The excitement surrounding Saturday’s UFC 161 is through the roof, and it’s finally time for the last-second bold predictions for the entire main card.
The MMA world is in a frenzy over what should be an unpredictable card, and with some of the most dangerous fighters in the world, the hope is that judges will not be used much during the PPV.
Rashad Evans vs. Dan Henderson
In the main event of the evening, Rashad Evans will take on Dan Henderson as both men look to get back to their winning ways and take command of their own destiny in the light heavyweight division.
Evans has lost two fights in a row—including a shot at UFC Light Heavyweight Championship Jon Jones in April 2012—and with a chance at redemption against a bona fide legend like Henderson, he will be looking to climb the mountain once again.
Despite being 42 years old, Henderson is still one of the best fighters in the world and will give Evans one of the toughest fights of his career. Hendo is also looking for another title shot, and beating Evans would be a great start.
This bout will be a great mixture of striking and wrestling, and will be one of the hardest fought bouts of the night.
Prediction: Rashad Evans via decision
Roy Nelson vs. Stipe Miocic
Whether you’re a casual MMA fan or a hardcore UFC fanatic, the heavyweight war between Roy Nelson and Stipe Miocic has all the potential to be the best fight of the night.
While Miocic has the power to knock out a normal fighter, he has never fought a man with a chin like Nelson. After watching Stefan Struve knock out Miocic in his last fight, it’s clear that Nelson has the edge and will be looking for a devastating win.
If Nelson wins, he deserves a title shot.
Prediction: Roy Nelson via first-round knockout
Ryan Jimmo vs. Igor Pokrajac
The light heavyweight division behind Jones is thin to say the least, but Saturday’s bout between Ryan Jimmo and Igor Pokrajac will reveal one of the top contenders for an eventual title shot.
Both men understand what’s on the line—each is coming off losses in their previous fights—and this will be a tough fight filled with strategic game plans. Neither will want to risk getting knocked out, so this will likely be defensive bout that goes the distance.
That style of fight favors Jimmo.
Prediction: Ryan Jimmo via decision
Alexis Davis vs. Rosi Sexton
In a women’s bantamweight fight featuring two of the UFC’s newest signings, Alexis Davis and Rosi Sexton will have a chance to show the world what they can do and what kinds of fights the MMA world should expect from the women’s division in UFC.
The problem for Sexton is that she had to jump up in weight for this fight, and that could hurt her if it was forced. If Sexton is any less than 100 percent, the always-dangerous Davis will grab a submission win.
Prediction: Alexis Davis via submission
Pat Barry vs. Shawn Jordan
Both Pat Barry and Shawn Jordan are looking to begin their ascension back into title consideration for the heavyweight division, and a big victory in the opening fight of UFC 161 would go a long way in making that happen.
As talented as Jordan is—he has won three of his last four fights—Barry hasn’t fought since December 2012 and is looking to return with an early and decisive finish. With both fighters being aggressive, Barry’s big-fight experience will give him the edge and the victory.
Prediction: Pat Barry via knockout
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