Talk about an exhibition of fighters at opposite ends of the mixed martial arts spectrum. Two legendary featherweights, Frankie Edgar and BJ Penn, are set to battle in the main event of the finale of The Ultimate Fighter 19 in Las Vegas.
The last three fights on Sunday night’s card will be an example of fighters at the end of their careers, and some just beginning their UFC journey.
After leading their teams to this point through this season of the popular reality show, Edgar and Penn will fight for pride and a significant win in their storied rivalry.
Having met twice already, the two know each other very well. It should be an entertaining bout between two of the best ever.
Also, the light heavyweight and middleweight tournament finals will take place. Whose career will go to the next level?
Here’s a look at the entire card, predictions and viewing information. Just below the table is a breakdown of the top fights on the main card.
The Tank Will Roll
If you’re looking for the next potential star of the flyweight division, look no further than Justin “Tank” Scoggins. Through the first nine fights in his career, Scoggins has shown no real weaknesses.
He’s an excellent striker and a good grappler. In his two fights in the UFC, Scoggins has shown both aspects of his game. Dustin Ortiz is no slouch. He’s ranked No. 13 and very quick, but his stand-up game is no match for the relentless Scoggins. Ortiz will try to make this a wrestling match, but he’ll likely be stood up with jabs and leg kicks to keep him honest.
Look for Scoggins to burst into the top 10 with a decisive KO win over Ortiz on Saturday night.
The Black Beast Will Continue His War Path
Even if Derrick “The Black Beast” Lewis doesn’t have the all-around game to ever become a true contender for the UFC heavyweight title, he has the charisma and punching power to be a major draw.
Having scored nine of his 10 wins by KO, the 260-pound beastly heavyweight has shown and proved that he will be a true force.
From a size standpoint, Lewis has a huge advantage over Inocente. Though the 6’3″ 28-year-old Brazilian hasn’t weighed in officially for the bout with Lewis, it’s hard to imagine that he will be much over 220 pounds he’s listed at on UFC.com.
Because Inocente likes to stand and fight, his style plays into the hands of the Beast. This will lead to a quick night for Inocente and another impressive win for Lewis.
Lima Will Make Sure the Truck Stops Here
Eddie “Truck” Gordon is a big and powerful middleweight, but he won’t be able to keep up the pace once the fight goes to the ground. Dhiego Lima is a well-rounded and experienced grappler. His level of comfort on the ground will be the difference.
Gordon is a thickly built middleweight, and the bulk won’t serve him well in this bout. Lima will take him down and drain his stamina. If Lima doesn’t submit Gordon there, he’ll have more energy in the second and third rounds.
The result will be a submission or unanimous-decision victory for Lima.
The Beasts Keep Winning
One fighter who goes by the moniker of “Beast” will have already won his bout. Corey “Beastin 25/8” Anderson will continue the winning ways of the Beastly.
He blew through the TUF house scoring first-round finishes in two bouts. Anderson is simply a better athlete and fighter than Matt “Gutter” Van Buren. After a great bout to reach the final, Van Buren may have gained a solid following.
The Ultimate Fighter Twitter account gave Gutter his props:
Van Buren has a career in the sport, but he’s matched against a potential title contender at 205 pounds in Anderson. Chalk up another win for Anderson as he’ll stop Van Buren in the second round.
The Prodigy Will Have No Answer for Edgar
Both BJ Penn and Frankie Edgar are future Hall of Famers, or at least they should be. That said, one is a bit closer to hanging up the gloves than the other. Per Fox Sports 1 telecast (h/t Yahoo Sports) UFC president Dana White says this is a desperate time for Penn.
“It could be possibly watching Michael Jordan playing his last basketball game. It could be Tiger Woods’ last golf game. This could be BJ Penn’s last fight, possibly. If he wins, we’ll see what he does from there, but if he loses, I will actually push for him to retire.”
Aside from the hyperbole from the president, there is clear truth in the bottom line of the statement.
Penn hasn’t fought since Dec. 2012, and he hasn’t looked good in a bout for years. There would be little reason for Penn to continue fighting if he falls to Edgar.
The Answer has had a year-long layoff himself, but he won his last fight over Charles Oliveira quite impressively.
This is a third bout in a trilogy that really doesn’t make much sense. Penn lost the first two bouts, and he’s a lock to lose the third meeting on Saturday night.
Edgar will win by a clear unanimous decision, and hopefully Penn will retire and wait for the Hall of Fame call.
All height, weight and ranking references per UFC.com.
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