Topic: UFC 287
UFC 287: Pereira vs Adesanya 2
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- Saturday 04.08.2023 at 06:00 PM ET
- U.S. Broadcast: Pay Per View | Prelims: ESPN
- Promotion: Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Ownership: Endeavor
- Venue: Miami-Dade Arena
- Location: Miami, Florida, United States
- Enclosure: Octagon
- TV Announcers: Jon Anik, Joe Rogan, Daniel Cormier
- Ring Announcer: Bruce Buffer
- Post-Fight Interviews: Joe Rogan
- Ticket Revenue (live gate): $11,943,363
- Attendance: 19,032
- MMA Bouts: 12
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Promotion Links:
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Event Links:
| Bout | Info | |
|---|---|---|
| Israel Adesanya defeats Alex Pereira via KO/TKO, Counter Right | 4:21 Round 2 of 5, 9:21 Total Bout Page | |
| Gilbert Burns defeats Jorge Masvidal via Decision, Unanimous | 3 Rounds, 15:00 Total Bout Page | |
| Rob Font defeats Adrian Yanez via KO/TKO, Right Hook to Ground Strikes | 2:57 Round 1 of 3 Bout Page | |
| Kevin Holland defeats Santiago Ponzinibbio via KO/TKO, Left Hook | 3:16 Round 3 of 3, 13:16 Total Bout Page | |
| Christian Rodriguez defeats Raul Rosas Jr. via Decision, Unanimous | 3 Rounds, 15:00 Total Bout Page | |
| Kelvin Gastelum defeats Chris Curtis via Decision, Unanimous | 3 Rounds, 15:00 Total Bout Page | |
| Luana Pinheiro defeats Michelle Waterson-Gomez via Decision, Split | 3 Rounds, 15:00 Total Bout Page | |
| Joe Pyfer defeats Gerald Meerschaert via KO/TKO, Right Cross to Ground Strikes | 3:15 Round 1 of 3 Bout Page | |
| Lupita Godinez defeats Cynthia Calvillo via Decision, Split | 3 Rounds, 15:00 Total Bout Page | |
| Ignacio Bahamondes defeats Trey Ogden via Decision, Unanimous | 3 Rounds, 15:00 Total Bout Page | |
| Steve Garcia defeats Shayilan Nuerdanbieke via KO/TKO, Uppercut to the Body | 0:36 Round 2 of 3, 5:36 Total Bout Page | |
| Sam Hughes defeats Jaqueline Amorim via Decision, Unanimous | 3 Rounds, 15:00 Total Bout Page |
Responses Page 8
03.21.2023 | 10:00 PM ET
Predictions: 8 of 12 Winners, 2 Perfect, 495 Points | Tied for 764th
Burns has bad chin worse gas can't be a lock, but otherwise he wins.
"“I took no damage,” Hill said. “Most of the fall was me falling down"
03.21.2023 | 10:40 PM ET
Rosas Jr x CRod
Predictions: 7 of 12 Winners, 4 Perfect, 490 Points | Tied for 810th
Am I being crazy to think that CRod can spoil the party and win his fight against Rosas Jr? That fight he had with Pearce impressed me even more because he came on short notice. Of course, he can be taken down, but his bjj seems really good enough to not get submitted by Rosas. I hope we can see more of Rosas Jr on the feet, cause his bjj and his grappling game are already really good.
03.22.2023 | 6:38 AM ET
Predictions: 6 of 12 Winners, 2 Perfect, 365 Points | Tied for 3156th
Yeah I can’t wait untill burns takes him to the mat and makes him tap tap tap lol
03.22.2023 | 6:48 AM ET
latrel dog
Predictions: 8 of 12 Winners, 4 Perfect, 555 Points | Tied for 246th
agreed, Font and CRod are two underdogs i'm looking to pull off plays on
this card surprisingly has really good underdogs, I might sound a bit crazy for this but I think Sam Hughes and GM3 also have a chance. obviously not nearly on the same level as Font and CRod but they are up for consideration for sure
this card surprisingly has really good underdogs, I might sound a bit crazy for this but I think Sam Hughes and GM3 also have a chance. obviously not nearly on the same level as Font and CRod but they are up for consideration for sure
03.22.2023 | 10:15 AM ET
Predictions: 8 of 12 Winners, 4 Perfect, 500 Points | Tied for 696th
Pyfer is a can. Reliable GM3 recently beat the much better strikers like Bruno Silva and Muradov
03.22.2023 | 2:22 PM ET
Predictions: 9 of 12 Winners, 4 Perfect, 580 Points | Tied for 149th
pyfer is a better striker than bruno silva
and the muradov fight was more of muradov having a mental issue than gm3 doing something
and the muradov fight was more of muradov having a mental issue than gm3 doing something
"Jarno Errens, Damir Hadzovic"
03.22.2023 | 2:23 PM ET
bare
Predictions: 9 of 12 Winners, 4 Perfect, 580 Points | Tied for 149th
id love to get yanez at good odds. please keep it up
"Jarno Errens, Damir Hadzovic"
03.22.2023 | 2:56 PM ET
Predictions: 6 of 12 Winners, 4 Perfect, 400 Points | Tied for 2461st
"The only thing predictable about MMA is that it is unpredictable."
03.22.2023 | 4:54 PM ET
Predictions: 8 of 12 Winners, 4 Perfect, 540 Points | Tied for 317th
Font has look good in his last 2 fight, Or look great for a guy who got dropped 5 times in 2 fights, Only reason he lost to Aldo and Vera was because he almost got Ko'd in a lot of those rounds, I do think it winnable for Font from a skill to skill bases, But I'm worried that his chin is gone and Yanez is dangerous, With fast hand and a lot of KO's on his record, So that why I'm taking him
Also think they giving Yanez the best matchup for him, The UFC really likes him
Also think they giving Yanez the best matchup for him, The UFC really likes him
"Quack quack quack"
03.22.2023 | 9:44 PM ET
@DamienHandel420
Predictions: 7 of 12 Winners, 4 Perfect, 490 Points | Tied for 810th
Yeah, I agree with you. Font is the better fighter. He could have won the fight against Vera, but his chin didn't hold up enough to it. That's why I'm not that confident in him for this fight, but he sure can win against Yanez.
03.23.2023 | 5:59 AM ET
Predictions: 8 of 12 Winners, 4 Perfect, 555 Points | Tied for 246th
r1, yanez vs randy costa
randy costa isn't even in the ufc anymore btw
03.23.2023 | 9:39 AM ET
Predictions: 8 of 12 Winners, 3 Perfect, 520 Points | Tied for 490th
^ font can keep that output for 5 rounds too
"“Unfortunately you can’t talk like that on FOX” - Joe Rogan"
03.23.2023 | 9:44 AM ET
Predictions: 9 of 12 Winners, 4 Perfect, 580 Points | Tied for 149th
randy also is faster and uses headkicks
"Jarno Errens, Damir Hadzovic"
03.23.2023 | 10:37 PM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 3 of 11 Winners, 3 Perfect, 250 Points | Tied for 5082nd
Burns vs. Masvidal
Jorge Masvidal, TKO, R2
Anyone that thinks Burns will sub Masvidal is a complete casual
Jorge Masvidal, TKO, R2
Anyone that thinks Burns will sub Masvidal is a complete casual
03.24.2023 | 1:39 AM ET
Predictions: 8 of 12 Winners, 4 Perfect, 540 Points | Tied for 317th
not counting Max Holloway, Rob Font landed the most significant stikes in a fight in his last fight, Kinda tragic he lost that one, I'm worried because Font chin isn't going to get better, But He is a really good fighter
"Quack quack quack"
03.24.2023 | 7:28 AM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 7 of 12 Winners, 4 Perfect, 450 Points | Tied for 1391st
Burns vs. Masvidal
Gilbert Burns, SUB, R3
So currently the welterweight division is in a confusing spot. Colby was said to be next for the title by Dana however Masvidal has the written storyline built in. Burns if he stops Masvidal in some exciting fashion could also make his case for the title shot. For either of these fighters to get the title shot next they will have to win this fight and that’s a lot to ask for considering both fighters are former title contenders looking for one more crack at the title. Coming into this fight burns defiantly have more momentum since losing to Usman he fought in a very competitive possible fight of the year contender with Khamzat, out-grappled a dangerous Stephen wonderboy Thompson and completely dominated Neil Magny. Masvidal since that amazing 2019 has been lackluster, to say the least. Losing to Usman twice with the last one being a devastating Ko and being 50-45 by Colby is not what I think anyone would have expected after that career resurgence in 2019. Burns has a huge advantage when it comes to grappling his BJJ could possibly be the best in the UFC and Masvidal biggest weakness is in the grappling department not saying it’s bad just compared to his striking it is not on the same level. Burns striking however is good not on the same level as his BJJ but enough to stand and strike with Masvidal. That is why I have burns winning he could stand with Masvidal mix in some submission attempts and just give Masvidal so much to think of that I don’t even feel confident in Masvidal getting to the scorecards if Burns can grind Masvidal enough he could tire him out and get that submission in the 3rd. The possibilities of how Burns could win seem more inevitable than a Masvidal victory. This is not a good matchup for Masvidal would have preferred if he fought wonderboy or Luque.
Gilbert Burns, SUB, R3
So currently the welterweight division is in a confusing spot. Colby was said to be next for the title by Dana however Masvidal has the written storyline built in. Burns if he stops Masvidal in some exciting fashion could also make his case for the title shot. For either of these fighters to get the title shot next they will have to win this fight and that’s a lot to ask for considering both fighters are former title contenders looking for one more crack at the title. Coming into this fight burns defiantly have more momentum since losing to Usman he fought in a very competitive possible fight of the year contender with Khamzat, out-grappled a dangerous Stephen wonderboy Thompson and completely dominated Neil Magny. Masvidal since that amazing 2019 has been lackluster, to say the least. Losing to Usman twice with the last one being a devastating Ko and being 50-45 by Colby is not what I think anyone would have expected after that career resurgence in 2019. Burns has a huge advantage when it comes to grappling his BJJ could possibly be the best in the UFC and Masvidal biggest weakness is in the grappling department not saying it’s bad just compared to his striking it is not on the same level. Burns striking however is good not on the same level as his BJJ but enough to stand and strike with Masvidal. That is why I have burns winning he could stand with Masvidal mix in some submission attempts and just give Masvidal so much to think of that I don’t even feel confident in Masvidal getting to the scorecards if Burns can grind Masvidal enough he could tire him out and get that submission in the 3rd. The possibilities of how Burns could win seem more inevitable than a Masvidal victory. This is not a good matchup for Masvidal would have preferred if he fought wonderboy or Luque.
"Confident to go in and not necessarily prove people wrong but to prove my support correct"
03.24.2023 | 8:00 AM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 7 of 12 Winners, 4 Perfect, 450 Points | Tied for 1391st
Barnett vs. Sherman
Chris Barnett, TKO, R1
Big Man goes BRRRRRRRRRR
Chris Barnett, TKO, R1
Big Man goes BRRRRRRRRRR
"Confident to go in and not necessarily prove people wrong but to prove my support correct"
03.24.2023 | 8:01 AM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 7 of 12 Winners, 4 Perfect, 450 Points | Tied for 1391st
Pereira vs. Adesanya II
Alex Pereira, TKO, R2
How do you make a prediction on this fight? Like Usman Leon 3 The champ was winning until he wasn’t, and I am sure that is the situation everyone has in their head. Do you say Adesanya is going to win based on the first few rounds or do you go with Pereira and say that he will always have Adesanya’s number? Pereira is older and has years of kickboxing that must affect the body combined with the huge weight cut how much longer can he be on top, and will he be able to handle the division wrestlers? I am going with a Pereira KO in the early rounds it’s just a guess with no backing behind it as Adesanya could easily KO him early too. I am just going with the feeling that Izzy would look at the last fight and feel as though he does well in the early rounds and the longer it goes the better it gets for Pereira. So, coming in more aggressive than the first MMA fight might get the job done however like the second kickboxing fight where he came in more aggressive and got stopped it could be a very similar situation. But Izzy could decide to be more patient taking it to the scorecards or decide maybe he should grapple and take advantage of Pereira’s relevantly new ground game. Once again, this fight is a coin flip and that is what makes a good main event.
Alex Pereira, TKO, R2
How do you make a prediction on this fight? Like Usman Leon 3 The champ was winning until he wasn’t, and I am sure that is the situation everyone has in their head. Do you say Adesanya is going to win based on the first few rounds or do you go with Pereira and say that he will always have Adesanya’s number? Pereira is older and has years of kickboxing that must affect the body combined with the huge weight cut how much longer can he be on top, and will he be able to handle the division wrestlers? I am going with a Pereira KO in the early rounds it’s just a guess with no backing behind it as Adesanya could easily KO him early too. I am just going with the feeling that Izzy would look at the last fight and feel as though he does well in the early rounds and the longer it goes the better it gets for Pereira. So, coming in more aggressive than the first MMA fight might get the job done however like the second kickboxing fight where he came in more aggressive and got stopped it could be a very similar situation. But Izzy could decide to be more patient taking it to the scorecards or decide maybe he should grapple and take advantage of Pereira’s relevantly new ground game. Once again, this fight is a coin flip and that is what makes a good main event.
"Confident to go in and not necessarily prove people wrong but to prove my support correct"
03.25.2023 | 11:29 PM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 8 of 12 Winners, 3 Perfect, 520 Points | Tied for 490th
Burns vs. Masvidal
Gilbert Burns, DEC
Even tho Jorge is a washed overrated bum, I think he is tough enough to survive a decision, in fact, this may even be closer than we all think. Jorge is a washed bum, but he has always had very good boxing, and shockingly good tdd/bjj defense. Now, he has been in horrible form recently, from being a sore loser in the Colby fight, to getting outclassed in his last three. Now he's facing prime Gilbert who has been in insane form. On the feet, actually think this is pretty close. Gilbert is super aggressive and hits like a truck, but he is not on the technical level of masvidal. I could see Jorge making this really close on the feet. He has alas histrovially had good tdd, but I think burns can grind him out. as good as burns bjj is, I don't think he will sub Jorge. He may be washed, but he's a tough son of a *****
Font vs. Yanez
Rob Font, DEC
There is a lot of bias in my pick, but I really think font has what it takes to beat yang. Don't get me wrong, yanez has looked like a total beast thus far, but I really don't think he's ready for a step up like this. Font may be in a bad way, but man he is still one of the best strikers in the division. His boxing is insane and he's got crazy conditioning and output. My biggest worry is obviously, the chin of font. He will look so amazing, but one clean shot on the chin and he is wobbling bad. Yanez has really slick boxing mixed in with some good kicks, but I don't think he's ready for a striker on this level. Especially with font's jab. I think he's gonna light up yank on the feet, My one issue with font is he has almost no power, so he could easily be winning a round, make one mistake, and end up losing the round/fight. Im gonna back him to at least take this one, but its hard to back him after taking that ass whooping a few months ago
Rosas Jr. vs. Rodriguez
Raul Rosas Jr., DEC
now this is the hardest fight to call on the card. Rosas jr is the ufc's golden boy, and I see how he can win this fight, but im really not sure he will get it done. So, he has a clear path to victory here, and that is by doing his usual suppressive wrestling style to smother ceerod. We have seen that the biggest hole in his game is the TDD; its how he lost against JSP, and weems/cortez were taking him down with relative ease. Despite the bad TDD, ceerod is so good everywhere else. Sick bjj, very clean striking, lots of power, and great shot selection. not to mention, he is a huge bantamweight and has that dog in him. On the feet, I really don't think this is close; ceerod is a trained striker where Rosas has some technique, but seems like a ball of nervous energy and doesn't really seem like he will do well against a technical striker. Overall I think I have to take Rosas here, because he has shown he can grapple aggressively at a very high pace for 3 rounds with no issues. That being said, Ceerod is really gonna make him work his ass off in this fight. Its gonna test his wrestling, cardio, and heart. It wouldn't even shock me if ceerod totally derails the hype train, but I just don't believe Rosas will lose this fight
Holland vs. Ponzinibbio
Kevin Holland, TKO, R2
holland is yet another guy who's impossible to be confident in because he is a showman more than a fighter. That being said, when he actually comes to fight he is very impressive. He has a gigantic frame for 170 and an insane speed & power advantage. his tdd is horrendous but he has very good bjj to compliment. I am a huge Ponzi fan, but man he is so washed. Since coming back in 2021 he has not been the same game. He has looked very slow and takes a lot of damage since coming back. Luckily, he had enough to close out the morono fight, but he was seconds away from losing. Against a faster and much larger opponent with his brawling style, I think Kevin is honestly gonna **** him up badly. That being said, won't touch this fight because Kevin is the most unreliable fighter ever. I really do think he smokes Ponzi tho.
Calvillo vs. Godinez
Lupita Godinez, DEC
loopy Is insanely talented, but has no idea how to fight if that makes sense. She is a freak athlete, has udnerrated striking, and insanely good wrestling, but doesn't mix it in well at all. She also comes into fights with no gameplan whatsoever, just the mindset of "im better than my opponent so that how I win". All this being said, she's getting a freebie here. Calvillo does even like being in there anymore, and im shocked she's even taking another fight. Loopy should dominate tbh, but I just can't be confident in her anymore.
Waterson-Gomez vs. Pinheiro
Luana Pinheiro, DEC
a little uneasy about this one, but I don't want to overthink it. Pinhiero is one hell of a prospect, but she has been gone forever and is now getting a pretty tough step up in competition. From what she's shown, she's shown super aggressive judo, great cardio, and a very aggressive style. She had that really weird debut, but redeemed herself with a beatdown of sam Hughes. Its hard to tell where waterson is at this point in her career. You could make an argument that she's lost her last 5 in a row, and her most recent fight was pretty bad. On top of that, she's getting up there in age and has been talking about things post-fighting. I do worry that maybe she's too much experience for pinhiero, but im not gonna overthink it and go with the hyped prospect.
Bahamondes vs. Motta
Ignacio Bahamondes, TKO, R3
fight is canceled :(
Garcia vs. Nuerdanbieke
Shayilan Nuerdanbieke, DEC
Steve Garcia is so bad, but he wins so many fights he shouldnt just because he's a weight bully. dude is the biggest 145er on the roster. Because of that, he's got historically great success against wrestlers. he also throws heaters which makes him a difficult fight. However, what sets Garcia apart from actually contender is the fact he has no defense or fight iq. He makes the worst decisions, gets chinned every fight, and if you get him on his back, he will just sit there. Shaylian is a guy who I honestly thought was crap, but has developed a lot. Since coming to sanford, he has really rounded out his game; after just one camp there, he already showed vastly improved striking. I doubt he wants to stand with Garcia, as he's at a big size disadvantage and due to the fact Garcia hits like a truck. Garcia's tdd is shockingly good, but I think shaylian will be able to grind him down eventually. He is very strong and actually has really good chain wrestling. im not very confident in this pick, but I think shaylian can grind this one out. it might get pretty ugly tho.
Gastelum vs. Curtis
Kelvin Gastelum, DEC
This is a tough one, I love Curtis and think kelvin is pretty much done trying to be a contender. BUT, I have a weird feeling that kelvin could win this fight. First off, he's finally fighting someone his own size, as Curtis is also a former welterweight. Curtis has a really interesting style. He will play a lot of defense and rely on landing power shots to secure rounds or ko his opponent. he's also a very slow starter. I feel like kelvin is gonna be more active than Curtis, and will be able to eat the bombs of Curtis. Curtis is a really tough fight for anyone because he has amazing tdd and forces you to fight his fight, but I think if Gastelum mixes things up and keeps the volume high, then he can win this fight. its really hard to be confident in him, as he has been in a really bad way recently, but he's finally fighting someone older than him, similar size to him, and someone who's not a rising prospect/top contender. Now my biggest worry is Gastelum honestly did not look good against heinisch. I worry that after all these wars and close fights with top guys that kelvin is totally washed. However, he has taken a long break and has moved to fight ready. if he shows up with a good gameplan, I think he can outwork Curtis
Meerschaert vs. Pyfer
Joseph Pyfer, TKO, R2
Im really interested in this fight. When it first got announced, I thought gm3 was going to school pyfer, but after looking into it, I think this is a very close fight. On the feet, im actually not very impressed with pyfer. He is very hittable and telegraphs that he wants to land his right hand pretty clearly. That being sad, he hits very hard and has pretty decent speed. Gm3 has underrated striking, but lets not act like he's anything special. If pyfer walks him down and doesn't respect the striking, then he could crack gm3 pretty easily. while gm3's basics are solid, he is still pretty slow and doesn't move his head very well. In the grappling is where im most interested. GM3 isn't the best wrestler, but if he gets the fight to the mat, his bjj is insanely dangerous. What makes this so interesting is that pyfer is a Daniel Gracie black belt. He seems to have very solid bjj and has beaten a lot of good ufc fighters in bjj matches. I think he can avoid the ground game and piece up gm3. just remember, while this seems like a big step up on paper, ufc is trying to build and promote pyfer.
Chiesa vs. Li
Michael Chiesa, DEC
really want Li to win but I think this is just a stylistic nightmare for him. chiesa is a bum and has one of the most unlikeable styles ever; he's like Danny Sabatello minus the personality. Li is starting to hit his stride and has been improving a lot since going to sanford. For what its worth, I thought he pretty clearly beat d rod. However, as good as Li has been looking, he has not shown me that he has improved his add at all. In the salikhov fight he was lying on his back with no urgency to get up. He is a way better striker than chiesa but chiesa is very tough and has never been koed. I think he just wet blankets Li for three rounds.
Hughes vs. Amorim
Jaqueline Amorim, SUB, R1
Amorim is a super legit prospect. I do have some questions about her, but from what I've seen I've been very impressed. I haven't seen a lot of her striking, but she has a large frame and seemingly very good power in her hands. I feel as if her wrestling is a little slow, but she has yet to face anyone who can defend her takedowns (and I doubt sam Hughes will be able to defend a lot of her takedowns). On the mat, her bjj is elite level. There are not many girls in the ufc who will be able to suppress her grappling. Now, Hughes has actually been able to have a lot of success despite possessing such a limited skill set. Her striking is actually pretty decent, but she doesn't pick up on feints or defend herself very well. She has won most of her fights through wrestling, but I doubt she's going to try wrestling an elite bjj practitioner. I also don't see her being able to defend jacque's wrestling for three rounds. should be an easy showcase win for jacque.
Gilbert Burns, DEC
Even tho Jorge is a washed overrated bum, I think he is tough enough to survive a decision, in fact, this may even be closer than we all think. Jorge is a washed bum, but he has always had very good boxing, and shockingly good tdd/bjj defense. Now, he has been in horrible form recently, from being a sore loser in the Colby fight, to getting outclassed in his last three. Now he's facing prime Gilbert who has been in insane form. On the feet, actually think this is pretty close. Gilbert is super aggressive and hits like a truck, but he is not on the technical level of masvidal. I could see Jorge making this really close on the feet. He has alas histrovially had good tdd, but I think burns can grind him out. as good as burns bjj is, I don't think he will sub Jorge. He may be washed, but he's a tough son of a *****
Font vs. Yanez
Rob Font, DEC
There is a lot of bias in my pick, but I really think font has what it takes to beat yang. Don't get me wrong, yanez has looked like a total beast thus far, but I really don't think he's ready for a step up like this. Font may be in a bad way, but man he is still one of the best strikers in the division. His boxing is insane and he's got crazy conditioning and output. My biggest worry is obviously, the chin of font. He will look so amazing, but one clean shot on the chin and he is wobbling bad. Yanez has really slick boxing mixed in with some good kicks, but I don't think he's ready for a striker on this level. Especially with font's jab. I think he's gonna light up yank on the feet, My one issue with font is he has almost no power, so he could easily be winning a round, make one mistake, and end up losing the round/fight. Im gonna back him to at least take this one, but its hard to back him after taking that ass whooping a few months ago
Rosas Jr. vs. Rodriguez
Raul Rosas Jr., DEC
now this is the hardest fight to call on the card. Rosas jr is the ufc's golden boy, and I see how he can win this fight, but im really not sure he will get it done. So, he has a clear path to victory here, and that is by doing his usual suppressive wrestling style to smother ceerod. We have seen that the biggest hole in his game is the TDD; its how he lost against JSP, and weems/cortez were taking him down with relative ease. Despite the bad TDD, ceerod is so good everywhere else. Sick bjj, very clean striking, lots of power, and great shot selection. not to mention, he is a huge bantamweight and has that dog in him. On the feet, I really don't think this is close; ceerod is a trained striker where Rosas has some technique, but seems like a ball of nervous energy and doesn't really seem like he will do well against a technical striker. Overall I think I have to take Rosas here, because he has shown he can grapple aggressively at a very high pace for 3 rounds with no issues. That being said, Ceerod is really gonna make him work his ass off in this fight. Its gonna test his wrestling, cardio, and heart. It wouldn't even shock me if ceerod totally derails the hype train, but I just don't believe Rosas will lose this fight
Holland vs. Ponzinibbio
Kevin Holland, TKO, R2
holland is yet another guy who's impossible to be confident in because he is a showman more than a fighter. That being said, when he actually comes to fight he is very impressive. He has a gigantic frame for 170 and an insane speed & power advantage. his tdd is horrendous but he has very good bjj to compliment. I am a huge Ponzi fan, but man he is so washed. Since coming back in 2021 he has not been the same game. He has looked very slow and takes a lot of damage since coming back. Luckily, he had enough to close out the morono fight, but he was seconds away from losing. Against a faster and much larger opponent with his brawling style, I think Kevin is honestly gonna **** him up badly. That being said, won't touch this fight because Kevin is the most unreliable fighter ever. I really do think he smokes Ponzi tho.
Calvillo vs. Godinez
Lupita Godinez, DEC
loopy Is insanely talented, but has no idea how to fight if that makes sense. She is a freak athlete, has udnerrated striking, and insanely good wrestling, but doesn't mix it in well at all. She also comes into fights with no gameplan whatsoever, just the mindset of "im better than my opponent so that how I win". All this being said, she's getting a freebie here. Calvillo does even like being in there anymore, and im shocked she's even taking another fight. Loopy should dominate tbh, but I just can't be confident in her anymore.
Waterson-Gomez vs. Pinheiro
Luana Pinheiro, DEC
a little uneasy about this one, but I don't want to overthink it. Pinhiero is one hell of a prospect, but she has been gone forever and is now getting a pretty tough step up in competition. From what she's shown, she's shown super aggressive judo, great cardio, and a very aggressive style. She had that really weird debut, but redeemed herself with a beatdown of sam Hughes. Its hard to tell where waterson is at this point in her career. You could make an argument that she's lost her last 5 in a row, and her most recent fight was pretty bad. On top of that, she's getting up there in age and has been talking about things post-fighting. I do worry that maybe she's too much experience for pinhiero, but im not gonna overthink it and go with the hyped prospect.
Bahamondes vs. Motta
Ignacio Bahamondes, TKO, R3
fight is canceled :(
Garcia vs. Nuerdanbieke
Shayilan Nuerdanbieke, DEC
Steve Garcia is so bad, but he wins so many fights he shouldnt just because he's a weight bully. dude is the biggest 145er on the roster. Because of that, he's got historically great success against wrestlers. he also throws heaters which makes him a difficult fight. However, what sets Garcia apart from actually contender is the fact he has no defense or fight iq. He makes the worst decisions, gets chinned every fight, and if you get him on his back, he will just sit there. Shaylian is a guy who I honestly thought was crap, but has developed a lot. Since coming to sanford, he has really rounded out his game; after just one camp there, he already showed vastly improved striking. I doubt he wants to stand with Garcia, as he's at a big size disadvantage and due to the fact Garcia hits like a truck. Garcia's tdd is shockingly good, but I think shaylian will be able to grind him down eventually. He is very strong and actually has really good chain wrestling. im not very confident in this pick, but I think shaylian can grind this one out. it might get pretty ugly tho.
Gastelum vs. Curtis
Kelvin Gastelum, DEC
This is a tough one, I love Curtis and think kelvin is pretty much done trying to be a contender. BUT, I have a weird feeling that kelvin could win this fight. First off, he's finally fighting someone his own size, as Curtis is also a former welterweight. Curtis has a really interesting style. He will play a lot of defense and rely on landing power shots to secure rounds or ko his opponent. he's also a very slow starter. I feel like kelvin is gonna be more active than Curtis, and will be able to eat the bombs of Curtis. Curtis is a really tough fight for anyone because he has amazing tdd and forces you to fight his fight, but I think if Gastelum mixes things up and keeps the volume high, then he can win this fight. its really hard to be confident in him, as he has been in a really bad way recently, but he's finally fighting someone older than him, similar size to him, and someone who's not a rising prospect/top contender. Now my biggest worry is Gastelum honestly did not look good against heinisch. I worry that after all these wars and close fights with top guys that kelvin is totally washed. However, he has taken a long break and has moved to fight ready. if he shows up with a good gameplan, I think he can outwork Curtis
Meerschaert vs. Pyfer
Joseph Pyfer, TKO, R2
Im really interested in this fight. When it first got announced, I thought gm3 was going to school pyfer, but after looking into it, I think this is a very close fight. On the feet, im actually not very impressed with pyfer. He is very hittable and telegraphs that he wants to land his right hand pretty clearly. That being sad, he hits very hard and has pretty decent speed. Gm3 has underrated striking, but lets not act like he's anything special. If pyfer walks him down and doesn't respect the striking, then he could crack gm3 pretty easily. while gm3's basics are solid, he is still pretty slow and doesn't move his head very well. In the grappling is where im most interested. GM3 isn't the best wrestler, but if he gets the fight to the mat, his bjj is insanely dangerous. What makes this so interesting is that pyfer is a Daniel Gracie black belt. He seems to have very solid bjj and has beaten a lot of good ufc fighters in bjj matches. I think he can avoid the ground game and piece up gm3. just remember, while this seems like a big step up on paper, ufc is trying to build and promote pyfer.
Chiesa vs. Li
Michael Chiesa, DEC
really want Li to win but I think this is just a stylistic nightmare for him. chiesa is a bum and has one of the most unlikeable styles ever; he's like Danny Sabatello minus the personality. Li is starting to hit his stride and has been improving a lot since going to sanford. For what its worth, I thought he pretty clearly beat d rod. However, as good as Li has been looking, he has not shown me that he has improved his add at all. In the salikhov fight he was lying on his back with no urgency to get up. He is a way better striker than chiesa but chiesa is very tough and has never been koed. I think he just wet blankets Li for three rounds.
Hughes vs. Amorim
Jaqueline Amorim, SUB, R1
Amorim is a super legit prospect. I do have some questions about her, but from what I've seen I've been very impressed. I haven't seen a lot of her striking, but she has a large frame and seemingly very good power in her hands. I feel as if her wrestling is a little slow, but she has yet to face anyone who can defend her takedowns (and I doubt sam Hughes will be able to defend a lot of her takedowns). On the mat, her bjj is elite level. There are not many girls in the ufc who will be able to suppress her grappling. Now, Hughes has actually been able to have a lot of success despite possessing such a limited skill set. Her striking is actually pretty decent, but she doesn't pick up on feints or defend herself very well. She has won most of her fights through wrestling, but I doubt she's going to try wrestling an elite bjj practitioner. I also don't see her being able to defend jacque's wrestling for three rounds. should be an easy showcase win for jacque.
* Edited at 03.25.2023, 11:30 PM ET *
"“Unfortunately you can’t talk like that on FOX” - Joe Rogan"
03.25.2023 | 11:31 PM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 8 of 12 Winners, 3 Perfect, 520 Points | Tied for 490th
Pereira vs. Adesanya II
Alex Pereira, TKO, R3
I seriously from the bottom of my heart think izzy is the better fighter, but pereira just seems to have his number. You could make an infinite number of arguments as to why izzy is better, but pereira just seems to have the key to beating him. I would be happy to get this one wrong since I really don't think pereira is all that good, but I don't know if izzy can get this one back.
Alex Pereira, TKO, R3
I seriously from the bottom of my heart think izzy is the better fighter, but pereira just seems to have his number. You could make an infinite number of arguments as to why izzy is better, but pereira just seems to have the key to beating him. I would be happy to get this one wrong since I really don't think pereira is all that good, but I don't know if izzy can get this one back.
"“Unfortunately you can’t talk like that on FOX” - Joe Rogan"
