johnson. The defeat halted a four fight win streak, one in which started when he decided to move back to the Lightweight division. As for Miller, the veteran will be making his 26th walk to the octagon. And of recent, Miller has scored three straight victories, which erased any previous retirement talk. As for a prediction, I have Poirier. He’s much younger, faster and has a sizable striking advantage. Miller is all toughness and he’s a great grappler, which is the only route I see him using to victory. However, I can’t see him getting close enough to close the distance, as Poirier will use range to keep distance, eventually landing the knockout.

UFC 208 “Prelims” Undercard on FOX Sports 1 (8 p.m. ET):

170 lbs.: Randy Brown vs. Belal Muhammad – Not exactly a firecracker of a prelim headliner, but it’s a showcase between two young welterweights. For Brown, the New York native will be making his fifth walk to the octagon since 2016. Impressively, Brown has a 3-1 UFC record and is blossoming into the fighter that Dana White signed on his show. Muhammad, the former Titan FC champion steps into this fight on short notice and is looking to erase his knockout defeat at UFC 200. As for a prediction, I have Brown. I liken his striking, particularly using his reach and also his ability to score some takedowns in route to a decision victory.

135 lbs.: Wilson Reis vs. Ulka Sasaki – Reis all day here. After losing his bid for a title shot against Demetrious Johnson, I can assure you that he’s going into this fight with the goal of making a statement. So with that, I have Reis winning this via late submission.

145 lbs.: Nik Lentz vs. Islam Makhachev – The way Makhachev handled Chris Wade, has me thinking that he should cruise to a victory over Nik Lentz. BUT, then again, he doesn’t quite have the experience Lentz does. Lentz has fought in the UFC 17 times, going an impressive 11-4-1 (1 No Contest). He’s a winner for sure, mainly due to his grinding grappling style. He’s also a sneaky scrambler and submission expert, which is wear I think he can catch Makhachev. So with that, I have Lentz winning this via submission.

145 lbs.: Rick Glenn vs. Phillipe Nover – Dubbed the next Anderson Silva, Nover hasn’t quite lived up to those expectations. However, this fight should be more in his realm than his last fight against Renan Barao. But, Rick Glenn was very impressive in defeat to Evan Dunham. He showed that he has heart and a hell of chin and at various points in the fight, you could’ve mistaken him for a zombie. As for a prediction, I’m siding with Glenn. I think he can turn this into a brawl and score a few takedowns in route to a decision victory.

UFC 208 “Prelims” Undercard on UFC Fight Pass (7:30 p.m. ET):

170 lbs.: Roan Carneiro vs. Ryan LaFlare – As much as I like Carneiro, Laflare’s style neutralizes him. Add that with Laflare’s volume striking and you got yourself a decision victory for New Yorker.
UFC Fight Night 104: Bermudez vs. Korean Zombie

February 5, 2017

On the same weekend of the Super Bowl, the UFC continues tradition, with an event from Houston, Texas. Headlining the card is the return of the “Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung against top Featherweight Dennis Bermudez. Jung, has been on the shelf since August of 2013, as he was serving his mandatory two year military service in South Korea. In his last outing, he fell defeat to Jose Aldo for the Featherweight Title due to a shoulder injury. Bermudez, has stringed off two straight victories, which has put him back into contender status within the division. Bermudez once won seven straight, but two straight defeats sent him spiraling down the division.

Co-Headlining the card, a pair of Strawweights do battle, as the Mexican phenom Alexa Grasso puts her undefeated record on the line against veteran Felice Herrig. Grasso, most recently defeated Heather Jo Clark in her UFC debut. It was a dominant performance, as she showcased her superior striking. Herrig, is coming off an impressive first round submission victory over Kailin Curran.

Anyways, let’s just get to the Predictions!

FOX Sports 1 Main Card (10 p.m. ET):

145 lbs.: Denis Bermudez vs. Chan Sung Jung – Can’t Wait! Love both these guys, as they just deliver every fight. Jung AKA The Korean Zombie might just be the most exciting fighter to ever step in the octagon. His granite chin and wild yet creative fighting style has aided some of the most insane mma fights to date. The mandatory two year military service he had to serve was a shame, as he was in his prime at the time and we lost opportunities at seeing the Korean Zombie. As for Bermudez, this is a great opportunity to get right back into the Featherweight title talk. He’s rattled off two straight victories and is 9-2 in his last 11 fights. A big fight is definitely in the horizon.

As for a prediction, I’m siding with Jung. Even with all this time off, I still believe that Jung will be the same guy he was 3 years ago. Who knows too, the 3 years off could of done good to the body and mind, as the amount of punishment endured as an active fighter is insane. Anyways, while Bermudez might be a powerful wrestler, heavy handed and have a granite chin…I’m just not sure he can keep the pace for five rounds. Jung can hang in there until the end and I think towards the later rounds, he’s going to turn the tide of the fight. So with that, I have Jung via decision.

115 lbs.: Alexa Grasso vs. Felice Herrig – Man, it seems like Herrig has been in this position before. The gatekeeper position is what I’m referring too. She’s had to fight all these young guns and Grasso is definitely going to be the best one she’s faced. I mean, Grasso is one of the best strikers at 115 lbs., as her volume and precision are unreal. As for a prediction, it’s obvious…Grasso via dominant decision.

155 lbs.: Abel Trujillo vs. James Vick – This one won’t last long. Trujillo is a killed or be killed type fighter and Vick doesn’t shy away from a brawl himself. And while I’d love to pick Trujillo because of his insane power advantage, I just can’t trust his cardio. He’s a one round fighter and that doesn’t bode well if you can’t get the job done early. So, I’m banking on Vick evading Trujillo’s power shots or weathering the storm and winning this via submission.
205 lbs.: Volkan Oezdemir vs. Ovince Saint Preux – You down with OSP? I am and he’s got a newcomer here to end his two fight skid. I can’t see him losing this one, as he’s one of the most athletic and explosive light heavyweight on the planet. Throw that in with this Oezdemir taking this on short notice and making his UFC debut…and expect a OSP KO!
265 lbs.: Marcel Fortuna vs. Anthony Hamilton – No idea who Fortuna is, but I know of Anthony Hamilton. Guy is so inconsistent. Either looks like a killer or absolutely terrible. Unfortunately I have to side with him here though…so I guess Hamilton via KO!
115 lbs.: Jessica Andrade vs. Angela Hill – Poor Angela Hill. She had to fight Emily Kagan (Win), Tecia Torres (Loss) and Rose Namajunas (Loss) in her first three UFC fights. Keep in mind, she was only 1-0 as a professional at the time and had a few exhibition fights on TUF 20. So, after two straight losses, she gets cut and revives her career in Invicta, becoming a champion. Then she gets paired up with a killer in Jessica Andrade… So with that, I got Andrade via decision.

FOX Sports 1 “Prelims” (8 p.m. ET):

265 lbs.: Curtis Blaydes vs. Adam Milstead – Blaydes is a monster wrestler, meanwhile Milstead is a reckless striker. Advantage Blaydes and this one shouldn’t even be competitive nor pretty…Blaydes via KO!

145 lbs.: Chris Gruetzemacher vs. Chas Skelly – After absolutely starching Maximo Blanco, Skelly gets a relatively favorable matchup here. His grappling should wear away Gruetemacher, eventually submitting him. And if he does get the W, that would make 6 of his last 7, lining him up for a big fight!
135 lbs.: Ricardo Ramos vs. Michinori Tanaka – Ramos I have no idea about and I’ve seen Tanaka once or twice before. He’s tough and pretty well rounded, but more so grappling oriented. So with that, I’m siding with Tanaka.
115 lbs.: Bec Rawlings vs. Tecia Torres – The “Tiny Tornado” all day here. Rawlings just doesn’t seem UFC caliber, which could be due to a tough weight cut. Anyways, Torres via decision.

UFC Fight Pass “Prelims” (7 p.m. ET):

170 lbs.: Alex Morono vs. Niko Price – So, I know Price upset a spiraling downhill Thatch, which is still impressive despite me adding “spiraling downhill” to downplay the win. BUT, Morono should be getting more love here. The guy debuted on short notice against a tough veteran in Kyle Noke and won. Then he fights a crafty striker in James Moontasri and knocks him out. I don’t see any reason why he doesn’t win this one either by KO!

205 lbs.: Daniel Jolly vs. Khalil Rountree – Never seen Jolly fight, but I’ve seen Rountree a handful of times. He’s a knockout artist and I expect nothing less here…Rountree via KO!
UFC on Fox 23: Shevchenko vs. Pena

January 28, 2017

The Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado plays host to the UFC on Big Fox. Headlining the card, is a bantamweight title eliminator between Valentina Shevchenko and Juliana Pena. Shevchenko, is coming off her biggest win to date, defeating the former Women’s Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm. A win over Pena, would solidify a rematch against the current UFC Bantamweight Champion Amanda Nunes. The first contest between the two saw Nunes as the victor, but had the fight been a five round fight, it appeared Shevchenko would of won. As for Pena, the TUF 18 winner has stringed off four straight victories including the latest over former UFC Bantamweight title challenger Cat Zingano at UFC 200. A victory over Shevchenko would all but guarantee a title shot for the Venezuelan Vixen.

Co-Headlining the card, on paper is bound to be your “Fight of the Night” as Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone takes on Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal. Cerrone, comes into the bout on the heels of a four fight win streak. The winning streak could be attributed to the move up to Welterweight, which has Cerrone looking as vicious as ever, finishing all four of his opponents. As for Masvidal, he comes into this bout on a two fight win streak, most recently finishing Jake Ellenberger (albeit oddly). This win streak comes at a good time for Masvidal, as he dropped three of his prior four fights via split decision.

There are a bunch of other awesome fights on the card, so let’s just get to the Predictions!

UFC on FOX 23 Main Card:

135 lbs.: Valentina Shevchenko vs. Julianna Pena – This is a huge fight in the Women’s bantamweight division, as the winner is going to get a crack at the title against Champion Amanda Nunes. Shevchenko is a striker, with vicious leg kicks and a solid jab. Her counter-attacks can frustrate opponents, just ask Holly Holm, whom she defeated decisively (49-46). As for Pena, she’s a grappler. Her striking is not very good, but her grappling abilities are superior and her top control is absolutely suffocating. Her ability to grind has her one fight away from a title.

As for a prediction, I’m siding with Shevchenko. I think her ability to keep distance and counter striker will slow down Pena’s ability to grapple and take this one to mat. Also, I’m not sure of Pena’s conditioning to last five rounds. She showed good cardio in three, but the Championship round make or break fighters. I think it breaks Pena considering her pace. So with that, I have Shevchenko taking this one by decision and challenging Amanda Nunes in a much anticipated rematch.

170 lbs.: Donald Cerrone vs. Jorge Masvidal – This could either result in you’re “Fight of the Night” or in a highlight reel finish by one of these men. Cerrone brings to the table a dynamic striking game, with leg kicks that wilt or down right drop opponents. His grappling and ground game is elite, but little used, as Cerrone has found a home knocking out opponents on the feet. As for his combatant Masvidal, the former backyard brawler is one of the most well rounded fighters. He can strike with the best of them, has a chin, is a solid wrestler, can defend takedowns, can grapple…you name it.

As for a prediction, I’m siding with Masvidal. While Cerrone is going to have his moments, I just favor Masvidal to make this ugly, while using his athleticism to pick apart Cerrone. I just wasn’t really all that impressed with Cerrone against Matt Brown, as he looked very hittable. Masvidal can crack and we’ve seen Cerrone wilt before. So with that, I have Masvidal via a third round knockout.
265 lbs.: Andrei Arlovski vs. Francis Ngannou – This one is going to end in the first round and by knockout. While the obvious trend is to side with Francis “The Predator” Ngannou, who’s entered the Octagon four times and finished all four of his opponents, I’m not going too. Arlovski is a seasoned veteran, whose lost three in a row and his career could be on the line here. And while anything can happen in a Heavyweight bout, I’m leaning towards the technical striking of Arlovski to pull this one out. Ngannou hasn’t faced the caliber of fighter like Arlovski and it will show…Arlovski via KO!
145 lbs.: Alex Caceres vs. Jason Knight – Another fun fight! This should be a great scrap, as these two men come to brawl. Caceres is mainly a striker and good one at that, which is why he’ll need to keep this one upright. However, Knight is scrappy and mixes in takedowns with his high volume striking. As much as I would like to side with Caceres due to UFC experience and his close fight against a stud in Yair Rodriguez, I just can’t. He’s too inconsistent and Knight is the right amount of well rounded to edge this one out via decision.

Prelims (FOX Sports 1)

185 lbs.: Sam Alvey vs. Nate Marquardt – It’s tough to see Marquardt keep going, especially when you’re winning one and then losing the next by knockout. He’s got nothing to prove and with 53 fights under his belt, it would of been nice to see that highlight reel knockout over Tamdan McCrory be his last. Anyways, Alvey is an absolute slugger on the feet and I expect this one to not make it out of the first round. So with that, I have Alvey taking this one via knockout.

135 lbs.: Raphael Assuncao vs. Aljamain Sterling – This fight so good! Two top ranked bantamweights, both whom saw long winning streaks end and look to get back into the title picture at 135 lbs with a win here. Both men are well rounded, with Sterling perhaps holding the striking advantage and Assuncao the grappling. However, the one difference in this fight could come down to conditioning. Assuncao has shown the ability to look fresh throughout three rounds, meanwhile Sterling’s gas tank cost him dearly in his lone loss against Bryan Caraway. Normally i’d side with Sterling due to his athleticism and striking, but Assauncao looked pretty good in his last fight against T.J. Dillashaw. All things considered, for being out for nearly two years and putting up a competitive fight against the Former Bantamweight Champion is solid in my book. So with that, I have Assuncao edging out Sterling via decision.
155 lbs.: Li Jingliang vs. Bobby Nash – Never heard of Bobby Nash, but Li Jingliang is an absolute grinder, which is why his nickname is “The Leech”. However, his last two wins have come via first round knockouts…you know what, make it three!
205 lbs.: Henrique da Silva vs. Jordan Johnson – No clue who Johnson is, but I’ve seen Da Silva fight a handful of times. He looked to be a bright prospect in a thin Light Heavyweight division, but in his last fight, he showed massive regression. His gas tank and takedown defense became non-existent. Throw in the fact that he just fought last month and this fight is in Colorado, high altitude…and I’m siding with Johnson via knockout.
185 lbs.: Eric Spicely vs. Alessio Di Chirico – Not sure who Di Chirico is, but I’ve seen Spicely get starched by Sam Alvey and then upset Thiago Santos. That’s two tough fights, especially being paired up against a killer in Thiago Santos just after you got finished by Sam Alvey. However, Spicely submitted Santos and is going to do the same against Di Chirico.
205 lbs.: Marcos Rogerio de Lima vs. Jeremy Kimball – Poor Kimball. He’s making his UFC debut on short notice in his home state of Colorado against a man who averages just over 2 minutes per UFC fight. You’d have to go back to 2013 to find the last time a De Lima fight made it out of the first round. So with that, I have De Lima via first round knockout.

Prelims (UFC Fight Pass)

125 lbs.: Alexandre Pantoja vs. Eric Shelton – Fun fight! Both men are making their UFC debuts, as they unfortunately both fell short on the Ultimate Fighter 24. Anyways, Shelton will look to keep this one on the feet, where he will hope to technically pick apart Pantoja. However, Shelton will have to avoid Pantoja’s takedowns, as well as his aggressive striking. And while Pantoja’s striking may not be the best, he’s got good leg kicks and comes at you in volume. He also has shown to have a chin on him, which is another reason why I’m siding with him to edge this one out via decision.

155 lbs.: J.C. Cottrell vs. Jason Gonzalez – No clue, Cottrell via decision
UFC Fight Night 103: Rodriguez vs. Penn

January 15, 2017

UFC Fight Night 103 will mark the first UFC event of 2017 and oddly enough, it will be headlined by a legend who is coming out of retirement over two years later in B.J. Penn against perhaps the UFC’s best prospect in Yair Rodriguez. Penn, returns to the octagon for the first time since the beatdown he endured to Frankie Edgar back in July of 2014. He looked a shell of himself in that fight and retirement had seemed like the only choice. However, he’s taken time off, paired up with top trainer Greg Jackson and is talking about making another run. As for Rodriguez, this will be an opportunity to not only add a legend to his resume, but continue to sour up the Featherweight rankings. The TUF: Latin America winner is undefeated in the UFC, notching already five wins. His style is must watch, as his unpredictability offers pure excitement. Surprisingly, it’s only resulted in one knockout in the UFC, but boy was it a highlight.

Co-Headlining the card, is UFC veteran and submission expert Joe Lauzon taking on a young fellow submission expert in Marcin Held. Stylistically, this fight has the makings to be an exciting grappling affair with plenty of submission attempts.

Anyways let’s get to the Predictions!

FOX Sports 1 Main Card (10 p.m. ET):

145 lbs.: Yair Rodriguez vs. B.J. Penn – Who would of thunk, that B.J. Penn would not only come out of retirement, but he would accept a bout against a rising talent in Yair Rodriguez. Penn, who’s 38 years old has nothing left to prove, he’s already a UFC Hall-of-Famer and legend of the sport. However, he’s rested up for over two years and paired with one of the best trainers in Greg Jackson to make this comeback fight. It’s really hard what to expect from Penn, but it’s got be a whole lot better than what he looked like in his last outing. As for Rodriguez, he’s the best prospect in the UFC and is certainly a fighter that will put butts in seats once he becomes more known. His dynamic striking abilities and unpredictability makes for pure entertainment. It’s also earned him five wins in the UFC and has him closing in on the top ten of the division.

As for a prediction, while this screams like an easy win for Rodriguez especially considering Penn’s last performance, inactivity and age…I think otherwise. Penn has always been a fighter with more talent than anyone, but because he chose to stay in Hawaii and train with lesser known trainers and fighters, it’s hampered his career. He’s now at Jackson-WinkleJohn’s and I’m certain they straightened him out and he seems motivated…which you know a motivated B.J. Penn is unstoppable. So I’m going old-school here and siding with Penn, via decision.

155 lbs.: Joe Lauzon vs. Marcin Held – Stylistically, this is going to be an awesome fight. Both men are solid grapplers, who are always on the prowl for submissions. Lauzon, who is tied for the most UFC bonuses, is almost guaranteed to deliver an exciting fight. His last fight, fellow veteran Jim Miller edged out a split decision victory in a “Fight of the Night”. Held, the former Bellator superstar made an unsuccessful UFC debut against Diego Sanchez. He was thoroughly beaten on the feet and neutralized on the ground. His patented leg lock never came to fruition and lost him the positional battle. As for a prediction, I’m siding with Lauzon. He’s a much better striker and should easily shrug off Held’s leg lock attempts. So with that, Lauzon via decision.
170 lbs.: Court McGee vs. Ben Saunders – Fun fight, but there is only one route of victory for McGee in this fight. He has to implement a heavy dose of take downs and neutralize Saunders active guard. He has to make it an ugly and boring fight. As for Saunders, he’s got the striking advantage and his grappling skills are some of the very best in the division. And as I mentioned, he’s got an active guard, which has caught several opponents in submissions. With more routes to win, I’m going with Saunders to win via submission.
125 lbs.: John Moraga vs. Sergio Pettis – Originally, Pettis was supposed to face flyweight contender Jussier Formiga, which wasn’t the best of matchups. Formiga would pull out due to an injury and in stepped John Moraga. Another tough matchup and one that I don’t think Pettis is ready for yet. Moraga is a formidable striker with heavy hands and is equipped with a sneaky guillotine choke if you attempt to take him down. Pettis is a talent and is well rounded, but I haven’t seen anything in which he superior in. So with that said, I’m siding with Moraga to take this one via submission.

FOX Sports 1 “Prelims” (8 p.m. ET):

135 lbs.: Augusto Mendes vs. Frankie Saenz – If you recall, Mendes is the guy who took a short notice fight against the now-UFC Bantamweight Champion Cody Garbrandt? Bad call and another in taking this fight. Saenz is a known commodity in the bantamweight division, having fought Urijah Faber and beating Iuri Alcantara. Poor Mendes…Saenz takes this via decision.
265 lbs.: Oleksiy Oliynyk vs. Viktor Pesta – The last time Oliynyk graced the octagon, Daniel Omeilanczuk defeated him in a slop fest decision. The loss ended an 11-fight win streak, two of which came in the UFC. As for Pesta, it’s almost a guarantee that he needs a win to keep his job. He’s been on the end of two vicious knockout defeats and overall holds a 1-3 record in the UFC. As for a prediction, I’m siding with Oliynyk. He may be 13 years older than Pesta, but he’s a far superior grappler and if his cardio is better this time out, he should have no issue in this fight. So with that, I have Oliynyk via submission.
155 lbs.: Tony Martin vs. Alex White – I used to think that Alex White might be an up-and-coming talent, but he appears more of a mid-tier lightweight. Martin isn’t any better, but he’s a huge lightweight and his grappling is very sharp. I think he’s going to easily impose his strength on White, out grappling him to an eventual submission victory.
155 lbs.: Drakkar Klose vs. Devin Powell – Never heard of Drakkar Klose, but I do know who Devin Powell is due to Dana White’s show “Looking for a Fight”. From what I saw, he’s not the most athletic guy or overwhelmingly talented, but he’s got grit and toughness which allow him to eventually weather the storm on his opponents. So with that, I’m going with the known and siding with Powell via decision.

UFC Fight Pass “Prelims” (6 p.m. ET):

115 lbs.: Nina Ansaroff vs. Jocelyn Jones-Lybarger – The featured bout of the prelims is a somewhat intriguing one, as we have two strikers. However, although Jones-Lybarger is super durable and has gotten a rough draw in her two UFC fights, Ansaroff is going to be too quick in this bout. Her quickness is going to lead to a very thorough decision victory.
265 lbs.: Walt Harris vs. Chase Sherman – Another bottom tier Heavyweight bout, which could result in a early knockout or a long dragged out and boring decision victory. As for the winner, I’m going to side with Walt Harris, although I keep rewinding that headkick knockout he endured to now Light Heavyweight Nikita Krylov. Anyways, Harris has fought better competition and seems to be somewhat improving each bout. So with that, Harris via decision.
205 lbs.: Joachim Christensen vs. Bojan Mihajlovic – Gosh this preliminary card is brutal, um I guess Christensen on the account that Mihajlovic got smashed by Francis Ngganou in like a minute. So with that, Christensen via TKO.
265 lbs.: Cyril Asker vs. Dmitrii Smoliakov – This has to be the absolute bottom of the Heavyweight division, which is why I have little to no clue who these two men are. The coin flip goes to Smoliakov, who wins by KO!
UFC 207: Nunes vs. Rousey Predictions

December 30, 2016

This will be the last UFC event in 2016 and what a better way to cap off the year then with the return of the former Women’s Bantamweight kingpin Ronda Rousey. She will try to reclaim her belt against the “Lioness” Amanda Nunes. Rousey makes her return to the Octagon over a year later since Holly Holm upset her. In that time, Miesha Tate defeated Jolly Holm to capture UFC gold and then Amanda Nunes defeated Miesha Tate. In other words, the Women’s Bantamweight Championship hasn’t seen stability since Rousey lost the title.

Co-Headlining, is a Championship bout in Bantamweight division between one of the pound for pound best in Dominick Cruz and a young contender in Cody Garbrandt. It’s good to see Cruz stay healthy, as this will be third fight in 2016. That’s significant given Cruz hasn’t fought three times in a year since 2010. Meanwhile, Team Alpha Male product Garbrandt looks to keep his undefeated record in tact while adding UFC gold to his young career. Garbrandt is coming into this bout on the heels of three straight first round knockouts.

Anyways, let’s get to the Predictions…I’m going to be much briefer than usual too!

UFC 207 Main Card (10 p.m. ET):

135 lbs.: Women’s Bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes vs. Ronda Rousey – Stylistically, I like Nunes in this fight. Rousey is an aggressive fighter and it’s what cost her in her lone defeat to Holly Holm. She got countered in every striking exchange and I could see that happening in this fight too. But, Nunes is also aggressive and hits by far the hardest in the division. This is a tough fight to call, but I believe that Rousey has learned from her mistake and is going to use patience and her strengths in this fight. Get it to the ground and find a submission. So with that, I have Rousey winning via 1st round submission.

135 lbs.: Bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz vs. Cody Garbrandt – This is a such an intriguing fight because of Garbrandt’s boxing abilities. He also packs a punch, which makes him so dangerous to strike with. However, Cruz is one of the most cerebral fighters. His striking is unpredictable and he has the ability to evade strikes like no other. He’s practically a ghost out there. Tie that in with his sneaky and effective takedowns and you have all the abilities to neutralize Cody Garbrandt. So with that, I have Cruz retaining via late stoppage victory.

135 lbs.: T.J. Dillashaw vs. John Lineker – Although the majority are probably leaning T.J. Dillashaw in this fight, I have Lineker. I think his ability to land strikes in volume tied with the fact that he’s incredible heavy handed presents issues for Dillashaw. And while I think Dillashaw is one of the very best in the weight class, his last fight he looked too hittable against Rafael Assuncao, a guy who hadn’t fought in two years. Dillashaw better implement a heavy dose of takedowns, otherwise it’s night night. So with that, I have Lineker via knockout.

170 lbs.: Tarec Saffiedine vs. Dong Hyun Kim – Haven’t seen “Stun Gun” in the octagon for sometime, but I like his skillset better than Saffiedine’s. While Saffiedine can keep distance and use leg kicks, he’s not really a dangerous fighter other than that. Kim has more tools and is wild enough to make this fight ugly and win. Plus, he’s got underrated grappling and in top control he’s suffocating. So with that, I have Kim via decision.
125 lbs.: Ray Borg vs. Louis Smolka – This fight could go either way. Borg is a grappling expert and I think that he could very well catch Smolka in a submission. However, Smolka’s top control can be smothering and difficult to escape from. On the feet, I edge Smolka, as Borg really has nothing in the striking department. If I were to make a prediction, i’d lean Smolka just because he can win this on the feet alone if he avoids grappling exchanges. So with that, I have Smolka via decision.

UFC 207 Prelims on FOX Sports 1 (8 p.m. ET):

170 lbs.: Johny Hendricks vs. Neil Magny – Hendricks missed weight, his left hand went from concrete cinder blocks to marshallow puffs, his chin is slowly denigrating and I just don’t see a reason why to pick him here. As much as I’d like to see him bounce back and win, I think that this could be the end of a very solid champion and welterweight contender in Hendricks. So with that, I have Magny via decision.

185 lbs.: Marvin Vettori vs. Antonio Carlos Jr. – Never heard of Vettori, but I know “Shoeface”??? What a weird nickname, but I’m siding with him on the account that he finally taps into the potential we saw from him on TUF. So with that, I got Carlos Jr. via decision.
170 lbs.: Mike Pyle vs. Alex Garcia – As much as I’m rooting for Pyle, he’s borderline ancient and a stiff fighter at this point. The heavy handed Garcia should have a field day here, knocking out Pyle in the first round…Timber!
170 lbs.: Brandon Thatch vs. Niko Price – Never heard of Price, but I know that Thatch needs a win in the worst way here. It’s such a shame that a talent of Thatch’s caliber has not performed well in the UFC. He’s a physically imposing fighter with scary striking. His grappling woes have cost him dearly, but I know nothing of Price and fully expect him to be on the receiving hand of a butt whipping. So with that, I have Thatch via KO!

UFC 207 Prelims on Fight Pass (7:30 p.m. ET):

170 lbs.: Tim Means vs. Alex Oliveira – What a fun fight and scrap. Two willing strikers going toe to toe. However, I love Means striking arsenal (standing elbows are sick!) and improved takedown defense. I legitimately believe that he has the skill set to make a run at 170 lbs. So with that, I have Means eventually winning this fight via TKO!
UFC on Fox 22: VanZant vs. Waterson Predictions

December 17, 2016

A week after the UFC held two events, they’re right back at it again in Sacramento, California on Big Fox! Headlining the card, we got a pair of Strawweight contenders in Paige VanZant and Michelle Waterson. It’s an intriguing fight that could very well catapult the winner in contender talks. The relatively new division is still shallow, so if there was anytime to win, it’s now!

Co-Headlining, is a pair of prospects in Sage Northcutt and Mickey Gall. Northcutt, comes into this bout on a victory over Enrique Marin at UFC 200. The touted karate based fighter, needs to show in this fight why he belongs. While he’s 3-1 in the UFC, he hasn’t quite shown the progression we expected. As for Gall, his road to UFC was the golden ticket. He fought to fight C.M. Punk and then he fought him. He’s looked like a very promising talent, but he hasn’t quite fought talent. This should be a great test.

Anyways, let’s just get to the Predictions!

UFC on FOX 22 Main Card (8 p.m. ET):

115 lbs.: Paige VanZant vs. Michelle Waterson – Fun fight between two Strawweight’s looking to climb the ranks in a relatively new and shallow division. VanZant enters this contest on a absolute highlight reel switch kick knockout over Bec Rawlings. It was an excellent bounce back victory from the absolute beat down she endured against Rose Namajunas. She’s got a 4-1 record in the UFC and a win over Waterson would catapult her into contender status. Also anyone questioning if she’s a fighter is crazy because she’s got obvious talent to one day become a champion.

As for her counterpart, the former Invicta FC Atomweight Champion Michelle Waterson will be returning to the Octagon over a year since she last defeated Angela Magana. The “Karate Hottie” is an excellent striking and probably one of the more dynamic ones in the division. However, VanZant’s striking has evolved and I think the switch kick knockout is evidence of that. VanZant has also shown to be a pretty good grappler and her toughness is no joke.

As for a prediction, I got VanZant. She’s got momentum and in a five round fight, I trust her volume and cardio to triumph over Waterson. I think if Waterson is going to win, it has to be in the early rounds. So with that, I have VanZant winning this via TKO in the championship rounds.

170 lbs.: Mickey Gall vs. Sage Northcutt – This an intriguing and kind-of the only fight that makes sense for Mikey Gall right now. He’s super green and his competition has been against a journalist who made his pro debut, as well as WWE superstar in C.M. Punk who also made his professional debut. Despite the opponents, Gall has shown that he is a prospect and will be threat in the UFC in due time. His lack of experience and opponents lack there of experience are the only red flags heading into this bout. As for Northcutt, he’s got a 3-1 record in the UFC and of his wins, only his last opponent Enrique Marin is still currently in the UFC. He’s got excellent karate, but his defensive wrestling has been suspect. His offensive wrestling is fine and he’s got some submission game too him. As for a prediction, while I lean Gall, I just can’t pick a guy who hasn’t fought anyone yet. Northcutt has at least faced professional fighters and I think he’s going to get this one done via late submission.

135 lbs.: Urijah Faber vs. Brad Pickett – This will be Urijah Faber’s retirement fight and I wish Brad Pickett’s too. Now I love “One Punch”, but he’s been a shell of himself. I mean, he’s 1-4 in his last five fights and he’s only accumulated 3 wins since April of 2013. His ability to withstand punishment is still somewhat there, but that can’t be your only skillset right now. Faber also hasn’t been himself and he’s wisely seen that, which is why he announced his retirement following this fight. When a title is no longer in his options, it’s almost pointless to continue fighting. His business is booming and he heads an excellent gym. As for a prediction on this fight, I’m going with Faber. Whatever he has in the tank is enough to beat Brad Pickett at this point. So with that, I got “The California Kid” going out in style with a submission victory.

170 lbs.: Alan Jouban vs. Mike Perry – This fight has violence all over it, as you have Mike Perry who was probably a hockey enforcer in another life against the dynamic striker in Alan Jouban. Perry, already 2-0 in the UFC is a pure striker with heavy hands. He has no intentions of taking the fight to the ground and no intention to let you out of the fight until your knocked out. Jouban, while people just call him a pretty face is much more than that, he’s a fighter and an excellent one at this. His one issue is his striking defense, which is not a good problem to have in a fight expected to take place mainly on the feet. However, I think Jouban knows that and is going to try to use his distance against Perry, as well as throw in some grappling to wear down him down. So with that, I’m going with Jouban to finish Perry late via ground-and-pound.

UFC on FOX 22 “Prelims” on FOX Sports 1 (5 p.m. ET):

185 lbs.: Henrique da Silva vs. Paul Craig – Both men enter this contest undefeated and with 100% finishing rates. In other words, someones getting finished and it’s going to be Craig. The promotional newcomer has to face one of the scarier Light Heavyweight prospects in the division in Henrique da Silva. The man is well rounded and is already 3-0 in the UFC. His UFC experience and well rounded abilities should easily take this fight via knockout.

145 lbs.: Hizuto Mirota vs. Cole Miller – This should be an interesting fight, as Miller will be 6 inches taller than Mirota and will have a sizable reach advantage. Miller, while more known for his excellent grappling abilites, has slowly been improving his striking. This fight stylistically favors him and while I really like Mirota as a fighter – his routes to winning are slim. So with that, I got Miller via decison.

170 lbs.: Bryan Barberena vs. Colby Covington – Excellent Fight, but I’m going with the biggest underdog on this card in Barberena. I just believe that his ability to make a fight ugly and neutralize your strengths is an advantage among advantages. Covington is an excellent wrestler and has a bright future at welterweight, but Barberena is a cardio and comeback kid. He might be on his back the entire first round, but he doesn’t stop punching you and working to get the fight back to the feet. I expect a close fight, but again I edge Barberena – and I got him winning via decision.

155 lbs.: James Moontasri vs. Alex Morono – Tsk Tsk Tsk, boy I thought Moontasri was going to be a real threat in the lightweight division. He’s a really talented striker and showed that off especially in his fight against Anton Zafir. His combatant Morono, is also a striker from what I saw in his fight against Kyle Noke. He’s tough and throws in volume, but if he’s going to stand with Moontasri, I see his night ending via knockout. So that’s my prediction…Moontasri via knockout!

155 lbs.: Josh Emmett vs. Scott Holtzman – I’ve seen both fight, but I’m not entirely familiar with them. Emmett I recall fought in a “Fight of the Night” type fight against Jon Tuck. He survived the early onslaught and came back and won. Meanwhile, Holtzman is a powerful wrestler and he showed every bit of that in a starching against Cody Pfister. I tend to favor wrestlers, especially when I’m not familiar with either guy. But, Emmett trains at Team Alpha Male, so he should be prepared. So with that, I got Emmett!

135 lbs.: Irene Aldana vs. Leslie Smith – Fun fight! Aldana, one of the more talented fighters at Invicta FC, finally will make the crossover to the UFC. Riding on a two-fight win streak, Aldana has disposed of both opponents via TKO in the first round. Smith, a veteran and pioneer of the sport, will make a return to the Octagon since coming off a beatdown at the hands of the number one pound for pounds Women’s fighter in “Cyborg” Santos. Anyways, Smith is one of the more game fighters and will attack with volume striking. Her durability is one of her assets too, as she can take an insane amount of punishment and keep coming. Aldana, is a volume striker and durable as well. I think her toughness was shown at it’s highest against Tonya Evinger. She’s a bright star at 135 lbs and I’m looking at this fight as a changing of the guard. So with that, I got Aldana via decision.

UFC on FOX 22 “Prelims” on UFC Fight Pass (3:30 p.m. ET):

135 lbs.: Takeya Mizugaki vs. Eddie Wineland – Finally here we go! Two guys I know, but not much of a breakdown here. Mizugaki clearly can’t take a punch again and Wineland specializes in punch facing. You know what that means…Wineland via knockout!

125 lbs.: Hector Sandoval vs. Fredy Serrano – Ehh, more somewhat unknowns. Coin flip… goes to Sandoval via decision.

170 lbs.: Sultan Aliev vs. Bojan Velickovic – I think Aliev used to fight for Bellator, but I’m too lazy to look up the information on a fight I have very little clue on either fighters. So with that, I got Aliev via decision.