UFC 279 is only a few days away and I’d be lying if I said I was hyped for this one. Despite a few of my favourite fighters competing on this card, it doesn’t feel like a PPV week. Hopefully, the card delivers, there are a lot of fun matchups throughout that could make this card special, despite my lack of enthusiasm leading to it.
Johnny Walker vs Ion Cutelaba – Light Heavyweight Division
When I speak of fun matchups on this card, this one springs to mind instantly. Surely, someone has to get knocked out? If Johnny doesn’t bring the fight to Ion, I expect Ion to bring the fight to him, especially in round one where Ion is the most dangerous. If this fight doesn’t go like how I expect it to be, then all Johnny has to do is stay on the outside and catch Ion on the way in. After his dominant win over Devin Clark, I’d expect Ion to shoot for takedowns and attempt to ground and pound Walker to help gas him out. This is a tough pick but in a firefight, I’m backing Cutelaba’s chin over Walker’s, especially as Walker always leaves his chin exposed when he throws.
Prediction: Ion Cutelaba by KO in round one
Irene Aldana vs Macy Chiasson – Women’s Bantamweight Division
Big fight in the bantamweight division, especially for Macy Chiasson who faces her biggest test yet in Irene Aldana. Unfortunately, I think Macy has her work cut out for her on Saturday night. Irene is one of the best boxers in the division and Macy has a habit to be flat-footed when a flurry of strikes comes her way. If I was her grappling is the best method of victory. Keep Irene on the fence or the mat and control her sapping the energy out of her early. I’m backing Irene despite this, I think she’ll win by decision.
Prediction: Irene Aldana by decision
Kevin Holland vs Daniel Rodriguez – Catchweight (180lbs)
This is a good fight. Looking into this one, it’s a pretty tough one to call. Looking at Rodriguez’s fights, one thing he always seems to struggle with is catching low kicks, something Holland excels at. Normally, the best way to get the better of KH is to wrestle him, Marvin Vettori and Derek Brunson have the blueprint. However, that’s not Daniel’s game, so I expect this to be a kickboxing fight and when you factor in the extra 10 pounds Kevin doesn’t have to cut, I think we could see one of his best performances yet. It’ll definitely be a close one, but I’m betting on Holland to edge the fight. This could be the fight of the night.
Prediction: Kevin Holland by decision
Li Jingliang vs Tony Ferguson – Welterweight Division
At UFC 274, we saw Tony get knocked out for the first time ever in his career. I’m worried the same will happen on Saturday. Despite a brilliant round one against Michael Chandler, taking a knockout like the one he did, could lead to him getting finished again and with someone with the power of ‘The Leech’ at a higher weight class, I think Tony could be in for a long night. Tony’s striking defence has always been weak and he’ll have to be wiser if he’s going to win on Saturday. I’m going with ‘The Leech’.
Prediction: Li Jingliang by TKO in round two
Khamzat Chimaev vs Nate Diaz – Welterweight Division
The UFC has really fed Nate to the wolves here. I think Khamzat is going to do what he does best which is: take Nate down and smash his face in. That being said, Khamzat cannot get complacent on the ground. Nate has a dangerous guard and can catch a triangle choke out of nowhere if he’s not careful. Nate’s durability could help him here as well. If Khamzat gasses out after round three, if we make it that far, Nate’s known for coming on strong towards the end of fights and we know he won’t quit even if he’s getting picked apart. However, I feel like Nate’s scar tissue will be a factor in this fight and I’m worried this could end in a doctor’s stoppage between rounds. So I’m going obviously picking Chimaev by TKO at the end of round 4.
TheWrestlingFallacy 