The UFC takes the Octagon north of the border this Saturday, August 27, for UFC on Fox 21.
The event will be headlined by a welterweight contest between top contenders Carlos Condit and Demian Maia. Condit is coming off an abortive title run, while Maia enters riding a five-fight win streak. Either man could insert his name into contention talk by emerging with the W.
Former lightweight champion Anthony Pettis will face off with Charles Oliveira in the night’s co-main event. Since being dethroned, Pettis has dropped two additional contests, meaning he’ll enter the bout on a three-fight losing streak.
A couple of years ago, such a scenario would have seemed unfathomable, but Pettis‘ back is now against the wall. His situation is especially dire because his opponent, Oliveira, has been hot lately, winning five of six. A victory over Pettis would mark the grandest accomplishment of the Brazilian’s career.
Rounding out the UFC on Fox 21 main card is Paige VanZant vs. Bec Rawlings, and Joe Lauzon vs. Jim Miller.
So who’s going to emerge victorious on Saturday? Can Maia force Condit into a grappling match, or will Condit score the knockout? Will Pettis rebound or will Oliveira keep building momentum? Will VanZant rebound from her first UFC loss, or will Rawlings advance her win streak to three? How will Lauzon vs. Miller, a battle of journeymen, play out?
Here to provide you with our best guesses is Scott Harris, Sydnie Jones, Nathan McCarter, Steven Rondina and Craig Amos. Read on.