UFC Fight Night 98 is here, and it goes down today from the Arena Ciudad de México in Mexico City, Mexico. This event will also serve as the TUF Latin America 3 Finale. The prelims on UFC Fight Pass will start at 6:30 p.m. ET, the prelims on FOX Sports 1 will air at 8
UFC Fight Night 98 is here, and it goes down today from the Arena Ciudad de México in Mexico City, Mexico. This event will also serve as the TUF Latin America 3 Finale. The prelims on UFC Fight Pass will start at 6:30 p.m. ET, the prelims on FOX Sports 1 will air at 8 p.m. ET and the main card airs at 10 p.m. ET.
According to oddsmakers, former UFC Lightweight Champion Rafael dos Anjo is a –142 favorite over Tony Ferguson, who is a +122 underdog. Other odds for the main card include B Dariush being a +115 underdog against R Magomedov, who is a -135 favorite.
Here are the full UFC Fight Night 98 betting odds courtesy of BigOnSports:
On Friday evening, the official UFC Fight Night 98 ceremonial weigh-ins were held in Mexico City, Mexico for Saturday night’s fight card.
Featuring Rafael dos Anjos vs. Tony Ferguson in the headline spot, Ricardo Lamas vs. Charles Oliveira in the co-featured slot and the return of Diego Sanchez against Marcin Held, UFC Fight Night 98 show airs live and free on FOX Sports 1 (FS1).
Below are the official weigh-in results for the event:
UFC Fight Night 98 Main Card (FOX Sports 1)
– Rafael dos Anjos (156) vs. Tony Ferguson (154)
– Marcin Held (156) vs. Diego Sanchez (156)
– Ricardo Lamas (146) vs. Charles Oliveira (155)*
– Martin Bravo (155) vs. Claudio Puelles (156) – “TUF 3: Latin America” tournament final
– Beneil Dariush (156) vs. Rashid Magomedov (156)
– Heather Jo Clark (116) vs. Alexa Grasso (116)
UFC Fight Night 98 Preliminary Card (FOX Sports 1)
– Felipe Arantes (138) + vs. Erik Perez (136)
– Marco Beltran (139) vs. Joe Soto (140)
– Max Griffin (171) vs. Erick Montano (170)
– Henry Briones (136) vs. Douglas Silva de Andrade (133)
UFC Fight Night 98 Preliminary Card (UFC Fight Pass)
– Sam Alvey (186) vs. Alex Nicholson (186)
– Marco Polo Reyes (155) vs. Jason Novelli (156)
– Chris Avila (146) vs. Enrique Barzola (146)
* Oliveira missed the 146-pound limit by an astonishing nine pounds. The fight, however, is still on for Saturday’s show.
https://youtu.be/5yTgDVSr_KU
On Friday evening, the official UFC Fight Night 98 ceremonial weigh-ins were held in Mexico City, Mexico for Saturday night’s fight card.
Featuring Rafael dos Anjos vs. Tony Ferguson in the headline spot, Ricardo Lamas vs. Charles Oliveira in the co-featured slot and the return of Diego Sanchez against Marcin Held, UFC Fight Night 98 show airs live and free on FOX Sports 1 (FS1).
Below are the official weigh-in results for the event:
UFC Fight Night 98 Main Card (FOX Sports 1)
– Rafael dos Anjos (156) vs. Tony Ferguson (154)
– Marcin Held (156) vs. Diego Sanchez (156)
– Ricardo Lamas (146) vs. Charles Oliveira (155)*
– Martin Bravo (155) vs. Claudio Puelles (156) – “TUF 3: Latin America” tournament final
– Beneil Dariush (156) vs. Rashid Magomedov (156)
– Heather Jo Clark (116) vs. Alexa Grasso (116)
UFC Fight Night 98 Preliminary Card (FOX Sports 1)
– Felipe Arantes (138) + vs. Erik Perez (136)
– Marco Beltran (139) vs. Joe Soto (140)
– Max Griffin (171) vs. Erick Montano (170)
– Henry Briones (136) vs. Douglas Silva de Andrade (133)
UFC Fight Night 98 Preliminary Card (UFC Fight Pass)
– Sam Alvey (186) vs. Alex Nicholson (186)
– Marco Polo Reyes (155) vs. Jason Novelli (156)
– Chris Avila (146) vs. Enrique Barzola (146)
* Oliveira missed the 146-pound limit by an astonishing nine pounds. The fight, however, is still on for Saturday’s show.
Ahead of Saturday night’s UFC Fight Night 98 event, which features the return of the Octagon to Mexico, as Mexico City hosts the FOX Sports 1 card headlined by former UFC Lightweight Champion Rafael dos Anjos versus high…
https://youtu.be/JZrl7Yedb6o
Ahead of Saturday night’s UFC Fight Night 98 event, which features the return of the Octagon to Mexico, as Mexico City hosts the FOX Sports 1 card headlined by former UFC Lightweight Champion Rafael dos Anjos versus highly-regarded contender Tony Ferguson, longtime UFC commentator Joe Rogan is back with his latest UFC fight breakdown.
Featured above is the Joe Rogan breakdown video for the UFN 98 main event between top UFC Lightweight contenders Dos Anjos and Ferguson.
UFC Fight Night 98 takes place on Saturday, November 5th from Mexico City, Mexico and airs live on FOX Sports 1 (FS1).
So the time has finally come. The biggest event of the year, in UFC history is just right around the corner. As in next weekend. This weekend however is a bit of a primer for what’s to come at UFC 205 on November 12. While it may not sport the craziest line up out there, […]
So the time has finally come. The biggest event of the year, in UFC history is just right around the corner. As in next weekend. This weekend however is a bit of a primer for what’s to come at UFC 205 on November 12. While it may not sport the craziest line up out there, UFC Fight Night 98 features a compelling lightweight main event as former champion Rafael dos Anjos attempts to get back to his winning ways against the streaking Tony Ferguson.
Rafael dos Anjos was being touted as the most fearsome lightweight in the UFC when he was matched up against Eddie Alvarez this past July. Many picked Rafael to dominate, but was instead met with a vicious looping right hand that put him on roller skates and out of the fight. If Rafael wants to get back on track he’ll have to tangle with Tony Ferguson who is a difficult style match up for most everyone in the division. If Rafael dos Anjos hopes to get back to his winning ways he’ll have to employ a low kicking game as well as get the fight into the pocket. Ferguson’s come forward style will also leave him open for the takedown. When the fight hits the ground Rafael will have to deal with scrambles and will need to explode to stay on top. The best chance for victory would be for the former champion to pressure him up against the cage and beat up Ferguson’s legs and body.
On the other side of the equation, Tony Ferguson will want to keep his usually high paced style to confound dos Anjos. Ferguson utilizes his length well when he resorts to using his front kicks like a jab. As he pushes forward though he often finds himself with his back against the cage which could lead to a well timed takedown from the former champion. Ferguson’s ability to create chaos is a key factor in this match up as his high pace and funky techniques could force dos Anjos to get wild. The more wild the fight becomes, the more it favors Ferguson and it’ll be up to his opponent to either counter or suffer falling prey to a well timed cross or a scrambling submission.
All in all this is a pretty fun fight with no clear winner. Both are pressure fighters but employ their methods in different ways, dos Anjos being the patient stalker and Ferguson the wild ball of energy. Ultimately the wild pace that Ferguson puts on dos Anjos will prove to be the former champion’s undoing. Look for Tony Ferguson to secure a fight ending submission in the fourth round.
Who do you think will be victorious?
Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his Twitter and Facebook to keep up with his antics.
Tony Ferguson vs. Rafael Dos Anjos: Mike Drahota: The UFC picked a strong fight to kick off their jam-packed year-ending push, and it’s one that many are pegging as unpredictable. Ferguson clearly has the momentum with his lengthy win streak, and he also provides some value as a +125 underdog according to BigOnSports.com. Favored former
The UFC picked a strong fight to kick off their jam-packed year-ending push, and it’s one that many are pegging as unpredictable. Ferguson clearly has the momentum with his lengthy win streak, and he also provides some value as a +125 underdog according to BigOnSports.com. Favored former champion dos Anjos has some questions to answer after he lost the belt to Eddie Alvarez in a surprising TKO loss this July.
Ferguson does as well, as he was nearly finished by unorthodox late replacement Lando Vannatta at July’s UFC Fight Night 91, signifying that he’s far from invincible despite his gaudy results. Still, I think the rangy Ferguson will be tough to take down, and his reach advantage could lend him an advantage in striking exchanges. If dos Anjos can pressure “El Cucuy” and make this fight dirty, it should be in his favor, but I think Ferguson is just too hungry to let that gameplan succeed. Ferguson by decision.
Rory Kernaghan:
The main event in Mexico City is certainly a tough one to pick. The former champion Rafael dos Anjos was steam-rolling opponents up until he met Eddie Alvarez, and is arguably the highest caliber of fighter Tony Ferguson has ever faced. ‘El Cucuy’ has looked rampant in his eight fight winning streak, and I feel he will be too much for dos Anjos. The reach advantage, ability to strike from a distance and an overall unpredictability will all play in favor of Ferguson. My pick is Tony Ferguson by decision.
Mike Henken:
This main event features an intriguing battle between two of the very best lightweights in the world, and I also admit that it was a difficult pick. Dos Anjos, the former champion, is an explosive striker/wrestler in addition to a rock-solid Brazilian Jiu-jitsu background. His striking has improved greatly in recent years and he has the ability to finish a fight in multiple ways, but he’s also coming off of a brutal stoppage loss to Eddie Alvarez just last July, which may affect him. Ferguson, on the other hand, has won an incredible eight straight. He typically uses an unorthodox striking style backed by a strong submission skill set of his own. In fact, five of his last eight wins have come by way of stoppage. With this bout, I simply feel as if “El Cucuy” will carry more momentum into the fight. Ferguson by fourth round TKO.
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas for USA TODAY Sports
Diego Sanchez vs. Marcin Held:
Mike Drahota:
A throwback to the early days of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF), fan-favorite Sanchez now has his back against the wall against submission whiz Held after several losses. The young grappler will present some serious problems for Sanchez if and when this fight hits the ground, even though he possesses his own jiu-jitsu black belt. Time could be running out for Sanchez’ storied career, and unless he can goad Held into a brawl, things aren’t looking all that rosy for the +210 underdog on BigOnSports.com. The 24-year-old mat technician reminds me of a 155-pound Demian Maia in the making, and I agree that he has earned every bit of his status as a -255 favorite. With the deck stacked against Sanchez, I have to choose Held by first round submission.
Rory Kernaghan:
Diego Sanchez returned to lightweight against Jim Miller at UFC 196, looking miles better than he did at 145 pounds. At UFC 200 Joe Lauzon wrecked him, and so his bout against Marcin Held in Mexico really depends on who shows up. ‘The Nightmare’ is a demon in the pocket, but I feel the years of abuse in the octagon have really caught up to him lately. Although Held isn’t exactly a threat in the striking, he has some serious grappling chops to display. It’s a tough pick, and five years ago it would have clearly been a lot easier. Hometown advantage, and the fact Marcin Held is fighting for the first time in the UFC could come in to play here. I’m going to go with my gut, Diego Sanchez by decision.
Mike Henken:
Held will be making his UFC debut in this bout after a successful stint in Bellator, and he will be thrown right in with a longtime UFC veteran in Diego Sanchez. Sanchez is a wild fighter with a wealth of experience and a strong submission skill set, but I simply don’t feel as if he’s the fighter he once was. At 34 years of age, Sanchez has lost four of his last seven bouts. Held, 24, also possesses a decorated BJJ background and I see him getting the job done here. Held by first round submission.
Tony Ferguson vs. Rafael Dos Anjos: Mike Drahota: The UFC picked a strong fight to kick off their jam-packed year-ending push, and it’s one that many are pegging as unpredictable. Ferguson clearly has the momentum with his lengthy win streak, and he also provides some value as a +125 underdog according to BigOnSports.com. Favored former
The UFC picked a strong fight to kick off their jam-packed year-ending push, and it’s one that many are pegging as unpredictable. Ferguson clearly has the momentum with his lengthy win streak, and he also provides some value as a +125 underdog according to BigOnSports.com. Favored former champion dos Anjos has some questions to answer after he lost the belt to Eddie Alvarez in a surprising TKO loss this July.
Ferguson does as well, as he was nearly finished by unorthodox late replacement Lando Vannatta at July’s UFC Fight Night 91, signifying that he’s far from invincible despite his gaudy results. Still, I think the rangy Ferguson will be tough to take down, and his reach advantage could lend him an advantage in striking exchanges. If dos Anjos can pressure “El Cucuy” and make this fight dirty, it should be in his favor, but I think Ferguson is just too hungry to let that gameplan succeed. Ferguson by decision.
Rory Kernaghan:
The main event in Mexico City is certainly a tough one to pick. The former champion Rafael dos Anjos was steam-rolling opponents up until he met Eddie Alvarez, and is arguably the highest caliber of fighter Tony Ferguson has ever faced. ‘El Cucuy’ has looked rampant in his eight fight winning streak, and I feel he will be too much for dos Anjos. The reach advantage, ability to strike from a distance and an overall unpredictability will all play in favor of Ferguson. My pick is Tony Ferguson by decision.
Mike Henken:
This main event features an intriguing battle between two of the very best lightweights in the world, and I also admit that it was a difficult pick. Dos Anjos, the former champion, is an explosive striker/wrestler in addition to a rock-solid Brazilian Jiu-jitsu background. His striking has improved greatly in recent years and he has the ability to finish a fight in multiple ways, but he’s also coming off of a brutal stoppage loss to Eddie Alvarez just last July, which may affect him. Ferguson, on the other hand, has won an incredible eight straight. He typically uses an unorthodox striking style backed by a strong submission skill set of his own. In fact, five of his last eight wins have come by way of stoppage. With this bout, I simply feel as if “El Cucuy” will carry more momentum into the fight. Ferguson by fourth round TKO.
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas for USA TODAY Sports
Diego Sanchez vs. Marcin Held:
Mike Drahota:
A throwback to the early days of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF), fan-favorite Sanchez now has his back against the wall against submission whiz Held after several losses. The young grappler will present some serious problems for Sanchez if and when this fight hits the ground, even though he possesses his own jiu-jitsu black belt. Time could be running out for Sanchez’ storied career, and unless he can goad Held into a brawl, things aren’t looking all that rosy for the +210 underdog on BigOnSports.com. The 24-year-old mat technician reminds me of a 155-pound Demian Maia in the making, and I agree that he has earned every bit of his status as a -255 favorite. With the deck stacked against Sanchez, I have to choose Held by first round submission.
Rory Kernaghan:
Diego Sanchez returned to lightweight against Jim Miller at UFC 196, looking miles better than he did at 145 pounds. At UFC 200 Joe Lauzon wrecked him, and so his bout against Marcin Held in Mexico really depends on who shows up. ‘The Nightmare’ is a demon in the pocket, but I feel the years of abuse in the octagon have really caught up to him lately. Although Held isn’t exactly a threat in the striking, he has some serious grappling chops to display. It’s a tough pick, and five years ago it would have clearly been a lot easier. Hometown advantage, and the fact Marcin Held is fighting for the first time in the UFC could come in to play here. I’m going to go with my gut, Diego Sanchez by decision.
Mike Henken:
Held will be making his UFC debut in this bout after a successful stint in Bellator, and he will be thrown right in with a longtime UFC veteran in Diego Sanchez. Sanchez is a wild fighter with a wealth of experience and a strong submission skill set, but I simply don’t feel as if he’s the fighter he once was. At 34 years of age, Sanchez has lost four of his last seven bouts. Held, 24, also possesses a decorated BJJ background and I see him getting the job done here. Held by first round submission.
