The final chapter in the storied rivalry between Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier is set to be written this weekend as DC enters the octagon for what's seemingly the final time.
The UFC have spared no expense for the occasion, with the card stacked from top to bottom. The likes of John Dodson, 'Suga' Sean O'Malley, Jim Miller and Junior Dos Santos enter the octagon on Saturday before we get to the game-changing main event.
In the interest of fun, here are The MMA Mindset's predictions for each of UFC 252's main card fights.
Featherweight - Herbert Burns vs Daniel Pineda
Cal: Daniel Pineda has been on a bit of a strong run recently - and would be on a six-fight win streak if he hadn't tested positive for a banned substance and had his last two victories overturned to no contests - but Herbert Burns is a different animal. The Blaze has secured four straight first-round finishes and I expect a similar outcome in this one.
Prediction: Herbert Burns - Submission - First Round
Chris: Herbert Burns is a submission machine. He coming off four straight finishes, four by submission, so I can't see this fight going past the first. Pineda is a more than worthy opponent and has plenty of experience in the cage, however, I don't see him having enough for The Blaze at this point in his career. So I've got to go with Cal on this one.
Prediction: Herbert Burns - Submission - First Round
Bantamweight - John Dodson vs Merab Dvalishvili
Cal: John Dodson has really struggled to find his feet since he returned to the bantamweight division. With only four wins in his last nine fights, Dodson desperately needs a win, but I can't see it happening. Merab Dvalishvili is on a tear right now and has looked incredibly dominant as of late. Merab has demonstrated some elite grappling in his last few fights and I expect him to avoid the dangerous striking of Dodson and take the fight to the ground, grinding out a dominant decision victory.
Prediction: Merab Dvalishvili - Decision
Chris: I'm a huge fan of Merab, his relentless wrestling really takes it out of his opponents and we have seen Dodson fade when being dragged into deep waters. If Dvalishvili is able to avoid the quick hands of John, then I can see him getting this wrapped up inside two rounds. Dodson is a dangerous opponent and looked impressive against Nathaniel Wood, but I think ultimately he will submit to the younger fighter.
Prediction: Merab Dvalishvili - Submission - Second Round
Heavyweight - Junior Dos Santos vs Jairzinho Rozenstruik
Cal: I'll probably come out of this looking stupid, but I'm really not convinced about Jairzinho Rozenstruik. Even looking past his recent 20 second KO loss to Francis Ngannou, Rozenstruik looked really poor against Alistair Overeem and was well on his way to a loss if it wasn't for his last-second knockout. He's a large favourite heading into the fight, but I like former world heavyweight champion, Junior Dos Santos' chances in this one. Both men are willing to just stand and throw bombs so don't expect this one to go the distance.
Prediction: Junior Dos Santos - TKO - Third Round
Chris: Like Cal, I'm not seeing what others seem to be when it comes to Rozenstruik. Yes, he is a powerful fighter and can shut your light out in an instance, but when you're fighting against the top-level guys sometimes that isn't enough. In his past two fights, he has not been impressive at all. JDS is a beast, always has been and always will be. He looks in amazing shape heading into this fight, and I can see him controlling the fight and taking the decision victory.
Prediction: Junior Dos Santos - Decision
Bantamweight - Sean O'Malley vs Marlon Vera
Cal: Maron Vera will undoubtedly be Sean O'Malley's toughest test in the octagon yet. Before his recent decision loss to Song Yadong, Vera had won five straight, finishing all five and has looked fantastic lately. The Suga hype train is still in full swing though and while I don't think O'Malley will cruise through Vera the way he has past opponents, I expect him to secure a decision-based victory.
Prediction: Sean O'Malley - Decision
Chris: I made this mistake with Shabazyan. And have I learnt my lesson? Absolutely not. Sean O'Malley finishes Vera in the first round. All aboard the O'Malley hype-train. Choo choo.
Prediction: Sean O'Malley - First Round - Knockout
Heavyweight - Stipe Miocic vs Daniel Cormier
Cal: God, this one's tough. I really could see this going either way. Stipe Miocic looks to be in the best shape of his career right now, but at the same time, Daniel Cormier is so focused to end his career on top that it's hard to envision anyone beating him right now. I really don't know how this will end up, but I'm just gonna go with my heart and say DC utilises his wrestling and holds Stipe down long enough to secure a ground and pound TKO late in the fight.
Prediction: Daniel Cormier - TKO - Fourth Round
Chris: I'm expecting an all-out war from this one. They both look in fantastic shape, Stipe especially. Cormier has the added motivation of this being the last time he will make the walk, however, Stipe wants that belt back with a passion. It's a difficult one to call, as both are at the very top of the game. I can see the fight being back and forth, and DC taking over and winning rounds with his wrestling. I'm expecting Mr Cormier to leave us with a lasting impression.
Prediction: Daniel Cormier - Decision
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