Tag: UFC predictions

UFC Fight Night: Holly Holm vs. Irene Aldana – Staff Predictions

Holly HolmIn the second event of this latest ‘Fight Island’ run, we have an intriguing crossroads fight with title implications in the women’s bantamweight division. Former 135lbs queen Holly Holm looks to get another title shot when she takes on rising star Irene Aldana. Who’ll win? Let’s see what the LowKickMMA staff think… Jordan Ellis: I […]

Holly Holm

In the second event of this latest ‘Fight Island’ run, we have an intriguing crossroads fight with title implications in the women’s bantamweight division. Former 135lbs queen Holly Holm looks to get another title shot when she takes on rising star Irene Aldana. Who’ll win? Let’s see what the LowKickMMA staff think…

Jordan Ellis: I think this is a really interesting fight but struggle to look past Holly Holm. The former champion has only ever lost to the best of the best. While Irene Aldana is impressive am not yet convinced she is of that level and for that reason I think Holm will do enough to get by the Mexican in this main event.

Prediction: Holly Holm

Abhinav Kini: I believe Irene Aldana will emerge victorious. She has some of the best boxing in women’s MMA and I feel she’s even capable of finishing Holly Holm, especially after an emphatic knockout over the previously undefeated Ketlen Vieira. There’s always a chance of Holm using clinch work and wrestling to grind her way to a decision, but I feel Aldana is more than ready to negate that and come out on top to earn the next shot at the title.

Prediction: Irene Aldana

Ryan MacCarthy: This is really a pick em fight, so might not want to bet on this one, but i do really like the odds for this to go to decision. I see Holm taking this one by decsion in what will be a 5 round standup bout. I think it will look extremely similar to Holly’s win over Pennington in January. It will start out with a few seconds of striking, then Holly is going to close the distance and shut her down against the cage. Irene is strong and she’s good, and she’ll try to defend that spot, but I think it will keep going back to that. Holly should take this one.

Prediction: Holly Holm

Karim Nathan: Aldana will come in full of confidence after her last KO victory and might be a bit over confident which is why I think Holm will use her experience and her fight IQ to help her through the fight to ultimately earn a unanimous decision win. This is Aldana’s first 5 rounder and I think Holm will know that and use her clinching and wrestling to wear her out and make it a long night for her and earn the victory.

Prediction: Holly Holm

Ross Markey: Holm and Aldana, for me – stand out as two of the more technical strikers in the bantamweight division, especially with their hands. Holm likes to round off her combinations with kicks, and the movement she utilises to drift in and out of range is almost unmatched at 135-pounds. It’s somewhat of a long layoff for Aldana who last featured opposite Ketlen Vieira in November last, but that performance was nothing short of breakout. With fantastic movement herself and sharp counter boxing against the ultra-aggressive Vieria – Aldana sprung with a massive left hook to score a late first round finish against Pennington, Holm utilised the clinch more often than not, and even displayed her wrestling chaps against upcoming title challenger, Megan Anderson in their featherweight match. Aldana, who’s quite large stature-wise for bantamweight can’t allow herself to get dominated or overwhelmed in the possible clinch exchanges. Holm’s movement and patient counter striking compared to Vieira, may be enough to get her over the line in a decision victory.

Prediction: Holly Holm

Israel Adesanya vs. Paulo Costa Staff Predictions

Israel AdesanyaIn the UFC 253 main event, Israel Adesanya is looking to make the second defence of his middleweight title against undefeated Brazilian knockout artist Paulo Costa. Who’ll emerge victoriously? Let’s see what the LowKickMMA staff think… Jordan Ellis: I really can’t look past Israel Adesanya in this one. His striking is simply on another level. […]

Israel Adesanya

In the UFC 253 main event, Israel Adesanya is looking to make the second defence of his middleweight title against undefeated Brazilian knockout artist Paulo Costa. Who’ll emerge victoriously? Let’s see what the LowKickMMA staff think…

Jordan Ellis: I really can’t look past Israel Adesanya in this one. His striking is simply on another level. I expect him to be cautious of Paulo Costa’s power in the first round before finding his own range and ultimately taking out a tired Costa before the championship rounds.

Prediction: Israel Adesanya

Karim Nathan: For this battle between 2 undefeated fighters, it’s gonna be a real close fight and I think we get to see a rematch no matter who wins. Costa is gonna come swinging trying to closing the distance by throwing a barrage of punches as well as mixing in some bodywork which will make him take the first couple of rounds, then when Costa begins to fatigue Adesanya will take the last 3 rounds by carefully picking his shots from a distance and not get hit as much, which will result in a 3-2 win for the champion.

Prediction: Israel Adesanya

Harry O’Connor: I think since the UFC restarted, this is the fight I’m looking forward to the most. Costa is a machine with his power and is very much deserving of this title shot. On to Adesanya, I really think he is special, his fight IQ is brilliant and I think he’s only going to get better, I think in the early rounds he’s going to make Costa miss, who will then begin to get tired. Once Adesanya has Costa tired I can see him taking the Brazilian out, I’m going to go with Adesanya in the fourth and he will really make a statement.

Prediction: Israel Adesanya

Abhinav Kini: I’ve been waiting for this fight for months and it’s finally here. Other than the beef, it’s the stylistic matchup that intrigues me most. Adesanya likes to create space and counter. Costa likes to cut space and pressure with volume. Not to mention, he has the power to shut down opponents. Who will come out on top? I have to give the slight edge to Adesanya and see him getting the decision, simply because of his excellent striking ability and overall experience.

Prediction: Israel Adesanya

Ryan MacCarthy: It’s difficult to say who will win. I think Costa is going to come out headhunting and put the pressure on to start. Can his gas tank last 5 rounds though with one of the most gifted strikers in MMA history? We know Adesanya can handle the 5 rounds, he’s been there done that against the very best in the world. I’m not very confident that Costa can win this by decision if it were to go to that. I think Adesanya elite precision in striking is going to be the difference-maker with his footwork and pretty much every skillset being a little more superior than Costas. I see Adesanya finishing Costa inside of 3 rounds tonight.

Prediction: Israel Adesanya

Colby Covington vs. Tyron Woodley Staff Predictions

Colby CovingtonIn the UFC Vegas 11 main event, we have an intriguing match-up at the top of the welterweight division. Colby Covington is looking to get back in the win column after falling short in his first UFC title bid against Kamaru Usman late last year. Former 170lb champ, Tyron Woodley is looking to snap a […]

Colby Covington

In the UFC Vegas 11 main event, we have an intriguing match-up at the top of the welterweight division. Colby Covington is looking to get back in the win column after falling short in his first UFC title bid against Kamaru Usman late last year. Former 170lb champ, Tyron Woodley is looking to snap a two-fight losing streak. ‘The Chosen One’ has been dominated in back-to-back fights against Usman and Brazilian submission specialist Gilbert Burns.

Jordan Ellis: I think its really hard to pick against Colby Covington. He has a similar style to the last two men to beat Tyron Woodley and he seems to be at the peak of his powers. Woodley on the other hand has looked poor lately. ‘The Chosen One’ seems more gun shy than ever. At 38 years old still has the power that makes you think he could pull this off. But, the more likely outcome is Covington beating him down for five rounds. ‘Chaos’ might even find a stoppage in the UFC Vegas 11 main event.

Prediction: Colby Covington

Ryan Galloway: Breaking down the main event appears quite simple to me. If Tyron wants to win he has to either come forward and be the one pressuring Colby or land that huge right hand. Otherwise, Colby is going to do what Colby does and drown Woodley in pressure most likely winning a dominant decision. Going to take Colby in this one but as a fan of Woodley I’d love to see him get back to his old ways and find the finish.

Prediction: Colby Covington

Karim Nathan: Unfortunately for Tyron I think this fight will end up like his last 2 with him losing all the rounds and being dominated, Colby is gonna pressure him from the first second and ensure that Tyron has no space to breathe and mix in takedowns as well. The only way I can see Tyron winning is through a stoppage and I just don’t see that happening with the way Tyron has been fighting recently. So, I’m going with a unanimous decision for Colby with a couple of 10-8’s in there.

Prediction: Colby Covington

Harry O’Connor: I’m with Ryan (Galloway) in saying I’d love to see Tyron land that big right and knock Colby out and keep himself in the hat for big fights. However I don’t see it happening, Colby is just too dominant for me and i expect this fight to be very similar as Woodley’s last two. I think Woodley may have to consider his career after this fight, I’m going to go with a dominant Colby win on points.

Prediction: Colby Covington

Ryan MacCarthy: Tyron Woodley is a fantastic, amazing fighter, capable of turning a fight around and winning at any moment with his extremely powerful right hand. But I don’t know if he has what it takes right now after his last 2 fights against highly skilled grapplers in Usman and Burns. I see Colby Covington putting it on and on with his relentless pressure. His pressure is second to none right now, and if he brings that, it’s going to be very hard for Woodley or anyone to deal with. I see Covington taking this via Decision.

Prediction: Colby Covington

Do you agree with the LowKickMMA staff picks?

Michelle Waterson vs. Angela Hill Staff Predictions

Michelle WatersonIn the UFC Vegas 10 main event we have an exciting strawweight match-up between Michelle Waterson and Angela Hill. Waterson is looking to get back into title contention after losing succesive fights against Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Carla Esparza. Hill makes history tonight as the first African-American to main event in the UFC. ‘Overkill’ is also […]

Michelle Waterson

In the UFC Vegas 10 main event we have an exciting strawweight match-up between Michelle Waterson and Angela Hill. Waterson is looking to get back into title contention after losing succesive fights against Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Carla Esparza. Hill makes history tonight as the first African-American to main event in the UFC. ‘Overkill’ is also looking to get back in the win column after dropping a controversial split decision when she met Claudia Gadelha earlier this year. Who’ll take this one? Let’s see what the LowKickMMA staff think…

Jordan Ellis: I think this will be a really close and fun fight. It’s one I have to give the edge to Michelle Waterson. I think she’s been competitive with and beat more top-level fighters than Angela Hill. ‘Overkill’ looked great last time out and has really started putting it together as of late but I’m still not entirely convinced she has what it takes to be a true contender at 115lbs.

Prediction: Michelle Waterson

Ross Markey: Both Waterson and Hill are in need of a victory in his one following close, somewhat controversial defeats in their respective last outings. Hill on paper is certainly the more aggressive force when pitted with Waterson, who tends to employ a tentative display for the majority of her contests. I’m leaning toward Hill to outwork the Albuquerque favourite on her way to a win via the scorecards and start to rebuild some of the momentum which carried her along this year.

Prediction: Angela Hill 

Ryan Galloway: In the main event two ranked women’s strawweights Michelle Waterson and Angela Hill will face off. I believe Hill will pass this test with relative ease. While neither fighter is a striking specialist on the feet I think Hill is the more competent fighter. Her shots might not be as flashy but I see them being more effective and sufficient enough to secure her the decision victory.

Prediction: Angela Hill 

Harry O’Connor: I think Angela Hill won her last fight and shouldn’t have lost. I think she shown she can mix it up at the highest level and is progressing. Waterson gave Esparza a tough fight but I just think Hill will edge it, especially as she feels she won her last fight so she has a point to prove. I’m going to go with Hill by decision.

Prediction: Angela Hill 

Ryan MacCarthy: Hill’s skill set has caught up to the best in the division, Waterson is an underrated grappler and a tricky opponent on the feet, one who can be difficult to find with strikes. This could prove to be a stylistic challenge for Hill, Waterson has the ability to end her night with a submission. But I really like Hill’s momentum going into this one, she probably should’ve won her last night against Gadelha.

Prediction: Angela Hill 

Alistair Overeem vs. Augusto Sakai – UFC Vegas 9 Staff Predictions

Alistair OvereemIn the UFC Vegas 9 main event, we have an intriguing heavyweight match-up between MMA legend Alistair Overeem and rising star Augusto Sakai. Overeem is hoping to stretch his winning streak to two after beating Walt Harris last time out. ‘The Demolition Man’ has spoken openly about his desire to have one more UFC title […]

Alistair Overeem

In the UFC Vegas 9 main event, we have an intriguing heavyweight match-up between MMA legend Alistair Overeem and rising star Augusto Sakai. Overeem is hoping to stretch his winning streak to two after beating Walt Harris last time out. ‘The Demolition Man’ has spoken openly about his desire to have one more UFC title run before retiring. His 29-year-old opponent will be looking to end that run tonight. Sakai is currently riding a six-fight win streak and at just 29-years-old he has youth on his side. Who will emerge victorious? Let’s see what the LowKickMMA staff think…

Jordan Ellis: I struggle to look past Alistair Overeem in this fight. Augusto Sakai is a good fighter but I feel he has been pushed a little too quickly into this big fight. The Brazilian looked unspectacular in his last win over Blagoy Ivanov. He doesn’t seem to have the power to trouble Overeem. So, I struggle to see his route to victory. Whereas I feel Overeem can get this fight done in a variety of ways.

Prediction: Alistair Overeem

Ryan Maccarthy: I’m gonna go with Overeem. I just think he has the experience, I think he’s got the one-punch power as well to take out Sakai. If you look at a lot of Sakai’s fights, he has some quick knockouts, but he has some split decisions and decisions and late knockouts. He usually wears on his opponent to make them tired in the latter rounds. I dont see him being able to do that with Alistair Overeem.

Prediction: Alistair Overeem

Harry O’Connor: I don’t think Sakai is at championship level where I think Overeem still is, despite being 40. We’re talking about a guy who, had it not been for the last few seconds in the Rozenstruik fight, would be 4-0 in his last 4. Overeem is more experienced and I think just all ground better than Sakai, who I think will struggle with the five rounds, I’m going to say Overeem by unanimous decision.

Prediction: Alistair Overeem

Anthony Smith vs. Aleksandar Rakic Staff Predictions

Anthony SmithIn the UFC Vegas 8 main event, we have a top tier light-heavyweight match-up between former title challenger Anthony Smith and rising star Aleksandar Rakic. Both men are coming off a loss but still remain in the 205lb mix. Who will get the win and propel themselves into title contention? Let’s see what the LowKickMMA […]

Anthony Smith

In the UFC Vegas 8 main event, we have a top tier light-heavyweight match-up between former title challenger Anthony Smith and rising star Aleksandar Rakic. Both men are coming off a loss but still remain in the 205lb mix. Who will get the win and propel themselves into title contention? Let’s see what the LowKickMMA staff think…

Jordan Ellis: I really think this fight could go either way. Both Anthony Smith and Aleksandar Rakic are capable of find thing finish tonight. I give a slight edge to Smith just because I have seen him compete at this level more often. Rakic lost his biggest fight to date against Volkan Oezdemir. The same man Smith managed to finish when he faced off against the Swiss power puncher.

Prediction: Anthony Smith

Ryan Galloway: The X factor in this fight in my opinion is the fact that it is a three round main event. While we did see Smith get smashed late in his last fight, the initial two rounds he looked like a killer. With that being said Rakic has heavy hands and can put the lights out at any point. I think Smith will probably take this one by decision barring any highlight reel knockout.

Prediction: Anthony Smith

Cole Shelton: I think Anthony Smith will pull off the betting upset with a hard fought decision win. I don’t understand the odds and I think if Smith can get past the first round, it is his fight to win

Prediction: Anthony Smith

Ryan Maccarthy: Rakic is close to being a 3-1 betting favorite and for good reason. Smith didnt look good his last fight and Rakic has been on a role besides his most recent split decision loss.  The inconsistency of Smith’s aggression in recent fights concerns me though, and I have Rakic in a close 3 round decision. Rakic at range is most dangerous to Smith. He chops his opponents down with low kicks, manages distance with his long reach and straight punching, and covers distance very well. I expect Rakic to utilize these skills tonight.

Prediction: Aleksandar Rakic