Topic: UFC 298
UFC 298: Volkanovski vs. Topuria
Forum Home | Topic Page | Event Page Help
Anonymous Mode
You are not logged in to Tapology. When browsing anonymously, profanities and images are automatically removed from the forum.
- Saturday 02.17.2024 at 06:30 PM ET
- U.S. Broadcast: Pay Per View | Prelims: ESPN
- Promotion: Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Ownership: Endeavor
- Venue: Honda Center
- Location: Anaheim, California, United States
- Enclosure: Octagon
- TV Announcers: Jon Anik, Joe Rogan, Michael Bisping
- Ring Announcer: Bruce Buffer
- Post-Fight Interviews: Joe Rogan
- Ticket Revenue (live gate): $7,260,000
- Attendance: 18,186
- MMA Bouts: 12
-
Promotion Links:
-
Event Links:
| Bout | Info | |
|---|---|---|
| Ilia Topuria defeats Alexander Volkanovski via KO/TKO, Right Hook | 3:32 Round 2 of 5, 8:32 Total Bout Page | |
| Robert Whittaker defeats Paulo Costa via Decision, Unanimous | 3 Rounds, 15:00 Total Bout Page | |
| Ian Machado Garry defeats Geoff Neal via Decision, Split | 3 Rounds, 15:00 Total Bout Page | |
| Merab Dvalishvili defeats Henry Cejudo via Decision, Unanimous | 3 Rounds, 15:00 Total Bout Page | |
| Anthony Hernandez defeats Roman Kopylov via Submission, Rear Naked Choke | 3:23 Round 2 of 3, 8:23 Total Bout Page | |
| Amanda Lemos defeats Mackenzie Dern via Decision, Unanimous | 3 Rounds, 15:00 Total Bout Page | |
| Marcos Rogério de Lima defeats Junior Tafa via KO/TKO, Leg Kicks to Ground and Pound | 1:14 Round 2 of 3, 6:14 Total Bout Page | |
| Rinya Nakamura defeats Carlos Vera via Decision, Unanimous | 3 Rounds, 15:00 Total Bout Page | |
| Mingyang Zhang defeats Brendson Ribeiro via KO/TKO, Punches to Hammerfists | 1:41 Round 1 of 3 Bout Page | |
| Danny Barlow defeats Josh Quinlan via KO/TKO, Punches | 1:18 Round 3 of 3, 11:18 Total Bout Page | |
| Oban Elliott defeats Val Woodburn via Decision, Unanimous | 3 Rounds, 15:00 Total Bout Page | |
| Miranda Maverick defeats Andrea Lee via Decision, Unanimous | 3 Rounds, 15:00 Total Bout Page |
Responses Page 16
02.13.2024 | 4:26 AM ET
Predictions: 8 of 10 Winners, 7 Perfect, 640 Points | Tied for 1071st
Guys I cannot lie this card is amazing top to bottom fight i am most torn about who’s hand gets raised is Kopylov v Hernandez. Kopylov got slick hands but Hernandez grappling another level. Considering Kopylov is a replacement for ikram I’m leaning Hernandez but idk.
* Edited at 02.13.2024, 4:28 AM ET *
"take what from who "
02.13.2024 | 5:04 AM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 5 of 8 Winners, 3 Perfect, 350 Points | Tied for 5524th
Volkanovski vs. Topuria
Alexander Volkanovski, DEC
I think I'm like 2-1-1 on main event picks, gut feeling went to Jack but I picked Joe cause I really believed he could KO him... Kinda hard here to pick and that's only because Volks was Ko'd, the only reason it feels like a cointoss for me. Otherwise Volk is just far to well-rounded for me to see Ilia as threath, granted I'm bias towards Georgians so this is a factor too that I don't rate him high, though he is the best Georgian fighter currently on the roster by a mile.
Whittaker vs. Costa
Paulo Costa, TKO, R3
I think Costa breaks Bobby's chin in a late round, I just can't unsee Boby's horrible DDP fight. And in Costa's fight no matter how gassed he gets in the late rounds, he still hits like a truck and I'm afraid this will get chinny Rob
Neal vs. Machado Garry
Ian Machado Garry, TKO, R3
Cuckboy gets a late finnish or maybe late in R2
Dvalishvili vs. Cejudo
Merab Dvalishvili, DEC
I never felt this much hate towards somoene since Deniz Uytekins corrupt antics in the 6-1 win for Barcelona, but man I fkn hate Merab + butttttttt Tripple cringe is long away from his prime, in his prime i'd pick him, but Merab wins a boring close split.
Hernandez vs. Kopylov
Anthony Hernandez, DEC
Hard fkn fight and sadly with Kopylov loss he'll get once aggain hate and trash thrown at him and underlooked. Then aggain if his next fight he gets a full camp aggainst a striker and underdog odds that would be a blessing. Fluffy is on a full camp here aggainst somoene who's inferior in grappling and relies more on his striking game. Thing is, this will get to the mat cause Fluffy will be starched on his feet, once he feels a kick or two TD and then he'll dominate Roman to a DEC or a early subb like the Arman fight.
Woodburn vs. Elliott
Oban Elliott, DEC
Contender serie, UFC debut = DEC win
Alexander Volkanovski, DEC
I think I'm like 2-1-1 on main event picks, gut feeling went to Jack but I picked Joe cause I really believed he could KO him... Kinda hard here to pick and that's only because Volks was Ko'd, the only reason it feels like a cointoss for me. Otherwise Volk is just far to well-rounded for me to see Ilia as threath, granted I'm bias towards Georgians so this is a factor too that I don't rate him high, though he is the best Georgian fighter currently on the roster by a mile.
Whittaker vs. Costa
Paulo Costa, TKO, R3
I think Costa breaks Bobby's chin in a late round, I just can't unsee Boby's horrible DDP fight. And in Costa's fight no matter how gassed he gets in the late rounds, he still hits like a truck and I'm afraid this will get chinny Rob
Neal vs. Machado Garry
Ian Machado Garry, TKO, R3
Cuckboy gets a late finnish or maybe late in R2
Dvalishvili vs. Cejudo
Merab Dvalishvili, DEC
I never felt this much hate towards somoene since Deniz Uytekins corrupt antics in the 6-1 win for Barcelona, but man I fkn hate Merab + butttttttt Tripple cringe is long away from his prime, in his prime i'd pick him, but Merab wins a boring close split.
Hernandez vs. Kopylov
Anthony Hernandez, DEC
Hard fkn fight and sadly with Kopylov loss he'll get once aggain hate and trash thrown at him and underlooked. Then aggain if his next fight he gets a full camp aggainst a striker and underdog odds that would be a blessing. Fluffy is on a full camp here aggainst somoene who's inferior in grappling and relies more on his striking game. Thing is, this will get to the mat cause Fluffy will be starched on his feet, once he feels a kick or two TD and then he'll dominate Roman to a DEC or a early subb like the Arman fight.
Woodburn vs. Elliott
Oban Elliott, DEC
Contender serie, UFC debut = DEC win
"G.O.A.T.S. come and go, but B.O.A.T.S. stay afloat. I'm the B.O.A.T."
02.13.2024 | 6:47 AM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 7 of 11 Winners, 3 Perfect, 465 Points | Tied for 3992nd
Whittaker vs. Costa
Paulo Costa, TKO, R2
Big Costa fan even though he lets us down all the time! Show us that Paulo Power one last time!
Neal vs. Machado Garry
Ian Machado Garry, SUB, R2
Call me crazy sure but I just have a gut feeling
Lemos vs. Dern
Amanda Lemos, DEC
Lemos 30-27 was thinking TKO but decision more likely
Nakamura vs. Vera
Rinya Nakamura, SUB, R1
One and done, nothing more to say
Paulo Costa, TKO, R2
Big Costa fan even though he lets us down all the time! Show us that Paulo Power one last time!
Neal vs. Machado Garry
Ian Machado Garry, SUB, R2
Call me crazy sure but I just have a gut feeling
Lemos vs. Dern
Amanda Lemos, DEC
Lemos 30-27 was thinking TKO but decision more likely
Nakamura vs. Vera
Rinya Nakamura, SUB, R1
One and done, nothing more to say
02.13.2024 | 9:18 AM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 8 of 12 Winners, 5 Perfect, 540 Points | Tied for 2633rd
Zhang vs. Ribeiro
Brendson Ribeiro, TKO, R1
Both men got 0 dec, this a don’t blink type of fight
Brendson Ribeiro, TKO, R1
Both men got 0 dec, this a don’t blink type of fight
" “My hands don’t discriminate.” -Israel Adesanya"
02.13.2024 | 10:20 AM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 11 of 12 Winners, 7 Perfect, 765 Points | Tied for 114th
Dvalishvili vs. Cejudo
Merab Dvalishvili, DEC
This is not going to be a walk in the park for Merab like it was against Yan. His whole gameplan is to pressure you against the cage and just outwork and outcardio you. Cejudo is not just going to sit there and let Merab hold him against the cage. He's going to be constantly working to reverse position like he did against Aljo. This is going to be a tough, gritty, grind it out type of fight, but I think Merab being the aggressor is going to win him the decision and hand Cejudo his second straight split decision loss.
Merab Dvalishvili, DEC
This is not going to be a walk in the park for Merab like it was against Yan. His whole gameplan is to pressure you against the cage and just outwork and outcardio you. Cejudo is not just going to sit there and let Merab hold him against the cage. He's going to be constantly working to reverse position like he did against Aljo. This is going to be a tough, gritty, grind it out type of fight, but I think Merab being the aggressor is going to win him the decision and hand Cejudo his second straight split decision loss.
* Edited at 02.13.2024, 10:24 AM ET *
"My balls was hot"
02.13.2024 | 11:52 AM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 7 of 11 Winners, 1 Perfect, 390 Points | Tied for 5067th
Volkanovski vs. Topuria
Alexander Volkanovski, DEC
Top tier high level MMA. Surely this is the only matchup Volkanovski could get beat. I won't be mad either way.
Whittaker vs. Costa
Robert Whittaker, TKO, R2
Toss up. I feel like we haven't seen Paulo work hard in a minute. And Whittaker has a make or break performance here.
Neal vs. Machado Garry
Ian Machado Garry, SUB, R3
As much as we ALL want him to get demolished here Garry gets a solid win here.
Dvalishvili vs. Cejudo
Merab Dvalishvili, DEC
Everyone hating on Dvalishvili?!? I quite enjoy him a lot; one of the best pure grapplers. Even over olympic level wrestler Cejudo.
Hernandez vs. Kopylov
Anthony Hernandez, DEC
We need to keep in mind, Kopylov is taking this short notice. That being said, I can't seem to remember either of them fighting, so Im looking at stats and running an educated guess that Herandez out-grapples (poor defense stats for Kopylov) and wins on decision.
Nakamura vs. Vera
Rinya Nakamura, TKO, R1
Never seen him fight but really excited about the buzz. Headkick highlight galore. Crazy stand-up especially for a wrestler background.
Zhang vs. Ribeiro
Brendson Ribeiro, TKO, R3
This looks even. Real excited for this boxing display. They both average around 9 strikes landed per minute of action, with 56% and 46% respectively are significant strikes. That makes this fight look like a toss-up slug fest.
Quinlan vs. Barlow
Danny Barlow, TKO, R1
Quinlan looks intriguing to me in this fight with his 'not trying to hurt anybody' monk mentality. Respect to him, but you're fighting an animal with messy bomb thrower Barlow. We'll see how this plays out.
Woodburn vs. Elliott
Val Woodburn, DEC
Wanting to see Woodburn get a dub, seemed class when he fought Bo Nikal. Elliott seems like the popular pick however?
Lee vs. Maverick
Miranda Maverick, SUB, R2
Have yet to watch either; pulling for Maverick with better submission and grappling defense/riding time.
Alexander Volkanovski, DEC
Top tier high level MMA. Surely this is the only matchup Volkanovski could get beat. I won't be mad either way.
Whittaker vs. Costa
Robert Whittaker, TKO, R2
Toss up. I feel like we haven't seen Paulo work hard in a minute. And Whittaker has a make or break performance here.
Neal vs. Machado Garry
Ian Machado Garry, SUB, R3
As much as we ALL want him to get demolished here Garry gets a solid win here.
Dvalishvili vs. Cejudo
Merab Dvalishvili, DEC
Everyone hating on Dvalishvili?!? I quite enjoy him a lot; one of the best pure grapplers. Even over olympic level wrestler Cejudo.
Hernandez vs. Kopylov
Anthony Hernandez, DEC
We need to keep in mind, Kopylov is taking this short notice. That being said, I can't seem to remember either of them fighting, so Im looking at stats and running an educated guess that Herandez out-grapples (poor defense stats for Kopylov) and wins on decision.
Nakamura vs. Vera
Rinya Nakamura, TKO, R1
Never seen him fight but really excited about the buzz. Headkick highlight galore. Crazy stand-up especially for a wrestler background.
Zhang vs. Ribeiro
Brendson Ribeiro, TKO, R3
This looks even. Real excited for this boxing display. They both average around 9 strikes landed per minute of action, with 56% and 46% respectively are significant strikes. That makes this fight look like a toss-up slug fest.
Quinlan vs. Barlow
Danny Barlow, TKO, R1
Quinlan looks intriguing to me in this fight with his 'not trying to hurt anybody' monk mentality. Respect to him, but you're fighting an animal with messy bomb thrower Barlow. We'll see how this plays out.
Woodburn vs. Elliott
Val Woodburn, DEC
Wanting to see Woodburn get a dub, seemed class when he fought Bo Nikal. Elliott seems like the popular pick however?
Lee vs. Maverick
Miranda Maverick, SUB, R2
Have yet to watch either; pulling for Maverick with better submission and grappling defense/riding time.
02.13.2024 | 1:31 PM ET
Predictions: 7 of 8 Winners, 0 Perfect, 350 Points | Tied for 5440th
Costas last 4 wins.. Luke, Yoel, Uriah hall and Johnny Hendricks lmao. 2017-2022 span… No way he beats Whittaker
This user is suspended from posting until 9 months, 1 week, 5 days, 2 hours, and 5 minutes from now.
02.13.2024 | 2:27 PM ET
Predictions: 8 of 12 Winners, 3 Perfect, 505 Points | Tied for 3322nd
"“I took no damage,” Hill said. “Most of the fall was me falling down"
02.13.2024 | 2:28 PM ET
Predictions: 7 of 12 Winners, 3 Perfect, 470 Points | Tied for 3953rd
Surprised De Lima is getting slept on a bit. Is Tafa now good because he beat Harry Hunsucker and Austen Lane?
"I'll make my own damn quote." -Me
02.13.2024 | 2:30 PM ET
Predictions: 9 of 11 Winners, 7 Perfect, 690 Points | Tied for 526th
Woodburn vs Elliott
Elliott, Dec
Elliott is the better fighter in general. His record isn't as padded as Woodburn's. However, his stand-up game is an absolute ass. He's very slow when it comes to striking. But, I think he's smart enough to know not to stand with Val. He'll take him down and hold him for 3 rounds. But, I would love to see the GOAT Woodburn knock him out.
Quinland vs Barlow
Barlow, Ko, Rd 1
Barlow is legit. He's coming off a great KO win over Raheam Forest, even though it isn't anything special, it was a great KO win nonetheless. He also has an 8-inch reach advantage, in which I believe, Josh fought Waters, and Josh had a hard time due to Waters keeping him on the outside due to his reach advantage. However, Barlow throws every punch with mean intentions. He has good power in his hands and I believe he'd knock out Josh with a hook KO for the reels.
Zhang vs Ribeiro
Ribeiro, Ko, early Rd 2
Claudio's brother will pull this off. He's an inch bigger and has an impressive 7-inch reach advantage. Zhang is also good with his boxing, however, look at those dudes he's beating, that's all I'm saying. He has a good ground game but I think Ribeiro can avoid that. Ribeiro also has a less padded record. That man throws every punch with bad intentions, I mean he can be chinny at points but I doubt that Zhang would stand and bang with him.
Nakamura vs Vera
Nakamura, dec
Why is Carlos even the UFC? He's not young, he isn't good, and he's coming off of one of the worst seasons in TUF. But, I doubt Naka finishing Vera, I mean, he couldn't finish Fernie. I would like to see Naka go for a finish on the ground via GnP but he keeps looking for a submission win for some reason. I wouldn't say his stand-up game is good either but why to worry when you're going against some dude who's 36? Please Naka, finish this old man.
De Lima vs Tafa
De Lima, TKO, Rd 2/dec
Pezao is the better fighter. Though he's aging and coming off a TKO loss, I don't think that affects him. Pezao destroyed the legs of Salsa Verde Boy and KO'ed Rothwell in 30 seconds. He also has a decent ground game for a heavyweight, choking out Arlovski in the first round. Tafa has good power but I don't think he has the skill to beat Pezao. However, I would love to see Mark Hunt 2.0 win.
Dern vs Lemos
Lemos, TKO/KO, rd 1
Lemos is underlooked just bc she lost dominantly to the goat Weili. I mean, she tko'ed damn impressive Marina. Dern's coming off a brutal ko loss and doesn't know how to strike for ****. Dern only has one advantage and that's because she's much hotter but she's gonna get lit up.
Hernandez vs Kopylov
Hernandez, Sub, late rd 2
Fluffy is such an underrated fighter. Ragdolled every person after the Holland loss. I feel like Rodolfo was the most dangerous fighter he's finished, that boy choked him out at his own game. He destroyed Marc-Andre, he took control of Edmen in the second round, and he choked out "The Black Belt Hunter". Even though he didn't finish Fremd, he had no trouble with him at all. Kopylov is one of the best strikers in the division. However, he's not a 'first round and done' type of fighter. He finished Fremd, Claudio, and Soriano in the second round. Alessio is a ****** fighter and Kopylov took him to the third round. I know he's better now but he still got out grappled by Duraev and choked out by some other fighter. Not to mention, that he also got rocked by Claudio in the last moments of round one. He also was starting to look a little gassed in the second round with Fraumd. Kopy is also like 32, he's not young. I believe he's also short-noticed.
Dvalishvili vs Cejudo
Dvalishvili, dec
Inbred is such a monster. That man has insane cardio and insane pace. I actually don't think he's a normal human being. Cejudo is the most complete fighter in the UFC. He's an Olympic gold medalist in the US Nationals. He beat lots of legends in the UFC. He became a damn double champ in the UFC, beating Mighty Mouse for the Flyweight and Marlon for the Bantamweight title. He defended both titles and arguably won against Aljo. But, Merab is Inbred, that's all I need to say.
Neal vs Garry
Garry, Tko, late rd. 2-early rd. 3
Garry is overlooked for being a wag. That dude has skill. He destroyed the legs of Magny and KO'ed
Elliott, Dec
Elliott is the better fighter in general. His record isn't as padded as Woodburn's. However, his stand-up game is an absolute ass. He's very slow when it comes to striking. But, I think he's smart enough to know not to stand with Val. He'll take him down and hold him for 3 rounds. But, I would love to see the GOAT Woodburn knock him out.
Quinland vs Barlow
Barlow, Ko, Rd 1
Barlow is legit. He's coming off a great KO win over Raheam Forest, even though it isn't anything special, it was a great KO win nonetheless. He also has an 8-inch reach advantage, in which I believe, Josh fought Waters, and Josh had a hard time due to Waters keeping him on the outside due to his reach advantage. However, Barlow throws every punch with mean intentions. He has good power in his hands and I believe he'd knock out Josh with a hook KO for the reels.
Zhang vs Ribeiro
Ribeiro, Ko, early Rd 2
Claudio's brother will pull this off. He's an inch bigger and has an impressive 7-inch reach advantage. Zhang is also good with his boxing, however, look at those dudes he's beating, that's all I'm saying. He has a good ground game but I think Ribeiro can avoid that. Ribeiro also has a less padded record. That man throws every punch with bad intentions, I mean he can be chinny at points but I doubt that Zhang would stand and bang with him.
Nakamura vs Vera
Nakamura, dec
Why is Carlos even the UFC? He's not young, he isn't good, and he's coming off of one of the worst seasons in TUF. But, I doubt Naka finishing Vera, I mean, he couldn't finish Fernie. I would like to see Naka go for a finish on the ground via GnP but he keeps looking for a submission win for some reason. I wouldn't say his stand-up game is good either but why to worry when you're going against some dude who's 36? Please Naka, finish this old man.
De Lima vs Tafa
De Lima, TKO, Rd 2/dec
Pezao is the better fighter. Though he's aging and coming off a TKO loss, I don't think that affects him. Pezao destroyed the legs of Salsa Verde Boy and KO'ed Rothwell in 30 seconds. He also has a decent ground game for a heavyweight, choking out Arlovski in the first round. Tafa has good power but I don't think he has the skill to beat Pezao. However, I would love to see Mark Hunt 2.0 win.
Dern vs Lemos
Lemos, TKO/KO, rd 1
Lemos is underlooked just bc she lost dominantly to the goat Weili. I mean, she tko'ed damn impressive Marina. Dern's coming off a brutal ko loss and doesn't know how to strike for ****. Dern only has one advantage and that's because she's much hotter but she's gonna get lit up.
Hernandez vs Kopylov
Hernandez, Sub, late rd 2
Fluffy is such an underrated fighter. Ragdolled every person after the Holland loss. I feel like Rodolfo was the most dangerous fighter he's finished, that boy choked him out at his own game. He destroyed Marc-Andre, he took control of Edmen in the second round, and he choked out "The Black Belt Hunter". Even though he didn't finish Fremd, he had no trouble with him at all. Kopylov is one of the best strikers in the division. However, he's not a 'first round and done' type of fighter. He finished Fremd, Claudio, and Soriano in the second round. Alessio is a ****** fighter and Kopylov took him to the third round. I know he's better now but he still got out grappled by Duraev and choked out by some other fighter. Not to mention, that he also got rocked by Claudio in the last moments of round one. He also was starting to look a little gassed in the second round with Fraumd. Kopy is also like 32, he's not young. I believe he's also short-noticed.
Dvalishvili vs Cejudo
Dvalishvili, dec
Inbred is such a monster. That man has insane cardio and insane pace. I actually don't think he's a normal human being. Cejudo is the most complete fighter in the UFC. He's an Olympic gold medalist in the US Nationals. He beat lots of legends in the UFC. He became a damn double champ in the UFC, beating Mighty Mouse for the Flyweight and Marlon for the Bantamweight title. He defended both titles and arguably won against Aljo. But, Merab is Inbred, that's all I need to say.
Neal vs Garry
Garry, Tko, late rd. 2-early rd. 3
Garry is overlooked for being a wag. That dude has skill. He destroyed the legs of Magny and KO'ed
* Edited at 02.13.2024, 3:37 PM ET *
"Every animal has a different bite" - Benjamin Esparza
02.13.2024 | 3:36 PM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 11 of 12 Winners, 6 Perfect, 765 Points | Tied for 114th
Volkanovski vs. Topuria
Ilia Topuria, TKO, R5
Ilia Topuria has everything we've been discussing, crisp boxing, good Jiu-Jitsu, good wrestling, great counters, good head movement, and then some. But what I think makes this is two factors, for one, Ilia Topuria hasn't been in this game for a while, he's newer. He wasn't planning for Jose Aldo, wasn't planning for Conor McGregor, wasn't planning for Max Holloway - him, and most of the newer folk have been planning for Alexander Volkanovski from the beginning. The second thing is Alexander Volkanovski has struggled against people around his height, Ilia is 5'7, and Alex was dropped by the 5'6 Chad Mendes when he was an older, worse fighter than Topuria is. Also, the McGregor vs. Aldo parallels are just killing me with this fight. I think it'll be a highly competitive fight until the Fifth Round, where Ilia will produce the finish by TKO.
Whittaker vs. Costa
Robert Whittaker, DEC
30-27 Whittaker. I don't think Costa has the skill of Dricus Du Plessis or Israel Adesanya, I don't think he has the power to put Whittaker away easily, and I think he'll gas out. Whittaker is clearly a better striker, Paulo is very inactive and doesn't spend lots of time training and has had 3 awful performances back to back, his power is mostly gone, his striking is slower, his defense is weak, his cardio is bad, and he's gotten done up by people like Marvin Vettori. I really think Paulo is an overrated fighter. If he doesn't pull out, it'll probably be a fairly clean and easy win for Whittaker by 30-27 Decision or a Late TKO in the Third Round. But I'm sticking with Decision.
Neal vs. Machado Garry
Geoff Neal, TKO, R2
This is probably my least confident pick of the lot. Geoff Neal is the guy in the Welterweight Division people don't often talk about but has scary power to put people away and generally good striking. Sure Ian is a great striker, but his defense is lacking. The Kenan Song fight exposed that. While the Neil Magny win was good, he couldn't finish it, and Geoff will have time to catch Ian & produce the finish. He hits hard enough, and Ian has been dropped by people with worse power and speed. Geoff Neal is known for catching everybody. So let's watch how this goes. I wouldn't be surprised if Ian just put a masterclass on Neal, though. For now, Neal by KO in the Second or Third Round.
Dvalishvili vs. Cejudo
Merab Dvalishvili, DEC
This is for sure the highest level wrestling match you can make in the Bantamweight Division. So we have Cejudo, the former champion, and Merab, the guy who's just looked unbeatable lately. Honestly, I think Cejudo could take a first round and maybe some would even argue he won the fight, but Merab has something key, his cardio. He's able to just rush at guys with several takedown attempts, whether he succeeds or fails pressing them up against the cage and working with knees and shots in the clinch like he did against Jose Aldo. Cejudo had a losing grappling match against Aljamain Sterling who is slower paced than Merab - Cejudo's wrestling is great but this is the only sport with a cage. Merab will probably hold Cejudo against the cage for a lot of this fight and use that to his advantage.
Hernandez vs. Kopylov
Anthony Hernandez, SUB, R1
This fight between two decent Middleweight Prospects is just promising a fraud check. Ok, so let's see. Roman Kopylov is a great striker, but open in his defense, and let's face it, garbage grappling defense. Albert Duraev had his way with Kopylov on the ground. Hernandez is a superior Grappler in all but top control which wasn't what Kopylov gave Duraev a struggle in. Hernandez by Submission, Round One.
Lemos vs. Dern
Amanda Lemos, TKO, R3
Just gonna pick Lemos KO/TKO because Dern can't punch
Rogério de Lima vs. Tafa
Marcos Rogério de Lima, TKO, R3
I know people are hyping up Tafa and all, but I don't get why, he really isn't good. Marcos Rogerio De Lima has proven himself against higher level competition like Waldo Cortes-Acosta. I sense another fraud check here. Tafa will gas out pretty quickly and get finished in the later rounds.
Nakamura vs. Vera
Rinya Nakamura, TKO, R1
I don't think there's much to say here, easy layup for Nakamura. Rinya Nakamura KO R1.
Woodburn vs. Elliott
Oban Elliott, SUB, R2
Val Woodburn just isn't that good. Elliot by Submission. Sorry.
Lee vs. Maverick
Miranda Maverick, DEC
I really don't care.
Ilia Topuria, TKO, R5
Ilia Topuria has everything we've been discussing, crisp boxing, good Jiu-Jitsu, good wrestling, great counters, good head movement, and then some. But what I think makes this is two factors, for one, Ilia Topuria hasn't been in this game for a while, he's newer. He wasn't planning for Jose Aldo, wasn't planning for Conor McGregor, wasn't planning for Max Holloway - him, and most of the newer folk have been planning for Alexander Volkanovski from the beginning. The second thing is Alexander Volkanovski has struggled against people around his height, Ilia is 5'7, and Alex was dropped by the 5'6 Chad Mendes when he was an older, worse fighter than Topuria is. Also, the McGregor vs. Aldo parallels are just killing me with this fight. I think it'll be a highly competitive fight until the Fifth Round, where Ilia will produce the finish by TKO.
Whittaker vs. Costa
Robert Whittaker, DEC
30-27 Whittaker. I don't think Costa has the skill of Dricus Du Plessis or Israel Adesanya, I don't think he has the power to put Whittaker away easily, and I think he'll gas out. Whittaker is clearly a better striker, Paulo is very inactive and doesn't spend lots of time training and has had 3 awful performances back to back, his power is mostly gone, his striking is slower, his defense is weak, his cardio is bad, and he's gotten done up by people like Marvin Vettori. I really think Paulo is an overrated fighter. If he doesn't pull out, it'll probably be a fairly clean and easy win for Whittaker by 30-27 Decision or a Late TKO in the Third Round. But I'm sticking with Decision.
Neal vs. Machado Garry
Geoff Neal, TKO, R2
This is probably my least confident pick of the lot. Geoff Neal is the guy in the Welterweight Division people don't often talk about but has scary power to put people away and generally good striking. Sure Ian is a great striker, but his defense is lacking. The Kenan Song fight exposed that. While the Neil Magny win was good, he couldn't finish it, and Geoff will have time to catch Ian & produce the finish. He hits hard enough, and Ian has been dropped by people with worse power and speed. Geoff Neal is known for catching everybody. So let's watch how this goes. I wouldn't be surprised if Ian just put a masterclass on Neal, though. For now, Neal by KO in the Second or Third Round.
Dvalishvili vs. Cejudo
Merab Dvalishvili, DEC
This is for sure the highest level wrestling match you can make in the Bantamweight Division. So we have Cejudo, the former champion, and Merab, the guy who's just looked unbeatable lately. Honestly, I think Cejudo could take a first round and maybe some would even argue he won the fight, but Merab has something key, his cardio. He's able to just rush at guys with several takedown attempts, whether he succeeds or fails pressing them up against the cage and working with knees and shots in the clinch like he did against Jose Aldo. Cejudo had a losing grappling match against Aljamain Sterling who is slower paced than Merab - Cejudo's wrestling is great but this is the only sport with a cage. Merab will probably hold Cejudo against the cage for a lot of this fight and use that to his advantage.
Hernandez vs. Kopylov
Anthony Hernandez, SUB, R1
This fight between two decent Middleweight Prospects is just promising a fraud check. Ok, so let's see. Roman Kopylov is a great striker, but open in his defense, and let's face it, garbage grappling defense. Albert Duraev had his way with Kopylov on the ground. Hernandez is a superior Grappler in all but top control which wasn't what Kopylov gave Duraev a struggle in. Hernandez by Submission, Round One.
Lemos vs. Dern
Amanda Lemos, TKO, R3
Just gonna pick Lemos KO/TKO because Dern can't punch
Rogério de Lima vs. Tafa
Marcos Rogério de Lima, TKO, R3
I know people are hyping up Tafa and all, but I don't get why, he really isn't good. Marcos Rogerio De Lima has proven himself against higher level competition like Waldo Cortes-Acosta. I sense another fraud check here. Tafa will gas out pretty quickly and get finished in the later rounds.
Nakamura vs. Vera
Rinya Nakamura, TKO, R1
I don't think there's much to say here, easy layup for Nakamura. Rinya Nakamura KO R1.
Woodburn vs. Elliott
Oban Elliott, SUB, R2
Val Woodburn just isn't that good. Elliot by Submission. Sorry.
Lee vs. Maverick
Miranda Maverick, DEC
I really don't care.
-
- Mr_Moon
02.13.2024 | 4:00 PM ET
Hernandez/Kopylov
Predictions: 7 of 12 Winners, 4 Perfect, 475 Points | Tied for 3890th
Fraud check is not a good way to describe Hernandez/Kopylov. Both have losses in the UFC. They are not frauds regardless of result. Both fighters showed their resilience by winning four fights in a row after suffering devastating losses.
Whoever loses has already shown the ability to thrive after setbacks. Kopylov and Hernandez have a combined 8 wins by stoppages demonstrating further their value to the UFC. Instead of a fraud check, this fight is an opportunity to take a step closer to the title contention for the winner and the loser won’t have to wait long for their phone to ring again.
Whoever loses has already shown the ability to thrive after setbacks. Kopylov and Hernandez have a combined 8 wins by stoppages demonstrating further their value to the UFC. Instead of a fraud check, this fight is an opportunity to take a step closer to the title contention for the winner and the loser won’t have to wait long for their phone to ring again.
This user is suspended from posting until 9 years, 9 months, 2 weeks, 2 days, 9 hours, and 36 minutes from now.
02.13.2024 | 4:30 PM ET
Predictions: 10 of 12 Winners, 3 Perfect, 590 Points | Tied for 1699th
Love to see tapology clean again from constant fights between users. Finally back to people posting and responding to each other about the actual fights.
Wishing everyone the best of luck this week with their bets, let's all enjoy a BANGER of a main card!! 👊 🔥
Wishing everyone the best of luck this week with their bets, let's all enjoy a BANGER of a main card!! 👊 🔥
"Youtube capper splits sheets avaliable in Twitter bio."
02.13.2024 | 5:04 PM ET
Prediction Comments
Predictions: 11 of 12 Winners, 7 Perfect, 765 Points | Tied for 114th
Neal vs. Machado Garry
Ian Machado Garry, DEC
Love or hate Garry you have to put your bias aside when picking fights. He's really good, and he's looked better every time he steps in the octagon. He's shown us that he's a quality striker, and though we know he can grapple as well, we haven't got so see much of it yet. He may have to dig deep and show us all of the tools here, because Neal has some lethal hands. If Garry decides to stand and trade with Neal this is a 50/50 fight. If he decides to mix in some work in the clinch and maybe a few takedowns, his odds to win go up tremendously. I gotta go with the more well-rounded guy here. Garry showcases his full aresenal and secures the decision win.
Ian Machado Garry, DEC
Love or hate Garry you have to put your bias aside when picking fights. He's really good, and he's looked better every time he steps in the octagon. He's shown us that he's a quality striker, and though we know he can grapple as well, we haven't got so see much of it yet. He may have to dig deep and show us all of the tools here, because Neal has some lethal hands. If Garry decides to stand and trade with Neal this is a 50/50 fight. If he decides to mix in some work in the clinch and maybe a few takedowns, his odds to win go up tremendously. I gotta go with the more well-rounded guy here. Garry showcases his full aresenal and secures the decision win.
* Edited at 02.13.2024, 6:12 PM ET *
"My balls was hot"
02.13.2024 | 6:12 PM ET
Predictions: 8 of 12 Winners, 3 Perfect, 505 Points | Tied for 3322nd
Holy ****ballz MMAFORTUNETELLER really wishes he had what it takes to be on Tap.
Yes nice to see a more civil Tap, tappers tapping stuffs.
Yes nice to see a more civil Tap, tappers tapping stuffs.
"“I took no damage,” Hill said. “Most of the fall was me falling down"
02.13.2024 | 6:24 PM ET
Wait what?????
Predictions: 8 of 12 Winners, 4 Perfect, 540 Points | Tied for 2633rd
Did someone say that these forums are actually useable again???? No more constant **** posting from children and MEGA BANKROLL Gamblers!??
No way!!
I hope so as I barely look here anymore and I used to enjoy being here during an event.
Hopefully it does get back a little bit closer to how it was . Not that new isn't good, I like.seeing new folk on Tap just not more ********.
Anyway, hope everyone is good and can't wait for this card! Gotta admit I'm slightly worried for Volko. Don't like that he's coming off a KO loss. But I am still gonna pick him!!!
No way!!
I hope so as I barely look here anymore and I used to enjoy being here during an event.
Hopefully it does get back a little bit closer to how it was . Not that new isn't good, I like.seeing new folk on Tap just not more ********.
Anyway, hope everyone is good and can't wait for this card! Gotta admit I'm slightly worried for Volko. Don't like that he's coming off a KO loss. But I am still gonna pick him!!!
"Sometimes maybe good, sometimes maybe ****! "
02.13.2024 | 6:56 PM ET
Mikey1903
Predictions: 9 of 12 Winners, 5 Perfect, 640 Points | Tied for 961st
I’m Australian and Volk biggest fanboy, I think Illa going to sleep Volk, I just believe when people like Volk gets slept , it never get better, it only get worst, and Illa can also crack, I’m expecting to be very depressed for a few day
* Edited at 02.13.2024, 7:02 PM ET *
"Quack quack quack"
02.13.2024 | 8:33 PM ET
Predictions: 10 of 12 Winners, 7 Perfect, 755 Points | Tied for 160th
I'm just here for the ChatGPT **** talk.
02.13.2024 | 8:51 PM ET
Predictions: 7 of 12 Winners, 5 Perfect, 505 Points | Tied for 3393rd
"If it ain't fix, don't broke it - Stipe Miocic "