Topic: UFC 259
UFC 259: Błachowicz vs. Adesanya
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- Saturday 03.06.2021 at 10:00 PM ET
- U.S. Broadcast: Pay Per View | Prelims: ESPN
- Promotion: Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Ownership: Endeavor
- Venue: UFC APEX
- Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
- Enclosure: Octagon
- TV Announcers: Jon Anik, Joe Rogan, Daniel Cormier
- Ring Announcer: Bruce Buffer
- Post-Fight Interviews: Joe Rogan
- PPV Buys / Buyrate: 800,000 | TV Ratings:
- MMA Bouts: 15
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Promotion Links:
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Event Links:
| Bout | Info | |
|---|---|---|
| Jan Błachowicz defeats Israel Adesanya via Decision, Unanimous | 5 Rounds, 25:00 Total Bout Page | |
| Amanda Nunes defeats Megan Anderson via Submission, Inverted Triangle-armbar | 2:03 Round 1 of 5 Bout Page | |
| Aljamain Sterling defeats Petr Yan via Disqualificaton, Illegal Knee | 4:29 Round 4 of 5, 19:29 Total Bout Page | |
| Islam Makhachev defeats Drew Dober via Submission, Arm Triangle Choke From Half Guard | 1:37 Round 3 of 3, 11:37 Total Bout Page | |
| Aleksandar Rakić defeats Thiago Santos via Decision, Unanimous | 3 Rounds, 15:00 Total Bout Page | |
| Dominick Cruz defeats Casey Kenney via Decision, Split | 3 Rounds, 15:00 Total Bout Page | |
| Kyler Phillips defeats Yadong Song via Decision, Unanimous | 3 Rounds, 15:00 Total Bout Page | |
| Askar Askarov defeats Joseph Benavidez via Decision, Unanimous | 3 Rounds, 15:00 Total Bout Page | |
| Kai Kara-France defeats Rogério Bontorin via KO/TKO, Punches | 4:55 Round 1 of 3 Bout Page | |
| Tim Elliott defeats Jordan Espinosa via Decision, Unanimous | 3 Rounds, 15:00 Total Bout Page | |
| Kennedy Nzechukwu defeats Carlos Ulberg via KO/TKO, Hooks | 3:19 Round 2 of 3, 8:19 Total Bout Page | |
| Sean Brady defeats Jake Matthews via Submission, Arm Triangle Choke | 3:28 Round 3 of 3, 13:28 Total Bout Page | |
| Amanda Lemos defeats Livinha Souza via KO/TKO, Power Jab to Ground and Pound | 3:39 Round 1 of 3 Bout Page | |
| Uros Medic defeats Aalon Cruz via KO/TKO, Flying Knee to Ground and Pound | 1:40 Round 1 of 3 Bout Page | |
| Trevin Jones defeats Mario Bautista via KO/TKO, Lead Uppercut to Ground and Pound | 0:40 Round 2 of 3, 5:40 Total Bout Page |
Responses Page 18
03.06.2021 | 1:59 PM ET
Stainless Steel Predictions
Predictions: 8 of 12 Winners, 1 Perfect, 440 Points | Tied for 3508th
Also the site feels like russian hackers have infiltrated, that or just my laptop.
"“I took no damage,” Hill said. “Most of the fall was me falling down"
03.06.2021 | 2:21 PM ET
Predictions: 7 of 15 Winners, 1 Perfect, 405 Points | Tied for 3845th
"KURZHAAR - Tomorrow Never Comes Until It's Too Late"
03.06.2021 | 2:34 PM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 9 of 15 Winners, 2 Perfect, 530 Points | Tied for 2151st
Błachowicz vs. Adesanya
Israel Adesanya, TKO, R3
I really like Blachowicz and I would love to see him win, but picking someone other than Isreal at this stage in his career feels wrong to me.
Israel Adesanya, TKO, R3
I really like Blachowicz and I would love to see him win, but picking someone other than Isreal at this stage in his career feels wrong to me.
"Nothing worth having comes easy."
03.06.2021 | 2:40 PM ET
Predictions: 8 of 12 Winners, 1 Perfect, 440 Points | Tied for 3508th
I wont pick pickem or people I don't know 12 picks I had some info on or extensive knowledge of.
I base my picks on facts, not hype bullshisen or pixy dust.
I dig pick one or 2 dogs for the upset forget which other than anderson.
I base my picks on facts, not hype bullshisen or pixy dust.
I dig pick one or 2 dogs for the upset forget which other than anderson.
"“I took no damage,” Hill said. “Most of the fall was me falling down"
03.06.2021 | 2:57 PM ET
Predictions: 8 of 15 Winners, 3 Perfect, 530 Points | Tied for 2212th
Thank you for the video, Tartara. Interesting.
I've always thought that GSP's two losses did more to make him the GOAT than anything else. His first defeat to Hughes showed him how dangerous a good wrestler could be, leading him to focus on his ground game - and stay OFF the ground in their rematch. His loss to Matt Serra showed him that NO opponent was a gimmie, and that the only way he could stay at the top was through maniacal training in all phases of the game - including complementary skills like gymnastics. At his peak, GSP trained SEVEN times a day at something or other; Chael Sonnen's video on training with GSP provides some indication of the rigor.
Embrace your failures and learn from them.
"I'm not on your side. I'm not on his side. I'm on the side or being right. - Richard Harrison Sr || Send all card updates to https://www.tapology.com/tickets/new"
03.06.2021 | 3:00 PM ET
Predictions: 7 of 15 Winners, 1 Perfect, 405 Points | Tied for 3845th
"KURZHAAR - Tomorrow Never Comes Until It's Too Late"
03.06.2021 | 3:13 PM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 9 of 15 Winners, 3 Perfect, 605 Points | Tied for 978th
Błachowicz vs. Adesanya
Israel Adesanya, DEC
Legandary Polish Power vs Legadary Nigeraian dodging. Think Adesanya is the GOAT and he could avoid all the dangerous ****. But at the same time Izzy last few oppenent fought ****, As Rob was easily countered with predictble ludging pressure and Costa and Romero did jack **** in there fight, If Blahovichs does smart pressure he be pretty live. Also think the 20 pound weight advantage could make it more intresting
Yan vs. Sterling
Petr Yan, DEC
Hate how everyone on Sterling, Think Yan gonna win because the bookies are alway right
Santos vs. Rakić
Aleksandar Rakić, TKO, R2
50 50 fight where it 1st to connect big win, But I think Rakik is more versitle and could wresle him so I'm slightly leaning hum
Phillips vs. Song
Yadong Song, TKO, R1
Song vs Stamann was a robery and Song was Vera was a close fight where I thought Vera won. But Song look good and hes only young so he's improve and fighting top 10 guys. Kyler is versitle but I thing Song gonna catch him
Kara-France vs. Bontorin
Rogério Bontorin, DEC
Kai Kara France is super overated, Picking the dig
Brady vs. Matthews
Sean Brady, DEC
Think this fight is pretty 50 50, Both guys are simular skills, Matthews have more expeirce while Brady never lost. Think Brady is a slightly better Matthew but the line is steap
Souza vs. Lemos
Livinha Souza, DEC
Picking the Underdog because it Wmma, Underdog win most of the time in WMMA
Jones vs. Bautista
Mario Bautista, DEC
Trevin Jones is pretty live because he did knock out Valiev, But that was some flukey ****. Kicking Myles Jones for the entire fight then flying knee him is way more impressive and that why im picking him
Israel Adesanya, DEC
Legandary Polish Power vs Legadary Nigeraian dodging. Think Adesanya is the GOAT and he could avoid all the dangerous ****. But at the same time Izzy last few oppenent fought ****, As Rob was easily countered with predictble ludging pressure and Costa and Romero did jack **** in there fight, If Blahovichs does smart pressure he be pretty live. Also think the 20 pound weight advantage could make it more intresting
Yan vs. Sterling
Petr Yan, DEC
Hate how everyone on Sterling, Think Yan gonna win because the bookies are alway right
Santos vs. Rakić
Aleksandar Rakić, TKO, R2
50 50 fight where it 1st to connect big win, But I think Rakik is more versitle and could wresle him so I'm slightly leaning hum
Phillips vs. Song
Yadong Song, TKO, R1
Song vs Stamann was a robery and Song was Vera was a close fight where I thought Vera won. But Song look good and hes only young so he's improve and fighting top 10 guys. Kyler is versitle but I thing Song gonna catch him
Kara-France vs. Bontorin
Rogério Bontorin, DEC
Kai Kara France is super overated, Picking the dig
Brady vs. Matthews
Sean Brady, DEC
Think this fight is pretty 50 50, Both guys are simular skills, Matthews have more expeirce while Brady never lost. Think Brady is a slightly better Matthew but the line is steap
Souza vs. Lemos
Livinha Souza, DEC
Picking the Underdog because it Wmma, Underdog win most of the time in WMMA
Jones vs. Bautista
Mario Bautista, DEC
Trevin Jones is pretty live because he did knock out Valiev, But that was some flukey ****. Kicking Myles Jones for the entire fight then flying knee him is way more impressive and that why im picking him
"Quack quack quack"
03.06.2021 | 3:15 PM ET
Predictions: 7 of 15 Winners, 1 Perfect, 405 Points | Tied for 3845th
@stuthehistoryguy
Thanks man, appreciate 👍! You are right!
It happened and i saw it on YT, i did not search for it!
("Let's not forget that it is a sport with a lot of money like everything else"!)
Nice AV 👍!
Thanks man, appreciate 👍! You are right!
It happened and i saw it on YT, i did not search for it!
("Let's not forget that it is a sport with a lot of money like everything else"!)
Nice AV 👍!
* Edited at 03.06.2021, 3:25 PM ET *
"KURZHAAR - Tomorrow Never Comes Until It's Too Late"
03.06.2021 | 3:28 PM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 10 of 15 Winners, 5 Perfect, 665 Points | Tied for 362nd
Jones vs. Bautista
Mario Bautista, DEC
I'm
Mario Bautista, DEC
I'm
03.06.2021 | 3:30 PM ET
Predictions: 9 of 15 Winners, 1 Perfect, 520 Points | Tied for 2349th
"KURZHAAR - Tomorrow Never Comes Until It's Too Late"
03.06.2021 | 3:31 PM ET
Predictions: 7 of 15 Winners, 1 Perfect, 405 Points | Tied for 3845th
"KURZHAAR - Tomorrow Never Comes Until It's Too Late"
03.06.2021 | 3:33 PM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 7 of 15 Winners, 3 Perfect, 455 Points | Tied for 3367th
Błachowicz vs. Adesanya
Israel Adesanya, TKO, R3
emotional hedge, really just hoping the fight doesn't suck.
Nunes vs. Anderson
Amanda Nunes, SUB, R2
picturing amanda landing a bodyshot that allows her to take megan down for the rnc.
Yan vs. Sterling
Aljamain Sterling, SUB, R3
r1 kinda expecting a feel out process will aljo trying to wear on yan, but r2 he'll actually find his entrance and start to take over. or yan will blast him early and it'll be a quick one.
Makhachev vs. Dober
Islam Makhachev, DEC
i think dober will give fans a few scares with his power, but ultimately islam's pressure will start to slow dober down and yield td's.
Santos vs. Rakić
Aleksandar Rakić, DEC
unless rakic gets tired, this feels like it's lined up to put him in line for a titleshot. thiago beat jan, but idk if he would again.
Cruz vs. Kenney
Dominick Cruz, DEC
i don't think kenney has the power to stifle dom's movement and i'd have to think dom will hold his own in the wrestling exchanges.
Phillips vs. Song
Yadong Song, DEC
should be fun to see who can pinpoint their shot first. i'll go with song's pressure.
Benavidez vs. Askarov
Askar Askarov, DEC
excluding deiveson, askarov is the best guy joe will have fought since cejudo and i think he's lost a step. will be cool to see what the grappling exchanges look like.
Kara-France vs. Bontorin
Kai Kara-France, TKO, R2
kai's boxing should carry him unless bontorin can force the clinch and take it down.
Elliott vs. Espinosa
Jordan Espinosa, DEC
i'm expecting tim to look great for a few minutes, initiate an odd scramble, and get smothered by the wrestler. when it's standing he'll probably eat some leg kicks while dancing but mostly just expect jordan to pressure.
Ulberg vs. Nzechukwu
Carlos Ulberg, TKO, R1
could see kennedy catching a killshot, but more likely this is a city kickboxing favor.
Brady vs. Matthews
Jake Matthews, DEC
been high on brady, but i guess i'm liking underdogs at the moment, so i'll say jake works an outside gameplan.
Souza vs. Lemos
Livinha Souza, SUB, R2
surprised to see so many taking livia, not sure if that should be comforting. she has the power to stand with pretty much anyone in that division and it'll be interesting to see if she can impose a ground game here.
Medic vs. Cruz
Aalon Cruz, TKO, R2
i'll just go with a dog here because medic has only had 1 opponent with a winning record.
Jones vs. Bautista
Mario Bautista, DEC
gonna go consensus here because i'm uneducated on both, but jones tends to lose via decision so i'll go with that.
Israel Adesanya, TKO, R3
emotional hedge, really just hoping the fight doesn't suck.
Nunes vs. Anderson
Amanda Nunes, SUB, R2
picturing amanda landing a bodyshot that allows her to take megan down for the rnc.
Yan vs. Sterling
Aljamain Sterling, SUB, R3
r1 kinda expecting a feel out process will aljo trying to wear on yan, but r2 he'll actually find his entrance and start to take over. or yan will blast him early and it'll be a quick one.
Makhachev vs. Dober
Islam Makhachev, DEC
i think dober will give fans a few scares with his power, but ultimately islam's pressure will start to slow dober down and yield td's.
Santos vs. Rakić
Aleksandar Rakić, DEC
unless rakic gets tired, this feels like it's lined up to put him in line for a titleshot. thiago beat jan, but idk if he would again.
Cruz vs. Kenney
Dominick Cruz, DEC
i don't think kenney has the power to stifle dom's movement and i'd have to think dom will hold his own in the wrestling exchanges.
Phillips vs. Song
Yadong Song, DEC
should be fun to see who can pinpoint their shot first. i'll go with song's pressure.
Benavidez vs. Askarov
Askar Askarov, DEC
excluding deiveson, askarov is the best guy joe will have fought since cejudo and i think he's lost a step. will be cool to see what the grappling exchanges look like.
Kara-France vs. Bontorin
Kai Kara-France, TKO, R2
kai's boxing should carry him unless bontorin can force the clinch and take it down.
Elliott vs. Espinosa
Jordan Espinosa, DEC
i'm expecting tim to look great for a few minutes, initiate an odd scramble, and get smothered by the wrestler. when it's standing he'll probably eat some leg kicks while dancing but mostly just expect jordan to pressure.
Ulberg vs. Nzechukwu
Carlos Ulberg, TKO, R1
could see kennedy catching a killshot, but more likely this is a city kickboxing favor.
Brady vs. Matthews
Jake Matthews, DEC
been high on brady, but i guess i'm liking underdogs at the moment, so i'll say jake works an outside gameplan.
Souza vs. Lemos
Livinha Souza, SUB, R2
surprised to see so many taking livia, not sure if that should be comforting. she has the power to stand with pretty much anyone in that division and it'll be interesting to see if she can impose a ground game here.
Medic vs. Cruz
Aalon Cruz, TKO, R2
i'll just go with a dog here because medic has only had 1 opponent with a winning record.
Jones vs. Bautista
Mario Bautista, DEC
gonna go consensus here because i'm uneducated on both, but jones tends to lose via decision so i'll go with that.
03.06.2021 | 3:46 PM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 6 of 14 Winners, 3 Perfect, 415 Points | Tied for 3827th
Błachowicz vs. Adesanya
Israel Adesanya, DEC
This is going to be an interesting fight. Israel cleaned out the middleweight division, got bored, then decided to step up to 205 after Jan took the title that Bones vacated. Israel is faster, longer and is going to be the busier striker. Jan brings that trademark Polish Power to the smaller cage tonight. The narrative seems to be if Israel will be able to handle the greater power of the light heavyweight weight class and I think he'll be fine. Even though Jan really cracks Israel boasts a higher knockdown/15 minutes ratio (1.21 to .51). Israel has faced the higher level of competition over his career and his takedown defense has held up at middleweight, if it holds up at 205 I think Israel becomes champ-champ tonight. I'm picking Israel to win by unanimous decision as long as his takedown defense holds up.
Nunes vs. Anderson
Amanda Nunes, SUB, R1
I like Megan Anderson and I think she has a very bright future in the sport. She is out of her depth against the lioness tonight. Amanda is levels above Megan on the ground and Anderson hasnt shown the best takedown defense so I see this going to the ground, early and Amanda getting the finish. The level of competition these ladies have faced is also miles apart. I will be using Amanda Nunes ITD is a parlay piece tonight. Easiest fight on the card to pick by a country mile.
Yan vs. Sterling
Petr Yan, TKO, R5
I can't wait for this fight. Love watching both of these fighters and their unique skillsets. I see calf kicks playing a huge role in this fight. Yan HATES calf kicks and if Aljo can get his calf kick game going early and often I see it opening up a path to victory for him. Aljo will need to limit Yan's mobility to either have a chance to outstrike him or use Yan's limited mobility to poke some holes in his TD defense and get this fight to the ground where Aljo will have the advantage. Yan is the busier, more powerful and more accurate striker. If this fight stays standing it should be an easy win for Yan. Aljo has more experience and has fought the higher level of competition over his career. I am going to pick Yan here but both of these guys are live to win tonight. If I knew for a fact Aljo was going to go after Yans calf right from the start I would pick Aljo but since I dont know that for sure I am going to go with the better, more powerful striker with an almost 90% TD defense thus far in the UFC. And still....
Makhachev vs. Dober
Islam Makhachev, SUB, R2
Classic striker vs grappler. This is going to be fantastic! Both of these guys are on win streaks. Islam has a ton of hype on his name but still, in my opinion, hasnt quite shown that all around MMA game that everybody says he shows with regularity in the gym. He has a knack of fighting down to the level of competition he is facing and that will be a recipe for disaster against Dober. Drew has top notch muay thai skills and if his TD defense holds up against Islam he is definitely live for a knockout. Makhachev is -350 for a reason though. His grappling chops are elite and the recipe to beat Dober over his UFC career is to test his mediocre TD defense, get the fight to the ground and submit him and Islam is exactly the kind of fighter to exploit that weakness in Dober. I feel pretty safe that Islam will not mess around, use his grappling and fight smart, however, he has had an 18 month layoff and sometimes shows flashes of disinterest in the cage and tends to show some lulls. I'm picking Islam by second round submission here but I'd rather bet Islam by submission than lay the -350 because someone like Dober is always live for a knockout, Islam has been knocked out before and you never know how Islam will look after this layoff. Tread lightly my friends.
Santos vs. Rakić
Aleksandar Rakić, DEC
If this fight stays standing Santos will be very dangerous, especially in the 1st. Rakic fights very smart though and I dont see him engaging with Santos in the center of the cage for long. I think he tries to get this fight to the ground, early and often, and grinds out a safe victory with his heavy, controlling top game. Rakic by decision is the bet I would feel safest making on this fight. +240 is not a bad look at all. One additional note, Rakic has devistating calf kicks as well and if he DOES choose to stand with Santos that weapon would be a great way to take the sting out of Santos striking by limiting his ability to put weight on his front leg and sit down on his punches and kicks.
Cruz vs. Kenney
Casey Kenney, DEC
Not touching this one with a 10 foot pole for betting. So hard to know what Cruz will look like. If Dom looks like the old Dom we will see him have the better movement, faster hands and craftier wrestling and takedown attack. Dom has only fought once in over 5 years though and we could easily see a seriously diminished version of Cruz which Kenney will easily beat. I just am praying Keith Peterson winds up reffing that fight, that would be so baller. Kenney by decision?
Phillips vs. Song
Yadong Song, TKO, R2
If this was a contest based on who has the better hair it would be Phillips by murder. It would be reminiescient of the Cris Cyborg/Jan Finney fight. This is going to be a great fight, Phillips seems to be the public dog but the level of competition these guys have faced thus far in their respective careers is miles apart. Song is young, has the better MMA game and trains with killers at Alpha Male. I'm going with Song here, its just too much of a step up in competition for Phillips.
Benavidez vs. Askarov
Joseph Benavidez, DEC
I thought this was going to be so hard to call until I saw Askar on the scale. Benavidez has the better stand up and has faced much better competition and obviously has the experience advantage. Askar missed weight by one pound. Ouch. That's a brutal miss. If that comes into play, at all, tonight I see Benavidez being way too much for Askar.
Kara-France vs. Bontorin
Rogério Bontorin, SUB, R2
I'm starting to lose faith in Kara-France. He was exposed in his last fight and he's a long way from home. I think the smaller cage will help the more aggressive Bontorin here and Rogerio has a legit ground/submission game. 11 career finishes by sub. .
Elliott vs. Espinosa
Tim Elliott, DEC
I think the change of camp for Elliott will be exactly the shot in the arm his career needs at this point. He has the experience, submission game, and faced the higher level of competition over his career so if he is rejuvinated due to the change of scenery I see him cruising to victory here. I have one unit on Elliott's ML.
Ulberg vs. Nzechukwu
Carlos Ulberg, TKO, R1
Low level fight here. Ulberg only has 3 pro MMA fights and Kennedy has been underwhelming thus far in his MMA career. He used Darko Stocic's testacles as a speedbag in his last fight and lost due to having multiple points taken due to all the sack punches. I put a small .25 unit sprinkle on Kennedy to win in the 3rd at +1800 because Ulberg is from Australia, is a 25 hour flight from home, has only 3 pro MMA fights and we have no clue at all how he will look after the 1st is over, if it even gets out of the first. I think the most likely outcome is Ulberg by 1st round KO, however, if it gets out of the first, and Ulberg has an adrenaline dump, or just plain gasses Kennedy will be live for a 2nd or 3rd round finish.
Brady vs. Matthews
Sean Brady, DEC
Both these dudes are legit. Matthews is more experienced, and surprisingly is the younger fighter here. Brady is newer to the game and is a beast, especially on the ground. Both these guys are high level black belts but I think Brady is more explosive both on the feet and on the ground. I'm picking Brady by close decision.
Souza vs. Lemos
Amanda Lemos, DEC
Havent been impressed with Souza so far so I'm going with Lemos.
Jones vs. Bautista
Mario Bautista, DEC
I just havent been impressed with Jones other than the fact that he can take a savage beating and keep going. Valiev was kicking the ever loving **** out of Jones until Trevin landed that lead right hook that put Valiev on his ass and ended the fight seconds later. Bautista will be the busier striker and has a chin on him too. Give Jones the experience edge and Jones may even have a grappling edge as he has finished 4 of his wins by submission. Bautista should be the busier, more accurate striker here. He is a solid scrambler as well and I see those advantages helping him cruise to a decision victory over Jones here in the curtain jerker.
Israel Adesanya, DEC
This is going to be an interesting fight. Israel cleaned out the middleweight division, got bored, then decided to step up to 205 after Jan took the title that Bones vacated. Israel is faster, longer and is going to be the busier striker. Jan brings that trademark Polish Power to the smaller cage tonight. The narrative seems to be if Israel will be able to handle the greater power of the light heavyweight weight class and I think he'll be fine. Even though Jan really cracks Israel boasts a higher knockdown/15 minutes ratio (1.21 to .51). Israel has faced the higher level of competition over his career and his takedown defense has held up at middleweight, if it holds up at 205 I think Israel becomes champ-champ tonight. I'm picking Israel to win by unanimous decision as long as his takedown defense holds up.
Nunes vs. Anderson
Amanda Nunes, SUB, R1
I like Megan Anderson and I think she has a very bright future in the sport. She is out of her depth against the lioness tonight. Amanda is levels above Megan on the ground and Anderson hasnt shown the best takedown defense so I see this going to the ground, early and Amanda getting the finish. The level of competition these ladies have faced is also miles apart. I will be using Amanda Nunes ITD is a parlay piece tonight. Easiest fight on the card to pick by a country mile.
Yan vs. Sterling
Petr Yan, TKO, R5
I can't wait for this fight. Love watching both of these fighters and their unique skillsets. I see calf kicks playing a huge role in this fight. Yan HATES calf kicks and if Aljo can get his calf kick game going early and often I see it opening up a path to victory for him. Aljo will need to limit Yan's mobility to either have a chance to outstrike him or use Yan's limited mobility to poke some holes in his TD defense and get this fight to the ground where Aljo will have the advantage. Yan is the busier, more powerful and more accurate striker. If this fight stays standing it should be an easy win for Yan. Aljo has more experience and has fought the higher level of competition over his career. I am going to pick Yan here but both of these guys are live to win tonight. If I knew for a fact Aljo was going to go after Yans calf right from the start I would pick Aljo but since I dont know that for sure I am going to go with the better, more powerful striker with an almost 90% TD defense thus far in the UFC. And still....
Makhachev vs. Dober
Islam Makhachev, SUB, R2
Classic striker vs grappler. This is going to be fantastic! Both of these guys are on win streaks. Islam has a ton of hype on his name but still, in my opinion, hasnt quite shown that all around MMA game that everybody says he shows with regularity in the gym. He has a knack of fighting down to the level of competition he is facing and that will be a recipe for disaster against Dober. Drew has top notch muay thai skills and if his TD defense holds up against Islam he is definitely live for a knockout. Makhachev is -350 for a reason though. His grappling chops are elite and the recipe to beat Dober over his UFC career is to test his mediocre TD defense, get the fight to the ground and submit him and Islam is exactly the kind of fighter to exploit that weakness in Dober. I feel pretty safe that Islam will not mess around, use his grappling and fight smart, however, he has had an 18 month layoff and sometimes shows flashes of disinterest in the cage and tends to show some lulls. I'm picking Islam by second round submission here but I'd rather bet Islam by submission than lay the -350 because someone like Dober is always live for a knockout, Islam has been knocked out before and you never know how Islam will look after this layoff. Tread lightly my friends.
Santos vs. Rakić
Aleksandar Rakić, DEC
If this fight stays standing Santos will be very dangerous, especially in the 1st. Rakic fights very smart though and I dont see him engaging with Santos in the center of the cage for long. I think he tries to get this fight to the ground, early and often, and grinds out a safe victory with his heavy, controlling top game. Rakic by decision is the bet I would feel safest making on this fight. +240 is not a bad look at all. One additional note, Rakic has devistating calf kicks as well and if he DOES choose to stand with Santos that weapon would be a great way to take the sting out of Santos striking by limiting his ability to put weight on his front leg and sit down on his punches and kicks.
Cruz vs. Kenney
Casey Kenney, DEC
Not touching this one with a 10 foot pole for betting. So hard to know what Cruz will look like. If Dom looks like the old Dom we will see him have the better movement, faster hands and craftier wrestling and takedown attack. Dom has only fought once in over 5 years though and we could easily see a seriously diminished version of Cruz which Kenney will easily beat. I just am praying Keith Peterson winds up reffing that fight, that would be so baller. Kenney by decision?
Phillips vs. Song
Yadong Song, TKO, R2
If this was a contest based on who has the better hair it would be Phillips by murder. It would be reminiescient of the Cris Cyborg/Jan Finney fight. This is going to be a great fight, Phillips seems to be the public dog but the level of competition these guys have faced thus far in their respective careers is miles apart. Song is young, has the better MMA game and trains with killers at Alpha Male. I'm going with Song here, its just too much of a step up in competition for Phillips.
Benavidez vs. Askarov
Joseph Benavidez, DEC
I thought this was going to be so hard to call until I saw Askar on the scale. Benavidez has the better stand up and has faced much better competition and obviously has the experience advantage. Askar missed weight by one pound. Ouch. That's a brutal miss. If that comes into play, at all, tonight I see Benavidez being way too much for Askar.
Kara-France vs. Bontorin
Rogério Bontorin, SUB, R2
I'm starting to lose faith in Kara-France. He was exposed in his last fight and he's a long way from home. I think the smaller cage will help the more aggressive Bontorin here and Rogerio has a legit ground/submission game. 11 career finishes by sub. .
Elliott vs. Espinosa
Tim Elliott, DEC
I think the change of camp for Elliott will be exactly the shot in the arm his career needs at this point. He has the experience, submission game, and faced the higher level of competition over his career so if he is rejuvinated due to the change of scenery I see him cruising to victory here. I have one unit on Elliott's ML.
Ulberg vs. Nzechukwu
Carlos Ulberg, TKO, R1
Low level fight here. Ulberg only has 3 pro MMA fights and Kennedy has been underwhelming thus far in his MMA career. He used Darko Stocic's testacles as a speedbag in his last fight and lost due to having multiple points taken due to all the sack punches. I put a small .25 unit sprinkle on Kennedy to win in the 3rd at +1800 because Ulberg is from Australia, is a 25 hour flight from home, has only 3 pro MMA fights and we have no clue at all how he will look after the 1st is over, if it even gets out of the first. I think the most likely outcome is Ulberg by 1st round KO, however, if it gets out of the first, and Ulberg has an adrenaline dump, or just plain gasses Kennedy will be live for a 2nd or 3rd round finish.
Brady vs. Matthews
Sean Brady, DEC
Both these dudes are legit. Matthews is more experienced, and surprisingly is the younger fighter here. Brady is newer to the game and is a beast, especially on the ground. Both these guys are high level black belts but I think Brady is more explosive both on the feet and on the ground. I'm picking Brady by close decision.
Souza vs. Lemos
Amanda Lemos, DEC
Havent been impressed with Souza so far so I'm going with Lemos.
Jones vs. Bautista
Mario Bautista, DEC
I just havent been impressed with Jones other than the fact that he can take a savage beating and keep going. Valiev was kicking the ever loving **** out of Jones until Trevin landed that lead right hook that put Valiev on his ass and ended the fight seconds later. Bautista will be the busier striker and has a chin on him too. Give Jones the experience edge and Jones may even have a grappling edge as he has finished 4 of his wins by submission. Bautista should be the busier, more accurate striker here. He is a solid scrambler as well and I see those advantages helping him cruise to a decision victory over Jones here in the curtain jerker.
"I fell in love with the box" Renato Moicano
03.06.2021 | 3:51 PM ET
Pink Predictions
Predictions: 8 of 15 Winners, 2 Perfect, 505 Points | Tied for 2627th
I've changed picks a few times but I've finally made up my mind now!
"I wish you good luck but I don't want you to rely on luck"
03.06.2021 | 4:15 PM ET
Predictions: 10 of 15 Winners, 3 Perfect, 605 Points | Tied for 934th
* Edited at 03.06.2021, 4:15 PM ET *
"I want to **** Chuck" - Wanderlei Silva
03.06.2021 | 4:15 PM ET
Ironic New Predictions
Predictions: 8 of 13 Winners, 2 Perfect, 450 Points | Tied for 3424th
Nunes vs. Anderson
I tap Amanda Nunes at -1000. She has a delicious palm block. Nunes can sabotage the ring announcer.
Souza vs. Lemos
I like Amanda Lemos at -220. She has a tasty triangle choke and a quirky butterfly sweep. Lemos ought to ruin the foe.
Ulberg vs. Nzechukwu
I like Carlos Ulberg at -250. He has a sincere uppercut. Ulberg will hasten the dark horse. Winter is coming!
Phillips vs. Song
I am sticking with Yadong Song at -170. He has a gifted knife hand block and a quintessential hammerlock and also a valiant left hand. Song shall screw the bandit.
Błachowicz vs. Adesanya
I embrace Israel Adesanya at -235. He has a yucky mentality. Adesanya must kick the opposition. No question!
Santos vs. Rakić
I prefer Aleksandar Rakić at -170. He has a wretched high kick. Rakić ought to boil the dark horse.
Jones vs. Bautista
I am obsessed with Mario Bautista at -230. He has an oppulent training style. Bautista will elevate the cake.
Cruz vs. Kenney
I am all over Casey Kenney at -135. He has an oppulent right hand. Kenney can heal the adversary. Never fails!
Medic vs. Cruz
I prefer Uros Medic at -175. He has a lame character. Medic ought to bully the bandit.
Kara-France vs. Bontorin
I like Kai Kara-France at -140. He has a cybernetic oshi-dashi. Kara-France shall kick the performance.
Brady vs. Matthews
I can't get enough of Sean Brady at -220. He has a poignant osoto gari. Brady shall captivate the production. Die daumen drücken!
Makhachev vs. Dober
I go with Islam Makhachev at -430. He has a macabre chin and an exhaustive double leg flapjack. Makhachev isn't about to leverage the senses.
Benavidez vs. Askarov
I am taking Askar Askarov at -135. He has a maniacal dragon sleeper. Askarov can toss the enemy.
I tap Amanda Nunes at -1000. She has a delicious palm block. Nunes can sabotage the ring announcer.
Souza vs. Lemos
I like Amanda Lemos at -220. She has a tasty triangle choke and a quirky butterfly sweep. Lemos ought to ruin the foe.
Ulberg vs. Nzechukwu
I like Carlos Ulberg at -250. He has a sincere uppercut. Ulberg will hasten the dark horse. Winter is coming!
Phillips vs. Song
I am sticking with Yadong Song at -170. He has a gifted knife hand block and a quintessential hammerlock and also a valiant left hand. Song shall screw the bandit.
Błachowicz vs. Adesanya
I embrace Israel Adesanya at -235. He has a yucky mentality. Adesanya must kick the opposition. No question!
Santos vs. Rakić
I prefer Aleksandar Rakić at -170. He has a wretched high kick. Rakić ought to boil the dark horse.
Jones vs. Bautista
I am obsessed with Mario Bautista at -230. He has an oppulent training style. Bautista will elevate the cake.
Cruz vs. Kenney
I am all over Casey Kenney at -135. He has an oppulent right hand. Kenney can heal the adversary. Never fails!
Medic vs. Cruz
I prefer Uros Medic at -175. He has a lame character. Medic ought to bully the bandit.
Kara-France vs. Bontorin
I like Kai Kara-France at -140. He has a cybernetic oshi-dashi. Kara-France shall kick the performance.
Brady vs. Matthews
I can't get enough of Sean Brady at -220. He has a poignant osoto gari. Brady shall captivate the production. Die daumen drücken!
Makhachev vs. Dober
I go with Islam Makhachev at -430. He has a macabre chin and an exhaustive double leg flapjack. Makhachev isn't about to leverage the senses.
Benavidez vs. Askarov
I am taking Askar Askarov at -135. He has a maniacal dragon sleeper. Askarov can toss the enemy.
"This is the droid you're looking for."
03.06.2021 | 4:15 PM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 9 of 15 Winners, 4 Perfect, 575 Points | Tied for 1428th
Makhachev vs. Dober
Islam Makhachev, DEC
To anyone doubting Makhachev, I truly believe in a few fights time he will be top 5 or challenging for the belt, people will be looking back to this fight thinking “i can’t believe I ever doubted him” if you’re a McGregor fan then it’s hard to like any of team Khabib but you cannot hide the fact Islam Makhachev is extremely good.
Islam Makhachev, DEC
To anyone doubting Makhachev, I truly believe in a few fights time he will be top 5 or challenging for the belt, people will be looking back to this fight thinking “i can’t believe I ever doubted him” if you’re a McGregor fan then it’s hard to like any of team Khabib but you cannot hide the fact Islam Makhachev is extremely good.
03.06.2021 | 4:18 PM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 8 of 15 Winners, 2 Perfect, 480 Points | Tied for 3002nd
Błachowicz vs. Adesanya
Jan Błachowicz, SUB, R3
Izzy by DEC or Jan by TKO or SUB
Yan vs. Sterling
Aljamain Sterling, SUB, R1
Petr Yan by DEC or Aljo by SUB
Makhachev vs. Dober
Islam Makhachev, DEC
Dober by TKO Islam by DEC
Cruz vs. Kenney
Dominick Cruz, DEC
NO BET
Phillips vs. Song
Yadong Song, DEC
NO BET
Benavidez vs. Askarov
Joseph Benavidez, DEC
NO BET
Kara-France vs. Bontorin
Kai Kara-France, DEC
Kai by DEC or Bontorin by SUB
Elliott vs. Espinosa
Jordan Espinosa, DEC
Elliott by SUB or Espinosa by DEC
Ulberg vs. Nzechukwu
Carlos Ulberg, TKO, R2
Ulberg by TKO
Souza vs. Lemos
Amanda Lemos, TKO, R3
LEMOS BY TKO/KO OR SOUZA BY SUB
Medic vs. Cruz
Aalon Cruz, TKO, R3
NO BET
Jones vs. Bautista
Mario Bautista, DEC
NO BET
Jan Błachowicz, SUB, R3
Izzy by DEC or Jan by TKO or SUB
Yan vs. Sterling
Aljamain Sterling, SUB, R1
Petr Yan by DEC or Aljo by SUB
Makhachev vs. Dober
Islam Makhachev, DEC
Dober by TKO Islam by DEC
Cruz vs. Kenney
Dominick Cruz, DEC
NO BET
Phillips vs. Song
Yadong Song, DEC
NO BET
Benavidez vs. Askarov
Joseph Benavidez, DEC
NO BET
Kara-France vs. Bontorin
Kai Kara-France, DEC
Kai by DEC or Bontorin by SUB
Elliott vs. Espinosa
Jordan Espinosa, DEC
Elliott by SUB or Espinosa by DEC
Ulberg vs. Nzechukwu
Carlos Ulberg, TKO, R2
Ulberg by TKO
Souza vs. Lemos
Amanda Lemos, TKO, R3
LEMOS BY TKO/KO OR SOUZA BY SUB
Medic vs. Cruz
Aalon Cruz, TKO, R3
NO BET
Jones vs. Bautista
Mario Bautista, DEC
NO BET
03.06.2021 | 4:23 PM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 9 of 15 Winners, 4 Perfect, 575 Points | Tied for 1428th
Błachowicz vs. Adesanya
Israel Adesanya, TKO, R4
The closest to Jon Jones’ level we’ve seen, Adesanya has that magic about him.
Yan vs. Sterling
Aljamain Sterling, SUB, R2
Aljo destroyed Sandhagen and has beaten such good opposition, Yan is legit but I really fancy Aljo to win this, I love his energy and he looked mega ready at the weigh ins.
Santos vs. Rakić
Aleksandar Rakić, DEC
Rakic is huge, looked massive compared to Santos, Santos always has the chance of landing a bomb but he got manhandled on the ground by Glover, I think Rakic manhandles the 38 year old tonight.
Cruz vs. Kenney
Dominick Cruz, DEC
Most unconfident pick of the card, a big part of me thinks Kenney takes this but I can’t go against someone I’ve watched growing up with the best footwork I’ve ever seen.
Phillips vs. Song
Yadong Song, DEC
I’m still not sold on Song, but I can’t back a fighter who looks like a Snapchat filter.
Benavidez vs. Askarov
Askar Askarov, DEC
Benavidez is quality, but he’s 36 now coming off 2 of the biggest beatings I’ve ever seen, coming back after that against Askar Askarov can’t end well.
Ulberg vs. Nzechukwu
Carlos Ulberg, TKO, R1
You can see why Ulberg is also a model, what a handsome bloke, I don’t think Nzechukwu will be the man to ruin those looks, despite looking like a beast Kennedy doesn’t fight like one so I think he gets finished here.
Brady vs. Matthews
Sean Brady, DEC
Brady is an animal!!!
Medic vs. Cruz
Uros Medic, TKO, R1
Both have fought **** opposition, the closer this fight gets the more unconfident I am with this pick but I fancy medic to get this done and leave Cruz asking for the medic to stitch him up.
Jones vs. Bautista
Mario Bautista, DEC
Granted Jones finished Valiev but before that Valiev was bullying him like he’d stole his lunch money. The fight would of been stopped by most refs, Bautista finished a legit opponent in johns, although I’m not a fan of the lockdown mullet he had at the weigh ins I do fancy Bautista here.
Israel Adesanya, TKO, R4
The closest to Jon Jones’ level we’ve seen, Adesanya has that magic about him.
Yan vs. Sterling
Aljamain Sterling, SUB, R2
Aljo destroyed Sandhagen and has beaten such good opposition, Yan is legit but I really fancy Aljo to win this, I love his energy and he looked mega ready at the weigh ins.
Santos vs. Rakić
Aleksandar Rakić, DEC
Rakic is huge, looked massive compared to Santos, Santos always has the chance of landing a bomb but he got manhandled on the ground by Glover, I think Rakic manhandles the 38 year old tonight.
Cruz vs. Kenney
Dominick Cruz, DEC
Most unconfident pick of the card, a big part of me thinks Kenney takes this but I can’t go against someone I’ve watched growing up with the best footwork I’ve ever seen.
Phillips vs. Song
Yadong Song, DEC
I’m still not sold on Song, but I can’t back a fighter who looks like a Snapchat filter.
Benavidez vs. Askarov
Askar Askarov, DEC
Benavidez is quality, but he’s 36 now coming off 2 of the biggest beatings I’ve ever seen, coming back after that against Askar Askarov can’t end well.
Ulberg vs. Nzechukwu
Carlos Ulberg, TKO, R1
You can see why Ulberg is also a model, what a handsome bloke, I don’t think Nzechukwu will be the man to ruin those looks, despite looking like a beast Kennedy doesn’t fight like one so I think he gets finished here.
Brady vs. Matthews
Sean Brady, DEC
Brady is an animal!!!
Medic vs. Cruz
Uros Medic, TKO, R1
Both have fought **** opposition, the closer this fight gets the more unconfident I am with this pick but I fancy medic to get this done and leave Cruz asking for the medic to stitch him up.
Jones vs. Bautista
Mario Bautista, DEC
Granted Jones finished Valiev but before that Valiev was bullying him like he’d stole his lunch money. The fight would of been stopped by most refs, Bautista finished a legit opponent in johns, although I’m not a fan of the lockdown mullet he had at the weigh ins I do fancy Bautista here.
03.06.2021 | 5:10 PM ET
Predictions: 9 of 15 Winners, 3 Perfect, 605 Points | Tied for 978th
I don't know if they anything more Badass then Blachowicz winning today, He went from almost getting cut to becoming lightweight champ, Now if he beat Izzy he also beat the pound 4 pound champion while being underdog the whole way. How can you not be a fan of that, Big fan of Izzy, But im rotting for the Legadary Polish Power
* Edited at 03.06.2021, 5:11 PM ET *
"Quack quack quack"