Here are my predictions for UFC 217. Card is subject to change so come back closer to the event for up to date predictions.
MAIN CARD
MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP: Michael Bisping (c) vs Georges St-Pierre
This is a big fight! The return of GSP and the continuation of Bisping's much overlooked title run. I think Bisping takes it, but you never know with GSP.
PREDICTION: Michael Bisping, 2nd round KO.
BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP: Cody Garbrandt (c) vs TJ Dillashaw (#2)
I really think Garbrandt can hold the title for a long time and even though Dillashaw has a lot of talent, he had nothing on Dominick Cruz and Garbrandt won that fight with ease.
PREDICTION: Cody Garbrandt, 2nd round KO.
STRAWWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP: Joanna Jedrzejczyk (c) vs Rose Namajunas (#4)
Joanna wins, simple.
PREDICTION: Joanna Jedrzejczyk, 3rd round KO.
WELTERWEIGHT: Stephen Thompson (#2) vs Jorge Masvidal (#4)
Masvidal has proven himself at the top level many times and I think Thompson is just as good as Tyron Woodley. I hope Thompson wins, but it's really tough to call and I think it goes to the judges
PREDICTION: Stephen Thompson, decision.
MIDDLEWEIGHT: Johny Hendricks vs Paulo Borrachinha
Unbeaten Borrachinha has a chance to get his biggest win yet, it won't be easy and whoever wins this is making a statement to the Middleweight division.
PREDICTION: Paulo Borrachinha, decision.
PRELIMINARY CARD
LIGHTWEIGHT: James Vick vs Joseph Duffy
I like both these guys, but Duffy's experience against better fighters gives him the edge. I hope it goes the distance, but don't think it will.
PREDICTION: Joseph Duffy, 2nd round KO.
HEAVYWEIGHT: Walt Harris vs Mark Godbeer
Two knockout artists here, even though I'd usually give it to the guy who's better on the ground in this scenario, but I don't think Godbeer wants it to go there. His superior record makes me think he takes it though, the only question is how long does it take?
PREDICTION: Mark Godbeer, decision? Maybe gets the KO in round 3.
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT: Ion Cutelaba vs Michal Oleksiejczuk
I hope this is better than I'm expecting it to be, I'll give it to Cutelaba because he has more experience.
PREDICTION: Ion Cutelaba, decision.
WELTERWEIGHT: Randy Brown vs Mickey Gall
I'm a huge fan of Mickey Gall and the fact I don't know much about Brown, makes this an easy decision for me, but I think he'll be tested.
PREDICTION: Mickey Gall, 2nd round submission.
EARLY PRELIMINARY CARD
HEAVYWEIGHT: Oleksiy Oleinik (#9) vs Curtis Blaydes (#12)
Curties Blaydes might be the coolest name I've ever heard, and props to him for the nickname 'razor'. Despite that, I think Oleinik takes it on the ground.
PREDICTION: Oleksiy Oleinik, 3rd round submission.
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT: Ovince Saint Preux (#6) vs Corey Anderson (#7)
I think Anderson might take this, OSP is a solid fighter, but I think Anderson clips him.
PREDICTION: Corey Anderson, 2nd round KO.
BANTAMWEIGHT: Aiemann Zahabi vs Ricardo Ramos
Both guys have good records and it's difficult to seperate them, I'm going to have to go with Ramos, he has slightly more experience and the reach advantage.
PREDICTION: Ricardo Ramos, decision.
Are you excited for UFC 217, who do you think will win each bout and who will walk out UFC Middleweight Champion? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
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