After a month out on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, the UFC returns to the US this weekend, with a card at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas.
What a card it is as well! From top to bottom there's a bunch of incredible fights on the card, with several fights holding huge implications for the futures of their divisions.
In the interest of keeping this relatively short, we're only going to predict the fights that will take place on the main card. Time for us to expose ourselves for the frauds we are.
Middleweight - Kevin Holland vs Trevin Giles
Cal: Trevin Giles looked great in his split decision win against James Krause back in February and - his two submission losses aside - has looked relatively impressive during his UFC run so far. That being said, Kevin Holland is an incredible well-rounded fighter and one designed to cause Giles problems. This one could really go either way, but after seeing Giles' fall to a submission twice now, I expect Holland to look for one himself, and find it.
Prediction: Kevin Holland - Submission - Second round
Chris: Kevin Holland, in my opinion, has the quality and skills to become a top ltop-levelevel mixed martial artist. If he is able to get the fight to the floor, I can see him controlling the fight and dictating where it takes place. Trevin Giles is a fighter looking to gain momentum after a well-fought victory in her last fight against UFC veteran James Krause. I can't see him having enough to overcome the strength of Holland, so I don't see this going past the first.
Prediction - Kevin Holland - Submission - First round
Light Heavyweight - Ed Herman vs Gerald Meerschaert
Cal: Coming off a TKO loss against Ian Heinisch at UFC 250, Gerald Meerschaert is fighting for only the second time ever at light heavyweight. I don't expect that to be an issue though. Yes, Ed Herman is more than capable of making this a real tough task for Meerschaert, but I can't look past the seven-year age difference between the two fighters. Herman was fighting in the UFC on cards with Tito Ortiz and Ken Shamrock, like holy hell. I just think Meerschaert will prove to be too much for the 39-year-old.
Prediction: Gerald Meerschaert - Decision
Chris: Ed Sherman is coming to the end of his MMA career it seems, with the 39-year-old losing his last fight against a dangerous Heinisch. Herman will look to use his experience in the game to control the fight and drag Meerschaert into some deep waters. I can see Gerald out landing the veteran and showing a superior cardio-level.
Prediction - Gerlad Meerscheart - Third round TKO
Lightweight - Lando Vannata vs Bobby Green
Cal: A rematch from their fight of the night draw, back in 2017, there's no way this fight lives up to their last one in my opinion. Bobby Green bounced back nicely after a couple of tough losses with a win against Clay Guida back in June and - while Lando Vannata is the bookies' favourite heading into this one - I just have an inkling Green is going to get it done. Colour me stupid, I know.
Prediction: Bobby Green - Decision
Chris: This is one where I have to disagree with Cal. I personally think his fight will be over very quickly. Lando has an obscure stand-up game, and I feel that Bobby Green leaves himself open to being tagged. With that being said, I can see Bobby Green doing well if he sets the pace early and keeps his distance. I think Lando, however, will land something huge in the opening round. Watch this space.
Prediction - Lando Vannata - KO - First Round
Welterweight - Vincente Luque vs Randy Brown
Cal: Let me start by saying I love Vincente Luque. Undoubtedly one of the most exciting fighters to watch in the welterweight division, more often than not, you can almost guarantee a fight involving Luque is going to be an incredible one. That being said, Randy Brown has looked tremendous in his last couple of outings and I can see the 30-year-old catching Luque late on and landing quite the upset win over the 11th ranked fighter.
Prediction: Randy Brown - TKO - Third Round
Chris: Luque has a chin. We've all seen it. The man loves a crazy style of fighting and could take the fight to Brown early. However Randy Brown has been on fire as of late. Also, I believe that Luque has taken a fair amount of damage in his last few fights, so who knows if his chin is still there? Given all of that, I think Randy takes this.
Prediction - Randy Brown - TKO - Second round
Flyweight - Joanne Calderwood vs Jennifer Maia
Cal: God, I hope Jojo Calderwood wins this one. An act of fearlessness or stupidity? You can call her decision to take the fight with Jennifer Maia on short notice, despite being next in line for a shot at Valentina Shevchenko's flyweight title, either of those things. I commend Calderwood for taking the fight though and not just waiting it out until Bullet's return from injury. That being said it is incredibly risky, and if Maia manages to take this fight to the ground it could spell trouble for the Scottish fighter. Calderwood is far superior in the striking department though and I see her keeping the fight on the feet and grinding this one out. God, I hope I'm right.
Prediction: Joanne Calderwood - Decision
Chris: Jojo Calderwood is one of my favourite fighters, period. She has taken this fight despite know she is next in line for the title. Has she taken this fight due to financial reasons? To stay fresh? It's anyone's guess. Maia is a tough fight for anyone, so it's not like it will be a one-sided beat down. It's a classic striker vs grappler scenario, and I can see Calderwood keeping her distance and landing consistent shots from the outside.
Prediction - Jojo Calderwood - Decision
Middleweight - Derek Brunson vs Edmen Shahbazyan
Cal: During his podcast this week, UFC commentator Jon Anik revealed he believed Edmen Shahbazyan was among the best middleweights in the world right now. Even saying he belonged alongside UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and upcoming title challenger Paulo Costa in terms of the best middleweights in the UFC. That's pretty intense praise from Anik and while I'm not quite as sold as he is on Shahbazyan, there's no denying this kid is special. In what will be his toughest test to date, the youngster will have to up his game if he's to emerge victorious against UFC veteran Derek Brunson, but I believe he'll do just that.
Prediction: Edmen Shahbazyan - KO - Second round
Chris: Derek Brunson has had problems against elite strikers, losing via KO twice in his last 4 losses. This makes him the perfect opponent for Shahbazyan, who I believe could be the next big star in the division. This will definitely be the hardest test of the 22-year-old's career, but it is one that he will pass with flying colours. Edmen is here to stay, and I believe he will walk-through Brunson, further accelerating the "hype-train".
Prediction: Edmen Shahbazyan - KO - First round
コメント