Brandon Wise
UFC
Deiveson Figueiredo (-215) vs. Joseph Benavidez (+185): Figueiredo by decision
I love Joe Jitsu. UFC has tried for the longest time to get a belt around his waist to cap off an incredible career with a championship. But at 35, it feels like it's just too late. Figueiredo showed in the first matchup (albeit by coming in heavy) that he was the harder hitter and more technical striker. Unless Benavidez can get this to the ground and work some submissions, I don't see a path to victory for the perennial bridesmaid.
Kelvin Gastelum (-115) vs. Jack Hermansson (-105): Hermansson by decision
After dazzling fans in his fight of the year with Israel Adesanya, Gastelum never got going in an upset loss against Darren Till. The Mexican-American brawler just has a tendency for flat performances when taking on great-to-elite competition. Against Hermansson, who will do well to cancel out the wrestling if not impose himself on Gastelum, it's going to be a tough ask. Look for Hermansson to control the pace and grind for 15 minutes to a decision.
Marc Diakese (-160) vs. Rafael Fiziev (+140): Fiziev by decision
Believe in the hype. Fiziev is a real problem for Diakese in this matchup. Despite Diakese's recent run of success, he's in a tough spot against a great kickboxer. Look for Fiziev to control the pace of this one early and grind out a decision victory.
Ariane Lipski (-130) vs. Luana Carolina (+110): Lipski by decision
This fight has going the distance written all over it. If you can get in on that kind of prop, it may be more lucrative than Lipski at this number. Neither of these women are likely to pick up a finish and I lean toward the fighter with more experience in these spots. Lipski should take care of business with relative ease.
Alexandre Pantoja (-200) vs. Askar Askarov (+175): Pantoja by TKO
This is a sneaky Fight of the Night contender. Pantoja has crazy ability with as balanced a resume as imaginable (eight TKOs, eight submissions, six decisions). Askarov is coming off an incredible performance against Tim Elliott where he was able to neutralize his awkward style. Pantoja's creative striking should be the difference, but watch out if Askarov is able to get inside and take Pantoja to the ground. Still, I think Pantoja finishes the Russian eventually in this matchup.
UFC
Deiveson Figueiredo (-215) vs. Joseph Benavidez (+185): Figueiredo by decision
I love Joe Jitsu. UFC has tried for the longest time to get a belt around his waist to cap off an incredible career with a championship. But at 35, it feels like it's just too late. Figueiredo showed in the first matchup (albeit by coming in heavy) that he was the harder hitter and more technical striker. Unless Benavidez can get this to the ground and work some submissions, I don't see a path to victory for the perennial bridesmaid.
Kelvin Gastelum (-115) vs. Jack Hermansson (-105): Hermansson by decision
After dazzling fans in his fight of the year with Israel Adesanya, Gastelum never got going in an upset loss against Darren Till. The Mexican-American brawler just has a tendency for flat performances when taking on great-to-elite competition. Against Hermansson, who will do well to cancel out the wrestling if not impose himself on Gastelum, it's going to be a tough ask. Look for Hermansson to control the pace and grind for 15 minutes to a decision.
Marc Diakese (-160) vs. Rafael Fiziev (+140): Fiziev by decision
Believe in the hype. Fiziev is a real problem for Diakese in this matchup. Despite Diakese's recent run of success, he's in a tough spot against a great kickboxer. Look for Fiziev to control the pace of this one early and grind out a decision victory.
Ariane Lipski (-130) vs. Luana Carolina (+110): Lipski by decision
This fight has going the distance written all over it. If you can get in on that kind of prop, it may be more lucrative than Lipski at this number. Neither of these women are likely to pick up a finish and I lean toward the fighter with more experience in these spots. Lipski should take care of business with relative ease.
Alexandre Pantoja (-200) vs. Askar Askarov (+175): Pantoja by TKO
This is a sneaky Fight of the Night contender. Pantoja has crazy ability with as balanced a resume as imaginable (eight TKOs, eight submissions, six decisions). Askarov is coming off an incredible performance against Tim Elliott where he was able to neutralize his awkward style. Pantoja's creative striking should be the difference, but watch out if Askarov is able to get inside and take Pantoja to the ground. Still, I think Pantoja finishes the Russian eventually in this matchup.
