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UFC Fight Night 103 Predictions: Will “The Prodigy” Return To Glory?

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Tomorrow night (Sun., January 15, 2017) the UFC will return in a high-profile time slot with UFC Fight Night 103 from Talking Stick Resort in Phoenix, Arizona. The card itself may not live up to the billing of a MMA event set to follow FOX’s NFL playoff broadcast, but it does feature the return of former welterweight and lightweight titleholder BJ Penn, who will look to begin a new chapter of his storied career against rising potential star Yair Rodriguez, who will look to use “The Prodigy” as his biggest win to date.

The card offers somewhat little name value aside from the main event, with Joe Lauzon vs. Marcin Held squaring off in the lightweight co-main event. Find out who we picked to win the two main bouts here:

BJ Penn vs. Yair Rodriguez:

Mike Drahota:

While “The Prodigy” has no doubt had one of the more historic and prominent careers in UFC history, it remains to be seen if his comeback attempt can bear any fruit. Since it was announced last year, Penn’s return has been blocked by seemingly endless injuries, a USADA suspension, and even a set of disturbing allegations that ultimately didn’t result in criminal charges. That makes me wonder if it was doomed before it began.

Predicting the future based on the past is at times a tough undertaking, however, so we can only focus on the facts we have. In that area, Penn simply has a massive challenge before him in the form of Rodriguez, arguably the UFC’s best rising star after the recent falls of Paige VanZant and Sage Northcutt. “El Pantera” is fast, powerful, and well rounded, and he also possesses quite possibly the most dynamic and unorthodox striking skills at the featherweight division.

“The Prodigy” has been training with both Greg Jackson and Jason Parillo, and he no doubt has the all-around game to pull off a big win. But with five losses in his last seven bouts, I just don’t see it in such a difficult fight. Penn could certainly shock the world, and his best chance to do so is probably on the ground with his world-class submission game. I just tend to believe Rodriguez’s length, speed, and accuracy will enable him to outclass Penn on the feet. Yair Rodriguez by unanimous decision.

Mike Henken:

As big of a fan of Penn as I am, I feel as if “The Prodigy” has quite a tough fight in front of him. Not only has he not won a fight since 2010, but he also hasn’t competed since being brutally stopped by Frankie Edgar in 2014. He will now attempt to make his return at 38 years of age against the red-hot prospect Rodriguez. The former TUF: Latin America winner has compiled a 5-0 record inside of the Octagon using his long and rangy striking style that includes a wide variety of spinning and jumping attacks.

Rodriguez also possesses somewhat solid wrestling and a seemingly solid ground game, although he prefers to strike. However, the Mexican can get wild at times, leaving open the opportunity for Penn to use his crisp and powerful boxing to land a big shot. Penn should also look to close the distance, as Rodriguez likes to fight from the outside. If the fight ends up on the mat, “The Prodigy” may also have a chance, as his jiu-jitsu is second to none. Now training under the tutelage of legendary trainer Greg Jackson, it’ll be interesting to see what form of Penn shows up. While I could see him pulling something off in Phoenix, I feel as if Rodriguez will stick and move on the outside, while picking Penn apart. Rodriguez by fourth-round TKO.

Joe Lauzon

Joe Lauzon vs. Marcin Held:

Mike Drahota:

This possible lightweight barnburner doesn’t possess any true ranking implication for the crowded 155-pound division, but it will almost assuredly be a lot of fun. Bonus leader Lauzon has seemingly alternated big performances with ho-hum ones, and he’s lost five out of his last nine bouts after dropping a controversial split decision to his longtime foe Jim Miller in his latest bout. Held, on the other hand, is a grappling wiz like Lauzon, but he has a lot more to prove after dropping his UFC debut fight against another longtime veteran in Diego Sanchez. Held has to win to begin living up to the promise he brought, and I think he gets it done here after Lauzon puts him in some dangerous spots. Held by unanimous decision.

Mike Henken:

The co-main event should be an intriguing fight between two entertaining fighters. Lauzon is extremely aggressive, constantly pushing forward with combinations. On the ground, he fights in a similar manner, relentlessly hunting for a finish. Held is also an aggressive fighter, although he tends to push forward looking for a takedown. On the canvas, Held is extremely dangerous with submissions, although Lauzon is a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a very strong grappler himself. I see “J-Lau” avoiding a grappling match and landing big shots on the feet. Lauzon by second-round TKO.

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Five Bold UFC Predictions For 2017

Now that we’ve said goodbye to 2016, UFC fans had a lot to be thankful for. The year was jam packed with excitement and intrigue that unfolded both in and outside the Octagon. From the first main event of the year at UFC 195 where Carlos Condit and Robbie Lawler threw down in an epic five-round war,

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Now that we’ve said goodbye to 2016, UFC fans had a lot to be thankful for. The year was jam packed with excitement and intrigue that unfolded both in and outside the Octagon.

From the first main event of the year at UFC 195 where Carlos Condit and Robbie Lawler threw down in an epic five-round war, to the UFC’s inaugural show in New York where Conor McGregor made history, to the classic UFC 206 card in December, there was no shortage of memorable events.

The last event of the year, last weekend’s UFC 207, was no exception, with Cody Garbrandt shocking the world by beating Dominick Cruz to win the bantamweight championship, and Amanda Nunes defending her own 135-pound strap by TKO’ing former bantamweight queen Ronda Rousey in less than a minute.

But as we head into 2017, there are many questions that hover over the promotion and its new owners. Amongst them are the fate of Jon Jones, who’s set to return to action in July, the future of the lightweight division in McGregor’s fatherhood-induced absence, and whether or not the fragmented fighter’s union movement can finally get its act together.

In light of these and countless other intriguing storylines, here are five bold predictions for 2017.

Mandatory Credit: Tracy Lee for USA TODAY Sports

1. Demetrious Johnson Will Break Anderson Silva’s Title Defense Record

Given “Mighty Mouse’s” dominance since winning the first-ever flyweight title in September 2012, this is perhaps the least “bold” of the predictions of this list.

The consensus No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter (at least until this guy comes back) has sliced through every contender at flyweight like a hot knife through butter – with nine defenses to his name and five of them coming by way of stoppage.

If he comes out victorious against his next opponent Joseph Benavidez – whom Johnson has bested twice before, the last time in just over two minutes – he’ll have tied Silva’s record of 10 defenses.

One more victory after that will write him into the history books yet again and at least to this writer, it’s a pretty safe bet DJ will get it done.

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UFC 207 Predictions: Will Ronda Rousey Silence The Doubters?

This evening (Fri., December 30, 2017), the UFC will end 2016 in style with UFC 207 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. They’re pulling out all the stops as well, with the main card featuring two high-profile bantamweight title fights and a potential title eliminator also at 135 pounds. However, it’s plain to

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This evening (Fri., December 30, 2017), the UFC will end 2016 in style with UFC 207 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

They’re pulling out all the stops as well, with the main card featuring two high-profile bantamweight title fights and a potential title eliminator also at 135 pounds. However, it’s plain to see the main focus for the event rests on the return of former women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey, who will return from a 13-month self-imposed exile to face surging current champion Amanda Nunes in the last UFC bout of 2016.

Rousey has created a different kind of buzz before this event, one that’s due to her insistence to not participate in any media events leading up to the fight. It’s left the MMA world divided down the middle on just what that means for ‘Rowdy,’ with many believing her to be mentally checked out after she was knocked out by Holly Holm last year while others are of the belief the extra time to focus on the fight will do her good.

It’s lent an eerie feeling of uncertainty to the lead-in, and if early projections are any indication, this card is going to be monstrous. That will be aided by quite possibly the most heated men’s bantamweight title fight in promotion history between Dominick Cruz and Cody Garbrandt. The year-ending spectacle is full of close fights that could produce some fireworks to end the year. Find out whom we picked in the main bouts here:

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas for USA TODAY Sports

Amanda Nunes vs. Ronda Rousey:

Mike Drahota:

It’s becoming cliché to say this fight is an incredibly tough bout to predict, but that’s only because it’s true. Obviously the Rousey we saw run through most of the women’s bantamweight division with six title defenses which all ended in a finish would be a big favorite here, but we simply don’t know where her head is at after she’s hardly appeared in the days before one of the biggest MMA events of 2016.

Like many believe, she could absolutely not want to be here and doing this because she feels she has to. Or she could be more motivated than ever after having utilized the extra time out of the spotlight to improve her skills. Her current physical shape would certainly suggest the latter, but again, it’s all coming down to her mindset.

Her opponent Nunes, on the other hand, appears calm and confident, and is receiving ridiculously little attention herself after a four-fight win streak with three finishes to secure the belt. ‘The Lioness’ is an absolute freight train in the first round, but the knock on her has always been that she slows as the rounds wear on. Rousey’s fights rarely drag on into even the middle rounds, however, so Nunes will have to put ‘Rowdy’ down or be submitted.

A stand-up battle obviously favors Nunes in a big way, while a grappling war is a no-brainer win for Rousey. Nunes has to keep the distance, but I think she’ll be able to do it with her longer reach and vast punching power. I could be wrong, and Rousey could absolutely lock on an armbar in under a minute; I just don’t think it will happen tonight. Nunes by R1 KO.

Rory Kernaghan:

The women’s bantamweight title fight at the top of UFC 207 is proving hard for me to separate. Obviously if Ronda Rousey is on form, she’s capable of anything. That said I really like the long punches and grappling skills of the champ Amanda Nunes. By all accounts, both fighters are in great shape, and I think this fight comes down to controlling the range. Nunes needs to keep the challenger on the end of her punches, but ‘Rowdy’ needs to work the clinch game. Either could win this on any given night in my opinion, but the only variable I see here is Rousey’s mindset. Nunes is determined, ready to fight and in shape. With Rousey, well, we just don’t know at this stage. Still a tough pick, but my gut says Nunes by TKO in round 2.

Mike Henken:

I have gone back and forth on this fight multiple times in my mind. Nunes, the champion, has looked phenomenal as of late, as she’s compiled a four fight win streak that was capped off by a brutal stoppage victory over Miesha Tate last July. I feel as if the Brazilian will undoubtedly have the striking advantage in terms of aggression and power, which has appeared to be a week point of Rousey’s in past years. With that said, the “Rowdy” one has always had the submission advantage over her opponent, but the “Lioness” holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has only been submitted once throughout her professional career. Rousey, in my opinion, does have the ability to finish any female in the division, although it’s tough to predict what form she’ll show up in after a year off. I could see this fight going either way, but I’ll go with my gut here. The “Rowdy” one appears to be in tremendous shape and perhaps the time away benefited her. Rousey by second round submission.

Dominick Cruz vs. Cody Garbrandt:

Mike Drahota:

The lead-in to this fight has also been an exciting one where Cruz has simply taken his already intelligent trash talk to a new level against his latest Team Alpha Male foil. I do think Garbrandt is the most dangerous prospect yet to come of Urijah Faber’s Sacramento-based camp, and his results of late show a knockout artist unlike any we’ve ever seen at 135 pounds in MMA. I was going to pick Garbrandt to shock the world by knocking Cruz out, but after witnessing how emotional “No Love” has been in front of the cameras and at the weigh-ins, I’m no longer confident it will play out in his favor. Cruz has an innate talent to frustrate his opponents inside the cage and out of it, and I believe he’ll use his movement to do just that on his way to a title defense. Cruz by unanimous decision.

Rory Kernaghan:

As Dominick Cruz and Cody Garbrandt get it on in the co-main event, we’ll know instantly how this fight is going to transpire. When that octagon door slams shut and they exchange for the first time, I feel the fight’s result will become apparent straight away. Dominick Cruz is the most elusive fighter in the division, and ‘No Love’ is the hardest hitter. If Cruz gets his rhythm going, or Garbrandt is able to land consistently, it will be a long night for the other man. My opinion-’The Dominator’ will just have too much IQ to lose his title in this bout. Although Garbrandt probably has the best chance at 135 pounds, I truly believe he is facing the divisional GOAT at UFC 207. Cruz by decision.

Mike Henken:

Garbrandt possesses a legitimate threat to the 135-pound title in my opinion. “No Love” has a strong wrestling background coupled with crisp boxing and brutal knockout power, which has been seen throughout his rise to the top. The question is, however, will he be able to knock out Cruz? The champion is one of the least-hit fighters in the sport due to his elite level movement and footwork. I simply feel as if “The Dominator” is too unique, too smart and too good. He’s been the best bantamweight in the world for years and I expect him to show why tonight. Cruz by unanimous decision.

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UFC on FOX 22 Predictions: Will PVZ Keep Rising?

The UFC returns with their second-to-last card of the year with tomorrow night’s (Sat., December 17, 2016) UFC on FOX 22 from Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. While it may not be receiving the attention of Ronda Rousey’s long-awaited return in the main event of UFC 207 on December 30, UFC on FOX still presents a

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The UFC returns with their second-to-last card of the year with tomorrow night’s (Sat., December 17, 2016) UFC on FOX 22 from Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California.

While it may not be receiving the attention of Ronda Rousey’s long-awaited return in the main event of UFC 207 on December 30, UFC on FOX still presents a packed main card featuring the potential rise of two women’s strawweight stars, two more young welterweight talents, the final bout of longtime top contender Urijah Faber, and an opening bout set to feature all-out fireworks between Alan Jouban and Mike Perry.

All in all, it’s set to be an action-packed night that sets the stage for the massive curtain-closer on what has been a groundbreaking year for the sport of MMA.

Find out whom we picked to win the main and co-main below.

Paige VanZant vs. Michelle Waterson:

Mike Drahota:

This is a bout that’s perfect for a FOX card, as either VanZant or Waterson will be made into one of MMA’s major future stars in front of a large audience, and a back-and-forth fight will boost both women’s popularity exponentially. I think ’12 Gauge’ is one of the toughest outs in the 115-pound division, although that can lead her to take too much damage, like in her bout with Rose Namajunas. She showed some flashy knockout ability in her most recent win over Bec Rawlings, yet the victory masked some deficiencies in her game.

It’s true Waterson has the experience edge on VanZant overall, however, “The Karate Hottie” still has much to prove after only UFC win over Angela Magana in July 2015. Injuries seem to be the only thing holding the former Invicta champion from rapidly climbing the rankings, and she clearly has all the tools to do just that. While she needs to shake the rust of only two fights in over two years, I think Waterson has the fight smarts and well-rounded technique to outlast the brute assault of ’12 Gauge.’ Waterson by unanimous decision.

Rory Kernaghan:

In this strawweight main event, I have to say I really like Paige VanZant’s chances. She’s really starting to grow as a fighter, and what we saw in her last fight was nothing short of incredible. She’s proved to be durable in the past too. Michelle Waterson undoubtedly has her chops in the striking, and has showed rapid improvement in the submission game too. It’s more of a gut pick for me, and I’m taking PVZ by decision.

Mike Henken:

A key factor that went into my prediction for this fight was Waterson’s injuries and lengthy layoff, as she hasn’t competed since July 2015, while VanZant has competed three times during that time. I feel as if “The Karate Hottie” is undoubtedly the more polished striker and she comes from one of the best camps in the world in Jackson’s MMA. I simply feel as if “12 Gauge” will look to push the pace and attempt to out grapple Waterson, which is why I see her securing a victory in her adopted home of Sacramento. VanZant by unanimous decision.

Mandatory Credit Joshua Dahl for USA TODAY Sports

Sage Northcutt vs. Mickey Gall:

Mike Drahota:

It seems like there’s a trend for this card, as the co-main event also features a match between two highly marketable potential future stars. Northcutt has been groomed to be just that ever since he cam into the UFC on the heels of his discovery n Dana White’s “Looking For A Fight,” and Gall was famously CM Punk’s first opponent in the UFC, decimating the former WWE champ with a brutal first-round submission at September’s UFC 203.

Each fighter will become a sudden big name in the incredibly talented welterweight division, but they won’t necessarily quite be contenders just yet. Regardless, I see Northcutt possessing a distinct edge in the striking here, because even though Gall often talks about his striking, he’s a grappler at heart. That are is Northcutt’s one weakness we’ve seen, with his only UFC loss coming to an arm-triangle choke from Bryan Barberena that seemed barely locked in, also at welterweight. I believe Northcutt could end this with a vicious flurry, but ultimately Gall will be too smart to get tagged and take the fight to the ground for a submission attempt. Gall by second round submission.

Rory Kernaghan:

Sage Northcutt’s only loss in the UFC so far came in the welterweight division, so it’s surprising to see him move up from lightweight again here. Mickey Gall, well we’ve really only seen him against CM Punk, which doesn’t say much in terms of how he’ll fare against someone who can fight. 3-0 as a professional, I can’t help but think Northcutt is a little too much to chew at this stage in Gall’s career. Both men are very likeable, but I expect a war in this bout. Northcutt with a grizzly third round TKO.

Mike Henken:

In my opinion, this fight could go either way. Both fighters are rising talents and both have a chance to win this fight. Gall likely has the grappling advantage and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him tap Northcutt out. Gall will also be the bigger man, although “Super Sage” will undoubtedly have the striking advantage. I expect to see Northcutt stick and move and if he can keep the fight standing, I see him taking this one. Northcutt via unanimous decision.

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UFC 206 Predictions: Will Failed Weight Cut Doom Anthony Pettis?

Despite a seemingly never-ending run of problems that make the vent seem somewhat doomed, tomorrow night (Dec. 10, 2016) the UFC will go forward with UFC 206 from the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. The card was supposed to feature the long-awaited return of former welterweight champ Georges St-Pierre, but those plans hit a snag when negotiations with

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Despite a seemingly never-ending run of problems that make the vent seem somewhat doomed, tomorrow night (Dec. 10, 2016) the UFC will go forward with UFC 206 from the Air Canada Centre in Toronto.

The card was supposed to feature the long-awaited return of former welterweight champ Georges St-Pierre, but those plans hit a snag when negotiations with the UFC’s new ownership stalled. Then, Daniel Cormier was forced out of his replacement main event light heavyweight title bout versus Anthony Johnson with a groin injury. The UFC then decided to strip Conor McGregor of the featherweight belt he never defended to create an interim championship for the card’s original Max Holloway vs. Anthony Pettis co-main, which became the main event on short notice, but even that fell apart when “Showtime” badly missed weight today.

Confused? No one can blame you. But UFC 206 will still roll on with only Holloway being able to win the interim featherweight championship and Donald Cerrone meeting Matt Brown in an exciting welterweight co-main event.

Rise above the mess and find out who we picked to win at UFC 206 right here.

Max Holloway vs. Anthony Pettis:

Mike Drahota:

The UFC’s most cobbled-together title fight ever received yet another disheartening blow when Pettis missed weight by an astonishing three pounds earlier today, amplifying the fact that he was somehow enjoying steak and eggs on this week’s UFC 206 Embedded. He had a golden opportunity after losing three straight at lightweight and receiving a title shot after just one win at featherweight, but now it’s safe to wonder if the botched attempt to make 145 pounds will affect his performance against “Blessed.”

It’s the wrong fight to have that playing against him, because Holloway has looked like nothing less than a destroyer during his nine-fight win streak that should probably already see him meeting Jose Aldo for the true belt. Pettis can end any fight in a flash, but I think his health will hold him back here against the lengthy, accurate striking of Holloway. I have to pick Holloway by decision.

Rory Kernaghan:

Tough call for me at the top of UFC 206, as both Holloway and Pettis have the tools to finish each other. Where I feel this fight is tipped in the balance is in the striking, and unfortunately for ‘Blessed,’ that’s not going in his favor. ‘Showtime’ has crazy power and technique, and although Holloway can bang and has speed, I feel his standing style will play against him tonight. I’m going to pick Anthony Pettis for the decision win.

Mike Henken:

In my opinion, Holloway is the clear pick in this 145-pound interim title bout and for good reason, as the Hawaiian has rattled off an incredibly impressive nine straight wins. He’s proven to be well-rounded fighter and he’s also proven that he’s without question one of the best fighters in the division, but I have a strange feeling about this bout. For some reason, I’m going to go with my gut and side with Pettis. “Showtime” has only one two of his last three bouts, but his featherweight debut was impressive to say the least, as he dismantled top-10 contender Charles Oliveira last August. Pettis’ submission game has always been underrated in my opinion, and his striking has always been second to none. I’m expecting a firefight. Pettis by decision.

Donald Cerrone vs. Matt Brown:

Mike Drahota:

This is a fight that could and should be somewhat of a throwback – a knockdown, drag-out brawl where both fighters don’t seem to like each other that much. However, there are some sizeable distractions in place for both competitors, as Cerrone’s involvement with the MMAAA as a founding member and his nearly complete flip flop that followed can’t have his mind only focused on fighting. For Brown, his back is against the wall in a big way after a recent down streak, and it seems he has perhaps generated some beef that seems a bit forced in order to pump himself up for a must-win fight. Time will tell if that helps or hurts him, but I can’t look past Cerrone’s recent results compared to Brown’s. Cowboy by TKO round two.

Rory Kernaghan:

Cerrone is one of those fighters who could beat most top ranked fighters if he’s on point. Arguably Matt Brown could be lumped in to that debate, but I feel ‘Cowboy’ has the greater potential in this fight. Although Brown tried some pre-fight mind games at the staredowns, I don’t think he’ll have Cerrone off his game. The Greg Jackson product has the smoother and more technical striking, and also the defensive skills and footwork to avoid getting in an all-out brawl. Still a tough pick, and it could go the other way, but my gut tells me ‘Cowboy’ for the second round TKO.

Mike Henken:

Brown was once a surging welterweight contender on a solid win streak, but he has since lost four of his last five with his last two losses coming by way of stoppage. Now, Cerrone is the red-hot 170-pounder, as he’s won three straight in the division, all by way of finish. I expect him to continue his streak in Canada and in impressive fashion. Cerrone by second round TKO.

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TUF24 Finale Predictions: Can Anyone Stop Demetrious Johnson?

The UFC will roll on with their packed year-ending schedule with tomorrow night’s (Sat., December 3, 2016) The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 24: Tournament of Champion Finale from the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. The show was a revolutionary one in that it was the first season of TUF to feature champions from other

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The show was a revolutionary one in that it was the first season of TUF to feature champions from other regional MMA promotions, with the flyweights vying for an unprecedented title shot against champion Demetrious Johnson, who many rank as the top pound-for-pound fighter in MMA today. Veteran Tim Elliott won the show and will face ‘Mighty Mouse’ in one of the more lopsided title bouts in UFC history, at least on paper.

In the co-main, Johnson’s nearest competitors and show coaches Joseph Benavidez and Henry Cejudo will meet for what should be the next shot at the winner of ‘Mighty Mouse’ vs. Elliott, but with both having been brutally finished by the champ, it’s going to be difficult to consider them anything close to a real threat to the throne right now.

Find out whom we picked to win the pivotal bouts below:

Demetrious Johnson vs. Tim Elliott:

Mike Drahota:

“Mighty Mouse” comes into this bout as a massive -1207 favorite according to BigOnSports.com, and with eight straight title defenses, I’m not sure even that’s enough. Elliott has looked great on the show, but I can’t seem to shake the fact he was viciously finished by Benavidez, and we all know what happened the last time Joe B. faced Johnson. MMA math may scarcely add up, but in my opinion, “Mighty Mouse” is the most dominant fighter in MMA. I expect him to toy with Elliott on the feet before dropping him and securing another solid stoppage win. Demetrious Johnson by first round submission.

Rory Kernaghan:

While Elliott has proved himself to be dangerous and worthy of a place in the UFC in the past, I don’t see him posing any kind of threat this weekend. Taking on not only the reigning, defending and undisputed champion, Demetrious Johnson is the premier fighter on the globe right now. Make no mistake, ‘Mighty Mouse’ is only improving, and I’d be extremely surprised if this fight goes more than a round. In fact, I’m going all out, and calling a sub-minute win for ‘DJ.’ Let’s get it; Johnson puts away Elliott early with a dominant KO.

Mike Henken:

Elliott is a UFC veteran and he’s had a good run on TUF, but I simply don’t feel as if he belongs in the cage with Johnson, a man who’s arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet. I expect “Mighty Mouse” to be the more well rounded fighter here and I see the champion getting a finish. Johnson by third round submission.

Joseph Benavidez vs. Henry Cejudo:

Mike Drahota:

I obviously expect this fight to be a lot closer than the mismatched main event, and the odds, which favor Benavidez at -195 according to BigOnSports, agree. Both coaches have looked largely flawless outside of their meetings with “Mighty Mouse,” a testament to just how good the champ is. But this bout should provide little of the fireworks Johnson displays in finishing his opponents, and could turn into a flyweight chess match thanks to the accomplished wrestling and grappling games of both men. While Olympic gold medalist Cejudo’s striking is coming along, I think Benavidez’ greater body of work should propel him to a hard-fought win. Benavidez by unanimous decision.

Rory Kernaghan:

Another great battle for the TUF 24 Finale, and two fighters who would arguably be champions if it weren’t for ‘Mighty Mouse.’ Benavidez has been a standout in the lighter weight classes for years, but Cejudo is a thoroughbred athlete with Olympic standards and has transitioned very well into MMA. If Benavidez is able to catch his man with one of those wild power punches, it could well change the dynamic of this fight. Other than that, I see Cejudo winning every round. I’d like to think this will be an all-out war, but I’m predicting a smothering wrestling performance in Vegas. Cejudo by unanimous decision.

Mike Henken:

This is a very intriguing match-up between two of the best 125-pounders around. Cejudo is without question the best wrestler in the division given his Olympic pedigree and his striking has steadily improved, but I’ve always felt as if Benavidez was he best flyweight not named Demetrious Johnson. He’ll have to avoid the takedown, but I expect Benavidez to mix up his striking and take home a very close victory. Benavidez by decision.

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