UFC predictions | UFC Betting Sites - The Best MMA Online Bookies

UFC Mexico Predictions: Which Top Lightweight Will Emerge?

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 post UFC Mexico Predictions: Which Top Lightweight Will Emerge? appeared first on LowKick MMA.

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 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.

The post UFC Mexico Predictions: Which Top Lightweight Will Emerge? appeared first on LowKick MMA.

UFC 204 Predictions: Did Anyone Go With Hendo?

A rivalry that has been stewing for over seven years – at least for Michael Bisping – will finally come to a conclusion when “The Count” meets Dan Henderson for the middleweight title in the main event of tomorrow night’s (Sat., October 8, 2016) UFC 204 from Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Having knocked out

The post UFC 204 Predictions: Did Anyone Go With Hendo? appeared first on LowKick MMA.

Having knocked out Bisping with quite possibly the most famous one-punch KO in MMA history, aging legend ‘Hendo’ didn’t seem to care at all about a rematch with his British counterpart; that is, until Bisping shockingly won the belt by knocking out Luke Rockhold earlier this year. That meant the brash talker was in possession of the only major MMA title to elude Henderson, an official UFC belt. The 46-year-old was suddenly (and understandably) interested in the one fight “The Count” wished he could get back.

We’ll see what transpires at this stage in the game.

In the co-main event, Gegard Mousasi will take on another aging legend in Vitor Belfort for a top spot at 185 pounds. All told, it promises to be a pivotal night for the direction of the middleweight division. Find out who we picked to win the main bouts:

Michael Bisping vs. Dan Henderson:

Mike Drahota:

The main event in Manchester certainly eschews anything even remotely close to adherence to the ‘official’ rankings, something that’s drawn the collective ire of the most of MMA’s fanbase since it was teased and announced. But it should be a fun one where many fans hope “Hendo” can recapture the magic of UFC 100 by knocking out “The Count’s” lights again.

Yet like most I’ve seen so far, I don’t think that’s going to happen here. Following his impressive, title sealing win over Luke Rockhold, Bisping rates a deserving -227 favorite over “Dangerous Dan,” who is a +192 dog according to BigOnSports.com. I think the 46-year-old will struggle to keep up with this new, and apparently best, form of Bisping, outlasting with a combination of volume striking and unrelenting pace.

Of course there’s always a chance for that “H-Bomb,” but I think “The Count” gets the finish and his revenge, which is rough considering we’ll never get to see MMA legend Henderson finally win the one title that’s eluded him if he does. Bisping by third round TKO is my pick.

Rory Kernaghan:

The difference between Bisping and Henderson compared to when they first fought is vast. In the past seven years I think ‘The Count’ has improved greatly; ‘Hendo’ however has began feeling the effects of a near 20-year career. No longer is he impossible to knock out, and Henderson’s recent record is riddled with brutal losses.

It would be foolish to say an upset win is not possible, but I see it as highly unlikely. Bisping is on fire right now, has revenge on his mind, and is also on home soil. I like his footwork and of course his combinations, but ‘The Count’ has really started setting for his shots now. I see a knockout in round one, but it will be Michael Bisping who has his hand raised.

Mike Henken:

When it comes to the main event, it’s a pretty easy pick for me, as I see Bisping getting the job done. In my opinion, Henderson’s only chance to win is if he can land his patented right hand once again. I expect the champion to use his speed and movement to avoid the big shots, however, while landing combinations of his own. “The Count” should also have the cardio advantage, and if he can wear Henderson down, he may be able to find a finish. Bisping by third round TKO.

Gegard Mousasi vs. Vitor Belfort:

Mike Drahota:

It’s cliché to see we’re no longer seeing the wrecking machine Vitor Belfort was just a few short years ago (although it seems like a lot longer), but it’s simply true. Chris Weidman and Ronaldo Souza destroyed him, and his only win in nearly three years ironically comes over Dan Henderson, whom he’s knocked out twice. Befort has looked out of sorts in the post-TRT era, and he’s a deserving +267 underdog at UFC 204. On the other hand, -328 favorite Mousasi looks like a man possessed as he attempts to wash himself of his disappointing knockout loss to Uriah Hall next year. He came guns blazing at UFC 200 and knocked out Thiago Santos in highlight reel fashion, and I think he’ll use his better all-around game to do just that to ‘The Phenom.’ Mousasi by second round knockout.

Rory Kernaghan:

Gegard Mousasi faces a shell of Vitor Belfort at UFC 204. ‘The Phenom’ is so far past his prime it’s almost hard to watch, but similar to the main event of the evening, there’s always a puncher’s chance. That said, against such a technically sound striker like ‘The Dreamcatcher’ that puncher’s chance is diminished greatly. I can’t see any way for Belfort to get the win here, and I’m predicting that Mousasi will be rampant and aggressive in his approach. Mousasi by TKO round one.

Mike Henken:

A few years back, Belfort was one of the most feared men in the division. His striking has typically been explosive and powerful, and his speed has always been second to none. I also always felt as if his ground game was underrated. However, he has lost two of his last three bouts, and has appeared to be declining. Mousasi, on the other hand, has only been picking up steam as of late, winning four of his last five bouts. His decorated kickboxing background and slick submission game should launch him towards a victory here, as I simply feel as if he’s the fresher fighter. Mousasi by first round TKO.

The post UFC 204 Predictions: Did Anyone Go With Hendo? appeared first on LowKick MMA.

UFC Fight Night 96 Predictions: Will ‘Magician’ Make Lineker’s Streak Disappear?

Most of the news in MMA this week has obviously been focused on Conor McGregor and his lightweight title bout against 155-pound champ Eddie Alvarez in the main event of November’s UFC 205 from New York, but the promotion still has a card scheduled for this weekend in the form of UFC Fight Night 96

The post UFC Fight Night 96 Predictions: Will ‘Magician’ Make Lineker’s Streak Disappear? appeared first on LowKick MMA.

In the main event, surging knockout puncher John Lineker will meet division returnee John Dodson for a chance a prime bantamweight positioning in the suddenly deep-stacked 135-pound class. Lineker has won five straight including two by knockout and one by submission, while Dodson recently ran through Manny Gamburyan and has only lost to pound-for-pound king Demetrious Johnson since late 2009. In the co-main event, former Bellator lightweight champion Will Brooks will continue his attempt to ruse up the UFC ranks against the exciting Alex Oliveira.

Will it be “Hands of Stone” or “The Magician” who puts on the best performance in Portland? Find out who we picked below:

John Lineker vs. John Dodson:

Mike Drahota:

This fight is flying under the radar, especially during a week where potentially the biggest card of all-time was announced. Still, this is one of the most explosive 135-pound bouts the UFC could have put on, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see either fighter win with a brutal KO

No. 3-ranked Lineker is actually a +101 underdog to No. 10 and -121 favorite Dodson according to BigOnSports.com, but that could be a bold prediction. “Hands of Stone” has shown a willingness to slug it out with any bantamweight as evident by his recent wins over Michael McDonald and Francisco Rivera, and he appears to have a chin to match his hands.

Dodson is always a dangerous out who can end a fight shockingly fast, and his wrestling is solid as well. I just think Lineker’s pressure will allow him to out-score Dodson, opening up the way for a finish in the middle rounds. Lineker by round three TKO.

Rory Kernaghan:

Both John Lineker and his namesake Dodson have serious power in their hands, and both have carried it up from flyweight to bantamweight. The big difference between their styles is in the way they deliver this power. Dodson utilizes great footwork and speed, whereas Lineker is one of your stand-and-bang type strikers. Neither man has ever been finished by strikes, in fact ‘The Magician’ has never been stopped. In this fight I can’t see Dodson overcoming that scary power of ‘Hands of Stone,’ the match up reminds me too much of Lineker vs. McCall. I don’t think we’ll see a finish, but I predict a decision win for John Lineker.

Will Brooks vs. Alex Oliveira:

Mike Drahota:

Brooks was impressive as Bellator champ but looked a bit flat in his UFC debut win over Ross Pearson, something that could be attributed to the “Octagon jitters” we often see from hyped competitors.

“Ill” now needs to prove he belongs amongst the top 155-pound fighters in the world, and I think Oregon will be the perfect place for him to do so. Brazilian “Cowboy” Oliveira is a tough, unique fighter who brings a strong submission game, but he’s not one that Brooks, who rates as a -280 favorite according to BigOnSports, should be unable to outclass on the feet. I do not think it will end with a stoppage, however. Brooks by unanimous decision.

Rory Kernaghan:

Former Bellator lightweight champion Will Brooks is perhaps the brightest prospect in the division. That said, Alex Oliveira is going to be huge at lightweight, if he can make the limit that is. It’s been a few years since ‘Cowboy’ fought at 155 pounds, and now there’s no IV rehydration to help either. The Brazilian has some nice hands and ground game, but I feel the wrestling base and hard hands of Brooks will be too much. I’m predicting a second round KO for Will Brooks.

The post UFC Fight Night 96 Predictions: Will ‘Magician’ Make Lineker’s Streak Disappear? appeared first on LowKick MMA.

UFC Fight Night 94 Predictions: Just Another Cyborg Beatdown?

The UFC rolls on with a jam-packed month of September tomorrow night (Sat., September 24, 2016) with UFC Fight Night 95 from Ginásio Nilson Nelson in Brasília, Brazil. The main bout features the second UFC appearance of dominant Invicta FC featherweight champion Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino, whose dramatic weight cut has been the main focus of most

The post UFC Fight Night 94 Predictions: Just Another Cyborg Beatdown? appeared first on LowKick MMA.

The UFC rolls on with a jam-packed month of September tomorrow night (Sat., September 24, 2016) with UFC Fight Night 95 from Ginásio Nilson Nelson in Brasília, Brazil.

The main bout features the second UFC appearance of dominant Invicta FC featherweight champion Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino, whose dramatic weight cut has been the main focus of most news about the card this week. As for the actual fight, “Cyborg” will continue facing relatively unknown opponents in 6-1 UFC newcomer Lina Lansberg. Not surprisingly, the numbers are once again in Justino’s favor in no small way.

In the co-main event former UFC bantamweight champion Renan Barao will seek his first win at featherweight after he lost a close decision to Top 10-ranked Jeremy Stephens earlier this year. “The Baron” will also face an unranked foe in Phillipe Nover, proving that the odds are predicting big wins for the hometown Brazilian favorites.

Will the results be any different for the long shots in Brasilia? Find out if we think so below.

Cyborg vs. Lina Lansberg:

Mike Drahota:

It’s hard to predict any result but yet another huge “Cyborg” knockout here, and I feel like the -1285 favorite Justino comes in at according to BigOnSports.com could be a bigger number, just as the debuting Lansberg could be a bigger underdog than +712.

Justino has endured a taxing weight cut to make 140 again; that much we all know, but that’s probably the only hope Lansberg truly has. I think “Cyborg” will show up and take care of business like she usually does despite the cut. Can’t see anything but a first round KO for Cyborg.

Rory Kernaghan:

Cris Cyborg continues her UFC journey against a mostly unknown, at least in the MMA world, Lina Lansberg this weekend. ‘Elbow Princess’ is the much smaller fighter, as are most compared to the towering figure of Cristiane Justino, but she does have some striking chops. She’s won multiple championships in the Muay Thai realm, and her MMA record stands at 6-1.

The difference here, aside from the size, also is the experience. Cyborg has been fighting at the top level in mixed martial arts her entire career, and I feel this will show. Add in the fact she is absolutely huge and her levels of sheer aggression are through the roof–you have a simple conclusion. Cyborg by KO in round one.

Mike Henken:

‘Cyborg’ may have endured a brutal weight cut to get down to 140 pounds, but I feel as if this is a squash match. The Brazilian slugger typically rehydrates well, and once she does, I don’t see Lansberg having an answer for her power. ‘Cyborg’ by first round knockout.

Renan Barao vs. Phillipe Nover:

Mike Drahota:

Much has been made of Barao’s demise, and perhaps deservedly so, but if the scorecards were tipped in his favor just a bit against Stephens, we might be talking about a future contender at featherweight. Barao is feeling pressure to perform in his homeland, yet I think the unranked Nover is the perfect opponent to get off his recent snide. He’s a sizeable -455 favorite against +360 dog Nover according to BigOnSports, and the line seems about on the money. I think “The Baron” will be able to get this to the ground and use his top-shelf jiu-jitsu skills. Barao by second round submission.

Rory Kernaghan:

Former bantamweight champion Renan Barao has suffered a dip in his form recently. After dropping a decision to the underdog Jeremy Stephens in his featherweight debut, the Brazilian Nova Uniao fighter is in desperate need of a win. In Nover you have a BJJ black belt under ‘Soca,’ but he is yet to find his feet in the UFC. After winning a close split against Yui Nam, Nover dropped one to Tukhugov, and I don’t see him rebounding against the highest caliber opponent of his career. Barao will simply be too much, too fast and too powerful in my opinion. I’m picking ‘The Baron’ for a first round TKO.

Mike Henken:

In my opinion, Barao isn’t the fighter he once was. It’s clear that he has hit some rough times since the days when he was considered to be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. With that being said, however, he remains not only a very talented fighter, but a very well rounded fighter as well. He’s explosive on the feet with a lethal Muay Thai Arsenal, and his ground game is over looked. Nover has lost four of his last five and I expect that trend to continue in Brazil. Barao by unanimous decision.

The post UFC Fight Night 94 Predictions: Just Another Cyborg Beatdown? appeared first on LowKick MMA.

UFC Fight Night 94 Predictions: Will ‘Diamond’ Keep Rolling?

The UFC rolls on with the second of four cards throughout the month of September in the form of Saturday night’s (September 17, 2016) UFC Fight Night 94 from the State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas. In the main event, surging lightweight Dustin ‘Diamond’ Poirier will look to prove he’s truly ready to be placed among the

The post UFC Fight Night 94 Predictions: Will ‘Diamond’ Keep Rolling? appeared first on LowKick MMA.

The UFC rolls on with the second of four cards throughout the month of September in the form of Saturday night’s (September 17, 2016) UFC Fight Night 94 from the State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas.

In the main event, surging lightweight Dustin ‘Diamond’ Poirier will look to prove he’s truly ready to be placed among the top names of the talented 155-pound division when he meets perennial top 10 contender Michael Johnson, who will be competing inside the Octagon for the first time since his disappointing loss to Nate Diaz last December.

In the co-main, two middleweights seeking a spot in the top-heavy 185-pound fray will throw down when Uriah Hall meets Derek Brunson. Hall has show flashes of both brilliance and inconsistency lately, while Brunson has looked like a runaway freight train, albeit against lower-ranked competition. Based on how these two fighters’ bouts have played out in the past, this fight has the potential for some serious fireworks.

Find out who we picked to win these two pivotal bouts below.

Dustin Poirier vs. Michael Johnson:

Mike Drahota:

With four straight dominating wins over increasingly more difficult opponents, it’s a surprise to me that the odds have Poirier, who comes in at only a -157 favorite according to BigOnSports.com, picked so slightly. True, ‘Menace’ has long been a force in arguably the UFC’s deepest division, but there are several question marks about his mental state after he’s taken the entire year off following his loss to Diaz.

I believe Johnson has the wrestling advantage, yet he seems focused on using predominantly striking, something I believe could get him in trouble against the recent bulldozing form of the ‘Diamond.’ Johnson may have retooled his game in the time off, but Poirier seems ultra-confident and ultra-powerful after moving back up to 155. ‘Diamond’ by second-round TKO.

Rory Kernaghan:

I like the new version of Poirier; he’s a real killer at lightweight. Surprising us with a renewed vigor against Joe Duffy and Bobby Green, ‘Diamond’ has shown improvements in all departments. He faces in Michael Johnson a proven beast, but MJ has suffered two straight losses. In his fight against Nate Diaz, ‘The Menace’ was taught a valuable boxing lesson. This remains a tough fight to pick though, as either man is very hard to beat on any given day. This fight will come down to who establishes the jab in the stand up and the control in the grappling exchanges. For my money, it’s going to be a decision for Poirier.

Mike Henken:

This fight may seem like a fairly even contest at first glance, but I see “The Diamond” earning a decisive victory here. Johnson’s speed and power cannot be overlooked, but he’s struggled as of late, dropping two consecutive bouts. Poirier, on the other hand, has won four straight since moving up to 155-pounds. He’s looked stronger, faster, and rejuvenated, and I see him continuing his winning trend in Texas. Poirier by unanimous decision.

Derek Brunson vs. Uriah Hall:

Mike Drahota:

This fight is another that could have ‘Fight of the Night’ written on it, as both Hall and Brunson bring heated action in their own respective ways. ‘Primetime’ obviously uses his flashy Karate-based striking background, while the more hard-nosed Brunson brings a pressure-heavy, brute force striking game in addition to some power wrestling tactics. With momentum in his favor, BigOnSports.com has Brunson a -179 favorite, with Hall a +154 underdog.

Hall has exhibited the full potential that he brought over from TUF 17 in the Octagon, and he’s also been seen coasting too often to be a top contender. However, his emphatic win over Gegard Mousasi last year proves he can defeat the best when on his game. Brunson has steamrolled through competition as of late, winning four straight including three in a row by TKO. He’ll give “Primetime” fits with his pressure and takedown attempts, but I think Hall will be able to stay out of range just long enough to outscore the Jackson’s MMA product. Uriah Hall by decision in a close bout.

Rory Kernaghan:

I love this fight. Hall has proven to be an absolute beast when he’s on form, and Brunson is one of those naturally explosive knockout artists you just love to watch. Unfortunately for ‘U-Hall,’ the Ultimate Fighter veteran can suffer from dips in form. He is coming off a disappointing loss to Robert Whittaker, but history tells us Hall will be rampant in trying to regain his form. Technique and a wider arsenal wins this fight, as I pick Hall for the first-round knockout.

Mike Henken:

In my opinion, the co-main event could very well feature a striking battle between two explosive strikers. Hall has proven himself to be one of the most exciting strikers in the division, although he is coming off of a disappointing setback loss to Robert Whittaker. Prior to that, however, “Primetime” scored an emphatic stoppage victory over Gegard Mousasi, proving that he could finish anyone in the 185-pound class. Brunson, on the other hand, also packs serious power as he’s scored three straight TKO victories and four straight wins overall. This fight is a toss up for me and I could see it playing out multiple ways, but I’ll go with Hall by way of third-round stoppage.

The post UFC Fight Night 94 Predictions: Will ‘Diamond’ Keep Rolling? appeared first on LowKick MMA.

UFC 203 Predictions: Does CM Punk Have A Chance?

Tomorrow (Sat., September 10, 2016) the UFC will roll on with their packed fall schedule with UFC 203 from the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. The event is a unique one featuring heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic’s first title defense in the first-ever major UFC from his native Cleveland. He’ll square off with former Strikeforce, DREAM,

The post UFC 203 Predictions: Does CM Punk Have A Chance? appeared first on LowKick MMA.

Tomorrow (Sat., September 10, 2016) the UFC will roll on with their packed fall schedule with UFC 203 from the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.

The event is a unique one featuring heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic’s first title defense in the first-ever major UFC from his native Cleveland. He’ll square off with former Strikeforce, DREAM, and K-1 champ Alistair Overeem, who, at 36 years old, has enjoyed a late-career resurgence to finally contend for a UFC title.

In the co-main event, former champion Fabricio Werdum will face late replacement Travis Browne, a fighter he already beat convincingly, after Ben Rothwell got injured.

But the card’s most intriguing bout is the debut of former WWE champion CM Punk, who will meet 25-year-old Mickey Gall on the main card. The odds would say Punk has absolutely no shot at a victory.

Find out who we picked below.

Stipe Miocic vs. Alistair Overeem:

Mike Drahota:

In my eyes this is a heavyweight title fight that may not be getting the amount of hype it deserves. Miocic and Overeem are two of the most powerful knockout artists in the game today, and this fight could truly end with the time-honored, cliché ‘don’t blink’ fashion.

Overeem comes in a slight underdog at +105 according to BigOnSports.com. He’s looked absolutely rejuvenated thanks to a late-career renaissance of sorts due to Greg Jackson, and the main part of that is his patience. Where he once expended his entire tank going for the early knockout as a hulking post-Strikeforce behemoth, Overeem has since shed several pounds and become more focused on using his world-class kickboxing skill efficiently.

The champ Miocic has some of the best boxing in the game, and he proved he can destroy fighters who stalk him down with his first-round starching of Fabricio Werdum back in May. Miocic is currently a slight -125 favorite.

His takedown game is solid too, but he may not want to test his submission defense against the under-touted ground game of Overeem. Miocic could certainly catch “The Reem” with a well-timed shot, but Overeem appears focused and patient enough to earn the nod here. Overeem by second round TKO in what should be a great fight.

Rory Kernaghan:

How hard it’s been to come up with a pick for this fight! The main event of UFC 203 has all the makings of a classic, but so many variables to consider. Against pretty much any other heavyweight in the division Miocic would have the technical striking advantage, but that’s perhaps not the case with Alistair Overeem. The former K-1, Strikeforce and DREAM champion has arguably the best striking in the division, possibly the entire UFC roster, but at heavyweight the chance of being finished is increased tenfold.

I like Stipe’s footwork and angles, the way he can strike while moving in any direction is a thing of beauty, and he has a great chin. ‘The Reem’ has incredible power, but it’s whether he gets the chance to use it or not that will prove pivotal. Even at the time of writing this, I’m flitting between picks. I’m gonna go with Stipe Miocic by TKO in the middle rounds, but don’t quote me on that, especially not at the bookies.

Mike Henken:

I’ve gone back-and-forth on this fight in my head and it’s been a difficult pick for me to make. Miocic has looked incredible as of late, and he’s undoubtedly one of the most well-rounded fighters in the division. His boxing is crisp and powerful, his wrestling is strong, and his conditioning and athleticism are second to none amongst the heavyweights. With Overeem, however, Miocic will be facing off with a much more experienced fighter, and perhaps a fighter that has never looked better.

“The Reem” has won four straight over the division’s elite with three of those victories coming by way of stoppage. His wrestling has seemed to improve in recent memory, and his striking speaks for itself. In fact, while Miocic may be the faster man on the feet, I feel as if Overeem is the better striker overall. “The Reem’s” chin has always been a question, but I’m going to go with my gut here. Overeem by fourth round TKO.

Fabricio Werdum vs. Travis Browne:

Mike Drahota:

Former champion Werdum has his back against the wall after his one-sided knockout loss to Miocic, but he may have caught a break when his original opponent Ben Rothwell withdrew and he signed to face replacement Travis Browne, whom he already beat in dominant style two-and-a-half years ago.

Werdum will come as a significant -200 favorite, and Browne has also looked far from the once-dominant destroyer he was when he was at Jackson’s, and his one-sided loss to Cain Velasquez at UFC 200 was to a fighter Werdum submitted to win the belt last year. MMA math may not add up, but unless ‘Vai Cavalo’ is on the decline of his long career, I see him out-matching “Hapa” in all areas of the game aside from strength and athleticism. Werdum by decision.

Rory Kernaghan:

Co-main event stars Werdum and Browne create a little less trouble for me in terms of predictions. ‘Vai Cavalo’ already holds one very dominant victory over ‘Hapa’ and I don’t see a different result coming from the rematch. The former champion has the massive advantage in the grappling exchanges, and I actually see this fight going to the ground very quickly. The Brazilian grappler needs this fight to be more than a win; it needs to be a big statement. After getting stone cold ko’d against Miocic, I don’t imagine ‘Vai Cavalo’ will be taking a single chance in the feet. Cut and dry, this is a first round submission for Fabricio Werdum.

Mike Henken:

Aside from an early scare, Werdum dominated Browne for five rounds in their first meeting back in 2014, and this time, “Hapa” will be coming in on short notice. Despite “Vai Cavalo” getting destroyed in his last bout, I see him taking this one rather easily. His grappling is leaps and bounds above Browne’s, in my opinion, and he should be able to once again out strike his opponent. The Brazilian also seems to be more motivated than ever to earn another title shot. Browne’s power can never be counted out, but I’m going to go with Werdum by unanimous decision.

CM Punk vs. Mickey Gall:

Mike Drahota:

Even though Phillip ‘CM Punk’ Brooks’ entire foray into the UFC has been met with a ton of criticism, I must admit that his bout against the inexperienced but promising Gall is an intriguing one that will make people want to tune in, and isn’t that why CM Punk was signed to the promotion in this era where hype and buzz tops actual rank most every time?

Without a single amateur or professional bout to his credit, Punk comes in as a massive +381 underdog according to BigOnSports, and perhaps for good reason. Despite having only four total MMA bouts himself, you’ll have to bet big on -476 favorite Gall to make any substantial money.

Whispers are that his training hasn’t gone along as hoped, but after almost two years of speculation, he’ll step into the Octagon nonetheless. A win would be huge for him, but the vibe I got from his many pre-fight interviews and his short open workout session was that he didn’t fully want to be there. I could be wrong, but it also seems Gall is aware of the opportunity he has, and will seize it. Gall by second round submission is the pick.

Rory Kernaghan:

CM Punk’s UFC debut will be disappointing in my opinion. Perhaps not for fans of Mickey Gall, but certainly for Brooks’ followers. If his most recent training footage is anything to go by, Punk will be lucky to make it five minutes with an actual fighter with real combat experience. There are no technical views on this fight from my perspective-it’s a squash match, any other result would genuinely leave me suspicious or at least highly surprised. How will it go? Well, how would the average guy fare? Yep, it’s a one-way ticket to you got KTFO’ville. Gall by first round KO.

Mike Henken:

To be honest, I’m not sure what to expect from this bout. Gall has competed in two professional bouts, and came out on top in both by way of submission, but he’s still very inexperienced. Punk, on the other hand, has never competed in a cage before. The former professional wrestler has, however, been training under legendary kick boxer Duke Roufus with one of the best teams in the world, Roufusport. I’d have to assume that Roufus got Punk somewhat prepared to fight. For that reason, I’ll go with Punk by decision.

*UFC 203 Offer:

Get a $10 free bet on UFC 203.

http://www.bigonsports.com/bookmaker/

Simply Click on the link above & open an account with Bookmaker.eu, then email at [email protected] with your Bookmaker account.

Your free bet will be credited within 24 hours.

The post UFC 203 Predictions: Does CM Punk Have A Chance? appeared first on LowKick MMA.