This weekend, UFC 191 marks the UFC’s return to pay-per-view and boasts a deep lineup on the card. Topped off by UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson and his rematch with John Dodson, the card holds names such as Andrei Arlovski, Frank Mir and Anthony Johnson, showing how stacked the night is.
UFC 191 should be a great card, but if you do need some guidance, here is the best and worst of the card, as well as other pertinent information.
Best Fight: Demetrious Johnson vs. John Dodson
Say what you will about Demetrious Johnson. He’s boring, he’s not a draw, etc.
Anybody who says Johnson is not one of the best in the world and rapidly getting better is lying to themselves.
He always has a speed advantage, but if there is a guy that can match him in that department, it’s John Dodson. Their first encounter was impressive and fun, which should be repeated in this rematch.
This fight will be fast, exciting, close and important. It’s easily the best fight on the card, and if you miss it, I guarantee you will be missing a gem.
Worst Fight: Joe Riggs vs. Ron Stallings
I am a fan of Ron Stallings. I think he is exciting, gritty and an entertaining midcard act.
I respect Joe Riggs. He has been around forever and has fought some tough competition throughout his career.
However, why is Riggs still on the roster?
His most recent UFC run has been anything but smooth. He suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the lead-up to his return debut, suffered an injury loss against Ben Saunders and was dominated by Patrick Cote.
I think his welcome is worn out.
Furthermore, you put him in a bout with an entertaining fighter despite the fact he is a grinder, which is not always the most entertaining. It’s a waste of a roster spot for Riggs and a waste of a good fight that Stallings could have.
Sleeper Fight: Ross Pearson vs. Paul Felder
We all know how good Johnson-Dodson will be. We expect fireworks from John Lineker and Francisco Rivera. The same can be said about Andrei Arlovski-Frank Mir and Anthony Johnson-Jimi Manuwa.
A fight that hasn’t been talked about nearly enough is Ross Pearson vs. Paul Felder.
Both men are exciting fighters that will play into each other’s game plans well. Both like to strike, both do it with power and will throw flashy techniques.
Before the main card even happens, we could have a Fight of the Night on our hands. It’s a great lead in to the pay-per-view and could sell some extra PPVs before it begins.
Cutting Block: Joe Riggs, Tiago dos Santos, Clay Collard
The aforementioned Riggs is 0-2 since returning to the UFC. A loss here would send him back to the regional scene.
Then there’s a probable “loser leaves town” match between Tiago dos Santos and Clay Collard. Unless this is the Fight of the Night, the loser can expect to receive his pink slip.
Bottom Line:
This card is a must-buy PPV. Expect finishes, fun fights and it will be worth every penny.
Predictions:
125: Demetrious Johnson def. John Dodson via decision
265: Andrei Arlovski def. Frank Mir via TKO
205: Anthony Johnson def. Jimi Manuwa via TKO
205: Jan Blachowicz def. Corey Anderson via TKO
115: Paige VanZant def. Alex Chambers via TKO
155: Paul Felder def. Ross Pearson via decision
135: John Lineker def. Francisco Rivera via TKO
135: Jessica Andrade def. Raquel Pennington via decision
145: Clay Collard def. Tiago dos Santos via decision
185: Ron Stallings def. Joe Riggs via decision
155: Nazareno Malegarie def. Joaquim Silva via decision
**This is my final day at Bleacher Report. If you wish to follow me on Twitter, do so @BigRilesMMA and thanks for your support along the way.
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