Here are my predictions for UFC 219. Card is subject to change so come back closer to the event for up to date predictions.
MAIN CARD
FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP: Cris Cyborg (c) vs Holly Holm (#2)
Cyborg is terrifying, Holm is an incredible fighter. I'm really torn here, I'm going to go with a decision, but I really cant decide who to choose, so my answer will probably change several time before the event.
PREDICTION: Decision, for now... Holm?
LIGHTWEIGHT: Khabib Nurmagomedov (#2) vs Edson Barboza (#4)
If Khabib has sorted out his weight and diet issues, he is one of the biggest threats in the UFC, if not, this fight might not even happen.
PREDICTION: Khabib Nurmagomedov, 1st round submission.
BANTAMWEIGHT: Jimmie Rivera (#4) vs John Lineker (#6)
Lineker is great, but I don't see him as being one of the top bantamweights, Rivera is definitely near that level, so i think he gets a relatively easy win here.
PREDICTION: Jimmie Rivera, 3rd round KO.
STRAWWEIGHT: Cynthia Calvillo (#6) vs Carla Esparza (#9)
Calvillo looks good and well-rounded, but Esparza has had much tougher opposition. I think Calvillo could be in line to take the title next, so i hope she gets another win.
PREDICTION: Cynthia Calvillo, 2nd round KO.
WELTERWEIGHT: Carlos Condit (#8) vs Neil Magny (#12)
I'm really not sure here, Both guys are killers on their day, so it might come down to who's in better shape come fight day. I prefer Magny, so I'll go with him, but I think this could be very close.
PREDICTION: Neil Magny, decision.
PRELIMINARY CARD
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT: Khalil Rountree Jr. vs Michal Oleksiejczuk
Don't know much about either of these guys, but Michal has a better record, so I'll go for him.
PREDICTION: Michal Oleksiejczuk, erm... 3rd round Submission?
LIGHTWEIGHT: Dan Hooker vs Marc Diakiese
I'm a big fan of Diakiese, but this is a big challenge for him. A win could help elevate either guy and put them within a few fight of a title shot.
PREDICTION: Marc Diakiese, 2nd round KO.
LIGHTWEIGHT: Myles Jury (#15) vs Rick Glenn
Hmm, Glenn could get the win here, but Jury is still favourite for me.
PREDICTION: Myles Jury, decision.
FLYWEIGHT: Louis Smolka (#13) vs Matheus Nicolau
I don't know too much about Nicolau, but he doesn't seem to have faced anyone towards the top of the division and certainly no one as big as Smolka has fought.
PREDICTION: Louis Smolka, decision.
EARLY PRELIMINARY CARD
MIDDLEWEIGHT: Marvin Vettori vs Omari Akhmedov
This could be quite close, but I think Vettori will take it on the decision.
PREDICTION: Marvin Vettori, decision.
Are you excited for 219, who do you think will win each bout and who will walk out UFC weight Champion? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
0 comments: