Tag: UFC predictions

UFC Vegas 6 Main Event Staff Predictions

UFCUFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Oleinik takes place tonight (August 8) at the Apex in Las Vegas Nevada. In the main event, we have an exciting match-up between two heavyweight contenders with contrasting styles. Derrick Lewis will be looking to stretch his win streak to three against his Ukrainian-Russian opponent. ‘The Black Beast‘ will try […]

UFC

UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Oleinik takes place tonight (August 8) at the Apex in Las Vegas Nevada. In the main event, we have an exciting match-up between two heavyweight contenders with contrasting styles. Derrick Lewis will be looking to stretch his win streak to three against his Ukrainian-Russian opponent. ‘The Black Beast‘ will try to do so by using his patented power punches which have brought him 18 knockouts in his 23 professional wins. Aleksei Oleinik on the other hand will want to get this fight to the mat and show off his impressive submission skills which have helped him secure 43 of his 59 wins in MMA. Who will emerge victorious from the UFC Vegas 6 main event? Let’s find out what the LowKickMMA staff think….

Jordan Ellis: This is a fight I’ve gone back-and-forth on quite a few times. I see it as a 50/50 but I’m going to go with Derrick Lewis. I think he’s looked good in his past two fights and has the power to trouble Aleksei Oleinik. The 43-year-old while impressive lately has shown he can be stopped quickly and I expect Lewis to take confidence from that and try to close the show as early as possible.

Prediction: Derrick Lewis

Ryan Maccarthy: I see Derrick Lewis finishing Aleksei Oleinik via stoppage, if the submission artist Oleinik can get Lewis on the ground, it may spell trouble, but Lewis has only been submitted once in 31 professional fights. I see Oleinik having a tough time bringing him to the ground. I think Lewis takes this one and sets up a future bout with top contender Curtis Blaydes.

Prediction: Derrick Lewis

Dalton Schroh: Lewis has only been submitted once this is true, but how many people with the submission skill set that Oleinik has, has he actually fought? Zero, if Lewis clinches up or hits the ground for any period of time I see that Ezekiel choke coming along shortly after, most heavyweight fights eventually hit the mat, I called Werdum submitting Gus the other week, calling this one now. Lewis always has that ko upside don’t get me wrong, but I just see Oleinik as the better all around fighter, better fundamental striking, better clinch work, and certainly better grappling.

Prediction: Aleksei Oleinik

Derek Brunson vs. Edmen Shahbazyan | LowKickMMA Staff Predictions

Derek BrunsonIn the UFC Fight Night 173 main event, we have a crossroads clash between long-time contender Derek Brunson and rising star Edmen Shahbazyan. The winner will move one step close to a shot at the middleweight title. Who will that be? Let’s see what the LowKickMMA staff think… Jordan Ellis: This is a huge step […]

Derek Brunson

In the UFC Fight Night 173 main event, we have a crossroads clash between long-time contender Derek Brunson and rising star Edmen Shahbazyan. The winner will move one step close to a shot at the middleweight title. Who will that be? Let’s see what the LowKickMMA staff think…

Jordan Ellis: This is a huge step up for Edmen Shahbazyan but one I think he will pass with flying colours. I expect Derek Brunson to be better than we’ve previously seen him against high-level strikers. He will survive early but ultimately get caught by something flashy from Shahbazyan who looks destined for big things.

Prediction: Edmen Shahbazyan

Eoin McKenna: I see Edmen staying composed and adding another first-round finish to his catalogue. I’m predicting Brunson to try and take Edmen down and wear him out and Edmen ultimately getting a submission or TKO in the first round.

Prediction: Edmen Shahbazyan

Abhinav Kini: Derek Brunson will be his biggest task yet, but I see Edmen Shahbazyan using him as a stepping stone to really enter that title picture at middleweight. He’s undefeated, confident, versatile and has finishes in all but one of his wins. Given how Brunson can get sloppy at times, I predict Shahbazyan getting an early knockout win and really putting the division on notice.

Prediction: Edmen Shahbazyan

Brady Briggs: Edmen Shahbazyan is a straight up prodigy, and has already had some incredible performances in the UFC at just 22-years-old. He may be inexperienced at 11-0, while Brunson is 20-7, but in his two most recent victories, he defeated the 23-8 Jack Marshman and the 17-5 Brad Tavares, both of which he stopped before the midway point of round one. He has so many tools at such a young age, but Brunson’s been there and fought the best in the sport for the last eight years. An interesting fact, Brunson has finished 14 of his wins, eleven knockouts and three submissions (all rear naked chokes), but all of his finishes are inside of round one. If his fights go past round one, he usually wins a decision, historically. All that being said, I think Shahbazyan takes it by (T)KO in round one or two.

Prediction: Edmen Shahbazyan

Ryan Maccarthy: Israel Adesanya, the Middleweight king went to decision with Brad Tavares. Edmen Shahbazyan beat Tavares in two minutes. He knocked him out cold with a head kick. While i think Brunson is certainly capable of pulling the upset, Shahbazyan is just so calm and relaxed for his age at 22. He definitely needs more experience and all the rest, but I’m really really high on Edmen. I think he has a really bright future and all the makings of a future world champion.  Shahbazyan by 2nd round TKO

Prediction: Edmen Shahbazyan

Ryan Galloway: I think people are counting Brunson out in this main event fight with Edman Shahbazyan. Bruson is in the top of the division for a reason, his only losses have come to top of the food chain athletes and while Shahbazyan has displayed some impressive abilities it would be hard for me to pick against Brunson in this one. While I don’t see it being the most entertaining fight, I think Brunson’s wrestling ability will show and he will take this one to a decision victory.

Prediction: Derek Brunson

Robert Whittaker vs. Darren Till | LowKickMMA Staff Predictions

Robert WhittakerIn the UFC Fight Island 3 main event Robert Whittaker returns to the Octagon for the first time since losing the middleweight title to Israel Adesanya. He faces off against English standout Darren Till who made a successful 185lb debut last time out beating Kelvin Gastelum over three rounds. The winner will move one step […]

Robert Whittaker

In the UFC Fight Island 3 main event Robert Whittaker returns to the Octagon for the first time since losing the middleweight title to Israel Adesanya. He faces off against English standout Darren Till who made a successful 185lb debut last time out beating Kelvin Gastelum over three rounds. The winner will move one step closer to a shot at UFC gold. Who will that be? Let’s find out what the LowKickMMA staff think…

Jordan Ellis: I’m going Darren Till in this one. Not only because he is a fellow scouser but because I think he is a force to be reckoned with – especially at 185lbs. I expect him to win the technical striking battle before finding a knockout punch in the middle rounds. Whittaker although a great fighter on his day is coming off a considerable layoff that was triggered by a huge knockout loss. I don’t expect the Aussie to be at his best tonight. For that reason, I think he will struggle against Till.

Prediction: Darren Till

Abhinav Kini: I think Robert Whittaker will return with a bang. He’s had a long break since his knockout defeat to Israel Adesanya and seems to be refreshed and hungry again. I also feel he’s superior to Till in every area and should get the knockout win.

Prediction: Robert Whittaker

Harry O’Connor: I think Till will try to play this fight like he did the Gastelum one, I think he will try and stay out of range with his kicks and jab and go for a points decision, however, I think Whittaker will stick it on Till a lot better than Gastelum did and there will be a lot more engagement. I think Rob will win by unanimous decision.

Prediction: Robert Whittaker

Ryan Maccarthy: Till stands a slight edge in fighting inside his preferences, which could lead to Whittaker over committing and eating one on the chin in my opinion. The stand-up game is Till’s advantage here and I think he plays this fight right with a defensive-minded approach and catching Whittaker coming in for the 3rd round TKO.

Prediction: Darren Till

Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Joseph Benavidez | LowKickMMA Staff Predictions

Deiveson FigueiredoIn the UFC Fight Island 2 main event, we have a flyweight title rematch between Deiveson Figueiredo and Joseph Benavidez. The pair first met back in February with the fight ending in a controversial victory for Figueiredo who was unable to pick up the belt due to missing the 125lb flyweight limit. Will it be […]

Deiveson Figueiredo

In the UFC Fight Island 2 main event, we have a flyweight title rematch between Deiveson Figueiredo and Joseph Benavidez. The pair first met back in February with the fight ending in a controversial victory for Figueiredo who was unable to pick up the belt due to missing the 125lb flyweight limit. Will it be repeat or revenge tonight? Let’s find out what the LowKickMMA staff think…

Jordan Ellis: I’m picking Deiveson Figueiredo in this one. I think the fight will be pretty similar to the first and will ultimately have the same ending. Figueiredo is a serious fighter with just one defeat on his record. This and the fact Benavidez apparently thinks he was doing well before the clash of heads in the first fight makes me back the Brazilian who should be able to find the knockout blow early in this rematch.

Prediction: Deiveson Figueiredo

Ryan Jarrell: I am expecting some of the same and something different in this rematch for the title. What I expect to be the same is the success Benavidez had in the fight prior to getting caught and finished by Figueredo in the first go round. Deveison clearly has more fights left in his career at this point and I expect him to be a mainstay in the division for years to come. I’m going with my gut on this one and picking Benavidez for the win. He’s been a great fighter for a long time and winning a belt before he hangs it up just makes sense to me. Beefcake by decision.

Prediction: Joseph Benavidez

Ryan Galloway: I see Figueiredo claiming the Flyweight title. After seeing the first fight, Benavidez would have had to make many changes in both his grappling and striking in order to get one over Figueiredo, however, I don’t think he has had the time to do this. I see him getting another early finish in the second or third rounds.

Prediction: Deiveson Figueiredo

Abhinav Kini: It was a competitive first fight but even not counting the headbutt and following knockout, it’s still hard not to see Deiveson Figueiredo winning a second fight. He just seems a lot bigger than Joseph Benavidez and ate his shots pretty well the first time as well. I see Figueiredo getting the decision this time and making it another unhappy ending for Benavidez in a title shot.

Prediction: Deiveson Figueiredo

Ryan Maccarthy: Benavidez was looking good against Figueiredo until they collided heads that left him open for that finishing combo, This time — in his fourth shot at the belt — he gets the job done. I expect a close one, but I see Benavidez finally capturing gold via TKO in the 5th round.

Prediction: Joseph Benavidez

Eoin McKenna: In the Flyweight title fight I see Benavidez coming in with a more disciplined approach. Last time these two faced, we saw Benavidez throwing everything he had hoping for a TKO, I think this time we are more likely to see a classic Benavidez with plenty of grappling. In saying that Figueiredo has made weight this time round, with the weight cut comes a loss of power. I’m predicting Benavidez to secure the title, wearing Figueiredo out in grappling exchanges and getting a TKO in the Championship rounds.

Prediction: Joseph Benavidez

Kelvin Gastelum vs. Jack Hermansson | LowKickMMA Staff Predictions

Jack HermanssonIn the UFC Fight Island 2 co-main event middleweight contenders Jack Hermansson and Kelvin Gastelum square off. ‘The Joker’ is looking to bounce back after suffering a second-round TKO loss to Jared Cannonier last time out. Gastelum is also hoping to get back in the win column after dropping back-to-back- defeats to middleweight champion Israel […]

Jack Hermansson

In the UFC Fight Island 2 co-main event middleweight contenders Jack Hermansson and Kelvin Gastelum square off. ‘The Joker’ is looking to bounce back after suffering a second-round TKO loss to Jared Cannonier last time out. Gastelum is also hoping to get back in the win column after dropping back-to-back- defeats to middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and Darren Till. Who’s going to win? Let’s see what the LowKickMMA staff think…

Jordan Ellis: I am heavily favouring Kelvin Gastelum heading into this one. I believe consecutive losses will have sparked a fire in him and we will see the very best version of Gastelum tonight. Hermansson is a tricky opponent for anyone at 185lbs but I think Gastelum will ba able to defend his takedown attempts and dominate this fight on the feet with his aggressive boxing.

Prediction: Kelvin Gastelum

Abhinav Kini: Both fighters are coming off defeats but I feel Kelvin Gastelum will get the job done over Jack Hermansson. Hermansson is coming off a knockout defeat and Gastelum packs heavy power. Gastelum is also notably a wrestler at heart so it won’t be the easiest time taking him down to Hermansson’s world. Add in the fact that Gastelum has had a considerably long layoff since November and seems to be in a good place, I predict he’ll win by knockout in the second or third round and remind the world why he was rated so highly in the first place.

Prediction: Kelvin Gastelum

Ryan Maccarthy: Kelvin Gastelum has a knack for always bringing the fight to his opponent. Both of these men are coming off tough defeats. It’s a huge bout for both of these fighters. Gastelum has lost 2 in a row to top contender Darren Till and middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. I expect Gastelum to come out hot and take it to Hermansson. I’m going with Gastelum via UD.

Prediction: Kelvin Gastelum

Eoin McKenna: In the Co-main, I see Hermansson shocking the fans with a second-round KO and finish. Gastelum is coming from a long lay off and seemed to be playing it safe in his last fight against Till, with both of them coming off the back of losses. I see an overly zealous Gastelum getting put to sleep by Hermansson in the 2nd round.

Prediction: Jack Hermansson

Ryan Galloway: After seeing Gastelum on the scales it’s hard to pick against him. Coming off back to back loses he’s going to be bringing his A game so I can see him either finishing Hermansson late or winning a decision.

Prediction: Kelvin Gastelum

Ryan Jarrell: Kelvin Gastelum is an absolute beast. This guys has a relentless style and has improved his overall skillset tremendously since we first saw him on TUF. On the other hand Hermansson is a tough fighter with a lot of power and the ability to get the finish. Gastelum better not make a mistake and leave an opening because the Joker will capitalize and has proven he has the ability to close the show. I believe Gastelum will resort to his wrestling here and control the fight this way en route to an important win putting him back in Title contention. Gastelum by UD.

Prediction: Kelvin Gastelum

UFC On ESPN 13 Main Event Staff Predictions

UFC Fight NightFeatherweight contenders Calvin Kattar and Dan Ige will square off in the UFC on ESPN 13 main event this evening (July 15). The winner will move one step closer to a shot at 145lb champion, Alexander Volkanovski. Who will that be? Let’s find out what the LowKickMMA staff think. Jordan Ellis: I’m backing Calving Kattar […]

UFC Fight Night

Featherweight contenders Calvin Kattar and Dan Ige will square off in the UFC on ESPN 13 main event this evening (July 15). The winner will move one step closer to a shot at 145lb champion, Alexander Volkanovski. Who will that be? Let’s find out what the LowKickMMA staff think.

Jordan Ellis: I’m backing Calving Kattar big time in this fight. I feel like he has beaten the better guys in more impressive fashion and has all it takes to be a potential title contender. Dan Ige on the other hand has struggled with recent steps up in competition and in my mind lost his last fight against Edson Barbosa. Ige is tough and game but I expect him to be outclassed and stopped tonight.

Prediction: Calvin Kattar

Ryan Galloway: The main event at this fight night between Calvin Kattar and Dan Ige is a very important match in the featherweight division. The winner of this will be back into title contention while the loser will have a ways to climb. In this matchup I favour Kattar as I think he is the better striker and has extremely heavy hands. If this fight goes into the later rounds maybe Ige can take him down and find a submission but I don’t really see it lasting that long.

Prediction: Calvin Kattar

Ryan Jarrell: I am really excited for this main event featherweight matchup between Kattar and Ige. As crazy as it may sound I think both of these guys are a little overlooked in this division and because of this a win here is important to keep the momentum rolling for each fighter. Ige is extremely durable and good everywhere the fight goes. However, I don’t think that’s going to be enough when it comes to Kattar’s elite level boxing. If Calvin can keep this fight where he wants it, and I see no reason why he cannot, I envision a stoppage after wearing down Ige and taking a little time to figure his style out. I have Calvin Kattar via round 3 TKO.

Prediction: Calvin Kattar

Who do you think will win the UFC on ESPN 13 main event?