Author: Donald Wood

UFC 170 Results: Projecting What’s Next for Saturday’s Biggest Winners

Despite a lackluster card below two solid co-main events, UFC 170 on Saturday night was a thrilling show that featured several top names who continued to cement their spots toward the top of their divisions.
The UFC is all about building top stars, and…

Despite a lackluster card below two solid co-main events, UFC 170 on Saturday night was a thrilling show that featured several top names who continued to cement their spots toward the top of their divisions.

The UFC is all about building top stars, and with women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey proving her superiority and Daniel Cormier dominating in his light heavyweight debut, UFC 170 was a success for president Dana White and company.

Here is what’s next for Saturday’s biggest winners.

 

Ronda Rousey

While Ronda Rousey did not rely on her patented armbar submission to finish her UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship bout against Sara McMann, she used a series of punches and knees to the body to force an early stoppage.

Rousey has proved once again just how dangerous she really is.

As great as the champion looked on Saturday night, there are questions about the depth of the division and the legitimacy of her competition. Those who question her reign should get a viable contender next after Alexis Davis defeated Jessica Eye via a hard-fought decision victory.

Davis has won each of her last five fights and eight of her last nine bouts, and she has looked dangerous standing up, on the ground and in the clinch. While Rousey still has the advantage as the unquestioned best fighter in the division, a battle against Davis would be a true test.

I’d still bet my money on the champ, though.

 

Daniel Cormier

As one of the most dominant heavyweights in Strikeforce when the company closed its doors, Daniel Cormier came to the UFC with an undefeated record and high expectations.

The wrestling extraordinaire beat Frank Mir and Roy Nelson via decision in his first two fights, but he made the decision to cut his weight and move down to the light heavyweight division.

After fighting the best heavyweights in the world for years, Cormier dominated Patrick Cummins via a first-round TKO and proved to the world that the move to the lighter weight class was the correct one.

While most fans would love to see Cormier take on his friend Rashad Evans in a battle for a No. 1 contender’s spot, the knee injury to Evans has spoiled that plan. Now, Cormier should be preparing for the winner of the Anthony Johnson vs. Phil Davis fight at UFC 172.

Regardless of which fighter comes out of that battle victorious, Cormier showcased his ability to use his wrestling to open up his striking. He will earn a shot for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship with another victory.

Cormier is the real deal at 205 pounds.

 

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UFC 169: Latest Betting Information for Marquee PPV

Most UFC pay-per-views boast only one championship fight, but UFC 169 on Saturday, Feb. 1 features two marquee title bouts and a highly anticipated heavyweight matchup.
Not only is bantamweight champion Renan Barao taking on veteran Urijah Faber for t…

Most UFC pay-per-views boast only one championship fight, but UFC 169 on Saturday, Feb. 1 features two marquee title bouts and a highly anticipated heavyweight matchup.

Not only is bantamweight champion Renan Barao taking on veteran Urijah Faber for the bantamweight title, but featherweight champion Jose Aldo is also defending his belt against Ricardo Lamas.

Add the heavyweight tilt, which features Alistair Overeem going head-to-head with Frank Mir for a chance at redemption, and this Saturday’s PPV is shaping up to be unforgettable.

Here is all the vital viewing and betting information for UFC 169 and the bets each gambler must take.

 

Where: Prudential Center, Newark, N.J.

When: Saturday, Feb 1 at 10 p.m. EST

Watch: Pay-per-view

Live Stream: UFC Fight Pass

 

Safest Bet: Jose Aldo (-650)

This is the bet that will pay off the least if you do win, but there is little doubt in most experts’ minds that champion Jose Aldo (23-1) will take down Ricardo Lamas in convincing fashion (13-2).

This is the safest wager of the entire PPV.

Aldo is one of the greatest fighters in the history of the division and one of the pound-for-pound toughest men in the sport today. With seven straight title defenses and 16 consecutive victories, no one can match his intensity, speed and power.

Lamas is a talented fighter, but he is overmatched and outclassed.

While Aldo has faced the best in the sport time and time again, proving to the doubters at every turn that he is the best in the sport right now, Lamas has taken a much easier route to this point, beating journeymen Hatsu Hioki and Erik Koch to earn this shot.

Betting on Aldo won’t pay a huge return, but it’s the biggest lock of the PPV.

 

Risk Worth the Reward: Frank Mir (+250)

There is no doubt that Alistair Overeem should win this fight—I am picking him to steal the victory—but this could be the perfect storm that rewards a bettor with a big return if an upset occurs.

As we have seen from watching Overeem’s previous fights, an upset is always possible.

Overeem was one of the most highly touted fighters in UFC history, but after his victory over Brock Lesnar, the star fell off the map. Two straight knockout losses have shaken Overeem’s confidence, and the company’s confidence in his ability is waning.

Mir is a tough-chinned fighter who keeps taking punishment and dishing it out himself. Overeem will bring his unique mix of striking and kicks, but if Mir can withstand the storm and take the fight to the ground, he will be able to tire out his challenger.

As seen against Antonio Silva and Travis Browne, Overeem is susceptible to knockouts when winded.

Overeem should take the win, but this is an educated risk that could pay off big.

 

*All stats via UFC.com. Betting info via Bovada.lv.

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UFC 169: Aldo vs. Lamas Betting Odds and Predictions

When featherweight champion Jose Aldo (23-1) squares off against Ricardo Lamas (13-2) on Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Prudential Center in the co-main event of the UFC 169 pay-per-view, the MMA world will be focused on this marquee title fight.
Since winni…

When featherweight champion Jose Aldo (23-1) squares off against Ricardo Lamas (13-2) on Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Prudential Center in the co-main event of the UFC 169 pay-per-view, the MMA world will be focused on this marquee title fight.

Since winning the WEC Featherweight Championship from Mike Brown in 2009, Aldo has reigned supreme over the division, and he helped it make the transition over to the UFC in 2011.

Aldo successfully defended the title seven consecutive times and has won 16 straight fights.

Lamas is in serious trouble.

Here is all the vital viewing and betting information for UFC 169 and a full preview of this featherweight fight.

 

Where: Prudential Center, Newark, N.J.

When: Saturday, Feb 1 at 10 p.m. ET

Watch: Pay-per-view

Live Stream: UFC Fight Pass

 

Aldo vs. Lamas Preview and Prediction

Jose Aldo is one of the most dangerous fighters in the world today. While Ricardo Lamas deserves immense credit for putting himself in a position to earn a title fight, he is outmatched in this bout and will suffer.

Aldo will be looking for yet another TKO victory.

Lamas has earned four straight wins since joining the UFC in June of 2011, but he has not faced a challenger with the power, speed and aggressiveness Aldo possesses. While elite wrestling and striking skills make Lamas a dangerous fighter, the champion has proved his ability to counter even the best offensive game plans.

A fighter doesn’t win 16 straight bouts without being the best in his weight class and one of the pound-for-pound toughest men in the world, and Aldo has been both for a long time.

The knock on Lamas has been the lack of elite competition he faced to earn his title shot, but there is no question about the caliber of fighters Aldo has taken down over the last several years.

From Frankie Edgar to Chad Mendes to Kenny Florian to Urijah Faber, every challenger who has stepped into the Octagon with Aldo has been defeated. As the inaugural UFC featherweight champion, Aldo does not want to relinquish the prize.

Using his powerful striking and unique mixture of muay thai and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Aldo will bully Lamas around the cage while avoiding his challenger’s takedown attempts.

It will be just a matter of time before Lamas gets too aggressive and Aldo makes him pay.

Predicted Winner: Aldo via third-round TKO.

 

*Stats via UFC.com. Betting information via Bovada.lv.

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UFC 169: Mir vs. Overeem Betting Odds and Predictions

When former heavyweight champion Frank Mir (16-8) squares off against Alistair Overeem (36-13-1) Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Prudential Center in a supporting card fight at UFC 169, the MMA world will be focused on this important battle.
Instead of this b…

When former heavyweight champion Frank Mir (16-8) squares off against Alistair Overeem (36-13-1) Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Prudential Center in a supporting card fight at UFC 169, the MMA world will be focused on this important battle.

Instead of this being for a chance to fight for the heavyweight title, these two former elite fighters are trying to save their jobs. Mir has lost three straight bouts and Overeem was destroyed by both Antonio Silva and Travis Browne in back-to-back fights.

The winner of this fight will begin the march back into championship contention, and the loser will be one step closer to an early retirement.

Here is all the vital viewing and betting information for UFC 169 and a full preview of this heavyweight fight.

 

Where: Prudential Center, Newark, N.J.

When: Saturday, Feb 1 at 10 p.m. EST

Watch: Pay-per-view

Live Stream: UFC Fight Pass

 

Mir vs. Overeem Preview and Prediction

There are few stars in recent MMA history as disappointing as Overeem. Heralded as one of the next big faces of the sport, he was signed by the UFC after a storied kickboxing career and dominating the ranks of Pride and Strikeforce.

After beating Brock Lesnar and earning a shot at then-heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos, Overeem was suspended for failing a random drug test. Since returning from that suspension, he has been knocked out twice and has looked like a slower version of the fighter many believed would eventually win the title.

As if a sign of mercy, Dana White and the matchmakers have given Overeem the chance to prove he deserves a spot on the roster by beating heavyweight gatekeeper Mir. The former champion is a shell of the championship contender he once was, and three straight losses have serious doubts surrounding how much longer he can go in the Octagon.

Both men have their backs against the wall. Something must give.

Mir is the more likable of these two fighters, but at 34 years old and with plenty of damage from years and years of fighting in the UFC’s heavyweight division—he debuted in the company on Nov. 2, 2001—Overeem should win this matchup.

Using his heavy striking and elite kicks, Overeem must keep Mir at a distance and force this fight to stay standing up. The challenger is a much better wrestler, and Mir will punish Overeem if he gains the top position.

With the kicks forcing Mir to think twice about shooting for the takedown, the heavy hands of Overeem will knock his opponent down. That’s when his submission skills will kick in, and Mir will be in serious trouble.

Mir’s anti-submission form has never been perfect, and when Overeem finds the opening needed to lock in a rear-naked choke or a guillotine, he won’t miss his opportunity.

Predicted Winner: Overeem via Second-Round Submission.

 

*Stats via UFC.com. Betting information via Bovada.lv.

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UFC Fight Night 35: Rockhold vs Philippou Fight Card, TV Info, Predictions, More

As the first event of 2014 not shown exclusively on the new Fight Pass streaming platform, UFC Fight Night 35 featuring a middleweight battle between Luke Rockhold and Constantinos Philippou is shaping up to be a worthy belated New Year’s party.
…

As the first event of 2014 not shown exclusively on the new Fight Pass streaming platform, UFC Fight Night 35 featuring a middleweight battle between Luke Rockhold and Constantinos Philippou is shaping up to be a worthy belated New Year’s party.

The main event should satisfy even the most jaded MMA fans, and the sheer depth of the card should help keep anyone witnessing the show interested in the action.

While this event lacks the mainstream names needed to cement it as one of the more memorable shows of the year, this is a strong group of pure fighters that will set the tone for what promises to be an entertaining 2014.

Here is all the vital viewing information for UFC Fight Night 35, a full list of predictions for the entire card and a preview of the main event.

 

Where: The Arena at Gwinnett Center, Duluth, Ga.

When: Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. ET

Watch: Fox Sports 1

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go

 

 

Main Event Preview and Prediction

In the main event of the evening, middleweight contenders Luke Rockhold (10–2) and Constantinos Philippou (12–3, 1 NC) will square off with future championship consideration on the line.

Each man is coming off a tough loss—Rockhold was a victim of a KO from Vitor Belfort and Philippou lost a unanimous decision to Francis Carmont—and will be looking to begin the slow climb back into the title scene.

The lack of elite challengers in the middleweight division has made the bout on Jan. 15 important to the long-term title picture. The winner of this fight would likely have to be victorious once more to earn a shot at the championship, but Dana White will view this main event as the possible resurgence of one of these fighters as a legitimate contender.

Philippou is a powerful puncher, but this bout will be focused on whether or not Rockhold can regain the elite form he held while fighting under the Strikeforce banner. The former middleweight champion was one of the best strikers in the now-defunct federation, but with Philippou’s boxing ability, Rockhold would be wise to take this bout to the ground early and often.

After watching Carmont shut down Philippou with elite grappling and physical takedowns, it is clear that the way to neutralize the Cyprus Slugger’s power standing up is to take him to the ground and eliminate his striking.

Rockhold has the ability to land heavy punches and elbows from the top position and make his opponent pay, but Philippou’s desperation on the ground to get the fight back standing up will leave openings for a possible submission.

With Rockhold’s submission prowess, this fight will end early for Philippou.

Predicted Winner: Rockhold via Third-Round Submission

 

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UFC 168: Last-Second Predictions for the Entire Blockbuster PPV Card

When middleweight champion Chris Weidman (10-0) goes head-to-head with former titleholder Anderson Silva (33-5) in the main event of Saturday’s UFC 168 pay-per-view, the MMA world will be focused on one of the most anticipated rematches of the la…

When middleweight champion Chris Weidman (10-0) goes head-to-head with former titleholder Anderson Silva (33-5) in the main event of Saturday’s UFC 168 pay-per-view, the MMA world will be focused on one of the most anticipated rematches of the last decade.

Fans will either witness the greatest fighter of all time avenging his previous loss or a champion proving he is more than just a one-fight wonder.

Add in a stacked undercard that features an exciting women’s bantamweight championship bout between Ronda Rousey and Miesha Tate, and this is going to be one of the best PPVs of 2013.

Here is all the vital viewing information for the show, a full slate of predictions and a preview of the main event.

 

Where: MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas

When: Saturday, Dec. 28, at 10 p.m. EST

Watch: Pay-per-view

Live Stream: UFC.com

 

 

Main Event Preview and Prediction

Chris Weidman stunned the world when he knocked Anderson Silva out and won the UFC Middleweight Championship in July. In the rematch, the challenger will be more focused than he has been at any point in the last five years.

Silva will take his title back from Weidman.

The biggest advantage for Weidman is his ability to wrestle. As seen in Silva’s previous fights against quality wrestlers like Chael Sonnen, he is susceptible to takedowns. Weidman needs to get to the legs of Silva and take the fight to the ground. With Silva’s elite striking limited when he is on his back, the champion’s best chance of retaining the title is to grind out a five-round decision using his superior wrestling.

That’s where Silva’s superior Brazilian jiu-jitsu and muay thai will come into play, though.

The key for the No. 1 contender will be to keep this fight standing up by thwarting Weidman’s takedown attempts and turning them into offense of his own. Using his quick hands and a powerful combination of knees and kicks, Silva must make it clear that shooting on him will not work.

Once both men start to exchange blows in the center of the Octagon, Silva will need to show more composure than he has in the past and fight with his hands up. It may be against everything he has stood for, but Weidman is not afraid to punch though Silva’s elusiveness.

As the champion proved in the first fight, he has the speed and power to KO his challenger.

With a solid defense and the fight standing up, Silva will use the counterpunching that has made him a legend to his advantage once again. Weidman is not a fighter who will rest on his heels, and will be on the attack throughout this bout. As soon as Silva finds the opening he needs to land his lethal punches and kicks, he will strike his opponent with power and precision.

The determination that comes for a bona fide legend who lost his title and is looking to regain it will have Silva as focused as he has ever been in his career. Weidman is a great fighter, but Silva is the superior in-ring competitor.

The championship is going home with the Spider.

Predicted Winner: Silva via TKO

 

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