UFC 217 Betting Info [Archive] - Investwithsports.com Sportstalk and Gambling forum

New York Knight

10-31-2017, 08:29 PM

Fight Pass 'Prelims' undercard preview
Patrick L. Stumberg - MMA Mania

265 lbs.: Aleksei Oleinik vs. Curtis Blaydes

Aleksei Oleinik (55-10-1) spent nearly 18 years as a professional before joining UFC in 2014, racking up a pair of first-round finishes in his first two appearances. After a long layoff, his cardio failed him against Daniel Omielanczuk, but impressive submissions of Viktor Pesta and Travis Browne showed he’s still got it.

He owns a staggering 45 wins by submission.

Curtis Blaydes (7-1) entered UFC as a top prospect, but came up short against fellow blue-chipper Francis Ngannou in his promotional debut. He bounced back strong with dominant wins over Cody East, Adam Milstead and the aforementioned Omielanczuk, although a failed test for marijuana turned the Milstead win into a “No Contest.”

Going by their recent weigh-ins, he should have about 20 pounds on Oleinik.

Oleinik is 14 years older than Blaydes and has almost eight times as many professional fights — it’s kind of staggering. Blaydes has every conceivable advantage here, including heavier hands, better wrestling, more strength and speed. Oleinik’s proven that he can catch anyone, but there’s only so many times you can surprise people before they wise up to it. He’s not taking down Blaydes and — while he does have deceptive pop in his hands — he’s unlikely to dent a guy Francis Ngannou couldn’t stop. Blaydes wears him down at range and in the clinch before ultimately pounding him out.

Prediction: Blaydes via second-round technical knockout

205 lbs.: Ovince Saint Preux vs. Corey Anderson

It’s been quite a ride for Ovince Saint Preux (21-10) in recent years. After snapping a three-fight losing streak with a submission of Marcos Rogerio de Lima, Saint Preux signed on to face “Shogun” Rua in Japan, only to wind up fighting Yushin Okami on short notice and submitting him as well.

“OSP” replaces Patrick Cummins, who is currently dealing with a “mutant” staph infection, on short notice.

The man currently known as “Overtime,” Corey Anderson (9-3), put his knockout loss to Gian Villante behind him with four wins in his next five fights, the sole loss a controversial split decision to “Shogun” Rua. This set up a main event in London against Jimi Manuwa, who shrugged off the The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) winner’s takedowns before sleeping him with a left hook.

This will be his tenth UFC fight since joining the organization in 2014.

Saint Preux is as talented as he is ruinously frustrating to follow. Straighten up his punches, fine-tune his wrestling, knock some fight IQ into that dome, and you’ve got a legit title contender. As is, you’ve got an athletic monster with flashes of brilliance.

However, that might just be enough against Anderson.

Durability issues and underdeveloped striking continue to plague Anderson, who’s a legitimate beast from top position, but can’t currently disguise his takedowns well enough to bring that skill to bear against top opposition. Expect something along the lines of Saint Preux vs. Cummins as “OSP” shuts down Anderson’s shots before lamping him with a counter.

Prediction: Saint Preux via first-round technical knockout

135 lbs.: Aiemann Zahabi vs. Ricardo Ramos

Aiemann Zahabi (7-0) — younger brother of famed trainer Firas Zahabi — didn’t just skate by on his family name, stopping each of his first six professional opponents in the first round. He joined UFC in February and debuted against TUF: “Brazil” 4 winner Reginaldo Vieira, against whom Zahabi had to settle for a competitive decision win.

His stoppage wins are split evenly between knockouts and submissions.

Despite a submission loss to Manny Vazquez in his Legacy FC title bid, Ricardo Ramos (10-1) impressed Dana White enough his next time out to earn a contract. He took on Japanese grinder Michinori Tanaka in his Houston debut and scored an early knockdown on his way to a decision victory.

Ramos has finished eight professional foes, seven in the first round.

I still think Michinori Tanaka had the tools to beat Ramos. Zahabi may not be that level of grinder, but he’s a lot smarter in the cage and has a more complete striking game, not to mention the takedown defense to force Ramos to trade with him.

While Ramos can likely finish the fight if he gets into top position, Zahabi’s unlikely to let him get there and — despite the reach disadvantage — should control the striking on his way to a decision victory.

Prediction: Zahabi via unanimous decision

New York Knight

10-31-2017, 08:29 PM

Cheat Sheet - Stephen Thompson vs. Jorge Masvidal
Brett Okamoto - ESPN

Stephen Thompson (13-2-1) vs. Jorge Masvidal, Welterweight

One year can make a world of difference in mixed martial arts. Heading into UFC 217, Stephen Thompson is a good example of that.

Thompson went into last year's UFC 205 as one of the sport's rising darlings. Coming off wins over Johny Hendricks and Rory MacDonald, Thompson was actually favored to dethrone Tyron Woodley for the welterweight championship.

Today, that 170-pound title seems pretty far from Thompson's grasp -- at least, as long as Woodley continues to hold it. He's coming off back-to-back majority decision losses to Woodley. The rematch, at UFC 209, was criticized as one of the worst fights of the year.

Looking back on it, Thompson, who missed time over the summer because of knee surgery, says he has his share of regret, but has moved on from it.

"It's a lot different situation that last year," Thompson said. "The rematch is the worst I've ever felt about a fight. Why didn't I let my hands go? Why didn't I let my kicks go? I can say that now, but when you're in the Octagon and you feel his power and the caliber of wrestler he is, you have to be careful.

"What happened in those fights happened. I can't change it. People bring it up to me all the time, like, 'Hey man! You could be champion right now!' And it's like, 'Yeah, but I'm not.'"

Although a trilogy bout with Woodley doesn't appear likely anytime soon, Thompson clearly hasn't lost much ground in the rankings. Masvidal is 3-1 in his last four and would have been granted a title shot had he won his last fight against Demian Maia in May.

Thompson, who fights out of Simpsonville, South Carolina, says he likes the matchup and where a win would place him in the division.

The UFC has announced the winner of a bout between Robbie Lawler and Rafael dos Anjos on Dec. 16 will get the next title shot, but Thompson sees different ways he could enter that conversation. There's a little bit of an unknown at the moment, as Woodley is currently out indefinitely with a shoulder injury.

"Maybe I get the loser of that fight -- or maybe Tyron is out longer than expected and fight Lawler for the official No. 1 contender spot," Thompson said. "I've been a big fan of Robbie since before I was even in the UFC. And I thought that's who I would fight for the title, before Tyron went and knocked him out. I think he beats dos Anjos and who knows, maybe I still get to fight him. That's just what I'm thinking."

Fight breakdown

Jorge Masvidal could probably roll straight out of bed and win a fistfight. Nothing phases the guy and there's very little he hasn't seen.

Note, however, the "very little" part of that sentence. As well-versed as Masvidal is, he hasn't quite seen everything -- and that was apparent in his last fight.

Demian Maia is one of the most one-dimensional welterweights in the UFC, but he got it done against Masvidal in May. Masvidal himself has admitted Maia identified a hole in his game during that split decision win.

Exploiting any deficiency in Masvidal's well-rounded game is hard to do. Maia did it. Can Stephen Thompson?

Because in a fight between two relatively traditional-style welterweights, Masvidal is always a good bet. His takedown defense, submission defense, cardio, chin, punching power -- all of it's good. But Thompson is world-class great in one particular area. Will that be the difference once again in a close Masvidal fight?

Tyron Woodley dealt with Thompson's karate with an ultra-conservative game plan along the fence. He fought Thompson twice like that, and didn't lose either one. But the reality for Masvidal is that he will probably need to move forward to win.

Masvidal isn't an overpowering wrestler, but he applies pressure under control. As much as fans might not want to hear this, he's patient -- and should be here. If anyone can have success walking Thompson down without wasting energy or exposing himself to counterpunches, it might be Masvidal. And as great as Thompson is defensively, anyone who fights with his hands as low as he does is vulnerable to being clipped.

Stylistically overall, it's hard not to favor Thompson slightly. It's his specific skillset Masvidal has to adjust to, not vice versa. And Thompson remains one of the better chess players in the game.

Prediction: Thompson via decision

New York Knight

10-31-2017, 08:30 PM

UFC 217 preview and predictions
Riley Kontek - FanSided

Michael Bisping vs. Georges St. Pierre

In the main event, we get a super fight of sorts, as UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping defends his title against a unretired former UFC welterweight champion and legend, Georges St. Pierre. This is such a tough fight to analyze, given that St. Pierre has not competed since November of 2013. Not only that, but he was competing at welterweight, though he was always big for that weight class. Since his time away from the cage, Bisping has become a certified star, going from perennial gatekeeper to the man who sits atop the throne. Bisping’s title win over Luke Rockhold was beyond impressive, but his win over Dan Henderson in his last fight raised some question marks because many thought Henderson won based on damage. This is a shot in the dark pick, but St-Pierre will win because his wrestling and athleticism are enough to control Bisping against the cage and on the mat.

It’s not with total confidence, but St. Pierre is your new middleweight champ.

Cody Garbrandt vs. TJ Dillashaw

Co-headlining the event is a huge bantamweight rivalry bout, as former teammates Cody Garbrandt, the champion, and TJ Dillashaw, the former champion, square off in an anticipated bout. These men are familiar with each other from training at Team Alpha Male back in the day. They have somewhat similar styles, though Dillashaw might be the better wrestler and Garbrandt the better striker. On the feet, you will see good movement from both men, looking for the angles and entries to score points with their hands and legs. In Garbrandt’s fight with Dominick Cruz at UFC 217, Garbrandt proved he can defend the takedown and out point a good striker on the feet. Conversely, what we saw in Dillashaw’s fight with Cruz, he can be out-struck if his shots are defended with a solid sprawl. Garbrandt is hitting his stride as a fighter and has a lot of tools to put Dillashaw at a disadvantage.

In an entertaining chess match, Garbrandt scores a decision win to keep his reign at the top going.

Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Rose Namajunas

Dominant strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk looks to defend her title yet again when she takes on the always entertaining Rose Namajunas. Namajunas gets this title fight on a one-fight win streak, which is a surprise given the division is jammed with talent. Nevertheless, the skilled all-around fighter is known for her flashy striking skills and slick submission ability on the mat. She’s 4-1 in her last five, losing only to Karolina Kowalkiewicz while thriving over the likes of Michelle Waterson, Paige VanZant and Tecia Torres. She takes that skill set into the against Jedrzejczyk, a woman who has dominated this division with an iron fist. Jedrzejczyk is a world-class striker with good takedown defense. She surgically picks apart opponents with a stiff jab, chopping leg kicks and killer combinations. She’s very difficult to get the mat and she makes those who attempt takedowns pay with accurate strikes. Namajunas will give the champ all she’s got, and it will lead to an entertaining scrap.

Unfortunately, it will not be enough, as the Polish queen will pick Namajunas apart, scoring a damage-filled decision.

Stephen Thompson vs. Jorge Masvidal

Former title challenger Stephen Thompson takes on the always-exciting Jorge Masvidal. Both Thompson and Masvidal are strikers with different styles, which is why this very well could win Fight of the Night honors. Thompson is an elite kickboxer with great technique, power and movement. He’s improved his wrestling as well, which he uses to defend takedowns. He’s coming off two winless bouts, both were title fights against Tyron Woodley where he drew with the champ and took a contentious majority decision loss. Before that skid, he had been running through the welterweight division. As for Masvidal, he’s been in the sport for a long time and is still getting better. Before taking a split verdict loss in his most recent offering to Demian Maia, Masvidal has knocked out two straight opponents in Donald Cerrone and Jake Ellenberger.

This fight will have fireworks, but the striking of Thompson will just be too much for Masvidal. Thompson scores the victory.

Johny Hendricks vs. Paulo Henrique

Former welterweight champion Johny Hendricks is looking to get back on track after some struggles when he takes on undefeated Brazilian Paulo Henrique. Since losing his UFC welterweight title, Hendricks has been in a massive downward spiral that has set him back greatly. The wrestler with one-punch knockout power is just 2-4 since dropping his title to Robbie Lawler, including knockout losses to Stephen Thompson and Tim Boetsch at middleweight. He is tasked with stopping the onslaught of an undefeated opponent in Henrique, who takes a big step up in competition here. His UFC tenure has been violent, scoring striking stoppages over Garreth McLellan and Oluwale Bamgbose, both of whom were at the bottom of the middleweight ladder. Clearly, the UFC matchmakers see something in Henrique for giving him a big fight like this but this is too much of a step up for him.

Despite Hendricks and his recent struggles, he scores a rebound victory here, allowing him to stick around for the near future.

James Vick vs. Joe Duffy

Two of the lightweight divisions best prospects are set to make a statement when Irelan’s Joe Duffy and James Vick fight. Ireland has proven a big market, and while Conor McGregor is certainly the king of the Emerald Island, Duffy is a star to a smaller extent. He’s a very strong boxer with some good submission ability and 4-1 under the UFC banner, losing to headliner Dustin Poirier, while besting fighters such as Reza Madadi and Mitch Clarke. He takes on Vick, quite possibly the most underrated and highly entertaining in the UFC. At 6-foot-3, he’s a very large, long lightweight that is hard to game plan for. He’s a very good boxer who has a good submission arsenal as well. He’s 7-1 with the UFC, besting foes such as Abel Trujillo, Jake Matthews and Polo Reyes. On the feet, this should be highly entertaining. On the mat, it could be a different story.

Either way, Vick scores the win here, putting him into a top-20 fight in his next outing.

Walt Harris vs. Mark Godbeer

Heavyweights Walt Harris of America and Mark Godbeer of England square off in a rescheduled bout. Harris is currently in his second tour of duty with the UFC, and it’s already far better than his first. The big, athletic striker went 0-2 before being released in his first stint, but since returning, he’s going 3-3, a far better record. All three of his wins come via knockout as well, putting away Cody East, Chase Sherman and Cyril Asker before needing a third round. The striker meets up with a man who’s willing to fight upright or on the ground in Godbeer. The big Brit is currently 1-1 in the UFC, falling to Justin Ledet in his debut before besting late replacement fighter Daniel Spitz in his last fight. Don’t expect this fight to go to the judges.

There will be a knockout, and the man standing over the finished opponent will be Harris.

Ion Cutelaba vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk

On late notice, Poland’s Michal Olesksiejczuk steps in for Gadzhimurad Antigulov when he makes his UFC debut against Moldovan Ion Cutelaba, a 23-year-old wrestler with heavy hands who loves to brawl on the feet. He has insane power and looks for the knockout early and often, something seen throughout his career. He’s 2-2 in his UFC tenure, falling to Misha Cirkunov and Jared Cannonier while decisioning Jonathan Wilson and quickly knocking out Frank Waisten. He takes on Oleksiejczuk, a 22-year-old prospect who has spent his entire career fighting in his native Poland. He seems more than likely to give Cutelaba the fight on the feet that he wants, as Oleksiejczuk has a history of mowing down fighters with strikes, including his last three fights where he knocked out opponents in the first round. These look like two guys who could be the future of the division, especially given their ages.

Late notice will be a tough thing to overcome for Oleksiejczuk, so he will fall here, as Cutelaba picks up his third UFC victory.

Randy Brown vs. Mickey Gall

One of the most interesting prospects in the UFC right now is welterweight Mickey Gall, who makes his return to the Octagon here when he takes on the exciting Randy Brown. Gall was brought into the UFC as the man touted to fight CM Punk. After laying waste to the other potential Punk suitor Mike Jackson, Gall was given his shot at the former WWE megastar. He easily destroyed the overmatched Punk, earning a matchup with another UFC pet project, Sage Northcutt. Again, Gall scored a finish, submitting the UFC’s poster boy, bringing him from a litmus test of a celebrity to a legit, dangerous prospect. The ground fighter known for his submissions meets up with striker Brown, an athletic, technically gifted kickboxer. He’s seen mixed results in the UFC, running a 3-2 record where he’s finished Erick Montano and Brian Camozzi while falling to Belal Muhammad and Mike Graves. Brown has shown he can be submitted by Graves, which could be a blueprint here.

Brown gets taken down by Gall, who submits him within three rounds.

Oleksiy Oliynyk vs. Curtis Blaydes

Top-20 heavyweights will jockey for position in a shallow division when longtime veteran Oleksiy Oliynyk squares off with young bull Curtis Blaydes. Both heavyweights are grapplers, though their styles are very different. In Blaydes, you have an explosive, powerful wrestler who fishes for takedowns often in fights. His strength helps him and he has pretty good cardio for a guy his size. He would be on a three-fight winning streak had it not been for a failed drug test due to marijuana in his fight with Adam Milstead. As for Oliynyk, he’s more of a submission based grappler known for his Ezequiel choke, which he’s pulled off in many fights. On the feet, it’s pretty equal. This may come down to who has better takedowns and Blaydes is better in that aspect.

Blaydes will win a very close bout that is likely a toss-up on betting lines.

Ovince Saint Preux vs. Corey Anderson

A pair of light heavyweights will settle business, when Ovince Saint Preux takes this fight on late notice against Corey Anderson. Saint Preux represents the striker in this fight, though it’s been his stealthy ground game that has been scoring him wins in recent times. He’s not a better wrestler than Anderson, but his submission game is impressive, especially his Von Flue choke, which has claimed victories over Nikita Krylov, Marcos Rogerio and most recently, Yushin Okami. He meets a similar caliber athlete in Anderson, who is just as explosive and quick. Anderson is 6-3 in the UFC, losing to strikers only. He does own victories over Tom Lawlor, Fabio Maldonado and Jan Blachowicz, though, showing he has skills to hang.

Even though he has a short camp, Saint Preux is better at this point, so he scores a unanimous nod over Anderson.

Aiemann Zahabi vs. Ricardo Ramos

Bantamweight prospects are looking to shed that label against one another, as Brazilian Ricardo Ramos meets up with Canada’s Aiemann Zahabi. Zahabi is the brother of Tristar trainer Firas Zahabi, and is currently a top prospect in the UFC bantamweight division. At 7-0, he’s shown off some of his skills, though expect to see him continue to improve from fight to fight. He takes on Ramos, a 22-year-old Brazilian rocking a 10-1 record and knocking heads off in the process. He will want to strike with Zahabi, as it’s a strong suit of his and his best chance to beat his opponent. He entered the UFC in successful fashion, beating Michinori Tanaka by unanimous decision. This should be a very good bout between two young bulls.

That said, Ramos wins because he is better at inflicting damage.

New York Knight

10-31-2017, 08:30 PM

UFC 217 Main Card Predictions
Sports Interaction (http://www.cappersmall.com/forums/redirect-to/?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Faffiliate.sportsinteraction .com%2Fprocessing%2Fclickthrgh.asp%3Fbtag%3Da_4851 b_701%26aid%3D)

Michael Bisping vs. Georges St-Pierre

Records: Bisping (30-7), St-Pierre (25-2)
Division: Middleweight
UFC Odds: St-Pierre -140, Bisping +105

Prediction: GSP by decision

The UFC tried to make this fight happen twice previously and Bisping threatened to move on for good if it wasn’t finalized this time. At one point, it appeared UFC boss Dana White also had given up. The 38-year-old Bisping, from England, already has one win over a UFC legend: vs. Anderson Silva in February 2016. Bisping won the middleweight title that June with a first-round knockout of Luke Rockhold and defended for the first and still only time in October 2016 with a unanimous decision victory over Dan Henderson. The actual interim middleweight champ right now is Robert Whittaker after his victory over Yoel Romero in July. It was expected that Whittaker would fight Bisping next, but Whittaker is dealing with a knee injury.

St-Pierre, 36, is on the short list of greatest fighters in MMA history. He hasn’t fought since the ninth straight successful defence of his welterweight title – beating Johny Hendricks by split decision at UFC 167 in November 2013. St-Pierre, who stepped away from the sport after that bout, was the longest-reigning welterweight champion in UFC history. His last loss was to Matt Serra way back in August 2007. This will be GSP’s first fight at middleweight, and his 12-fight UFC winning streak is the second longest among all active fighters. The victor here is expected to battle Whittaker at UFC 221 in Australia.

Cody Garbrandt vs. TJ Dillashaw

Records: Garbrandt (11-0), Dillashaw (15-3)
Division: Bantamweight
UFC Odds: Garbrandt -170, Dillashaw +135

Prediction: Garbrandt by KO/TKO

These Americans are former friends and teammates turned rivals battling for Garbrandt’s bantamweight belt. Dillashaw is ranked as the division’s No. 2 contender; Dominick Cruz is No. 1. Garbrandt and Dillashaw were originally to fight at UFC 213 in July, but Garbrandt had to withdraw due to a back injury. He won the bantamweight belt with a unanimous decision victory over Cruz last December.

Garbrandt, 26, has made noise about next fighting UFC pound-for-pound king and flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson. Dillashaw, 31, wanted to fight Johnson when the first Garbrandt fight was canceled but Johnson opted for Ray Borg earlier this month. Dillashaw has won two fights in a row since a loss to Cruz in January 2016.

Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Rose Namajunas

Records: Jedrzejczyk (14-0), Namajunas (7-3)
Division: Women’s strawweight
UFC Odds: Jedrzejczyk -455, Namajunas +315

Prediction: Jedrzejczyk by decision

Many believe the women’s strawweight champion Jedrzejczyk is the baddest woman on the planet – she might have the toughest name to type (miracle if not spelled wrong at least once here)! The 30-year-old Pole is 8-0 since joining the UFC, winning her past four by unanimous decision. A victory Saturday would tie would tie Ronda Rousey’s record for most consecutive title defenses (six) among female fighters. Namajunas, a 25-year-old American, comes off a rear-naked choke submission win over Michelle Waterson in April.

Stephen Thompson vs. Jorge Masvidal

Records: Thompson (13-1-1), Masvidal (32-12)
Division: Welterweight
UFC Odds: Thompson -175, Masvidal +135

Prediction: Thompson by decision

Intriguing welterweight bout with Thompson ranked No. 2 in the division and Masvidal fourth. Tyron Woodley is the division champion and the 34-year-old Thompson’s past two fights were against him. “Wonderboy” drew with Wooley in November 2016 in a title fight, and they had an immediate rematch in March and Woodley won by majority decision. Thompson had won seven in a row before those two bouts, including victories over current interim middleweight champion Robert Whittaker and Canada’s Rory MacDonald. That was MacDonald’s last UFC fight. Masvidal, 32, likely would be fighting Woodley for the title if not for a loss to Demian Maia in May by split decision.

Johny Hendricks vs. Paulo Borrachinha

Records: Hendricks (18-7), Borrachinha (10-0)
Division: Middleweight
UFC Odds: Borrachinha -235, Hendricks +175

Prediction: Borrachinha by KO/TKO

Hendricks, 34, is a former welterweight champion who is trending the wrong way with four losses in his past five trips to the Octagon. He last fought in June and was a second-round TKO loser to Tim Boetsch. Hendricks also lost to Georges St-Pierre in a memorable split decision back at UFC 167 four years ago. Borrachinha, who also goes by Paulo Henrique Costa, is a 26-year-old from Brazil and a rising prospect in the division. He is 2-0 since joining the UFC and has gone past the first round just once in his career: in June via a second-round TKO victory over Oluwale Bamgbose.

New York Knight

10-31-2017, 08:30 PM

Fighters are 0-5 when attempting to tie Michael Bisping's all-time UFC wins record.

Georges St-Pierre gets his shot Saturday night ...

New York Knight

10-31-2017, 08:31 PM

UFC 217 Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Damon Martin - UFC.com

SPLIT DECISION

These are the fights that are just too close to call, but a few minor differences between favorite and underdog could lead one fighter to victory and the other to defeat.

Cody Garbrandt vs. TJ Dillashaw

It what could turn out to be one of the best fights on paper in 2017, bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt puts title on the line for the first time against former teammate TJ Dillashaw. Both fighters appear to be at the top of their game heading into this contest and there's no doubt Garbrandt and Dillashaw are as evenly matched as anybody in the UFC.

What Garbrandt brings into the fight is a mix of incredible boxing, great defense and a wrestling game that is tough to beat. Garbrandt hits with speed and power with blinding combinations that come from all angles. Add to that, Garbrandt has never been taken down in his UFC career so that gives him another advantage if he gets Dillashaw in trouble and he's forced to fall back on his wrestling as a failsafe.

As for Dillashaw, he's earned his spot atop the division rankings with a skill set that includes some of the best footwork in the UFC, fast, accurate striking and a great ability to win in the scrambles if he gets caught up in a clinch or a takedown. Dillashaw actually lands with more volume and accuracy than Garbrandt on the feet and he'll need those weapons to stave off the champion's powerful attacks when they get into exchanges. Dillashaw can ill afford to get caught with one of Garbrandt's best punches, but his defense is outstanding and he actually absorbs less strikes per minute than his opponent at UFC 217.

In this game of inches who comes out on top?

Well, Garbrandt proved last year with his win over Dominick Cruz that he is the total package. He shed the moniker of just being a devastating knockout striker by outworking Cruz over five rounds in a classic performance. Garbrandt's ability to go for the kill is certainly a powerful attribute, but the fact that he can land a knockdown and then assess at the moment whether or not to go guns blazing for the finish or hold back his energy is a veteran move that makes him ready for all five rounds. Dillashaw will give Garbrandt everything he can handle over the course of this fight, but if he gets into trouble can he survive with a power puncher throwing dynamite at him from every angle? No one has survived Garbrandt yet and it's tough to pick against him this time as well.

Prediction: Cody Garbrandt by unanimous decision

Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Rose Namajunas

Strawweight queen Joanna Jedrzejczyk will look to tie the all-time record for title defenses in the women's divisions of the UFC when she faces Rose Namajunas.

The book on Jedrzejczyk is well known at this point, as she's put together one of the most impressive title reigns in the UFC today. Jedrzejczyk is arguably one of the best strikers in the sport, with a technical prowess that is virtually unmatched as she combines volume with power to outwork the opposition at every turn. Jedrzejczyk is deadly on the feet with surgical precision, yet she still manages to throw an absurd amount of strikes during every championship fight. Jedrzejczyk is also incredibly tough to take down to the mat, blocking over 81 percent of the attempts against her since joining the UFC roster.

Namajunas certainly has a few tricks up her sleeve and that's what she'll need to employ to have a shot at dethroning Jedrzejczyk this weekend. Namajunas is best known for her devastating ground game, where she's wrapped up a slew of submission victories during her career. With a long, lanky body, Namajunas coils around her opponents like a snake and she's unrelenting with her ground attacks until she lands the submission. More recently, however, Namajunas has really started to add high-level striking to her arsenal as well, as we witnessed in her fight with Michelle Waterson. In that fight, Namajunas uncorked a hellacious head kick that knocked Waterson down before the former Ultimate Fighter finalist jumped on top to finish the fight with a rear naked choke.

It's that kind of strategy that Namajunas has to employ against Jedrzejczyk if she hopes to leave New York with the title. Namajunas is a very tricky fighter who has been known to throw everything at an opponent, including flying submissions, as she attacks with an unorthodox style inside the Octagon. If she can keep Jedrzejczyk off balance while also threatening with her submission arsenal, it could keep the champion guessing and unable to time her combinations on the feet.

That said, Jedrzejczyk has faced a laundry list of top fighters throughout her UFC career, from the best strikers to the most dangerous ground specialists, and she's beaten them all. One day someone may solve the puzzle that Jedrzejczyk presents, but it's tough to pick against her while she's still on top of the world. Namajunas will definitely make things interesting, especially if she throws caution to the wind and just launches attack after attack, trying to look for the finish. In the end, Jedrzejczyk is just the safer pick because she's proven to be the best 115-pound fighter on the planet, and the gap seems to grow ever wider with each performance she puts on.

Prediction: Joanna Jedrzejczyk by unanimous decision

Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson vs. Jorge Masvidal

In a matchup between two elite strikers, Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson will look to bounce back from a title fight loss in his last fight as he takes on Jorge Masvidal, who has quickly become one of the most talked about athletes in the welterweight division.

Prior to his pair of fights against welterweight king Tyron Woodley, Thompson had proven to be the second best fighter in the world at 170 pounds. With pinpoint accuracy, nasty knockout power and great takedown defense, Thompson became a tough matchup for anybody in the division. It seemed by his second fight with Woodley, however, that Thompson was a little more tentative in his exchanges with the champion, perhaps focusing too much on avoiding power shots or takedowns. Either way, Thompson didn't quite look himself and he'll look to recapture that same magic that had him on a long winning streak before he got his first crack at the title last year.

As for Masvidal, he's looked better than ever as a welterweight, with his boxing just as good as it's ever been while he’s also started to really show off his knockout power. Masvidal absolutely overwhelmed Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone when they met earlier this year, and he was one scorecard away from beating Demian Maia back in May and possibly earning a title shot. Masvidal has great hands, his defense is top notch and he has no problem standing in the pocket and trading with the best of the best in the welterweight division.

The real question in this fight comes down to Thompson's ability to avoid the championship slump after failing to capture the title on two occasions. Thompson looked like a welterweight poised to wear gold until he ran into Woodley and now he needs to get back to the form that led him to the title shot in the first place. At his best, Thompson is a creative striker with speed and power, especially when he's the one controlling the distance from the outside. If he can get back to being the fighter who knocked out Johny Hendricks and Jake Ellenberger with aggression combined with jaw-dropping power shots, he should be able to get back on track this weekend.

Just don't expect Thompson to get a finish, although anything can happen in a fight. Masvidal hasn't been put away by strikes since 2008 and it's tough to imagine he's going to fall by knockout at UFC 217 either.

Prediction: Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson by unanimous decision

James Vick vs. Joe Duffy

In the featured bout on the preliminary card, James Vick will look to build on his two-fight win streak as he takes on highly touted Irish prospect Joe Duffy.

Vick is a tough matchup for anyone at 155 pounds thanks to a massive size advantage where he'll be a full five inches taller than Duffy with a three-inch reach edge as well. Vick has used those long limbs to set up a number of submissions as well with a very slick ground game that he'll gladly implement if he gets an opening during the fight.

Now Duffy will present some problems for Vick, especially on the feet, where he employs a top-notch boxing game that could be one of the best in the entire lightweight division. Duffy hits hard but it's the combinations that he lands with really solid accuracy that gives so many fighters problems. Duffy is very astute with counter striking as well, which could be an advantage in this fight as he'll look to get inside Vick's long range while landing combinations to the head and body whenever pressing forward.

The key for Vick is being able to use his long reach to keep Duffy at distance and then winning any scrambles if they hit the ground. For Duffy, he just needs to be wary of staying on the outside for too long or he could get picked apart, but if he's able to slip inside and punish the head and body, Vick could crumble and fall. It's an insanely tight matchup but the slight edge goes to Duffy with his boxing prowess and ability to win exchanges on the feet with superior accuracy.

Prediction: Joe Duffy by TKO, Round 3

KNOCKOUT PICKS

These are the fights that appear to be a little more one-sided, but remember that this is MMA, where anything can - and usually does - happen.

Johny Hendricks vs. Paulo Borrachinha

Brazilian powerhouse Paulo Borrachinha will look to remain undefeated as he takes on former welterweight champion Johny Hendricks in the fight that will kick off the main card on Pay-Per-View.

Borrachinha was a welcome addition to the UFC middleweight division, where he brings jaw-dropping power that has earned him nine knockouts in 10 career fights. Borrachinha not only lands with power but he’s also accurate, as he's hitting his target a whopping 58 percent of the time in the UFC. Now Borrachinha has shown a tendency to eat a punch for the sake of throwing a punch, so he has to be careful with that strategy if he gets into the top 15 at some point in his UFC career but, for now, that game plan hasn't really backfired on him.

Hendricks knows this is a very tough test for him, especially considering he was knocked out by Tim Boetsch in his last fight. Hendricks is not a big middleweight and he'll be giving up three inches in height and reach in this matchup. Now Hendricks has recently started training under famed head coach Greg Jackson, so that will certainly help him going into this fight, but it might be too little, too late as he's facing a serious powerhouse in Borrachinha, who will be looking for the knockout from the moment the referee unleashes him from the corner.

Prediction: Paulo Borrachinha by knockout, Round 2

Randy Brown vs. Mickey Gall

Welterweight prospect Mickey Gall will look to stay undefeated when he faces New York's own Randy Brown on the preliminary card.

Thus far in his UFC career, Gall has looked outstanding with three wins, all by submission, while making quite a name for himself with every performance. Admittedly, Gall hasn't faced the stiffest competition just yet, but the pedigree is there for him to become a real star at 170 pounds now and into the future.

Brown will arguably be Gall's toughest matchup to date, as he brings a strong Muay Thai style attack into this fight with solid knockout power and great range on the feet. Brown will enjoy a four-inch reach advantage in this fight, which could be a huge advantage for him as he looks to keep Gall on the outside and stay away from his dangerous ground game.

Of course, Gall has shown solid striking in the past and he's not afraid to get into exchanges with his opponents, although his best weapon is still definitely his Brazilian jiu-jitsu. If Gall fights smart, he'll use his strikes to set up the takedown and once he gets the fight to the ground, he can look for punches to then transition into a submission. Gall's ability to take this fight to the ground could be the only hindrance he has in this fight, but assuming he can drag Brown down, he'll give the New York native nightmares on the mat.

Prediction: Mickey Gall by submission, Round 2

UPSET SPECIAL

Michael Bisping vs. Georges St-Pierre

A nearly four-year long absence for Georges St-Pierre will end at UFC 217 as he makes his return to the Octagon while trying to join a select few fighters in the history books as a two-division champion. St-Pierre has never competed at middleweight before, but he's packed on the pounds to ensure he won't be giving up much size or power to the bigger fighter in Michael Bisping.

Of course, Bisping has been here plenty of times before and he's faced the best of the best in the middleweight division. Bisping's game plan is never much of a secret, as he looks to outstrike his opponents with superior boxing while also adding up a high volume of punches landed over the course of any fight. Bisping has certainly earned his fair share of knockouts, but he typically gets those victories after pouring on the punishment round after round to really add up on the damage done. That's exactly what he'll look to do against St-Pierre on Saturday night.

At the peak of his performances in the UFC, St-Pierre was a top-notch wrestler who landed more than four takedowns per 15 minutes in the Octagon with an incredible 74 percent accuracy. In addition to those gaudy statistics, St-Pierre also established a great boxing game with one of the best jabs in the business while tagging his opponents with solid volume and tremendous accuracy, landing just under 54 percent of his strikes. The real question becomes whether St-Pierre will still be able to put together that kind of game plan four years later while also bumping up to a bigger weight class.

That's why when you combine those factors with Bisping's experience, it's easy to see why the middleweight champion is a very solid upset pick. Bisping has only really been outwrestled once in his career and that came against Tim Kennedy in a fight against a physically bruising middleweight following a long layoff due to eye surgery. Now it's entirely possible that St-Pierre could employ the same game plan to just take Bisping down for five consecutive rounds, but it will be tougher to do that against a fighter who is bigger and stronger on fight night.

Bisping just needs to avoid those takedowns while not allowing St-Pierre to simply pot shot him with jabs all night long and he should be able to find a path to victory. Bisping's relentless pace while landing with good volume in every round should wear down St-Pierre over the course of five rounds. Bisping may get a finish late, but it's a safer bet that he'll just do a lot of damage over 25 minutes to earn the decision victory while giving St-Pierre a rather rude welcome back to the UFC.

Prediction: Michael Bisping by unanimous decision

New York Knight

10-31-2017, 08:31 PM

Toe-to-Toe: UFC 217 Preview and Predictions

Combat Press writers Kyle Symes and Dan Kuhl preview the event in this edition of Toe-to-Toe.

It’s been four years since we’ve seen Georges St-Pierre in action, but now he’s back in a new division and immediately gets to fight for the title. What should we expect out of him? Can he unseat Michael Bisping and claim the middleweight throne?

Symes: I would expect to see much of what we saw from GSP before he stepped away, including a conservative game plan that focuses on top control and avoiding damage. St-Pierre was a dynamic striker earlier in his career, but then he decided to focus on his wrestling after dropping the belt to Matt Serra. He stepped away from MMA due to head trauma and the damage he was sustaining, so don’t expect to see St-Pierre involved in any extensive exchanges on the feet.

Although he’s been out of action for the past four years, GSP has reportedly been active in the gym. Sure, it’s not like he was going through the *****s of a fight camp, but it’s not like he’s coming back after sitting at home on the couch. He has arguably the best lineup of coaches behind him, including Freddie Roach, Firas Zahabi and John Danaher. There’s no doubt they’ve worked to get him prepared for UFC 217.

Can GSP beat Bisping? Of course he can. He’s one of the greatest of all time and has the perfect set of skills to counter Bisping’s forward pressure. Now, that doesn’t mean I expect GSP to get takedowns at will against the UFC champ. Bisping is going to be much bigger than St-Pierre come fight night, and the Englishman has undoubtedly been working on his takedown defense heading into this contest.

Bisping will push the pace with his insane cardio and make St-Pierre exhaust himself to not only score a takedown, but to keep the Brit grounded. We’re looking at a split decision in the end, with St-Pierre’s takedowns possibly negating Bisping’s boxing.

Kuhl: It’s still hard to think of Bisping sitting on a real throne. It’s more like a Burger King throne. He has only fought one real contender in Rockhold to capture the title. He had what amounts to an exhibition match against Hendo, and he hasn’t fought since. Can GSP unseat him? Abso-freakin-lutely! It would be ludicrous to say that any GSP, four years benched or not, could not beat Bisping.

GSP does not love MMA. He has said it time and time again. Unless he just simply needs the money, I’m not even sure why he’s coming back at this point. He has a tremendous team and is one of the most talented all-around fighters in history, but four years is a long time. If he really wants to do this, he will beat Bisping. If he doesn’t, that’s another story. Unlike José Aldo’s comeback fight against Conor McGregor, GSP won’t rush in and get clipped. He’s not reckless like that.

This one will go the distance, with GSP outworking Bisping for a fresh new title win. However, the Canadian won’t fare as well in a unification bout against interim champ Robert Whittaker.

In addition to the middleweight title showdown between Bisping and St-Pierre, this card also features a clash for bantamweight gold between Cody Garbrandt and T.J. Dillashaw and a women’s strawweight championship affair between Joanna Jędrzejczyk and Rose Namajunas. Which champion is most likely to lose their title? Which champ will definitely hold on to their belt?

Kuhl: I really believe both of the non-headlining champs will retain their belts, but, out of the two, Jędrzejczyk has a much better chance of staying unbeaten than Garbrandt does.

Namajunas is a top contender, for sure. Against other any top-10 fighter in the division, I’d give her the nod. She and Jędrzejczyk both have fierce mentalities, but the challenger may have a slight edge in the grappling department. Good luck getting the champ in a precarious position on the mat, though. Jędrzejczyk is a champion that transcends the sport, and Joanna “Champion” will outstrike Namajunas on the feet. If this fight goes the distance, Jędrzejczyk will take it decisively and remain unbeaten.

The bantamweight fight is not so simple. Both Garbrandt and Dillashaw are outstanding wrestlers. They have unique finishing power for bantamweights, too. Both have champion pedigrees, and they have trained together with the same coaches. So, they have at least some understanding of each other’s style. Either of these guys could get knocked out or submitted, but it’s just as easy to envision this fight going the distance. This is the true main event of the evening.

I predict Jędrzejczyk and Garbrandt will retain their belts, but if Dillashaw earns his title back, that will be no surprise.

Symes: Agreed. Garbrandt is the one more likely to lose his title.

Jędrzejczyk has looked so dominant thus far into her UFC career. Her toughest fights were against Claudia Gadelha, and the Polish star still managed to get her hand raised at the end of the night. Other challengers have only been able to obtain a few moments of success, moments that fail to matter when it’s pitted against Jędrzejczyk’s overall domination. “Thug Rose” is as legit as they come, but she won’t knock out Jędrzejczyk on the feet and Jędrzejczyk has proven to be one of the most difficult women to take down.

The bantamweight affair is a much more equal contest. Garbrandt looked amazing in his fight with Dominick Cruz. He danced circles around the former bantamweight champion. Dillashaw has a similar style to Cruz, but it is different in that Dillashaw is much more apt to stay in the pocket. Garbrandt made it look easy for most of his contest with Cruz. Can he do the same with Dillashaw?

At the end of the day, it would surprise me more if Namajunas knocks Joanna “Champion” off her perch than if Dillashaw beats Garbrandt.

Michał Oleksiejczuk — do we need to know this name?

Symes: A 22-year-old light heavyweight with a decent record? Yeah, I’d say it’s someone to pay attention to. The 205-pound division, once the pride of the UFC’s roster, has become a wasteland outside of the top guys. The division has a mix of veterans and younger guys, but only Volkan Oezdemir seems to have been able to separate himself from the pack. Of course, Oleksiejczuk is miles away from title discussion, but any time the 205-pound division can get some new blood, it’s a welcome sight.

We should have some reservations about the Polish fighter, though. He’s making his UFC debut and hasn’t faced a lot of stiff competition. He didn’t come up through Poland’s premier MMA promotion, KSW, and his wins came over guys with questionable records. You can’t fault him too much for handling the cards that were dealt to him, but it’s safe to say we should keep an eye on the young man.

Kuhl: The thing I like best about Oleksiejczuk is that he is a finish-or-be-finished type of fighter. He very rarely goes to decision, and he reminds me somewhat of a Polish version of Anthony Smith in that regard. It’s hard to judge his worth based on his previous opponents, which appear to be either relatively inexperienced or washed-up journeymen. That being said, he’s quite young, and his opponent is only 23 years old with a similar record, so it should be an exciting fight between two guys hungry to make a name for themselves in the UFC.

Who’s the biggest winner at UFC 217?

Kuhl: Michael Bisping, for sure. The guy has yet to fight a real challenger, but if he loses, “Oh well. He lost to GSP.” If he wins, “He beat GSP!” This is a money fight for “The Count” all the way, and, win or lose, he will come out a winner with a fat paycheck. Good for him. It’s a good thing for GSP as well, but if he loses, it was to Bisping and his legacy will start to fade. The other two titleholders and their challengers all have a lot to lose. Bisping got the sweetheart deal on this card.

Symes: My colleague stole the words out of my mouth. So, I’ll go with a different angle and say the biggest winner is anyone not at Team Alpha Male or in T.J. Dillashaw’s camp. The TAM-Dillashaw saga is one that’s gone on for far too long. From what I’ve seen online, most fans are ready to put this storyline to rest. If Dillashaw and Garbrandt turn out to have a close fight, I wouldn’t be surprised if the UFC tries to pair the two up again. However, it’d be great if we don’t have to deal with all the melodrama of Dillashaw leaving the Alpha Male camp.

Who’s the biggest loser at UFC 217?

Symes: Anyone outside of the title fights. Depending on how the three title fights play out, odds are most of the post-fight discussion is going to center on them. As for the rest of the card, there are some solid names that are capable of putting on memorable performances. Even the Fight Pass prelims feature a battle between two top-10 light heavyweights, plus the inclusion of talented heavyweight prospect Curtis Blaydes. They just won’t receive the attention they deserve.

Kuhl: Ovince St. Preux and Corey Anderson. This is a terrible fight for both men. Anderson is one loss away from fading into irrelevance. If Anderson loses, he’ll stand at 1-3 in his last four outings, with Jimi Manuwa and OSP as his only top-10 opponents.

Which fight is the sleeper match-up on this card?

Kuhl: The heavyweight showdown between Curtis Blaydes and Aleksei Oleinik. Blaydes was 4-0 upon entering the UFC, and he has gone 2-1-1 since. He is a hard hitter with a bright future. Oleinik will be stepping into the cage for the 67th time in his decades-long career, and he is called “The Boa Constrictor” for a reason. These guys are coming in as a young striker versus a 40-year-old grappler, and this should be an exciting fight that will not go the distance.

Symes: It’s tough to call it a sleeper fight, considering both guys are so highly ranked, but Stephen Thompson and Jorge Masvidal are flying under the radar heading into UFC 217. With all the focus on GSP’s return and the title fights, this battle of top welterweights is an easy pick for “Fight of the Night.” Thompson has put on great fights with everyone except Tyron Woodley, and Masvidal isn’t going to be afraid to go after the former title challenger.

Symes’s Picks

St-Pierre
Garbrandt
Jędrzejczyk
Thompson
Borrachinha
Vick
Harris
Anderson
Gall
Oleksiejczuk
Blaydes
Zahabi

Kuhl’s Picks

St-Pierre
Garbrandt
Jędrzejczyk
Thompson
Borrachinha
Duffy
Harris
St. Preux
Gall
Cutelaba
Oliynyk
Zahabi

New York Knight

10-31-2017, 08:31 PM

Jon Anik, Joe Rogan, & Daniel Cormier will be the broadcast team for UFC 217.

Studio analysts: Tyron Woodley, Chris Weidman & Kenny Florian

New York Knight

10-31-2017, 08:32 PM

Fight Breakdowns and Predictions
Wade Hall - isportsweb

Michael Bisping v Georges St-Pierre

The long-awaited return of Georges St-Pierre has MMA fans everywhere reminiscing of his long highlight reel of a career. The former welterweight champ was dominant in his prime and was one of the most popular fighters on the planet. However, those amazing victories were many years ago and this a new St-Pierre stepping foot in the cage. This a 36-year-old fighter stepping up weight classes to face his toughest competition yet. Michael Bisping hasn’t lost since 2014 and has wins over some of the most talented 185 pound fighters. St-Pierre should have the fan support in New York with his popularity and proximity to his homeland of Canada but this fight will go in Bisping’s favor.

Bisping wins by TKO in the fourth.

Cody Garbrandt v TJ Dillashaw

These two fighters know each other very well. TJ Dillashaw was a former member of Team Alpha Male where Cody Garbrandt also trains. Dillashaw chose to leave the gym and train elsewhere and the break up was not pretty. Both have taken shots at each other on through media making this fight personal. Garbrandt is the undefeated champion but he should expect a war with Dillashaw. Both have excellent striking and good take down defense so this will be a fight on their feet.

Garbrandt wins by decision 49-46

Joanna Jedrzejczyk v Rose Namajunas

Joanna Jedrzejczyk can walk out of Madison Square Garden as the best women’s fighter of all time if she gets her hand raised. The undefeated Polish fighter out works her completion every time a new challenger steps up to face her. With some of the best stamina and striking in the women’s ranks, Jedrzejczyk looks to take the fight the distance to get a technically executed victory. “Thug” Rose is one of the toughest fighters in MMA, never giving in.

Both fighters have never been finished before the end of a fight, Jedrzejczyk wins with a higher output of striking 48-47.

Stephen Thompson v Jorge Masvidal

After coming off a tie and loss in back to back title fights against Tyron Woodley, Stephen Thompson will have to climb his way back up the welterweight ladder. Standing in his way is the dangerous Jorge Masvidal. Both fighters need a win to hold their place atop of this competitive division.

This will be an even fight between two top 10 welterweights but Masvidal will edge out a split decision win against the “Wonderboy” in this matchup.

Johny Hendricks v Paulo Borrachinha

Paulo Borrachinha is a promising young prospect out of Brazil with an undefeated record, while Johny Hendricks is veteran trying to prove he still belongs. This is test for both fighters, with the winner getting a chance to fight top 15 competition. One of the biggest questions coming in to the fight is if “Big Rigg” Hendricks can make weight after struggling with the issues in his past fights. Weigh in is Friday and if Hendricks makes weight the experienced fighter can gain the upper hand on the overeager newcomer.

Hendricks wins by decision 29-28.

New York Knight

10-31-2017, 08:34 PM

Market slowly turning against GSP’s return at Middleweight.

The line has flirted with break even, and could flip later in the week.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DNfJPC_UMAATGAF.jpg

New York Knight

10-31-2017, 08:35 PM

Talented card overall-but 2 standouts:

GSP takes so little damage, while JJ dishes out more than anyone.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DNcB2lqV4AEpGzS.png

Mr. IWS

11-01-2017, 08:42 AM

Nice man, post some pics of the event when you're there!

New York Knight

11-01-2017, 12:41 PM

Will do ... we have great seats

Mr. IWS

11-01-2017, 02:09 PM

Will do ... we have great seats

Nice man, Im jelly!

New York Knight

11-01-2017, 02:50 PM

UFC 217 Predictions
Justin Hartling - Odds Shark

Michael Bisping vs Georges St-Pierre

Michael Bisping (-105) is at his best when he can wear down his opponents in the standup game. The Brit is a volume-based striker who actually fares better the longer the fight goes. This is because of Bisping’s mixture of cardio and ever-improving footwork. “The Count” has gotten better at better at movement, which has also led to his increased defensive abilities. During the earlier stages of his career, Bisping could get trapped in a firefight but he has done a much better job picking his spots in recent fights.

Bisping’s grappling is sufficient but he is not likely to stop a good takedown artist. Rather, “The Count” is adept at creating scrambles and getting back to his feet where he is much more comfortable. The champion is simply not and easy man to hold down but does not offer much from his back if an opponent can manage to do so.

Georges St-Pierre (-125) has a safe striking style that he compliments well with his takedown attempts. When standing, GSP will work the jab early and often, keeping himself as a safe distance while chipping away at his opponent. St-Pierre’s superman jab into a leg kick or double leg takedown is a trademarked move that helps keep an opponent on their heels.

Of course, GSP’s game is built around his wrestling. Nobody could wrestle like St-Pierre, as he took his opponent down seemingly at will. Again, this has a lot to do with his entry, as he mixes up his strikes and takedown attempts like few others. Once in control, GSP can control his opponent and generally dictates how a fight plays out. He suffocates his opponent and takes advantage of every opportunity given.

If Bisping were a frontrunner – like Yoel Romero – then I would be all over him. But Bisping is a long distance fighter taking on maybe the best long distance fighter ever. It’s tough backing a guy who has not fought in over four years but GSP is not just some guy.

Prediction: Georges St-Pierre (-125)

Cody Garbrandt vs TJ Dillashaw

Cody Garbrandt (-185) is the hardest hitting puncher at 135 – plain and simple. “No Love” has natural gifts in his speed and power, which he combines with excellent boxing skills to make a lethal combination. That being said, Garbrandt is at his best when he is sitting back, being tactful and throwing counter strikes. He can blitz or chip away at a distance but staying close to the pocket and waiting to counter is where he is best suited.

Garbrandt is a sprawl-and-brawl fighter who was an all-state wrestling champion in high school. No opponent has ever taken him down inside the Octagon. There is no doubt that Garbrandt knows his biggest assets are his hands and his game is built around that.

TJ Dillashaw (+150) has always been a good fighter but he has been on another level since joining up with Duane Ludwig. Coach Ludwig has been able to channel Dillashaw natural aggression and volume with great footwork to create a blitzing, confusing fighter. Many compare Dillashaw to Dominick Cruz – who Garbrandt starched to win the title – but Dillashaw is much more offensively focused.

Dillashaw was a wrestler in high school and college, which gives him a great secondary skillset. He will generally use it defensively but is great at timing offensive takedowns when the opportunity arises.

This is the toughest fight to pick on this card. Garbrandt beat up on Cruz, who shares a lot of similarities with Dillashaw. However, Dillashaw is more offensive and pushes the pace more in the striking game. Garbrandt will still get the opportunity to hit big counter strikes throughout the fight, which will ultimately be the difference maker.

Prediction: Cody Garbrandt (-185)

Joanna Jedzejczyk vs Rose Namajunas

Joanna Jedrzejczyk (-600) has a technical and violent striking style that is mesmerizing to watch. It all starts with the jab, as she uses it to dictate the range of the striking battle and to disrupt the timing of her opponent’s attack. Jedrzejczyk will attack at all three levels, which means opponents must always be on guard. Nobody has been able to withstand Jedrzejczyk’s pace and volume over 25 minutes.

The champion loves to grapple along the cage and clinch up, as it gives her an opportunity to unleash her elbows. Jedrzejczyk doesn’t really want the fight on the mat but she’s solid if the bout goes there.

Rose Namajunas (+400) is a technical striker who is adept at using her length to dictate the pacing the of the fight. As she has grown as a fighter, “Thug” Rose has learned to harness her natural aggression and dole it out in proper increments while striking. The style won’t wow you, but the stick-and-move approach is performed so well, that it almost always puts Namajunas in the proper spot for her next move.

Again, though technical, Namajunas has learned to use her natural size gifts in the grappling game. This is most apparent in the clinch, as typically smaller fighters can’t stop her from doing whatever she wants. If a fight goes to the mat, Namajunas moves with ease and lands brutal ground and pound. The title challenger also has a knack for taking an opponent’s back.

In terms of a complete martial artist, Namajunas has the makeup to be one of the best. However, Jedzejczyk is a different animal. Nobody has been able to stop the Polish powerhouse from imposing her will and owning that cage.

Prediction: Joanna Jedzejczyk (-600)

Stephen Thompson vs Jorge Masvidal

Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (-175) is a striker by trade. The karate expert uses his long limbs and wide stance to keep his opponent at a distance where he can properly utilize his kick-based offense. Once Wonderboy dictates the space and pace of the fight, he will wear his opponent down with kicks until he finds a chance to blitz in with a sharp punching combination. Because of space and stance, it is hard to get a clean takedown attempt against Wonderboy. Then you factor in his size in the clinch, and bringing Wonderboy to the mat is not easy.

Jorge Masvidal (+145) is one of the best boxers in MMA. His use of the jab, footwork and head movement make him a defensive wizard that few are able to tag on the feet. That being said, the former street fighter has no problem biting down on his mouth guard and throwing heavy combinations. “Gamebred” has an underrated grappling game but uses it largely to create scrambles and get back to his feet.

This has all the makings of an interesting chess match. Wonderboy will want to keep as much space as possible while Masvidal will want to work into the pocket a little more. Ultimately, I think Masvidal’s defense and aggression help him slip through a tight decision.

Prediction: Jorge Masvidal (+145)

Johny Hendricks vs Paulo Borrachinha

Johny Hendricks (+175) is not quite the fighter he used to be. Yes, “Bigg Rigg” still has the offensive ability of a well-rounded fighter – he can strike well and still has a very good wrestling game. However, weight cuts have been killing him – even after moving up in weight – and his defense is not very good. Hendricks’ defense was never his strong suit but after years of wear and tear, it is showing.

Paulo Borrachinha (-225) is a monster. He is a physical specimen who blends great speed, heavy strikes and natural athleticism to embarrass his opponents. Only one opponent has ever lived to see the second round against Borrachinha. He is a bullish fighter who walks down his opponents, using his reach well, until he traps them and starts hammering away. His wrestling game is mostly based on strength and we have yet to see him face a good grappler.

This is meant to be a squash match. Hendricks still has a big name but not much drawing power. The UFC is setting up Borrachinha to pick up a big win in the hopes of propelling him forward.

Maybe Hendricks can utilize his wrestling game and control Borrachinha but the Brazilian is likely going to knock his opponent’s head off.

New York Knight

11-01-2017, 02:50 PM

The Greek Sportsbook‏ ...

Sharp Action

Garbrandt
Jedrzejczyk
Thompson

Can'tPickAWinner

11-01-2017, 03:43 PM

Will do ... we have great seats

You have an extra ticket? I can be there in minutes... ::horse::

Have fun bud!

New York Knight

11-01-2017, 04:01 PM

It would be fun for all of us to get together sometime and go to an event.

Can'tPickAWinner

11-01-2017, 06:25 PM

It would be fun for all of us to get together sometime and go to an event.

::handshake:: Would be a good time!

New York Knight

11-02-2017, 01:50 PM

Fights to Avoid Betting at UFC 217
MMAOddsBreaker

Bantamweight title bout: Cody Garbrandt (-175) vs. TJ Dillashaw (+155)

Gabe's Thoughts: I think this 135-pound title fight is closer than the betting odds currently suggest. At the current price, I think Dillashaw holds a bit of value at his current underdog asking price of +155, so I can’t fault anybody for taking a shot on him to retain his title. I do see this fight as a dog or pass situation, but ultimately I am going to have to pass. I will be happy just sitting back and enjoying this title fight, and I would recommend you do the same, as I think this is one scrap that is best left alone at the sportsbook this weekend.

Gabe's Call: Garbrandt by Split Decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)

Gabe's Recommended Play: AVOID

Heavyweight bout: Walt Harris (-345) vs. Mark Godbeer (+285)

Gabe's Thoughts: It’s happening again. After pulling out to face Fabricio Werdum on a couple of hours notice and going on to lose the bout via first round armbar submission, this bout was quickly rebooked. I do agree with Harris being the favorite here, but I do not agree with his current asking price of -345. I see this heavyweight showdown as a dog or pass scenario and I just can’t get myself to pull the trigger on Godbeer, as I am not convinced he is a UFC caliber heavyweight. To be fair, I am not convinced that Harris is, either. There is just no way I could lay -345 down on Harris, and +285 just isn’t enough to take a stab on Godbeer. I think I would need to see him reach +350 just to consider it.

Gabe's Call: Harris by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 28-28, 29-28)

Gabe's Recommended Play: AVOID

New York Knight

11-02-2017, 01:51 PM

Diggin’ Deep on UFC 217 - Fight Pass prelims preview
Dayne Fox - Bloody Elbow

Aleksei Olenik (52-10-1) vs. Curtis Blaydes (7-1, 1 NC), Heavyweight

Outside of the freakish Frenchman, Francis Ngannou – who happens to be responsible for Blaydes lone career loss – there isn’t a heavyweight prospect MMA analysts have been more excited about than Blaydes in a very long time. His combination of physicality, athleticism, and wrestling technique could very well be unrivaled given Cain Velasquez’s inability to remain healthy. Experience is what is holding him back. Some steam was lost following his lackluster win over Daniel Omielanczuk in July as Omielanczuk stuffed all 13 of Blaydes takedown attempts, but the youngster learned he’s not going to be able to use his raw physical skills to bowl over his opponents. Varying his wrestling attack would help too.

Olenik is the perfect test for the youngster to vary things as Olenik may be the savviest vet on the roster, much less the division. Clocking in at 40-years old, he’s slow, about as athletic as your average dad from suburbia, and extremely awkward in his standup. Despite that, he sports a 4-1 record in the UFC, including a win over Ronda Rousey’s hubby Travis Browne. Olenik’s knowledge of neck submissions is unparalleled. I’m not just referring to chokes either as he has secured numerous neck cranks for the win. He’s the owner of the only submission in UFC history while on the bottom of the mount position.

Blaydes has been working on a jab in recent contests, though calling it a reliable weapon at this point would be a stretch. Nonetheless, he’s got a more varied attack than Olenik – largely due to his athletic edge – and his raw power is apparent even if it hasn’t been fully unleashed yet. Olenik’s awkward hooks don’t look too damaging until he lands one on the temple of his opponent, showing a surprising level of accuracy. More than doing damage though, he uses them to cover distance to clinch up where he can use his various tricks of the trade to get the fight to the ground.

I do believe Blaydes has a very bright future. But I also think Olenik represents a massive challenge for the 26-year old. Olenik tends to feast on youngsters as he can offer them challenges they’ve never even thought of, much less seen. What really pushes me over the edge on selecting the old man is his durability, showing an ability to take a hell of a beating. He’ll find a way to get the job done, though I acknowledge there is a reason Blaydes is favored.

Olenik via submission of RD2

Michael Oleksiejzcuk (12-2) vs. Ion Cutelaba (13-3, 1 NC), Light Heavyweight

Originally signed to face Gadzhimurad Antigulov in a clash of rising European light heavyweights, Cutelaba now faces a debuting – and unknown – Oleksiejzcuk. Seriously, I don’t know how to set it up better.

Cutelaba has quickly made himself a name to be known in a division desperate for young talent on the up-and-up. His style isn’t difficult to figure out as Cutelaba is constantly moving forward, swarming his opponents with hooks in hopes of putting them to sleep. It isn’t the most technical approach, but his iron chin has allowed him to walk through what offense the opposition can throw back at him. Fortunately for Cutelaba, 205 doesn’t have too many experienced strikers with the ability to make him pay for his recklessness. If his striking isn’t finding a home, he’s happy to resort to his takedowns, hitting his opponents with a powerful double-leg before looking to dish out some heavy ground strikes.

Oleksiejzcuk has some similarities to Cutelaba, besides stating the obvious that they are both Europena. Also possessing an iron chin with a tendency to brawl – resulting in him getting tagged more than his fair share -- Oleksiejzcuk doesn’t possess the same raw power possessed by Cutelaba. Instead, Oleksiejzcuk offers a surprising level of accuracy with a varied punch selection. He may not be able to secure a finish with one punch as Cutelaba can, but Oleksiejzcuk’s killer instinct is no less adept than Cutelaba’s. It just takes him a few more punches to finish the job.

Oleksiejzcuk does offer some promise… at middleweight. The young Pole has yet to fill out his frame and would probably be best served plying his trade at a smaller weight. He may yet become a full-fledged 205er as he is still only 22-years old with plenty of time to grow into himself, but that is a good distance away. Cutelaba will likely have his choice to either ragdoll his smaller opponent in the wrestling department or look to overwhelm him with strikes. The latter would be my guess as there is nothing he loves more than a highlight reel finish. Cutelaba has already broken a seemingly uncrackable chin once before when he did in Henrique da Silva. He’ll do so again here.

Cutelaba via TKO of RD2

Aiemann Zahabi (7-0) vs. Ricardo Ramos (10-1), Bantamweight

The brother of well-renowned Tristar trainer Firas Zahabi, the younger Zahabi’s career has been handled with extreme care. Having turned pro in late 2012, he has fought infrequently and against non-credible opponents before making it to the UFC. His UFC debut against Reginaldo Vieira was his first pro contest to leave the first round, giving an indication of his level of competition. Nonetheless, he exhibits all the traits of fighters trained by his brother: a steady jab, great conditioning, and a lot of patience… sometimes too much patience. Vieira outlanded Zahabi by a comfortable margin, though Zahabi made up for it by hurting Vieira on multiple occasions at opportune times.

At 5'9", Ramos is massive for the division. He doesn’t appear to be very strong at first glance, but the Brazilian’s wiry frame is far more powerful than you’d expect. He’s recently made strides to become a skilled counter striker, a far cry from the reckless hooks he used to rely on. You’ll still see those hooks at some point from Ramos, but he’s become wise enough to know when they are appropriate… no longer making them reckless. Ramos knows how to leverage his frame in the clinch too, though he tends to do more stalling against the cage rather than engaging in effective offense. However, it is his aggressive submission game that he is best known for. Not a great wrestler, Ramos usually catches his opponent in a scramble and entangling them with his long limbs for his signature RNC.

Zahabi isn’t much known for his wrestling either, but he did show some excellent takedown defense, fighting off the majority of Vieira’s repeated takedown attempts, but Ramos’ trips from the clinch are a bit of a different beast to deal with than Vieira’s telegraphed shots.

It’s hard to predict this contest. Ramos appears more likely to pick up a stoppage with his developing power and skilled BJJ skills, but Zahabi’s measured and strategic approach is designed to pick up a decision. However, Ramos’ has shown major growth in his own strategic approach. I’m hardly confident in my pick, but I’m picking the 22-year old to pick up a late stoppage.

Ramos via submission of RD3

New York Knight

11-02-2017, 01:51 PM

Over/Under Totals for UFC 217
MMAOddsBreaker

Women’s Strawweight title bout: Joanna Jedrzejczyk (-600) vs. Rose Namajunas (+450)

Gabe's Thoughts: To put it simply, I see this fight playing out two ways; either the champion earns a TKO stoppage to retain her title or Namajunas catches her in a submission.to take her crown. Whichever the result, I think we see the final result within three and a half rounds of action, which makes me favor the Total of Under 3.5 rounds for a play at it’s currently offered price of +165.

Gabe's Call: Namajunas by Submission (standing rear naked choke or flying armbar, 3:21 round 2)

Gabe's Recommended Play: Under 3.5 rounds (+165)

Light Heavyweight bout: Ion Cutelaba (-500) vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk (+400)

Gabe's Thoughts: At these odds, I think this fight is a dog or pass situation and am quite tempted to play Michal but after tossing and turning with it, I have ultimately decided to pass on making a wager. There is no way I can recommend playing Cutelaba as a 5-to-1 betting favorite in this spot, even though I am a big fan his. I think Michal is going to be a very tough out for him, and if not for the fact that he is taking this fight on short notice, I would have likely taken him here, even as low as +250. It would not at all surprise me to see him get the job done, but Cutelaba is tough to put away, so I think he is going to have to take this fight on the judges’ scorecards. Cutelaba is a finisher in his own right, but I think he is more likely to win this particular matchup on the cards than inside the distance. While I am passing on taking either fighter straight up, despite seeing value in Michal at the current odds, I am opting to play the Total of Over 1.5 rounds here at +180, as I think this fight goes past seven and a half minutes of action more often than not.

Gabe's Call: Cutelaba by Majority Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)

Gabe's Recommended Play: Over 1.5 rounds (+180)

New York Knight

11-02-2017, 01:51 PM

CG Technology ...

Biggest UFC 217 Liabilities to book as of now are in order:

Bisping / Cody Garbrandt / Paulo Borrachinha / Ricardo Ramos and Ion Cutelaba

New York Knight

11-02-2017, 01:51 PM

Who walks out of MSG with their respective championships?

Sporting News MMA contributors Steven Muehlhausen and E. Spencer Kyte give their picks.

Michael Bisping vs. Georges St-Pierre for the UFC middleweight title

Kyte: Could GSP come back and wrestle Bisping to the canvas for 25 minutes? It’s certainly possible given; 1. St-Pierre’s pedigree and; 2. Tim Kennedy did something similar to Bisping back in the day, but man, I’m having a hard time envisioning my fellow Canadian returning after four years on the sidelines (and another ACL repair) to upend “The Count” in this one.

Bisping has outstanding conditioning and pace, tons of heart and has looked pretty damn good over his last several fights, save for the odd dicey moment here and there. You know he’s going to be in St-Pierre’s face from Jump Street and given the time off and shift in divisions, I tend to favor the champion once this fight starts heading into the third, fourth and fifth round.

We just saw Lyoto Machida come back after two years away and get trucked and while it’s not a perfect comparison, St-Pierre has been out twice as long, is moving up in weight and facing a very, very good fighter.

I know it could get me deported, but I’m picking against the returning French-Canadian.

Prediction: Bisping

Muehlhausen: I am shocked Mr. Kyte — I thought Canadians stuck together. Better pack the belongings as people will be coming to hurt you and take you out of the country.

There’s a reason Georges St-Pierre picked Michael Bisping for his first fight in nearly four years and at middleweight. As good as Bisping’s conditioning is and possessing the heart of a champion, that will only win you so many fights.

Not to take anything from Bisping winning the title, but let’s look at how he won the title. He won the belt in a short notice fight against Luke Rockhold, who underestimated the Brit and retained the title in a narrow decision over a 46-year-old Dan Henderson.

And comparing Machida to St-Pierre? Not perfect yes, but not even in the same universe. Machida’s time away was self-inflicted by failing a drug test while St-Pierre’s was self-imposed.

Bisping doesn’t have overwhelming power and working with famed boxing coach Freddie Roach, who will be in St-Pierre’s corner gives him a distinct advantage. He already had a better than average jab which won him plenty of fights like the second fight against Josh Koscheck, Johny Hendricks and Jake Shields. And St-Pierre can always rely on old faithful, his wrestling. Before he took his hiatus, we were talking about St-Pierre having the best wrestling in the all of MMA.

Let’s remember this as well. Even though he’s a current world champion and entering his 38th career fight, this is the biggest one of them. St-Pierre has been in this position before and won’t affect him in the slightest bit.

Prediction: St-Pierre

Cody Garbrandt vs. TJ Dillashaw for the UFC Bantamweight Title

Kyte: If this fight were happening within six months of Garbrandt’s dominant effort against Dominick Cruz, I would have been on the champion’s side, but that fight was almost a year ago, this fight was postponed from the summer and “No Love” has been dealing with back issues.

In addition to being concerned about Garbrandt’s health, the recent changes at Team Alpha Male and how emotionally invested he still seems in this rivalry with Dillashaw, who departed the Sacramento-based fight team more than two years ago are all question marks for me.

I have no such concerns with Dillashaw, who looked great against Raphael Assuncao and John Lineker to solidify his place as the top contender and has switched up his training situation for the better, continuing his relationship with Duane “Bang” Ludwig and building his own squad in Orange County.

As such, I’m picking the former champion to return to the top of the division.

Prediction: Dillashaw

Muehlhausen: When this card became finalized, this was the hardest fight to pick a winner. But as time has gone on, this without a shadow of a doubt became the easiest fight to pick.

It doesn’t matter if this fight happened in July, this Saturday or in 2020, Garbrandt would win ten times out of ten.

Garbrandt is better in every facet. Don’t get me wrong, Dillashaw is a great fighter but Garbrandt is that much better. Let’s remember, the champion did something Dillashaw couldn’t do and no fighter has ever done, beat long-reigning and the best fighter in the history of the bantamweight division, Dominick Cruz in a 135-pound contest.

No offense to Dillashaw’s wins over Assuncao and Lineker as they were good victories, but they are one-dimensional fighters and Garbrandt is as complete of a fighter as you will see in MMA.

Garbrandt wins handily and starts thinking about superfights.

Prediction: Garbrandt

Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Rose Namajunas for the UFC Women’s Strawweight Title

Kyte: Namajunas is a very good fighter, coming off a very good win, who has shown very steady improvement over the course of her career.

But she’s gonna get trucked.

This is one of those “there are levels to this s—” kind of fights where Jedrzejczyk rolls into the cage, finds her range and gets cockier and more demonstrative as we get into the latter rounds. Remember when she confidently called Claudia Gadelha back to her feet in their second encounter? Take that level of swagger and kick it up a couple notches and that’s what I think we’ll get from Jedrzejczyk here.

The lone hope for Namajunas is getting this to the ground and catching the champion with a submission, but Jedrzejczyk’s takedown defense is outstanding, she works with a ton of excellent wrestlers and has frequently noted how much she works with Gezeay Matuda, a full-blown Brazilian jiu jitsu bad ass who probably puts “Champy” in worse positions than Namajunas will be able to get to on Saturday night.

Prediction: Jedrzejczyk

Muehlhausen: I always knew you were a smart guy, Spencer.

It isn’t knock on Namajunas whose vastly improved her game since her title loss to Carla Esparza. She’s on a roll heading into UFC 217, winning four of her last five fights.

But, she’s facing not only the best 115-pound fighter in the world but the best women’s competitor on the planet. Jedrzejczyk does everything great. She has no holes in her game and at this point is as unbeatable as unbeatable can get.

The only way I can envision Namajunas winning the title is catching Jedrzejczyk napping, and catching her in a slick submission.

Don’t think it will occur and will see Jedrzejczyk tie Ronda Rousey’s record for most successful title defenses in women’s MMA in the UFC.

Prediction: Jedrzejczyk

New York Knight

11-02-2017, 01:52 PM

UFC 217 Cheat Sheet - Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Rose Namajunas
Brett Okamoto - ESPN

Jedrzejczyk: 14-0 (8-0 UFC); sixth defense of UFC women's strawweight title

Jedrzejczyk: Four wins by knockout, one win by submission (last four wins by unanimous decision)

Jedrzejczyk: Six wins in UFC title fights, tied all-time for female fighters with Ronda Rousey

Jedrzejczyk: Second-longest reigning champion among active UFC titleholders (won title in 2015)

Jedrzejczyk: No. 1-ranked strawweight fighter and No. 2-ranked women's pound-for-pound fighter according to ESPN

Namajunas: 6-3 (4-2 UFC); second UFC title fight (lost to Carla Esparza in 2014)

Namajunas: Five wins by submission (four by rear-naked choke)

Namajunas: No. 5-ranked strawweight fighter according to ESPN

ESPN's fight breakdown

Rose Namajunas is far more prepared to win a UFC championship now, than she was at age 21 in 2014. But is she prepared to beat Joanna Jedrzejczyk?

Over the course of a 25-minute fight? No. It's impossible to say she is. Namajunas is one of the best in the world, but she can't consistently beat Jedrzejczyk over five rounds. But can she surprise, and possibly finish her, at any given moment? That she can do.

That describes every fight, but it's meaningful here. Jedrzejczyk is the best. No one will top her on scorecards. If she loses, it will likely be a finish -- and Namajunas's career finishing rate is 83 percent, higher than any challenger Jedrzejczyk has fought.

The striking style Namajunas employs is fluid, and pretty to watch. She stays on the outside with footwork, jabs, front kicks. The range she maintains is blatantly long. Some previous opponents have been thrown off by it, coming up well short on offense, which opens counter opportunities for Namajunas.

The problem is: What happens when Namajunas loses that range? She was eaten alive in the clinch by Karolina Kowalkiewicz. Tecia Torres had success boxing Namajunas on the inside. Her commitment to that distance can also sabotage Namajunas's power. She tends to favor exit strategies over follow-up combinations -- although she does have a dangerous head kick.

Jedrzejczyk has lost a round to a long striker before in Valerie Letourneau, but again, over time, it's nearly impossible to beat her on the feet. She's effective at every distance, but with far more power than Namajunas -- and she's absolutely devastating in the clinch. If this matchup sees prolonged action in the clinch, it might be a very, very ugly night for the challenger.

And that's probably the No. 1 area of the fight to monitor. If Namajunas gets going on the outside, it forces her opponents to close. When they do, they walk into her scrambling and submission skills, which are really the best part of her game. That's where she took out the inexperienced Paige VanZant and the undersized Michelle Waterson.

If Namajunas pulls off the upset, here's what it likely looks like: Clean work on the outside, entice Jedrzejczyk to come forward and get off-balance, scramble, submission, tap. Easy, right?

Prediction: Jedrzejczyk via TKO, third round.

New York Knight

11-02-2017, 01:52 PM

Georges St-Pierre vs. Michael Bisping statistical breakdown

http://a3.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2017%2F1031%2Fr282605_752x423_16% 2D9.png&w=570

Takedowns

St-Pierre has stated that Bisping is "terrified" of his wrestling. If Bisping is truly afraid, then his fears are not unreasonable. During his UFC career, St-Pierre has used his takedown game to dominate fights. The former welterweight champion holds the record for most takedowns landed in UFC history with 87, and his takedown accuracy of 73.7 percent is second-best all time. Since being knocked out by Matt Serra in 2007, St-Pierre has landed at least 50 percent of his takedown attempts in each of his past 12 fights. During that same stretch, he averaged 3.89 takedowns per 15 minutes of fight time.

The saving grace for Bisping is that he has relatively strong takedown defense. In the UFC he has stopped 65 percent of his opponents' takedown attempts, and he has only been taken down four times in his past seven fights. However, in the 17 fights in which an opponent has attempted to take him down, Bisping has only managed to avoid going to the ground in four of them. For context, Bisping has faced three fighters who average at least three takedowns per 15 minutes: Matt Hamill, CB Dollaway and Chael Sonnen. These three opponents landed 64 percent of their takedown attempts against Bisping and combined to take him down 12 times.

Certainly wrestling will be part of St-Pierre's game plan. It has been a vital element of his offensive attack since he debuted in the UFC in 2004. In order to be successful, Bisping will need to find a way to keep this fight on the feet. If St-Pierre does score takedowns, Bisping will need to avoid damage on the ground and get back to his feet.

Ground striking

Another element of St-Pierre's success is his ability to land meaningful strikes once he takes a fight to the floor. During his UFC career, 36 percent of GSP's significant strikes have come while on the ground, and he has outlanded opponents 449 to 43 in that position. On the other hand, Bisping prefers to do most of his striking on the feet. He has only landed nine percent of his significant strikes while on the ground. Since defeating Jason "Mayhem" Miller in 2011, Bisping has been outlanded on the ground 47 to 23.

Takedowns not only allow St-Pierre to dictate the pace and position of the fight, but they also open up a significant part of his striking offense. If Bisping is able to stop the takedowns, it will hinder his opponent's offense and put him in an advantageous position for offensive striking.

Significant strikes

Bisping holds the record for most significant strikes landed in UFC history with 1,533. For his career, St-Pierre is not far behind with 1,254. However, on a per-minute basis, Bisping has a pretty clear advantage. He lands 4.33 significant strikes per minute, while St-Pierre only lands 3.82. Plus, in his past six fights, Bisping actually increased his rate even more and landed 4.56 per minute.

In an interesting development that could be a problem for St-Pierre, Bisping seems to have found power late in his career. Through his first 24 UFC fights, he scored five knockdowns at a rate of 0.25 per 15 minutes of fight time. In his past three fights alone, Bisping has scored three knockdowns at a rate of 0.84 per 15 minutes. St-Pierre has only been knocked down three times in his UFC career, but he did absorb 240 significant strikes in his past four fights and is coming off a nearly four-year layoff. If this power continues to show and Bisping is able to prevent takedowns, St-Pierre could struggle to say in the fight.

Strikes absorbed

Thanks in part to his takedown ability, St-Pierre does not absorb very many significant strikes. During his UFC career, he has absorbed only 1.43 significant strikes per minute. However, for his past four fights that rate jumped to 2.4. The increase was due mostly to Jake Shields (3.12) and Johny Hendricks (3.4), the only two fighters to land at least three significant strikes per minute against St-Pierre in the promotion.

Bisping has allowed his opponents to land 2.62 significant strikes against him in the UFC. However, that rate has increased dramatically over the course of his past six fights. In his first 21 fights in the UFC, Bisping absorbed 2.39 significant strikes per minute. During his recent six-fight stretch, his opponents have landed 3.2 significant strikes against him on a per-minute basis. Bisping may have the offensive edge in terms of striking, but St-Pierre has proven hard to hit in his UFC run. This could turn out to be an interesting defensive wrinkle on Saturday night. In the past Bisping has needed to be a volume striker to be successful. If St-Pierre is able to prevent that, the fight could swing in his favor.

New York Knight

11-02-2017, 03:16 PM

Tapology

M. Bisping 52%

C. Garbrandt 68%

J. Jędrzejczyk 91%

S. Thompson 68%

P. Borrachinha 83%

J. Duffy 73%

W. Harris 82%

O. St. Preux 83%

M. Gall 77%

I. Cutelaba 80%

O. Oliynyk 56%

A. Zahabi 77%

New York Knight

11-02-2017, 03:17 PM

UFC 217 predictions: Who will leave the Big Apple with gold?
TheScore

Middleweight Championship

Michael Bisping (20-7 UFC, 30-7)
vs.
Georges St-Pierre (19-2 UFC, 25-2)

It'll take more than a few extra pounds of muscle to keep Bisping pinned to the canvas.

Heart-wrenching as it may be to pick against a bulked-up GSP and his takedown-heavy attack tailor-made for a win on points, the fact remains it's hard for even decorated wrestlers to bring Bisping to the canvas and even harder to hold him there. If the middleweight champ can keep the fight upright, his volume striking should be enough to keep the strap around his waist and make him the only man to have beaten both St-Pierre and Anderson Silva.

THE PICK: Bisping

Bantamweight Championship

Cody Garbrandt (6-0 UFC, 11-0)
vs.
TJ Dillashaw (10-3 UFC, 14-3)

If Garbrandt proved anything in his coup of Dominick Cruz, it's that a simmering grudge can bring out the best in him.

The champ submitted a breakthrough performance after months of jawing with Cruz, riding tight footwork and clean counters to a unanimous decision over a notoriously herky-jerky technician in Cruz. While the comparisons to Cruz may not fully do his style or abilities justice, Dillashaw could very well bring much of the same to the Octagon against his former teammate Saturday, and unless he reverts to his wrestling roots, odds are Garbrandt repeats last year's effort and takes a surefire thriller.

THE PICK: Garbrandt

Strawweight Championship

Joanna Jedrzejczyk (8-0 UFC, 14-0)
vs.
Rose Namajunas (4-2 UFC, 6-3)

Jedrzejczyk has a way of handing her opponents an L before the cage door is even shut, and stoic as Namajunas has looked in the face of her psychological warfare, she won't be playing spoiler come fight night.

"Thug" wears her moniker better than most, but Jedrzejczyk has seen the likes of Claudia Gadelha and Jessica Andrade aim to bully her against the fence and on the canvas, and pulled away with the victory regardless. Look for the Polish queen to stave off Namajunas' takedown attempts, stay on her bicycle, and subject the challenger to a death by a thousand strikes for yet another lopsided decision victory.

THE PICK: Jedrzejczyk

Welterweight

Stephen Thompson (8-2-1 UFC, 13-2-1)
vs.
Jorge Masvidal (9-5 UFC, 32-12)

How do you beat a striker whose success depends on maintaining his distance?

You take away his space.

Saturday's tilt will mark Masvidal's first against a karate stylist of the unpredictable Thompson's ilk, but he proved he can hang with rangier strikers in his statement win over lethal kickboxer Donald Cerrone. If the Strikeforce alum can cut off the cage and keep Thompson from setting his feet - thereby nullifying the karateka's deep bag of kicks - he should find a home for his mitts with regularity en route to a W.

THE PICK: Masvidal

Middleweight

Johny Hendricks (13-7 UFC, 18-7)
vs.
Paulo Borrachinha (2-0 UFC, 10-0)

How the mighty have fallen.

A move up to middleweight hasn't cured Hendricks' longstanding bout with listlessness, which spells nothing but doom against an archetypal frontrunner in Borrachinha. A move to Jackson's MMA may bring out the tactician in the former welterweight champ, but his recent tape doesn't inspire much confidence in his ability to weather the typhoon his foe will unleash as soon as the ref kicks things off.

Borrachinha by early knockout.

THE PICK: Borrachinha

Featured Preliminary Bout

Lightweight

James Vick (7-1 UFC, 11-1)
vs.
Joe Duffy (4-1 UFC, 16-2)

In a veritable coin toss of a matchup, it's the bigger man who'll get his hand raised.

What Vick might give up to Duffy in cleanliness in the striking department, he makes up for in length and his first-rate grappling. The lanky lightweight isn't one to shy away from trading leather, but he'd be wise to bring this one to the mat at the first opportunity, as Duffy boasts crisp boxing. Once on the canvas, it shouldn't be long before Vick puts the squeeze on "Irish Joe" for his third straight stoppage win.

THE PICK: Vick

The Rest

Walt Harris
Ovince Saint Preux
Mickey Gall
Aleksei Oleinik
Ion Cutelaba
Aiemann Zahabi

New York Knight

11-02-2017, 03:17 PM

UFC 217 – Official Preview and Predictions
Sports Break

Fox Sports 1 Prelims

Randy Brown (-140) vs. Mickey Gall (+110)

The man who shut down CM Punk in his MMA debut and then submitted Sage Northcutt will continue the undefeated start to his career. Gall by submission.

Ion Cutelaba (-450) vs. Michael Oleksiejczuk (+325)

Cutelaba may still be just 23-years-old, but he already has 17 professional fights under his belt (13-3, with one No Content). He’s taking on fellow-youngster Oleksiejczuk (22), who sports a similar record of 12-2. Cutelaba has only won two of his last four fights, while Oleksiejczuk is on a nine fight win streak. We expect him to make it ten in his UFC debute. Oleksiejczuk by knockout.

Walt Harris (-325) vs. Mark Goodbeer (+250)

There isn’t much better than watching two gigantic men slug it out in the octagon. Harris (6’5″, 250-lbs) and Goodbeer (6’4″, 242-lbs) are two huge dudes who specialize in throwing haymakers. Of their combined 22 wins, 19 have come by knockout. Which one will come out on top in this fight? We flipped a coin and it landed on Goodbeer, the slightly more consistent of the two. Goodbeer by knockout

Joseph Duffy (-165) vs. James Vick (+135)

The main event of the prelims should be a good one, as neither Vick nor Duffy are used to losing, with respective records of 11-1 and 17-2. They both have a tendency to notch victories by making other fighters tap, which means the fight could go one of two ways — either a technical grappling spectacle or a stand up war where neither fighter wants to make a mistake on the ground. Regardless of how it goes down, we think Duffy comes out on top. Duffy via decision.

Main Card

Paulo Borrachinha (-225) vs. Johny Hendricks (+175)

Johny Hendricks really needs this fight. His career may depend on it. It wasn’t that long ago that “Big Rig” got two cracks at the welterweight title, losing a decision to Georges St-Pierre (which many people think he really won) and then capturing the vacant championship by beating Robbie Lawler in March 2014. He lost a rematch with Lawler ten months later and things have been bad ever since.

Hendricks always struggled to make 170-pounds, but after losing the title to Lawler things got even worse (expect for a win over Matt Brown at UFC 185). He picked up three straight losses (to Stephen Thompson, Kevin Gastelum, and Neil Magny). Even worse, he failed to make weight for two of those three fights. The UFC basically forced him to move up to 185-pounds, where he picked up a win over Hector Lombard, but then he again failed to make weight against Tim Boetsch and lost by TKO. If he loses this fight or fails to make weight again, he’l likely be cut.

Across the cage stands Paulo Borrachinha, an undefeated (10-0) 26-year-old from Brazil. He’s bigger than Hendricks and has a longer reach, so it’s easy to see why he’s been installed as a favorite here. This one could be a slugfest, as Borrachinha has ended nine of his career ten fights by knockout or stoppage (the tenth was a submission victory). Likewise, Hendricks is known for two things: his strong wrestling background and a dynamite left hand that’s floored many opponents in the past.

Call me crazy, but I have a feeling that a desperate Hendricks will come into this one very prepared and focused. With so many weight cutting mishaps in his recent history, he’s going to nail this one and fight with a hunger we haven’t seen from him in a while. Plus, it’s boring to always pick the favorites.

Prediction: Hendricks via knockout.

Stephen Thompson (-175) vs. Jorge Masvidal (+145)

Frankly, I’m not sure why these odds are so close. Stephen Thompson may not have won his last two fights, but they were closely fought bouts with Welterweight champ Tyron Woodley. And when I say “close fights,”I mean they were really f**king close! The first was scored a majority draw (meaning two judges scored the fight a draw and the third had Woodley winning) and the second was a majority decision (meaning two judges scored it 48-47 for Woodley, and the third scored it a draw). Like I said, it was a pair of super close fights, both being very hard to score.

Before those two contests, Wonderboy was 13-1, suffering just a single loss to Matt Brown back in 2012. He’s still the No. 2 ranked welterweight in the world and definitely wants another crack at the title. In contrast, Masvidal has lost of his last eight fights dating back to 2015, including disappointing bouts with Al Iaquinta, Benson Henderson, Lorenz Larkin, and Damian Maia. Somehow, he’s still the No. 4 ranked welterweight in the official UFC rankings, but I think there’s actually a much larger gap between the two.

Prediction: Thompson via decision.

Joanna Jedrzejczyk (-500) vs. Rose Namajunas (+350)

According to the bookies, this is the most lopsided fight of the night. If you’ve ever watched Joanna Violence do her thing, you’ll understand why. She’s a perfect 14-0 in MMA, not to mention her stellar records in kickboxing (27-3) and amateur Muau Thai (37-3). The 30-year-old Polish fighter is one of the best in the world, male or female, at any weight class. She’s already defended the Women’s Strawweight title on five separate occasions, and will be looking to make it six on Saturday.

Rose Namajunas, on the other hand, has actually fought for this title before. A bought with Carla Esparza in December 2014 actually decided the inaugural women’s strawweight champion, before Joanna Champion took over the division. Since then, Namajunas has knocked off UFC golden girls Paige VanZant and Michelle Waterson and worked herself back into title contention, despite a controversial split decision loss to Karolina Kowalkiewicz in July 2016. She has one of the toughest tasks in all of MMA ahead of her at UFC 217, and I don’t see her scoring the upset.

Prediction: Jedrzejczyk via decision.

Cody Grabrandt (-185) vs. T.J. Dillashaw (+150)

Cody “No Love” Garbrandt has risen up the UFC ranks quickly and violently. His perfect 11-0 record comes with nine stoppages, all due to punches. He beat one of the very best in the game when he notched a decision victory over Dominick Cruz at UFC 207 to capture the Bantamweight championship. It’s been ten months, but Garbrandt will finally defend the title after finally getting over a back injury that prevented this fight from happening sooner.

Dillashaw is a former champ at 135-lbs himself, and is itching to get another crack at the belt he lost to Dominick Cruz in early 2016. An interesting subplot to this fight is that Garbrandt and Dillashaw used to be teammates at Team Alpha Male, an MMA training gym founded by Uriah Faber. Dillashaw left the camp in 2015, and the divorce has led to a fair share of insults traded among to two.

The odds are close, and with Garbrandt returning from injury, I’m going to take a risk and put the money on the underdog.

Prediction: Dillashaw via submission.

Georges St-Pierre (-125) vs. Michael Bisping (+105)

If this fight had taken place before GSP decided to take his break from competing, it wouldn’t even be close. I’d hesitate to even offer Bisping a puncher’s chance, really. But today, in 2017, things are a bit different. St-Pierre is 36-years-old and hasn’t had a competitive fight in four years. He was one of the greatest fighters of all-time back in his prime, but logic says his prime has probably been left behind somewhere.

On the other hand, Bisping is no spring chicken either. He’s 38 and like I mentioned in the intro, an unlikely champion. Since his surprise upset of Rockhold in June 2016, he’s only defended the Middleweight title once — a decision victory over old foe Dan Henderson at UFC 204. Two things to note about that; the fight was a year ago and Hendo was 47 at the time.

There are a lot of unknowns in this bout. Can Bisping cling to his championship moment in the twilight of his career? Can GSP resurrect his dominance in a new weight class? Most importantly, does anyone still care after all these years? I think they do, and I also think that GSP will have enough to grind out a win.

Prediction: St-Pierre via TKO.

New York Knight

11-02-2017, 03:46 PM

Diggin’ Deep on UFC 217 - Main card preview
Dayne Fox - Bloody Elbow

Stephen Thompson (13-2-1) vs. Jorge Masvidal (32-12), Welterweight

Coming out on the losing end of one of the worst title fights in the UFC’s history, Thompson is looking to not only come out of the evening with a win, but reestablishing his reputation as one of the most exciting welterweights on the planet. Win or lose, I struggle to see him not regaining that reputation against Masvidal.

Masvidal appeared to have his breakthrough moment when he dispatched of a streaking Donald Cerrone on FOX earlier this year, only to come up short against Demian Maia in his next contest for a crack at Tyron Woodley. One of the most well-rounded fighters in the sport, it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly where Masvidal’s greatest strength is. Then again, he uses his all-around skills to his advantage by taking the fight where his opponent is weakest. Case in point: his pressure on Cerrone prevented Cowboy from getting his kick-heavy offense going. He’s also capable of hanging back to strike from the outside or employing a takedown-heavy attack.

Most of the praise going towards Masvidal of late has been in regards to his boxing with the Cerrone contest being pointed to. He maintains good positioning, tight technique, and possesses underrated power. What has gotten Masvidal into trouble in the past has been his willingness to play it safe, believing he is winning the fight through the first two rounds and coasting in the last round. He has been motivated in recent contests against a higher level of competition, largely rendering this issue to be a moot point.

Thompson should still regarded as one of the most dangerous KO specialists regardless of his inability to hurt Woodley in their two contests. His kickboxing background developed his extensive knowledge of angles and distance, allowing him to render Rory MacDonald’s attack largely ineffective despite the Canadian possessing a slight reach advantage. Thompson keeps a jab out there with regularity, using it to set up his dangerous kicking arsenal. It’s doubtful there is a kick out there he is incapable of throwing… and landing. His question mark kick and round kicks are the most common, but he can throw spinning techniques just as effectively. Thompson isn’t seen as a clinch fighter, but he did outmuscle Johny Hendricks from there, showing more strength than most thought he possessed.

The ground game is a bit of a wild card. Masvidal is viewed as the better wrestler, but that’s largely due to his offensive proclivities. He hasn’t resorted to going to the ground very often in recent years, scoring no more than two takedowns in a contest since 2013. However, Thompson has shown brilliant takedown defense ever since his loss to Matt Brown in 2012 as Woodley has been the only one to get him down. Masvidal is probably the better grappler as well, but Thompson has never been submitted, showing slick defensive chops. Thompson has never made a serious effort to submit an opponent, but he has shown some deadly ground-and-pound if he gets the proper position.

It’s hard not to be excited about this fight. Both are exceptionally durable – Thompson has never been finished while Masvidal owns a single KO/TKO loss in his career – and both have exceptional knowledge of striking technique. Neither possesses a major advantage in athletic ability either. Thompson has more power while Masvidal has more experience in an MMA cage. I can justify either one winning it a few various ways logically. So… who wins? I’ll go with Thompson, expecting this to be a standup battle with his kickboxing experience being the difference maker.

Thompson via decision

Johny Hendricks (18-7) vs. Paulo Borrachinha (10-0), Middleweight

Four years ago, Hendricks fought Georges St. Pierre tooth and nail in one of the greatest title fights in the UFC’s history. Though he didn’t get his hand raised, the majority of fans and analysts believed he deserved the win and subsequently took the belt when he defeated Robbie Lawler in another instant classic. It appeared Hendricks was going to carry the welterweight belt for a long time, ala the man he damn-near ripped the belt from. Now? He’s fighting at middleweight against a young Brazilian who has made two UFC appearances against lesser competition.

Yes, Hendricks’ fall has been swift and hard, but it has also been his own doing. Undisciplined weight management pushed him up to middleweight and a fallout with his camp, Team Takedown, preceded his fall from grace. Hendricks tried to manage his own camp in the process, finding minimal success. Taking responsibility for his career, Hendricks recently moved to Team Jackson-Wink with hopes of turning himself around.

Hendricks’ power hasn’t been seen for quite a while, last securing a finish back in 2012. When he was putting together lengthy punch-kick combinations during his title fights, it wasn’t as big of a worry as it made it difficult to outpoint the champion. However, falling out of shape sapped his gas tank and he began to look lethargic. Aware of this himself, he has relied heavily on his NCAA wrestling champion pedigree in recent fights, resorting to lay-and-prey once the fight hits the ground. Granted, his striking success has been limited by his lack of size at middleweight, but that doesn’t make up for all of his recent shortcomings.

Though there isn’t nearly as much footage of Borrachinha out there as there is on Hendricks, but what there is clearly shows a highly talented striker. He’s big too, clocking in at 6'1" with a very thick frame. Kicks to mid-section and legs are his choice of attack from the outside – with the occasional jab mixed in there -- while resorting to winging powerful haymakers in closer quarters. Borrachinha has a great feel for spacing, throwing short elbows when unable to get the proper angle on a punch in addition to an improving clinch game. His wrestling is still developing, though he has shown a natural feel for takedowns and the ability to clamber back to his feet quickly should he be the one taken down.

The UFC sees Borrachinha as a future title contender and it isn’t difficult to see why. As Hendricks’ career has spiraled, the UFC is trying to get what value is still left in his name to put Borrachinha over. Hendricks realizes this and is trying to reverse that narrative. Combining Hendricks’ spiral with the size disadvantage he’ll have, it’s easy to see where Borrachinha is the favorite. However, Jackson-Wink have a history of turning around slumping fighters’ careers and Borrachinha has never faced anyone with near the wrestling credentials of Hendricks. Hendricks extends his relevance a bit longer with the upset.

Hendricks via decision

New York Knight

11-02-2017, 03:47 PM

Diggin’ Deep on UFC 217 - FS1 prelims preview
Dayne Fox - Bloody Elbow

James Vick (11-1) vs. Joseph Duffy (16-2), Lightweight

How deep is the lightweight division? A 7-1 record in the UFC isn’t even good enough for Vick to enter the official UFC rankings. Contrast that with light heavyweight where a 3-4 mark is good enough to put Jan Blachowicz in the top fifteen. As for Duffy, he owns a victory over the champion of the division. I’m not talking about Tony Ferguson. I’m talking about Conor McGregor.

I’m sure all of you who remember Duffy’s early UFC fights got sick of hearing about Duffy being the last man to defeat McGregor – thank you Nate Diaz for ending the incessant talks – but it was an effective statement to emphasize just how good Duffy could eventually become. The other thing that was constantly blared in our ears was how Duffy took a brief hiatus to ply his trade as a professional boxer. That experience improved his level of footwork and head movement to close some of his defensive holes. And of course, he puts together sound punching combinations, a stiff jab, and take good angle entries. What else would you expect from a former boxer? Opponents are aware of this too, so Duffy has surprised at times by mixing in a bevy of kicks to throw them off.

Admittedly, Vick isn’t as technically proficient as Duffy in his striking. Then again, few are and it doesn’t mean Vick doesn’t have any advantages in the standup. At 6'3", it’s hard to find a lightweight who can match Vick’s size. His 76" reach doesn’t jump out quite as much as his height, but he has been improving his ability to use his length with every fight. He still leaves his chin out there to be touched up by someone with a firm understanding in angles – i.e. Duffy – but it isn’t quite as hittable as it used to be.

There have been times where both have been exposed in the wrestling department by their opponents, though there are some caveats with that. Vick often allows his opponent to shoot in on him in hopes of sinking in his patented guillotine choke, a maneuver he has pulled off with great success on multiple occasions. He also implements a step-in knee from time to time to mix it up and is relatively quick to get back to his feet when taken down. Duffy’s UFC loss to Dustin Poirier came when he couldn’t stop Poirier from getting him to the ground. He has made great strides in that department since that contest, shutting down noted wrestler Reza Madadi’s offense in his last contest. Duffy’s submission abilities have been overlooked after his performance against Poirier, but he’s one of the more underrated scramblers and submission artists in the sport.

Vick’s opportunism always gives him a chance, but I can’t help but recall his performance against Beneil Dariush. Dariush had his way with the Texan on the feet, finding every opening and piecing him up. Duffy should be able to do the exact same thing. I’d imagine Vick has learned some things from that experience, but that was about as one-sided performance as I can remember in recent years amongst notable fighters. Has he made up that much ground? I don’t think so.

Duffy via submission of RD2

Walt Harris (10-6) vs. Mark Godbeer (12-3), Heavyweight

We were supposed to get this last month only for Derrick Lewis’ back to flare up and cause the big man to pull out. Rather than have Lewis’ opponent – Fabricio Werdum -- fall out as well, Harris stepped in, abandoning Godbeer in the process. When Harris emerged from his loss virtually unscathed physically, this contest was made once again… and I went digging for what I wrote about this fight last month while making a few minor changes.

An argument could be made that Harris is the most naturally gifted big man on the roster this side of Francis Ngannou. A former collegiate basketball player, Harris has finally begun to put the footwork he learned on the hardcourt to good use in the cage. Using angles and avoiding the pocket outside of his explosive attacks, he has begun taking advantage of his athletic gifts and is on the verge of emerging as a potential action fighter in a division badly in need of fresh blood. Though 34-years old, Harris is still relatively youthful in the land of dinosaurs and is still improving. However, he also showed his inexperience on the ground against Werdum. Lucky for him, Godbeer doesn’t ever go to the ground.

Godbeer is well-conditioned himself – for a heavyweight -- but no one will mistake him for an extraordinary athlete. He is fortunate enough to largely match Harris in the height and reach department and should have the edge in the pocket. There’s nothing fancy about Godbeer’s punching; it’s just basic combinations that opponents can figure out before too long. Still, Godbeer hits hard enough that opponents can’t just stand in the in front of him and hope they can eventually land a big shot on the chinny big man.

Neither man has successfully executed a takedown in their UFC tenures. However, if Harris were to ever do so, this would be the contest to test his wrestling prowess as Godbeer is notoriously poor at stopping opposing takedowns. That may be a wise option for Harris should Godbeer insist in fighting in the pocket as Harris’ chin hasn’t been ironclad either. Regardless, I liked the steady improvements Harris had shown prior to the Werdum contest and expect to see more of the same here. Given the durability issues of both, don’t count on this one lasting too long.

Harris via KO of RD2

Ovince Saint Preux (21-10) vs. Corey Anderson (10-3), Light Heavyweight

With Patrick Cummins pulling out due to a staph infection, Saint Preux offered to step in on short notice in hopes of picking up his third consecutive win after dropping three in a row. Regardless of who wins, the winner is a strong contender to earn a crack at Daniel Cormier down the line… provided Cormier doesn’t surrender his title any time soon.

Saint Preux already received a crack at a belt upon one of the occasions Cormier was supposed to clash with eternal rival Jon Jones only to for the current champ to suffer an injury. Saint Preux managed to go the distance with Jones, but it was also arguably Jones’ worst performance since he his early years in the UFC. Nonetheless, Saint Preux has never faced Cormier and is one of the more recognizable names at 205.

Employing a kick-heavy approach, Saint Preux tends to get in trouble if he stays in close range for too long. Yes, he has very heavy hands and may be the most explosive athlete in the division, allowing him to score KO’s out of nowhere with his sudden burst. Nonetheless, his boxing in the pocket has never progressed to anything effective outside of single shots from range, assisted by his 82" reach to cover ground quickly. His ability to fight out of either stance and throw with either leg is another obstacle opponents must overcome.

Anderson is a far more traditional striker, putting together fundamental boxing combinations, crisp footwork, and a developing jab. He can get overexcited at times and begin looking exclusively for the kill shot, leaving himself wide open for a slick counter puncher – such as Saint Preux – to capitalize on his mistakes. Provided he stays disciplined, Anderson pushes a fast pace that most light heavyweights can’t match.

The heart and soul of Anderson’s game remains his wrestling. Armed with powerful double-legs and the ability to disguise his entries, Anderson has been able to get the fight to the ground when he wants. Well… up until his last performance against Jimi Manuwa. That highlighted one of the issues with Anderson; either he’s just in wrestling mode or striking mode without the ability to switch between the two. When he does get the fight to the ground, his ground-and-pound has looked better with each successive performance.

Saint Preux’s wrestling doesn’t have the same pedigree as Anderson, but he’s more capable of getting a takedown if he really wants one… at least early in the fight. Saint Preux tends to exhaust himself in a hurry if he emphasizes a ground game, part of the reason he doesn’t always employ that strategy. He’s also become the premier specialist for the Von Flue choke to the point many want to dub it the Von Preux choke. After three wins via the rare choke, I can’t say I’d argue that.

I’ll admit Saint Preux has looked good in his last two contests, but Rogerio de Lima and a late notice Yushin Okami are hardly the type of wins that scream future champion. Anderson has yet to pick up a signature win – though his decision loss to Shogun Rua is debatable – falling short every time he gets the opportunity to add a major scalp. This feels like his time. He has a full camp and an opponent who tends to fade when forced to wrestle for extended periods. He’ll need to stay disciplined to avoid Saint Preux turning out his lights, but I like his chances.

Anderson via decision

Randy Brown (9-2) vs. Mickey Gall (4-0), Welterweight

The first two products of Lookin’ for a Fight meet to prove who is superior! OK, so there isn’t a whole lot of hype behind this contest, but at least it is a contest that makes sense for both of the raw prospects.

Gall was an absolute unknown when he joined the UFC, owning one professional fight over another debuting fighter. Three fights later and we still don’t know much about him as Mike Jackson, CM Punk, and Sage Northcutt aren’t exactly your typical UFC competition that will answer questions about your abilities. For context, Jackson and Punk were making their professional debuts against Gall. Nonetheless, Gall has shown natural athleticism, a high-level fight IQ for someone with his experience, and brilliant grappling prowess. He knows his grappling is his strongest attribute and wastes little time getting the fight where he’s best using a growing array of traditional wrestling takedowns and trips.

While Brown is Gall’s most proven competition, he’s still a raw product himself. He has proven to be an efficient striker, recently developing a jab to better capitalize on his 78" reach. A strong clinch game has been another advancement in his progress, leveraging his large frame to dig knees in deep. Being able to compete in those areas has only enhanced his mid-range boxing, long his preferred fighting distance thanks to his natural power and decent footwork.

What this fight boils down to is who can best survive in the other’s world. Gall looked very uncomfortable on his feet against Northcutt with his chin leading the way with every strike. Brown hasn’t looked great on the ground, but he has shown improved submission defense, some slick submission abilities of his own, and sound takedown defense. However, Brown struggled against an aggressive wrestler in Mike Graves. Gall isn’t the wrestler Graves is, but he has great killer instinct is relentless in his pursuit of the finish.

Though hardly confident in my pick, I’m going with Brown. Gall’s lack of basic standup defense really frightens me away from taking the grappler. I know Gall has been away for almost a year to hone his craft, but Brown’s been gone for quite a while too and has a lot of room for improvement himself. While I expect it to be fun, I also expect it to be sloppy.

Brown via TKO of RD2

New York Knight

11-02-2017, 07:12 PM

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New York Knight

11-02-2017, 07:12 PM

Bettors Fading GSP In His Return At UFC 217
Dan McGuire - Sports Insights

Thirty-six-year-old Georges St-Pierre (25-2 MMA, 19-2 UFC), one of the greatest fighters of our generation, will mark his return on Saturday night at UFC 217 in New York City for a shot at the middleweight belt against Michael Bisping (30-7 MMA, 20-7 UFC).

St-Pierre, often referred to as GSP, last fought nearly four years ago at UFC 167. After beating Johny Hendricks as a split-decision winner (48-47, 47-48, 48-47) in that bout on November 16, 2013, GSP decided to retire. He had a winning streak of 12 matches and had just retained the UFC welterweight belt at the time, but many agreed that his body had taken a toll. GSP had also grown tired of the constant steroid abusers in the sport, something which continues to taint the UFC and MMA. As a tactical fighter, the preparation and pressure of big fights also played a big role in his decision to leave.

For his return at UFC 217, GSP opened -150 against Michael Bisping back in early August and the line initially rose to -155. However, his odds have steadily dropped over that time as public bettors and bigger money has taken Bisping to win.

At Pinnacle (http://www.cappersmall.com/forums/redirect-to/?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Fcappersmall2.com%2Flines.ph p) sportsbook, GSP isn’t even the favorite anymore. He’s now listed at -101 with Bisping the favorite at -111 odds. The drastic line movement has helped books balance their action though. As you can see from the line history below, more bettors are willing to take GSP now that the odds have dropped. We saw similar 50-cent line movement on the Dodgers for World Series Game 7, but we know how that ended up.

If you made a bet against GSP anytime after April 7, 2007, you lost. But this is obviously a much different scenario having gone four years without fighting. Public bettors like to look to recent results when making a wager, and those just don’t exist for GSP. Hence, public bettors have been loading up on Bisping over the last couple months to sway the odds. With the fight expected to go the distance, there may be some value created on GSP now that the line has shifted.

GSP/Bisping is a rare matchup where the public has pounded the underdog and caused line movement that way.

New York Knight

11-02-2017, 07:13 PM

The Insider’s Breakdown and fight picks for UFC 217
MMA Insider

Michael Bisping vs George St-Pierre

Whatever the rights or wrongs of this match-up it is certainly intriguing. I’ve heard Chael Sonnen say he’s trained with both and he thinks GSP is the Stronger of the two. I don’t believe this for a second Bisping is all heart and i think GSP will struggle to get him to the deck. I’m leaning towards a Bisping decision 3/2.

Verdict: Bisping by decision

Cody Garbrandt vs TJ Dillashaw

There is more fucking heat between these two guy’s than any in recent memory. The former Team Alpha Male gym buddies are still arguing over the circumstances of Dillashaw’s leaving that camp. Cody is the superior striker but if it goes ground and pound TJ has a the advantage. Cody is all fired up for this but he’ll need to control the emotions and release the energy in controlled manner….over 5 rounds i suspect.

Verdict: Cody Garbrandt by decision

Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs Rose Namajunas

Another title fight in the female straw-weight division. This is my FIGHT of THE NIGHT. I think we have a cracking contest on the cards here. Joanna absolutely destroyed Jessica Andrade in her last title defence and for me her performance in that fight was performance of the year so far. So she should beat Thug Rose easy right?

Well i think this is where an upset might happen. Rose is growing in stature all the time and i think she may be getting this shot at just the right time. Joanna is many things but she is not a great finished. technically beautiful yes. Finisher no. Rose Namajanus is the type of fighter you need to finish when the opportunity arises or she’ll come back and finish you. I’m plumping for and upset in this one.

Verdict: Rose Namajanus by submission round 4

Thompson Vs Masvidal

Very interesting fight with both Fighters coming off a loss. In Wonder boy’s case a draw and a loss. Every time I am about to jump on the Masvidal bandwagon he suffers a loss. Last time out i thought he was unlucky not to get the decision against Demian Maia but for me he under performed on the night.

There is no questioning Wonderboy Thompson’s ability but what i do question is the beatings he took in those title fights he had against Tyron Woodley. Especially the first one. I suspect they have taken their toll more than we think. I’m gonna go for the beast Masividal in this one.

Verdict: Masvidal by TKO in round 2

Johnny Hendricks vs Paula Cost Borrachinha

As ever Hendricks conditioning is the question mark. He has had so much trouble making weight in recent times that it really is a factor in weighing up his chances. He looks and sounds like a man that is in great condition but we really won’t know until he does the final purge in the last 24 hours. Paulo has won his last two fight by TKO but Johnny is a huge step up in class and i don’t see him knocking him out. I’m going with the Bigg Rigg in this one in a possible fight of the night scenario

Verdict: Hendricks by decision

New York Knight

11-03-2017, 04:13 PM

All 24 fighters made weight without issue.

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New York Knight

11-03-2017, 04:13 PM

Fighter on Fighter: Breaking down UFC 217’s Michael Bisping
Andrew Richardson - MMA Mania

Striking

Bisping really stands out as one of the first to rely on such a high-volume of strikes. He breaks down his foe with constant work, forcing them to spend energy just trying to keep up with him. Before long, that’s impossible, and Bisping is able to make up for any technical or athletic disadvantages with pure numbers. On the whole, Bisping relies on his boxing more than anything else. He's a fairly long and tall Middleweight who makes good use of that range, peppering his opponents from the outside and keeping them on the end of his punches. A large part of this is because of his footwork, as Bisping does a nice job staying light on his feet and preventing his foe from closing the distance into the clinch easily.

Bisping relies heavily on his straight punches. He does a nice job snapping his opponent's head back with the jab, and Bisping will follow up with a solid cross as well. This is really the core of Bisping's game -- he generally finds good success on the feet when sticking to simple combinations of long punches. Simple though they may be, Bisping's feints and activity make these combinations effective.

Bisping simply never stops poking at his opponent with these strikes.

If all of that seems pretty simple, it's because Bisping's boxing game isn't really that complicated. Bisping is just remarkably consistent about maintaining his movements, feints and form.

Composure was precisely what allowed Bisping to out-strike Anderson Silva for a vast majority of the fight. Silva tried to draw Bisping in and make him sloppy, but Bisping stayed disciplined and kept himself safe from most of the Brazilian's counter strikes.

As Silva failed to land, he became the one getting a bit wild, and that's when Bisping did his best work. Early in the fight, Bisping managed to rock and drop Silva by avoiding his counter punches and catching him off-guard.

In his last two bouts, much has been made about the power of Bisping’s left hook. Nowadays, Bisping does a far better job of turning his hips into the left hook, allowing him to land with far more force. The left hook is known as the king of counter punches for a reason, and Bisping stays ready to throw the strike thanks to his focus on remaining in good position.

Together, those traits allow him to find opportunities.

Beyond his boxing, it's worth mentioning that his overall kicking ability has improved greatly over the years. He now mixes chopping low kicks and quick head kicks into his game and movement rather efficiently, which is a nice wrinkle to his game. That was quite noticeable opposite Dan Henderson in the rematch also, as Bisping repeatedly used left kicks to occupy Henderson’s right hand and slow him down.

If Henderson was blocking left kicks with his right hand, he couldn’t very well punch Bisping’s face with it at the same time.

Against a pair of counter punching Southpaw kickers in Silva and Rockhold, Bisping did a very nice job of disrupting their rhythm by attacking the lead leg. Often, his low kicks came in the form of quick round kicks, solely designed to unbalance his opponent’s stance. However, Bisping also attacked with push kicks to the lead leg, which makes throwing anything with power difficult.

By stymieing his opponent’s offense for a moment, Bisping lands an small strike with no consequence. If his opponent tries to force a counter or sloppily attacks from out-of-position in response, Bisping is in better position to land strikes.

Bisping is very much a fighter who gets better as the fight drags on. Because of his pace and excellent conditioning, Bisping is able to maintain his output and continue to establish his rhythm even deep into a fight. Meanwhile, his opponent -- even if he doesn't completely gas -- will usually start to slow down, which allows Bisping to land harder shots and become more effective.

As Bisping begins to land more, he builds upon his combinations. Rather than merely peck his opponent from the outside, Bisping will start to commit more of his weight to punches and dig to the body. By increasing his output even more, Bisping grows his advantage as his opponent is forced to do even more work.

Furthermore, Bisping will even close the distance a bit and work in the clinch. That's an area where he's rather effective with harder punches and knees, further taxing his opponent's conditioning as well.

Defensively, Bisping has always been a hittable fighter. He has a habit of standing a bit too tall and attempting to back straight out of exchanges, which has left him open to wide counter punches.

Prior to the Dan Henderson rematch, I was warming up a bit to the idea that Bisping really was a top-tier Middleweight. After all, wins over Anderson Silva and Luke Rockhold are nothing to scoff at regardless of the circumstances. And while Bisping certainly did improve upon the result of the first match, he also showed some huge vulnerabilities and defensive lapses that imply that his resurgence and high-level performances won’t be long-lasting.

In that bout, Bisping fought essentially a one-punch fighter without takedowns. Henderson is crafty, but pretty much every piece of effective offense came from his overhand right. Bisping knew this going in, as did every fan who has watched “Hendo” fight in recent years. Despite having all this foresight and a full training camp that could be dedicated fully to avoiding that punch, Bisping’s ended the bout looking even worse than the picture below, scraping by with a close decision win.

Wrestling

Bisping's wrestling grew from a weakness to a strength across his career. He's still not a very active offensive wrestler, but he's managed to shift the momentum of a few fights by scoring some key takedowns and landing shots from top position.

When Bisping does look for the takedown, it's usually for a standard double-leg against the cage. Bisping does a nice job of disguising the shot by scoring with a lot of dirty boxing in the clinch before level changing, which helps him get deep on his opponent's hips.

If he manages to lock his hands, the takedown comes easily.

Bisping is a very difficult man to takedown thanks in large part to his movement-heavy striking style. Bisping is constantly circling around -- often while he punches -- which makes lining up a double leg rather difficult. Since he prefers volume striking to stepping into power punches, it's not easy to catch him off-balance from punching either. Finally, Bisping's habit of striking at the end of his own range is also very helpful.

To counter his opponent's shot, Bisping has a strong sprawl and whizzer. If his opponent does manage to close the distance into the clinch or against the cage, Bisping is still a difficult man to control. Notably, he did a very nice job reversing the clinch opposite Chael Sonnen and forcing him back into the cage.

For a long time, Bisping was the absolute best at working back to his feet after being taken down. His loss to Tim Kennedy — still the only man to truly control Bisping on the mat — may have caused him to lose that crown, but he remains a special fighter in that area. It’s a longtime strength for Bisping, one worthy of this week’s technique analysis.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Bisping is not much of an offensive jiu-jitsu player, but he's nonetheless proven his grappling ability. When on the mat, he does a decent job working to advance position, though it's usually with the goal of landing ground strikes rather than attempting submissions. Defensively, Bisping is a very solid grappler. He's only ever been submitted once in his long career, and that was directly after absorbing a nasty head kick from Rockhold. A more fair example of his defensive grappling came against Kennedy, as Bisping repeatedly recovered from bad positions to get back to his guard and avoided the grappler's submission attempts.

Conclusion

In three fights, Bisping changed his legacy from long-time company man and game scrapper to a champion with a pair of wins over all-time greats and a first-round knockout win over a man who appeared to be the next dominant champion. Georges St. Pierre may be moving up a weight class and coming off a layoff, but a win over him still means something. It completes an incredible resume for Bisping, and at the end of the day, most will ignore the circumstances of those victories and only see the final scorecards.

New York Knight

11-03-2017, 04:13 PM

UFC 217 predictions, preview, and analysis
Jesse Holland - MMA Mania

185 lbs.: UFC Middleweight Champion Michael “The Count” Bisping (30-7) vs. Georges “Rush” St-Pierre (25-2)

Nostradumbass predicts: What’s amazing about Georges St-Pierre is the simplicity of his offense and how effective it’s become in combat sports. “Rush,” working under the tutelage of famed boxing trainer Freddie Roach, is one of the few UFC fighters who understands how to use the jab, and why it’s so goddamn effective against flat-footed power punchers.

The super-speedy “Rush” does not have knockout power, so he will jab the shit out of you (see Koscheck, Josh), then charge in and take you to the floor (see Else, Everyone). His wrestling is top shelf and for a guy who never competed collegiately, it’s kind of bewildering. The typical St-Pierre gameplan, at its core, is not exactly rocket science, but the French-Canadian is the sort of high-level athlete who can maintain that breakneck pace for 25 minutes without batting an eyelash. Shit, he could probably do 10 rounds and then go run a half-marathon.

The jab is critical here because despite being shorter than middleweight champion Michael Bisping, St-Pierre does hold a one-inch advantage in reach. Sure, “Rush” is moving up from welterweight, but he’s probably as naturally strong as most 185-pounders and we’ve seen Bisping struggle against talented wrestlers. Had this fight taken place in 2014, which would have made sense after squeaking by Johny Hendricks, then St-Pierre would be a safe bet.

It’s not 2014.

St-Pierre lives and dies on his athleticism, and while his 38th birthday did not come with a pair of adult diapers, it has to be taken into consideration when fighting a bigger foe across five grueling rounds. This is not the same as Randy Couture coming back to school Tim Sylvia, who shares DNA with a platypus, because Bisping is no “Maine-iac.” Like his headlining counterpart, the stubborn Brit gives zero fucks about long fights and can easily do 25 minutes when the need arises and often gets stronger as the fight goes on. “The Count” is also 38, but he’s fighting down, as opposed to up, and outside of Tim Kennedy — who can benchpress a Volkswagen — Bisping is very difficult to keep down.

St-Pierre is the feel-good pick because it’s fun to boo Bisping. But we have to be realistic about the obstacles that “Rush” is facing. There is more to a four-year absence than simply getting older. The challenger will need time and space to regain his timing, to re-accustom himself to the *****s of cage fighting, and more importantly, deal with the panic of having a bigger opponent stymie a large portion of his offense. St-Pierre has never tired before, because he’s never had to deal with someone with the size and tenacity of Bisping, who to his credit, has greatly improved his defensive wrestling. I think St-Pierre’s in for a rude awakening and dare I say a late finish would not surprise me.

Final prediction: Bisping def. St-Pierre by technical knockout

135 lbs.: UFC Bantamweight Champion Cody “No Love” Garbrandt (11-0) vs. T.J. Dillashaw (14-3)

Nostradumbass predicts: This could easily be “Fight of the Night” and perhaps a strong contender for “Fight of the Year,” barring an early finish, which is not an unrealistic outcome from either of these talented strikers. It was not that long ago when Cody Garbrandt was a talented but unproven up-and-comer with heavy hands. Well, we now know, thanks to a masterful performance against former bantamweight deity Dominick Cruz, that “No Love” can juke, jive, and wail just as good as he can find that chin.

The jury is still out when it comes to high-level jiu-jitsu, so I won't anoint him the total package just yet, but when you can move and strike like Garbrandt does, there is little chance a fight actually makes it to the floor, unless one fighter planks after getting KTFO. Before every fight that amateur video of Garbrandt getting planished on the amateur circuit finds its way online, but it’s done nothing to rattle the former undefeated boxer or forecast the outcome of any of his subsequent performances.

There’s just no other way to put it: Garbrandt is the king of the bantamweights and earned his spot on the throne by kicking ass.

So too, has Dillashaw, and you can make an argument that the former Team Alpha Male (TAM) standout also defeated Cruz when they went to war back in early 2016, though the scorecards favored “Dominator” by a hair.

Dillashaw bounced back by avenging his loss to Raphael Assuncao, before turning away the tiny but powerful John Lineker. Like Garbrandt in the ammys, Dillashaw is also held accountable for getting stopped by John Dodson at The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 14 Finale. And, also like Garbrandt, that shit is ancient history. Dillashaw is nearly six years removed from that loss and has been completely transformed as a fighter.

Enough to defeat Garbrandt?

The champ was standout wrestler in high school, and while he’s not as accomplished as Dillashaw in that department, his understanding of cage wrestling coupled with his footwork should be enough to neutralize that threat, assuming the challenger even wants to explore those possibilities. We can debate the fundamentals and go back-and-forth on who has the better mechanics, but I think we would all agree that we are looking at two outstanding martial artists.

That said, Dillashaw’s aggression will benefit Garbrandt’s counterpunching, and while both combatants are hittable, 25 minutes is a long time to endure without taking one of the champion’s power shots. He may not land cleanly, but when you mortar with shells like Garbrandt does, you don’t always need to.

Final prediction: Garbrandt def. Dillashaw by technical knockout

115 lbs.: UFC Strawweight Champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk (14-0) vs. “Thug” Rose Namajunas (16-3)

Nostradumbass predicts: One of those most impressive things about reigning strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk is how successful she’s been in repelling every style of attack. While she’s billed as a striker — and a very good one at that — the champ has done more than just outstrike her opponents.

Jedrzejczyk has thwarted high-level wrestlers like Carla Esparza, talented jiu-jitsu grapplers like Claudia Gadelha, and aggressive power-punchers like Jessica Andrade. Even patient, technical strikers like Karolina Kowalkiewicz came up empty.

And Jedrzejczyk has cardio for days, which is a big (and important) part of her game.

All of those aforementioned opponents have brought more to the table than Rose Namajunas, who will attempt to usurp the 115-pound throne in the first of three title fights. Since coming up short in the finals of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 20, “Thug” has captured four of five, with three submission finishes.

Her competition has oscillated between good and merely “okay,” but we blame the division for that, not the fighter, as there is only a finite number of opponents hovering around the top five. Her split-decision loss to Kowalkiewicz was not a blowout and Namajunas could easily be 5-0 instead of 4-1 during that span.

I’m still concerned that she has yet to finish a fight by way of KO/TKO.

With that in mind, I can’t imagine what she can offer that Jedrzejczyk hasn’t already seen — and conquered. This idea that a weird, funky style is enough to unseat a dominant champion is silly, and hardly the sort of thing you want to pin your hopes to.

Simply put, Jedrzejczyk is a superior striker with outstanding takedown defense and punishing clinch work. Namajunas will fight valiantly, but she’s eventually going to wilt under the accumulation of Polish punches.

Final prediction: Jedrzejczyk def. Namajunas by technical knockout

170 lbs.: Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (13-2-1) vs. Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal (32-12)

Nostradumbass predicts: Jorge Masvidal is ranked in the top five at 170 pounds, which to me, is somewhat surprising. I don’t have anything against “Gamebred” as a fighter, he’s certainly talented both on the feet and on the ground, but his stepping stones to the top of the welterweight porch have been padded with tired names from yesteryear.

That his biggest win to date came over Donald Cerrone, a natural lightweight, is telling.

Prior to lassoing “Cowboy,” Masvidal beat the brakes off Jake Ellenberger, who hasn't been relevant in over four years. That followed his decision win over the grizzled but irrelevant Ross Pearson, equalling two fighters who are not even ranked in the top 15.

Before that? Lazy losses to Lorenz Larkin and Ben Henderson.

That stands in stark contrast to Stephen Thompson, who is just two spots ahead of Masvidal, despite a more impressive resume. “Wonderboy” also recycled his share of cans, and how much stock we put in his win over the fading Johnny Hendricks is debatable, but you can’t discount 10 rounds with division champion Tyron Woodley — a teammate of Masvidal’s — nor should we overlook the fact that Thompson sent interim middleweight champion Robert Whittaker to another division.

Then shipped Rory MacDonald to Bellator.

Thompson is not the green giant he was earlier in his career, at least in terms of the ground game, but it’s still a factor in this three-round affair and there for Masvidal to exploit. That’s where it gets tricky for “Gamebred,” because he seems more concerned with fighting and less concerned with winning.

I don’t expect Masvidal to give Thompson the room he needs to work. The former kickboxing phenom is strongest at range and his one-inch reach advantage is not enough to sound any alarms. That said, Masvidal is notorious for his lack of urgency and often forgets that damage inflicted is not as important as points scored. It’s likely to cost him the win.

Final prediction: Thompson def. Masvidal by unanimous decision

185 lbs.: Paulo “Borrachinha” Henrique Costa (10-0) vs. Johny “Bigg Rigg” Hendricks (18-7)

Nostradumbass predicts: It’s hard to know what went wrong in the career of Johny Hendricks, or where, but “Bigg Rigg” has not won back-to-back fights in over four years and is just 3-5 since coming up short against Georges St-Pierre back in 2013. In addition, he’s missed weight a bunch of times — even after jumping up to middleweight — and was stopped in his last fight against Tim Boetsch.

At 34 years of age, I’m not expecting a career resurgence.

That’s a shame, because Hendricks has a formidable offense, blending NCAA Division-1 wrestling with knockout power in his left hand. I’m not sure what happened to either of them, as the bearded brawler hasn't finished a fight since creaming the now-retired Martin Kampmann back in late 2012.

I think you know where I’m going with this.

Paulo Henrique Costa is eight years younger than Hendricks and has finished all 10 of his professional fights — nine of them by way of violent knockout. That includes his UFC debut against Oluwale Bamgbose back in June. Prior to that, “Borrachinha” was making a mockery the Brazilian circuit, which includes a handful of appearances for Jungle Fight in Sao Paulo.

The easiest and most obvious criticism is that Costa has never fought anyone in the division top 10, while Hendricks has faced a murderer’s row at welterweight and some pretty tough names at 185 pounds. Keep in mind that his losses to Neil Magny and Kelvin Gastelum weren’t exactly blowouts. Even with his current slump, this should be Hendricks’ fight to lose. But it’s not just the losses that give me pause, it’s his performances, too.

“Bigg Rigg” has looked flat, uninspired, and lost inside the cage.

Combine that with his mental issues outside the cage, which are no doubt behind his struggles to make weight, and I just can’t pick Hendricks to beat a younger, hungrier, and more aggressive fighter. One who is a natural middleweight with a three inch height and reach advantage. This could be over fairly quickly.

Final prediction: Costa def. Hendricks by technical knockout

New York Knight

11-03-2017, 04:14 PM

Michael Bisping (30-7 MMA, 20-7 UFC)

Staple info:

•Height: 6’1″ Age: 38 Weight: 185 lbs. Reach: 75.5″
•Last fight: Decision win over Dan Henderson (Oct. 8, 2016)
•Camp: RVCA Gym (California)
•Stance/striking style: Orthodox/kickboxing
•Risk management: Good

Supplemental info:

+ UFC middleweight champion
+ “TUF 3” winner
+ Regional MMA titles
+ 18 KO victories
+ 3 submission wins
+ 12 first-round finishes
+ Excellent feints and footwork
^ Manages distance well
+ Consistent pace and pressure
^ Good cardio and conditioning
+ Accurate left hook
+ Underrated wrestling
+ Good guard retentions and getups
– Dropped in 4 of last 6 fights

Georges St-Pierre (25-2 MMA, 19-2 UFC)

Staple info:

•Height: 5’11” Age: 36 Weight: 185 lbs. Reach: 76″
•Last fight: Decision win over Johny Hendricks (Nov. 16, 2013)
•Camp: Tristar Gym (Canada)
•Stance/striking style: Orthodox/kickboxing
•Risk management: Excellent

Supplemental info:

+ Former UFC welterweight champion
+ Kyokushin karate black belt
+ Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt
+ 8 KO victories
+ 5 submission wins
+ 7 first-round finishes
+ Intelligent and tactical fighter
+ Well-versed striker
^ Conducts well off of the jab
+ Tremendous takedown ability
^ Changes level, chains, transitions
+ Excellent top game
^ Superb passing and ground strikes
– Coming off of a 4-year layoff

Summary:

The main event in Madison Square Garden is a superfight for the middleweight title as champ Michael Bisping welcomes back Georges St-Pierre.

A longtime staple of the UFC, Bisping’s better days were thought to be behind him after the veteran sustained an eye injury that was cause for concern and inconsistent performances alike. But after a storybook resurgence that came to fruition in 2016, the Englishman earned his long-sought title after beating the likes of Anderson Silva, Luke Rockhold and Dan Henderson.

Seeking another legendary name to add to his resume, Bisping has accepted the challenge of a returning champion who’s also chasing history.

Considered the greatest welterweight of all time, St-Pierre was one of the few to walk away as champion, as well as a pound-for-pound great. Now, nearly four years after his last appearance in the octagon, St-Pierre has decided to return north of his usual weight class while attempting to become just the fourth fighter to achieve gold in two divisions.

With the intangible of St-Pierre’s extended layoff, it can be difficult to forecast what style or state the former welterweight champ will return in.

Given St-Pierre’s insane work ethic, resources and obsessive nature, I am sure he’s coming into this contest in serviceable, battle-ready condition. Still, I would not be surprised to see a different version of the French-Canadian, who has had multiple iterations to his game throughout his career.

Coming from a Kyokushin karate base, St-Pierre’s striking style shone through in his initial ascension up the UFC ranks.

Embracing his sport karate stylings, St-Pierre would almost bounce in and out of range, working particularly well when striking off of his lead leg. And even though he could win fights on the feet, the French-Canadian was a complete fighter who was quietly crafting his wrestling game (with the help of Olympians) for the challenges ahead.

Not only did St-Pierre steadily develop into one of the best wrestlers in the division, but he – more importantly – used his newfound skills to fuel his love for strategy.

After his first career loss in what was a title fight with UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes, St-Pierre began to gameplan much more wisely for his opposition. Against former welterweight title challengers in Frank Trigg and Sean Sherk, we saw St-Pierre do the unthinkable by out-wrestling two of the most accoladed wrestlers in the division to score spirit-crushing stoppages.

Although St-Pierre eventually earned his first welterweight belt, he quickly lost it to Matt Serra in what was one of the biggest upsets in MMA history.

From that point on, St-Pierre further hedged his bets in regards to preparation and strategy. After winning back his belt from Serra, St-Pierre continued to pile up victories before retiring following 12 straight wins.

Despite St-Pierre’s conservative style drawing criticism from some, the dominance of his game paints a pretty clear path for him in this matchup.

Bisping, a stick-and-move stylist, should have the on-paper advantages for as long this fight stays standing.

Coming from a kickboxing base, we saw Bisping steadily evolve his style over the years. After his knockout loss to Henderson, the Englishman made a concerted effort to come back better and sounder than before.

Since then, we have seen Bisping improve upon his hand and head positioning, as well as sitting down more on his punches. Although his high-output approach still makes him hittable by nature, we have seen Bisping minimize these scenarios since joining forces with Jason Parillo.

A striking coach with strong boxing roots, Parillo has helped many notable fighters grow, including lightweight legend B.J. Penn. In turn, we now see Bisping move much more fluidly with his footwork, which fuels his pulling and returning preferences.

Applying angles appropriately, Bisping will also change his level more, which can open up his options and make him harder to hit. What is most impressive about the Englishman’s renaissance is the fact that he is doing it with only one healthy eye.

Shortly after his loss to Vitor Belfort, Bisping sustained an eye injury that required surgery, albeit not corrective.

Despite initially struggling in his return fight against Tim Kennedy, Bisping has since shown he can come back into combat, carrying a heightened sense of urgency and awareness about his game. Coupled with the byproducts of gelling with his striking coach, we have seen Bisping have his best years during what is arguably the winter of his career.

Still, striking improvements aside, Bisping has demonstrated that he is not beyond being taken down, which sets up the key dynamic for this fight.

Whether it’s through offensive or reactionary takedowns (that take place against the fence or in the open), I see St-Pierre inevitably getting Bisping to the ground.

The question, however, is: What will he be able to accomplish while there?

One of the best guard passers and ground strikers to grace the octagon, St-Pierre will undoubtedly have an array of options he can employ. That said, he will also be facing one of the best get-up artists in the game.

Although wrestling pressure has been Bisping’s traditional foil, he surprisingly succeeds little control time in both wins and losses. Facilitated by active hips, the Englishman beautifully utilizes a butterfly or half-guard to create enough space to stand or scoot his way to the fence.

Not afraid to turtle and stand if he needs to, Bisping displays excellent grip and hip awareness, making it difficult to grab his back in the process of getting up. St-Pierre has shown the ability to take an opponent’s back smoothly, but his conservative sensibilities had him opting for ride positions toward the latter part of his career.

Don’t get me wrong: St-Pierre electing high-percentage options is not bad in theory, but I see his style allowing Bisping to get back to this feet if the French-Canadian isn’t willing to put his pieces on the line when it comes to fighting for position.

So, with the most recent iteration of St-Pierre in mind, I have a hard time seeing Bisping getting submitted or stopped on the floor unless compromised prior. Nevertheless, takedowns score and will likely bank St-Pierre rounds, which leads me to my next question: How long will he be able to employ his transition game?

St-Pierre was known for his conditioning and pace prior, but he is coming into this fight at least 15 pounds heavier than usual, with an additional four years of ring rust on his back. Whether it’s the weight of the moment or the literal pounds put on, St-Pierre will have some on-the-job intangibles to work through.

Furthermore, the stereotype of St-Pierre’s biological makeup and transition game shine less brightly when re-watching his last three fights – matchups that ended up putting the most miles on him, statistically speaking.

Not only did the former welterweight kingpin, in my opinion, appear to be a beat slower in transit (to what was an already slimmed down and refined game), but St-Pierre also seemed to struggle with his accuracy and output numerically.

We even saw Nick Diaz, who has an otherwise vacant double-leg defense, stuff legitimate takedown attempts from St-Pierre in their last two rounds of action. It was also in the mid to late rounds in which we saw St-Pierre sustain the most damage in each of his final three performances.

These type of trends usually don’t decrease over time, but the oddsmakers and public seem to be much more optimistic for the returning legend given how competitive the betting lines have been.

Part of me is happy to see St-Pierre back, and finally taking a step up in the size of his competition. However, I also feel he’s reaching into the wrong cookie jar for multiple reasons.

In the fight game, timing is typically the first thing to go, and we’ve seen it tax the greatest names in this sport. If St-Pierre cannot find his finish on the floor, then I see him eventually succumbing to Bisping’s pace and pressure before the final bell.

Official Mixed Martial Analyst Pick: Bisping inside the distance

New York Knight

11-03-2017, 04:14 PM

Cody Garbrandt (11-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC)

Staple info:

Height: 5’7″ Age: 26 Weight: 135 lbs. Reach: 65.5″
Last fight: Decision win over Dominick Cruz (Dec. 30, 2016)
Camp: Team Alpha Male (California)
Stance/striking style: Orthodox/kickboxing
Risk management: Fair

Supplemental info:

+ UFC bantamweight title
+ Multiple wrestling accolades
+ 32-1 as an amateur boxer
+ 9 KO victories
+ 7 first-round finishes
+ KO power
+ Superb feints and footwork
^ Creates angles and openings
+ Accurate left hook
+ Improved defense/head movement
^ Fundamental sense of range
+ Excellent wrestling ability
+ Demonstrates good grappling IQ
^ Scrambles/gets up well

T.J. Dillashaw (15-3 MMA, 10-3 UFC)

Staple info:

Height: 5’6″ Age: 31 Weight: 135 lbs. Reach: 68″
Last fight: Decision win over John Lineker (Dec. 30, 2016)
Camp: Bang Muay Thai (California)
Stance/striking style: Switch-stance/kickboxing
Risk management: Fair

Supplemental info:

+ Former UFC bantamweight champion
+ 3x NCAA qualifier
+ 6 KO victories
+ 3 submission wins
+ 4 first-round finishes
+ KO power
+ Consistent pace and pressure
^ High-volume striker
+ Superb feints and footwork
^ Effectively switches stances
+ Pulls and returns punches well
^ Often punctuates combos with hooks
+ Excellent wrestling ability
^ Solid scrambler =/transitional grappler

Summary:

UFC 217’s co-main event has barnburner written all over it as champ Cody Garbrandt and T.J. Dillashaw finally do battle for the bantamweight title.

Garbrandt, the sitting titleholder, will not only be looking to defend his belt, but also his team’s honor with the rivalry that has unfolded over the past two years.

Dillashaw, the former champ, will be tasked with taking on a former training partner who holds the title he so desperately wants back.

Starting off on the feet, we have a battle between two skilled strikers who have wrestling bases.

Initially entering the sport as a wrestler, we saw Dillashaw steadily evolve out of the scrambling, submission0grappler mold that was influenced by his environment. Embracing the teachings of Duane “Bang” Ludwig, we saw the NCAA qualifier transition into a skilled striker over the past few years.

Like many fighters who are naturally orthodox but switch to southpaw, Dillashaw typically conducts traffic off of his right hand. Whether he is setting up left crosses and power kicks from southpaw, or favoring his uppercuts and overhands from orthodox, it’s Dillashaw’s check-right-hand/jab that is a key to his offense.

Using it to off-beat his opponent’s offensive rhythms, Dillashaw will add to the disarray by incorporating subtle but effective shifts that change the stance (and even angle) of his attack. Nevertheless, Dillashaw’s shifting style is aggressive by nature, which means that he will need to be careful with what is coming back at him.

A power puncher who came up wrestling and boxing, Garbrandt’s skill set and style have been a seamless fit for MMA.

Utilizing feints and forward-pressure to bait exchanges, Garbrandt subtly and slightly moves off center to execute his combinations. Although Garbrandt will usually enter off of his righthand, he does a lot of his cleanup hitting with his left hook, and I feel that punch may serve him well in this fight.

Another layer to the champion’s game is his improvements in regards to head movement and angles. He’s a longtime cross-hook connoisseur, and we now see Garbrandt roll appropriately behind his crosses to avoid check-hook counters as he comes up with hooks of his own.

That said, Garbrandt’s brawling sensibilities have shown themselves in past fights, sometimes lowering his hands in pocket exchanges. Despite Garbrandt’s heightened sense of spatial awareness and defense, he could get taxed by a check-hook or head kick himself if he’s not careful.

Regardless of how the standing exchanges go, it is in the wrestling department where things could get potentially interesting. Both fighters possess excellent wrestling abilities but utilize them in different ways.

Dillashaw, whose underrated ground game was on display in his last bout, primarily uses his wrestling to score late-round takedowns or to keep the fight standing. Garbrandt also uses his wrestling to keep fights standing, but seemingly keeps a double-leg ready, using it to reset or recover when catching himself over-committing to punches on the inside.

Albeit a small sample-size, Garbrandt appears to have good positional awareness and grappling IQ on the mat. However, I still slightly lean toward Dillashaw in regards to grappling advantages given his past proclivities and overall experience.

For that reason, I will be interested to see if Dillashaw has the intent to fight on the floor, much less the ability to get Garbrandt down. Should either man find success in grounding the other, I do not suspect that the stanzas will last long given their scrambling ability.

In what is arguably the closest the fight on the card surprisingly has the most logical betting lines attached.

According to Las Vegas odd, Garbrandt, the champ, is slightly favored over Dillashaw to win this fight. Even though I feel that Dillashaw is the more diverse fighter with multiple paths to victory, Garbrandt’s ever-growing evolution can be hard to bet against, especially after what we saw last December.

Ultimately, this is a contest that is hard to confidently pick a winner on paper – and it gets even dicier when looking at it off paper.

Whenever two former training partners fight each other, it often makes for a slightly awkward, high-intangible affair. Coupled with the factors of Dillashaw’s camp jumping and Garbrandt’s recent back issues, and forecasting the action becomes even more difficult than usual.

If both men come in near their previous best, then I suspect that Garbrandt’s heavy-handed counters – fueled by his footspeed – will make the difference. Dillashaw’s volume and diversity of attack will make this battle competitive on cards, but I see Garbrandt’s ring generalship and power-punches punctuating rounds, possibly even earning himself a stoppage if the champion finds his timing early.

Official Mixed Martial Analyst pick: Garbandt inside the distance

New York Knight

11-03-2017, 04:14 PM

Joanna Jedrzejczyk (14-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC)

Staple info:

Height: 5’6″ Age: 30 Weight: 115 lbs. Reach: 65.5″
Last fight: Decision win over Jessica Andrade (May 13, 2017)
Camp: American Top Team (Florida)
Stance/striking style: Orthodox/muay Thai
Risk management: Good

Supplemental info:

+ UFC strawweight champion
+ 5x muay Thai champion
+ 4 KO victories
+ 1 submission wins
+ 1 first-round finishes
+ Consistent pace and pressure
+ Excellent footwork
^ Shifts, half-steps, pivots
+ Technically sound striker
^ Rarely throws self out of position
+ Accurate jabs and leg kicks
+ Superb defensive and offensive clinch
^ Solid head positioning and forearm framing
+ Underrated grappling IQ
^ Good get-up technique/urgency

Rose Namajunas (6-3 MMA, 4-2 UFC)

Staple info:

Height: 5’5″ Age: 25 Weight: 115 lbs. Reach: 65″
Last fight: Submission win over Michelle Waterson (Apr. 15, 2017)
Camp: 303 Training Center (Denver, CO)
Stance/striking style: Orthodox/kickboxing
Risk management: Good

Supplemental info:

+ “TUF 20” runner-up
+ Taekwondo and karate black belts
+ Brazilian jiu-jitsu blue belt
+ 5 submission wins
+ 2 first-round finishes
+ Good footwork
^ Manages distance well
+ Accurate and effective jab
+ Counters well with right hand
+ Improved wrestling ability
^ Taken down all 6 UFC opponents
+ Solid top game/positional rides
^ Looks for / floats toward back
+ Active and attacking guard
^ Explosive hips

Summary:

Layering an already stacked main card is a showdown for the strawweight strap, as champ Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Rose Namajunas collide.

A reigning titleholder who has deservedly found her way into the pound-for-pound conversations, Jedrzejczyk will be putting more than just a belt on the line at UFC 217.

Looking to cease the moment is Namajunas, a “TUF 20” runner-up who is looking to finally make good on her quest for gold after initially coming up short in the division’s inaugural championship.

Among the many of Namajunas’ improvements since coming off of the show has been her active and educated left hand.

Although Namajunas is usually longer than the bulk of her contemporaries, she has steadily shown that she can accentuate her length as she steps into her jabs concisely.

More impressive than the accuracy of her jab is the fact that Namajunas does well with judging risk vs. reward in regards to her options of following up with a cross or backing up out of range.

Nevertheless, Namajunas will need to be on point early and often with her strikes if she means to stop the surmounting momentum of her fearless opponent.

Possessing an elite jab of her own, Jedrzejczyk will be one of the few fighters at strawweight who will be happy to oblige Namajunas at long range.

Throwing it actively and accurately, the development of Jedrzejczyk’s jab dates back to the beginning of her career, and this has been a crucial tool for her success. Like many muay Thai strikers transitioning into MMA, Jedrzejczyk also feared the takedown – subsequently avoiding throwing kicks comfortably until her very first title defense.

Now, showing the competency and confidence in her anti-grappling abilities, Jedrzejczyk will use her jab more for setups rather than safety, confidently attaching well-placed leg kicks to punctuate her presence.

Despite Jedrzejczyk demonstrating devastating leg kicks, I suspect she will throw them sparingly against Namajunas – at least at first.

Not only does Namajunas display the savvy and awareness to bait her lead leg for counters, but she also has a knack for hitting takedowns in the first round, which could cause the champion to fight conservative early.

Regardless of the each fighter’s choices on the feet, I feel that the clinch will play a key factor in this fight.

Although the dynamic of the matchup makes Namajunas dangerous here, Jedrzejczyk is the more technical fighter within these small spaces.

Whether she is inside the clinch or free to operate on the feet, seldom will you see Jedrzejczyk out of position or off balance. Jedrzejczyk is also diligent when it comes to her head position in close, something that helps the champion disrupt her opponent’s grappling efforts and makes her difficult to hit.

Assisting in this defensive wall is her subtle, but effective forearm framing. When getting ready to break off and strike, Jedrzejczyk will replace her forehead position with her forearms, creating just enough space for devasting short-elbows to follow.

Considering what we saw Namajunas subject to inside of the clinch with Koralina Kowalkiewicz, we could see the challenger under heavy fire if her takedown efforts fail to find success against Jedrzejczyk.

However, if Namajunas can ground the champion, we could see this fight’s temperature take a dramatic turn.

After a crushing loss to Carla Esparza, Namajunas hit an immediate upswing in her grappling, showing that she had more to offer than just an opportunistic submission game.

Utilizing offensive wrestling and top pressure, Namajunas began to take down her counterparts, exposing them to submission underneath her suggestive shoulder pressure and slick transitions. A superb back-taker, Namajunas has a knack for floating to or finding the back of her opponent.

Given that Namajunas is undefeated in fights in which she has found the back, this will undoubtedly be the champion’s worst-case scenario. Luckily for Jedrzejczyk, she demonstrates key techniques that should help her prevent that from happening.

Not only does the champion do well with using the fence to stand safely, but she also favors the single-leg get-up, a technique – in my opinion – that is underutilized in MMA.

Whether Jedrzejczyk ends up grounded in full-guard or side control, she always shrimps to half-guard so that she can swim inside for a single-leg grasp. From here, the champion will use the leverage created from this grip in a similar spirit to an underhook get-up.

Akin to Demian Maia’s half-guard series, Jedrzejczyk keeps her grasp low, which protects her from your typical guillotine or D’arce choke counters. But, unlike Maia, the champion will use this leverage to stand and separate rather than re-wrestle, something that will serve her well in this fight.

Although I agree with the oddsmakers in opening Jedrzejczyk as the favorite, I disagree with the variation of the betting line.

Given that the champion has been either seated by straight punches or taken down to the mat in her last few fights, I feel that Namajunas is much more lively than what’s listed.

That said, if Namajunas cannot conduct with her jab early, nor capitalize on crucial takedowns and transitions, then I see Jedrzejczyk crushing spirits inside of clinch space, steadily gaining the steam and success all the way to the scorecards.

Official Mixed Martial Analyst pick: Jedrzjeczyk by decision

New York Knight

11-03-2017, 04:15 PM

Stephen Thompson (13-2-1 MMA, 8-2-1 UFC)

Staple info:

Height: 6’0″ Age: 34 Weight: 170 lbs. Reach: 75″
Last fight: Decision loss to Tyron Woodley (Mar. 4, 2017)
Camp: Upstate Karate (South Carolina)
Stance/striking style: Switch-stance/kickboxing
Risk management: Good

Supplemental info:

+ Kempo karate black belt
+ 5x kicboxing world champion
+ 7 KO victories
+ 1 submission wins
+ 5 first-round finishes
+ KO power
^ Knocked down 5 of last 7 opponents
+ Superb footwork and range management
^ Plays in and out of striking range
+ Accurate shot selection
^ Instinctually intercepts with punches
+ Improved wrestling (defensively and offensively)
+ Underrated clinch game
^ Good head position/strikes off breaks

Jorge Masvidal (32-12 MMA, 9-5 UFC)

Staple info:

Height: 5’11” Age: 32 Weight: 170 lbs. Reach: 74″
Last fight: Decision loss to Demian Maia (May 13, 2017)
Camp: American Top Team (Florida)
Stance/striking style: Orthodox/kickboxing
Risk management: Good

Supplemental info:

+ AFC welterweight title
+ Undefeated in the streets
+ 13 KO victories
+ 2 submission wins
+ 7 first-round finishes
+ KO power
+ Slick boxing technique
^ Accurate shot selection
+ Improved kicking game
^ Defensively and offensively
+ Solid balance and footwork
+ Active transition and clinch game
^ Strikes well off of the breaks
+ Excellent wrestling ability
+ Underrated submision acumen
^ Works well from front-headlock

Summary:

In a potential welterweight war, Stephen Thompson squares off with Jorge Masvidal.

Coming off of two failed attempts against champion Tyron Woodley, Thompson attempts to get back on track in a familiar venue. Seeking to spoil his party – and likely walking out the theme from “Scarface” while doing so – is Masvidal, a top-ranked welterweight who’s also looking to rebound in style.

Starting off on the feet, we have a battle between two slick strikers with a lot of experience outside of the cage.

Masvidal, a streetwise warrior who has turned into one of the savvier strikers among his contemporaries, operates with the comfort of a longtime veteran. Feinting forward and initiating with his jab, Masvidal has always had a knack for pulling and returning punches with his opponents.

At lightweight, the Cuban’s style and available output had him arguably too comfortable at times, costing him crucial rounds in close fights – fights that many thought he had won. That said, we have seen a different iteration of Masvidal since his ascension up the welterweight division.

Now, pursuing much more aggressively, Masvidal will mix in his improved kicks off of Thai-style marches. Working well off of his patented lefthand, Masvidal controls the centerline with authority, variating between straight punches and hooks appropriately.

What makes Masvidal such a sound stalker is the fact that you will rarely catch him out of position. Nevertheless, Masvidal will have a unique problem to solve at UFC 217.

One of the few fighters to successfully translate traditional martial arts into MMA at a high level, Thompson incorporates a lot of fundamentals and principles that could serve him well in this matchup.

With footwork often being the quiet killer in the upper echelons of MMA, Thompson’s switch-stance stylings give him some options in regards to taking away Masvidal’s jab or limiting potential takedown attempts, especially from the southpaw stance.

In facing one of the most technically sound welterweight strikers in Rory MacDonald, we saw Thompson take away the Canadian’s jab using superb outside-foot awareness.

Keeping his lead foot just outside of his opponent’s lead foot, Thompson was able to shut down the traditional striking lanes, leaving MacDonald looking hesitant. Albeit a small detail, it was an impressive one since Thompson was able to consistently set or replace his foot to that position throughout the entire 25-minute fight.

With Thompson’s foot placement giving him inherent edges in exchanges, his wide array of attack angles and options could start to take shape if Masvidal fails to stifle him early.

Still, the Cuban is the more experienced mixed martial artist and one who should have a quiet but clear advantage on the mat. An excellent wrestler, Masvidal has the chops to ground Thompson if he gets a hold of him.

Given that Thompson tends to fight from the fence at times, I could certainly see a path for Masvidal, who just so happens to score most of his takedowns in that space. Regardless, pinning Thompson down can be easier said than done, and his improved wrestling defense doesn’t make it any easier.

If Masvidal does get Thompson grounded, I will be interested to see what both fighters’ urgency is like once they hit the floor.

Masvidal has an underrated submission game, but I am not sure he will find a finish here. However, if Thompson is reluctant to create a scramble, then he could cost himself another crucial round via control time.

Although the oddsmakers opened Thompson as a 2-1 favorite, the potential of each fighter on the feet makes this feel more like a pick’em.

I’m a big fan of Masvidal’s style, as I see him having more paths to victory on paper. But if he can’t get this fight to the floor or force exchanges inside of the clinch, then I see Thompson’s footwork and countering prowess posing problems for the Cuban down the stretch. I will reluctantly side with Thompson, and I hope for a strong showing from two fighters who I enjoy dearly.

Official Mixed Martial Analyst pick: Thompson by decision

New York Knight

11-03-2017, 04:15 PM

Johny Hendricks (18-7 MMA, 13-7 UFC)

Staple info:

Height: 5’9″ Age: 34 Weight: 185 lbs. Reach: 69″
Last fight: TKO loss to Tim Boetsch (June 25, 2017)
Camp: Jackson-Wink MMA (New Mexico)
Stance/striking style: Southpaw/kickboxing
Risk management: Fair

Supplemental info:

+ Former UFC welterweight champion
+ 4x NCAA Division 1 All-American wrestler
+ Division 1 national champion
+ 8 KO victories
+ 1 submission wins
+ 5 first-round finishes
+ KO power
+ Dangerous lefthand
^ Often doubles up
+ Improved kicks and knees
^ Typically punctuates off combos
+ Strong clinch and bodylock
^ Favors takedowns along the fence
+ Solid top game/control
– Has lost 3 of his last 4 fights

Paulo Costa (10-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC)

Staple info:

Height: 6’0″ Age: 26 Weight: 185 lbs. Reach: 72″
Last fight: TKO win over Oluwale Bambbose (June 3, 2017)
Camp: CJJF (Brazil)
Stance/striking style: Orthodox/kickboxing
Risk management: Fair

Supplemental info:

+ “TUF: Brazil 3” alum
+ Jungle Fight middleweight title
+ Brazilian jiu-jitsu accolades
+ 9 KO victories
+ 1 submission wins
+ 9 first-round finishes
+ KO power
+ Imposing pressure
^ Feints and stalks well
+ Accurate shot selection
^ Variates rhythm and looks
+ Strong inside of the clinch
^ Shows wrestling fundamentals
+ Works well from topside
^ Rides, transitions, strikes

Summary:

Kicking off the main card in Madison Square Garden is a middleweight contest of potential consequence.

A former champion at 170 pounds who has spent 2017 as a middleweight, Johny Hendricks will be looking to right his ship after his recent struggles both inside the cage and on the scales.

Looking to steal the American’s spotlight is an undefeated Brazilian by the name of Paulo Costa. Formerly known as “Paulo Borrachinha,” Costa will be fighting outside of his home country for the first time.

Although the narrative of this matchup can feel like a possible changing of the guard in some ways, Hendricks will still be a legitimate step up in competition for the young Brazilian.

An accoladed wrestler who stormed onto the scene with a quick stoppage of Amir Sadollah at UFC 101, Hendricks has since come a long way.

Gaining more confidence and traction in his striking as he accrued experience, Hendricks’ game blossomed after decimating Jon Fitch in the opening frame with a vicious lefthand. Despite that weapon serving him well for years to come, we have mysteriously not seen it’s vaunted power in quite some time.

Nonetheless, Hendricks has since added to his game since working with striking coach Steven Wright.

As we have seen in the subsequent years, Hendricks will now flow more freely with his hooks and uppercuts, punctuating his combinations with leg kicks or knees when appropriate. Since moving to middleweight, we have seen a slight rebirth in these attributes – attributes that suffered toward the end of his welterweight run.

Nevertheless, Hendricks will need to respect what is coming back at him, and he will be playing with fire anytime he exchanges with his heavy-hitting opponent.

Despite starting off his martial arts experience in the grappling art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Costa is a striker in every sense of the word.

A natural pressure-fighter, Costa will smartly work behind feints while stalking his prey.

Whether he is feint-baiting his opponents into crushing check-hooks and body kicks, or crashing the distance to intercept his opposition with a devastating cross, the Brazilian seems to be genuinely comfortable inside of exchanges.

Even when caught clean, Costa will no-sell his opponent’s shots as he comes right back in their face –– but with an adjusted and varied rhythm.

For me, it is an impressive feat to see a young fighter who otherwise seems like a bully, using subtle tactics like rhythm changes to avoid predictability with strikes.

Where this fight gets even more intriguing is when looking at the potential of grappling exchanges.

Considering that there is next to no footage of Costa on his back, this could be an area that Hendricks might try to exploit. An alum of Ohio State, I would not be surprised to see Hendricks dust off his Division I wrestling chops and attempt to take down the Brazilian.

Hendricks, who was a well-schooled grappler under the tutelage of Marc Laimon, has a lot to offer from topside in the form of submissions, strikes and positional rides. However, if the bigger man in Costa ends up in dominant positions, then Hendricks may get more than he bargains for given that the Brazilian is no slouch from topside.

Demonstrating an ability to transition and ride while striking, Costa appears to maintain a good sense of positional IQ and awareness. Still, he will need to pick his battles wisely since I give the on-paper edge to Hendricks in regards to grappling.

Although I hate to admit it, it is not hard to see why the oddsmakers have opened Costa as a favorite over the former champion.

Hendricks has lost three of four fights in the octagon, with arguably the same ratio of defeats taking place on the scale. Unless Hendricks can find the form he has spent the past couple of years searching for, then this may get worse before it ever gets better.

Official Mixed Martial Analyst pick: Costa inside the distance

New York Knight

11-03-2017, 04:15 PM

Mixed Martial Analyst Prelimary card predictions

Joseph Duffy def. James Vick

Walt Harris def. Mark Godbeer

Ion Cutelaba def. Michal Oleksiejczuk

Randy Brown def. Mickey Gall

Curtis Blaydes def. Aleksei Oleinik

Ovince Saint Preux def. Corey Anderson

Ricardo Ramos def. Aiemann Zahabi

Props worth looking at:

Michael Bisping – inside the distance: +280 (0.5 unit)

Pulo Costa – inside the distance: -155 (1.5 units)

Straight plays:

Michael Bisping -105 (1 unit)

Playable parlay pieces (my most confident favorites):

Paulo Costa -255
Walt Harris -400

Fights to avoid (live dogs, high intangibles, etc.):

Randy Brown vs. Mickey Gall
Stephen Thompson vs. Jorge Masvidal
Joseph Duffy vs. James Vick
Ricardo Ramos vs. Aiemann Zahabi

DraftKings recommendations

Paulo Costa: $8,900
Walt Harris: $8,800
Aiemann Zahabi: $8,700
Cody Garbrandt: $8,300
Machael Bisping: $8,100
Rose Namajunas: $7,000

Roster total: $49,800

Summary:

My fantasy MMA recommendations are officially back, which means that I will be sharing a DraftKings lineup for each UFC fight card, briefly expanding on the potential value of my picks.

Starting from the top, we have Paulo Costa, who comes in with a price tag of $8,900 and an APPG (average points per game) of 101.3. As one of the recommended parlay pieces, Costa is one of my most confident picks on the card for the reasons stated in the breakdown above. Costa will likely be in a lot of lineups, but he looks to be money in what is a potential mismatch of size and current standing.

Second up on the roster is Walt Harris, who comes in at a price of $8,800 and an APPG of 33.6. Despite being fresh off a last-minute loss to Fabricio Werdum, I like Harris – in what was his original matchup – to come up big here. Mark Godbeer is a hard-hitting fighter and gem of a human being, but I see Harris’ speed and southpaw stylings producing a high-scoring finish.

The next roster selection involves a fighter from my avoid list as I have Aiemann Zahabi. Despite officially siding with Ricardo Ramos, this is a close fight no matter how you cut it.

Ramos may be the more volatile finisher, but Zahabi is the more process-driven fighter, who also has a knack for scoring knockdowns and takedowns. And for the price of $8,700 (65 APPG), he will likely be an unpopular choice that can score you some surprising points.

Next up on the docket is Cody Garbrandt, who comes in with a price tag of $8,300 and an APPG of 100.3.

As stated in the breakdown above, I believe that Garbrandt has a higher propensity to find the finish over Dillashaw, whose aggressive shifting style tends to open him up for damage in both victory and defeat. Couple that with the fact that Garbrandt has dropped or stopped all of his career opponents, and I suspect that the champion could score you some serious points over a five-round affair.

In my next roster selection, I elected to go with another title fight participant in Michael Bisping.

One of my more confident picks of the card, I feel that Bisping, for the reasons stated in the breakdown above, is the livelier threat who has more going his way on paper. For me, this seems like another mismatch of size and current standing, as I see Bisping getting a stoppage to earn his price tag of $8,100.

Lastly, I have Rose Namajunas, who comes in at the low price of $7,000 (85 APPG). Even though I officially picked Jedrzejczyk to win, the betting line here feels off and inflated.

Fortunately for DraftKings players, that makes Namajunas – a live underdog and participant in a five-round fight – the lowest priced fighter on the entire roster. Jedrzejczyk’s pace and pressure will likely make the difference in this matchup, but the champion has been sat down by straight punches or taken down in her last few fights. Even if Namajunas comes up short on the scorecards, she will likely rack up more points than any other loser on the roster and may be worth a shot.

New York Knight

11-03-2017, 04:30 PM

All 24 fighters made weight without issue.

http://www.cappersmall.com/smi/mosh.gif

Of course ... NEVER FAILS

The UFC organization was notified today that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has informed Ion Cutelaba of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation stemming from its investigation into voluntary disclosures by Cutelaba during an out-of-competition sample collections on October 18 and October 19, 2017.

USADA has provisionally suspended Cutelaba and his fight against Michal Oleksiejczuk has been cancelled from the November 4, 2017, UFC 217 fight card.

New York Knight

11-03-2017, 05:30 PM

UFC 217 Underdog Picks | DraftKings Fantasy MMA
Stephie Haynes

Cody Garbrandt $8,300 / TJ Dillashaw $7,900

Cody Garbrandt is a fantastic boxer, there’s no two ways around it. Before he joined Team Alpha Male, he trained out of Team Strongstyle in Cleveland with Stipe Miocic and Brian Rogers under striking coach Joe Delguyd, where he refined his raw talent initially. Once he moved to TAM, he polished the rest of his game, which was showcased in his fight with Dominick Cruz, a fight he absolutely dominated. The weakest part of his skillset is his wrestling, an area Dillashaw excels in.

Dillashaw is also an accomplished striker with great footwork and once trained alongside Garbrandt at TAM. He left under a hailstorm of controversy a few years back, and these two competitors have had beef ever since. Dillashaw works angles well and also has knockout power, evidenced by six (T)KOs. He’s a strong wrestler with a great takedown game, which he’ll no doubt put into action Saturday night.

This is another instance where my gut is telling me Dillashaw might have what it takes to hand Grabrandt his first professional loss.

TJ Dillashaw via (T)KO

Stephen Thompson $8,600 / Jorge Masvidal $7,600

Stephen Thompson, the two-time title challenger to Tyron Woodley’s welterweight crown, is a tall, rangy kickboxer with an excellent striking skillset. He’s got power and great footwork, as demonstrated by seven (T)KO wins over a 16-fight professional career. The hole in his overall game is his wrestling, and his last two fights, both against Woodley, ended in lackluster decisions that didn’t see him victorious, which might prey on his confidence, especially because Masvidal and Woodley are teammates at ATT.

Masvidal has been in the sport for 14-years and has 44 professional fights under his belt. He has experienced continual evolution over the years, a feat rarely seen with longtime veterans of the sport. Masvidal has a traditional boxing style with a crisp jab and real power. His ground game is very underrated, likely because he does so well standing, so we don’t get to see it too often.

This will be a very close fight, especially because these two are so well matched, but I’ve got a feeling we’ll be seeing Masvidal spoiling Thompson’s night, as he’s done with so many others.

Jorge Masvidal via DEC

Joe Duffy $8,500 / James Vick $7,700

Joe Duffy is a great striker and submission artist. He’s got five wins by (T)KO and 10 wins via submission. He’s not an overly gifted wrestler, but once the fight is on the ground, he shines in the scrambles and is dangerous from both top and bottom position. He’ll be giving up five inches in height and three inches in reach to Vick, who will likely use that as an opportunity to land heavy kicks from the outside to soften up the Irishman for an inevitable war.

James Vick has had an impressive run in the UFC, losing only to Beneil Dariush in eight fights under the promotion’s banner. At 6’3”, he’s got the long man’s game down to a science. He’s a polished striker with a solid jab and a very good submission game of his own. He’s faced better quality competition than Duffy has, and that experience combined with his aggressive style and physical advantages should see him get the W.

James Vick via DEC

Aleksei Oleinik $8,200 / Curtis Blaydes $8,000

Aleksei Oleinik is an amazingly accomplished Ukranian grappler who has 45 submission wins over the course of a 65-fight career. Ten of those submissions are by the ultra-rare Ezekiel choke, and he actually holds the record for most Ezekiel chokes in MMA competition. Despite his sterling record, Oleinik is getting quite long in the tooth, and at the age of 40 with lots of shopwear, his cardio has begun exhibiting a serious deficit.

Curtis Blaydes will enter the Madison Square Garden Arena 14 years the junior of his opponent and with much less experience than the veteran Oleinik. That said, he packs quite a punch, having won all his fights by TKO, with the exception of a unanimous decision to Daniel Omielanczuk, who just so happens to be the last man to beat Oleinik. He’s a powerful wrestler with excellent takedowns and great cardio considering how big he is.

This is a risky pick, but I’m taking Blaydes here based on power, durability and cardio.

Curtis Blaydes via DEC

New York Knight

11-03-2017, 07:19 PM

UFC 217: Preliminary Predictions
Kamikaze Overdrive

155lbs- James Vick (11-1-0) vs Joe Duffy (16-2-0)

In the headlining bout of the undercard, James “The Texicutioner” Vick goes head to head with Ireland’s own “Irish Joe” Joe Duffy. Vick has won back to back fights since suffering the first loss of his career- he scored a TKO win over Marco Polo Reyes in his last bout. Duffy is 4-1 inside the Octagon and is also riding a 2-fight winning streak, picking up wins over Mitch Clarke and Reza Madadi.

A very tall Lightweight, Vick is 6’3″ and will be 5 inches taller than Duffy to go along with a 3″ reach. Duffy is the younger fighter by a year.

Vick is developing a well-rounded attack. His striking is solid, incorporating his reach and movement to augment his ever-increasing volume game. He averages just over 4 SLpM compared to 3.38 SApM. The Texas-native is hittable and Beniel Dariush blasted him several times prior to scoring the stoppage. Vick is also a capable grappler, utilizing his long limbs to set up submissions. Unfortunately, he lacks a strong takedown to get his foe to the floor and he has been taken down on multiple occasions. Duffy struggled with the wrestling of Dustin Poirier in his only UFC loss, but he is a pretty solid grappler in his own right. On the feet, he is a smooth striker with good head movement and footwork. Leading with a sharp left jab and following with a power right, his combination striking is strong and he packs good power in his hands. Joe is coming off just his 5th career fight to go beyond the first frame- he is 3-2 in those bouts.

Vick will have the physical advantages and can operate both on the feet and the mat, but his glaring defensive issues will be his undoing. If he had a better wrestling attack, he could put Duffy on the floor, where he might have the edge. Look for “Irish Joe” to work inside the reach of Vick and outbox him, eventually cracking him on the chin

my prediction is Joe Duffy to defeat James Vick by TKO.

265lbs- Walt Harris (10-5-0) vs Mark Godbeer (12-3-0)

In a fight that was originally scheduled to take place at UFC 216, Walt “The Big Ticket” Harris looks to get back on track when he takes on Mark “The Hand of” Godbeer. Godbeer most recently defeated Daniel Spitz at UFC 209 to rebound from his debut loss to Justin Ledet. Harris stopped both Chase Sherman and Cyril Asker prior to suffering a 65-second submission loss to former Heavyweight Champion Fabricio Werdum when he stepped up to the main card at UFC 216.

At 6’5″, Harris is an inch taller than Godbeer, but they will share the same 77″ reach. They are the same age.

This fight will most likely be decided on the feet with both men packing significant power. Harris has finished all 10 of his career wins via knockout- 9 in the opening round. Not to be outdone, Godbeer has stopped his foe via knockout in 9 of his 12 wins- only 3 in the opening round. Harris has looked increasingly more comfortable with his striking offense and the results have been devastating. Godbeer is a capable striker, but he is going to struggle with the speed and athleticism of Harris.

While Harris has far more opening round finishes, he appears to have the superior cardio which will play a role if this fight goes beyond the opening. Either way, look for him to routinely beat Godbeer to the punch and land the more impactful strikes when doing so. Despite the loss to Werdum, this fight should still play out as previously expected to

my prediction is Walt Harris to defeat Mark Godbeer by knockout.

205lbs- #6 Ovince Saint Preux (21-10-0) vs #7 Corey Anderson (10-3-0)

In a battle of top 10-ranked Light Heavyweights, former title-challenger Ovince Saint Preux takes on Corey “Overtime” Anderson. OSP has won back to back fights, submitting both Yushin Okami and Marcos Rogerio de Lima by Von Flue choke. Anderson is coming off a loss to Jimi Manuwa by knockout, but he has won 4 of his last 6 fights.

Saint-Preux is stepping in to replace Patrick Cummins on roughly 2-weeks notice. Both men are 6’3″, OSP has an inch longer reach and Anderson is the younger man by 6-years.

Anderson is coming off his second knockout loss and it is becoming apparent that his chin is a clear vulnerability. Nonetheless, he is still a capable striker utilizing a lot of movement and averaging an impressive 5.01 SLpM. A former NCAA D3 wrestler, “Overtime” does a good job of mixing in his wrestling having secured 25 takedowns over his combined 6 UFC wins. While OSP has proven himself to be a crafty submission fighter from top position, he also struggled when his opposition has looked to take him down. Most notably, Glover Teixeira beat him up on the floor prior to scoring the choke. OSP is an impressive athlete and is dangerous on the feet, but his striking tends to be a little stiff and can result in him slowing down in more demanding fights.

OSP’s short notice will not help his already questionable cardio. Additionally, he has had issues with wrestling and clinch heavy fighters which is a style that Anderson has employed in previous fights. Corey needs to utilize his movement and jab to close the distance and then force Ovince to a close quarters fight to both score points and tire him out. Anderson might be able to score a top position stoppage,

but my prediction is Corey Anderson to defeat Ovince Saint Preux by decision.

170lbs- Mickey Gall (4-0-0) vs Randy Brown (9-2-0)

In the Welterweight division, CM Punk slayer Mickey Gall returns to action to take on fellow Dana White talent search recruit Randy “Rude Boy” Brown. Brown is coming off of a decision loss to Belal Muhammad and is 3-2 inside the Octagon. Gall has yet to taste defeat in his brief pro career, submitting both the aforementioned Punk and Sage Northcutt in his last 2 UFC fights.

At 6’3″, Brown is 1″ taller, but he will have a 4″ reach advantage. Gall is the younger fighter by 2-years.

Brown comes into the fight having finished 2 of his 3 UFC wins- and has stopped 8 of his 9 opponents overall. He has some decent pop in his hands and is improving his use of his reach to keep his opponent on the outside. If his opponent closes the distance, look for “Rude Boy” to clinch up and employ damaging elbow and knee strikes. A BJJ purple belt, Brown has shown a willingness to work on the mat but has also go himself in some trouble on the floor. Gall has an excellent back take and has finished all 4 of his pro opponent’s by submission, all by rear-naked choke. He can do damage with strikes from top position, but we haven’t seen a lot of his vertical striking offense.

Brown has more experience than Gall and appears to have the more well-rounded skill set. That being said, Gall’s strength is Brown’s biggest area of vulnerability. Gall’s wrestling and BJJ games should be more than enough to exploit the holes in Brown’s defensive grappling

my prediction is Mickey Gall to defeat Randy Brown by submission.

265lbs- #9 Oleksiy Oliynyk (52-10-1) vs #12 Curtis Blaydes (7-1-0 1NC)

In the Heavyweight division, rising prospect Curtis “Razor” Blaydes takes on 63-fight veteran Oleksiy “The Boa Constrictor” Oliynyk. Blaydes is on a 3-fight undefeated streak, most recently picking up a decision victory Daniel Omielanczuk. Oliynyk is coming off a submission of the fast fading Travis Browne and is an impressive 13-1 over his last 14 fights.

Blaydes is 2 inches taller and should weigh roughly 20-25 pounds heavier. They have the same 80” reach and Blaydes is the younger fighter by 14-years.

The aging Oliynyk continues to find success on the strength of his submission game. He has finished an astounding 43 opponents via some form of tap out. Averaging 3.71 takedowns per fight, he has showcased some decent wrestling in his Octagon run. Against Browne, he survived the early exchanges and capitalized on Travis’s faltering cardio prior to securing the sub. On the feet, he has decent power but tends to be a little stiff with his technique. Blaydes has good power in his hands, but he primarily focuses his attack on his wrestling. He completed 15-takedowns over his first 3 fights but is coming off a victory spent almost entirely on the feet. Once he does get the fight to the floor he can do a lot of damage with his top position strikes.

Blades is the bigger man and better athlete. If he opts to take Oliynyk down, he has the tools to muffle his submission game- but it still brings him into Oleksiy’s area of strength. Look for the American to use his wrestling in reverse to force the striking exchanges early and if he is unable to score the stoppage, he may opt to wrestle later in the bout

my prediction is Curtis Blaydes to defeat Oleksiy Oliynyk by TKO

New York Knight

11-03-2017, 07:20 PM

Bloody Elbow staff picks and predictions for preliminary card

Joseph Duffy vs. James Vick

Anton Tabuena: Good matchup, and it should be fun either way, but I think Duffy is just overall the better fighter here.

Joe Duffy by Decision.

Ryan Davies: Like Eddie said the 6’3” frame of Vick gives lightweights a very unfamiliar look that causes problems. Vick will use his long limbs to maintain the distance on Duffy and utilize his lethal clinch and knees when it comes to close quarters. That being said Duffy is war horse and won’t go out easy, he will pick up steam in the later rounds, but not enough to sway the judges. Vick failed his first test against a top 15 striker, this will be his chance to prove he is ready for upper echelon on the division.

Vick Split Decision

Eddie Mercado: Vick is the tallest opponent that Duffy has ever faced, and I think that will present some new challenges for Irish Joe.

James Vick by Unanimous Decision

Phil Mackenzie: What a fantastic fight. Vick has quietly built a pretty scary offensive boxing game, with a mean jab, hook and fadeaway counters. He's enormous, locks up on the head in scrambles, and keeps a great pace despite being so grotesquely huge. I think his primary weakness in this fight will actually be his size, however: he struggles to keep himself covered up, and Duffy is a ferocious body puncher. The interplay between body shots from Duffy and Vick's step knee and headlock game should be fascinating, but give me

Joseph Duffy by unanimous decision.

Victor Rodriguez: I love this fight so much. Duffy is game, a slick boxer and has a smooth grappling and submission game. Vick is a massive and long lightweight that can crack, and his grappling is more of an overpowering game with great submission hunting instincts. Duffy will have trouble dealing with Vick’s range and output, and I worry about how he’ll fare both in the clinch as well as off his back. The more I think about it, the worse it looks.

James Vick by TKO.

Zane Simon: Big question here is, how well can Vick lock Duffy down with his clinch game inside. If he can do that, he may force this into being a range war where he’s the longer (if still less technical) man. However, if he can’t, his unwillingness to wrestle should give Duffy the perfect opportunities to work a crafty pocket boxing game built around slick body-head combos.

Joe Duffy via TKO, Round 2.

Staff picking Duffy: Bissell, Ram, Phil, Nick, Dayne, Mookie, Anton, Fraser, Zane, Tim

Staff picking Vick: Eddie, Davies, Stephie, Victor

New York Knight

11-03-2017, 07:20 PM

Mark Godbeer vs. Walt Harris

Ryan Davies: Walt Harris should collect more than a participation trophy in this match up. Godbeer can take a licking and keep on ticking, but Harris will provide him a licking that he won't soon forget! That sounded a lot tougher in my head.

Harris TKO rd 2

Phil Mackenzie: The basic dynamics haven't changed since last time. Harris is still bigger, more athletic and a cleaner striker.

Walt Harris by TKO, round 1.

Eddie Mercado: WARRRRRR WALTTTTTTTT!!!!

Walt Harris by KO in round 1.

Victor Rodriguez: (Shudders) Godbeer is tough as nails, but Harris is too fast, too strong, and good an athlete to not put him away. Walt puts him on his back and ruins him after a big overhand.

Walt Harris by TKO.

Zane Simon: Godbeer loves to dip his head when he throws, Harris has a mean counter uppercut game.

Walt Harris by KO, round 1.

Staff picking Godbeer: Bissell, Ram

Staff picking Harris: Phil, Nick, Dayne, Eddie, Davies, Mookie, Anton, Fraser, Stephie, Victor, Zane, Tim

New York Knight

11-03-2017, 07:20 PM

Corey Anderson vs. Ovince Saint Preux

Ryan Davies: These 2 top 10 light heavyweights are coming off of main event performances with very different outcomes. OSP defeated former title challenger Yushin Okami with his third Von Flue (soon to be St.Preux, sorry Livewire) choke. While Anderson came up short against Jimmi Manuwa. Anderson has trouble with opponents he can’t outwrestle, while OSP doesn’t have the collegiate wrestling credentials, his freak athleticism will help him avoid going to the ground. On the feet Anderson is evolving into a technically proficient striker, but OSP’s unorthodox, freewheeling style will find holes in Anderson’s striking defense to pick up another impressive knockout.

OSP TKO 2nd

Phil Mackenzie: This division is depressing. Anderson is broadly functional but lacks both power and focus. OSP is a mess. I suppose OSP makes more sense as a pick- he's beaten better opponents, and is tougher and more dynamic. But I just don't like his style. Give me jabs, leg kicks and takedowns over counterpunches and Von Flues in a pretty underwhelming fight.

Corey Anderson by unanimous decision.

Eddie Mercado: This is gon get ugly and I don’t care who wins.

OSP, I guess, by sloppy decision.

Victor Rodriguez: OSP is weird. His strikes come from strange angles, his timing is off-beat and his movement is janky. Anderson’s gonna have a hard time trying to figure him out and will undoubtedly get caught with something coming in for takedowns. Corey’s got great top control and makes smart striking choices on the ground, but if OSP ends up on top he’s far more efficient. It’s far likelier that Anderson gets to top position first, but his gas tank won’t hold up as well here. OSP will eventually get either back up to his feet or on top, and do damage from there.

Ovince St Preux by TKO.

Zane Simon: I’m just echoing Phil here. OSP’s game is basically to lose fights until he wins them, if he wins them. Anderson is much more a guy who wins fights right up until he loses them. I’ll take the guy who’s out there winning rounds over the guy who has a funky knack for weird finishes. But not happily.

Corey Anderson via decision.

Staff picking Anderson: Ram, Phil, Dayne, Fraser, Stephie, Zane

Staff picking OSP: Bissell, Nick, Davies, Eddie, Mookie, Anton, Victor, Tim

New York Knight

11-03-2017, 07:21 PM

Randy Brown vs. Mickey Gall

Anton Tabuena: Both have looked pretty good in their short UFC careers, and both are still likely improving a lot. It’s a tough pick, but at the end of the day, one guy has been facing far better competition.

Randy Brown by Decision.

Ryan Davies: I am in the minority that see elite potential in the polarizing prospect that is Mickey Gall. It’s true he has not taken on the stiffest of competition, but in his 3 UFC outings he has shown a effortless fluidity of movement in his grappling exchanges and a high fight IQ, staying out of brawling exchanges and fighting to his strengths. Brown is also a intriguing talent with creative and dynamic strikes, but his inability to stop a takedown has prevented him from taking the next step in his career. Gall will play it smart and get this fight to the ground whenever the opportunity presents itself. The submission may come late, but my money would be on a convincing decision.

Gall Unanimous Decision

Phil Mackenzie: Gall is a talent, but really has shown next to nothing apart from being talented in his MMA career thus far because the people he's beaten are just so bad. Brown is athletic and skilled, and has just been fighting much tougher competition. Gall seems to be a natural wrestler, a skillset that continues to give Brown issues- he still seems to be in the process of finding a stable game. Brown is a good striker and reasonably dynamic everywhere, and I can't stress enough the difference between fighting Belal Remember The Name Muhammad and fighting Sage Northcutt.

Randy Brown by submission, round 3.

Fraser Coffeen: Listen, if Gall can dominate CM Punk, then realistically, who can stop him?

Mickey Gall, decision

Victor Rodriguez: Brown’s gonna have to learn early, often and hard to establish the pace here, and it just feels like Gall’s wrestling game and top pressure will be too much. Mickey hits him with the flypaper approach and tries to chain submissions together, but wins the fight via control and ground strikes leading to unsuccessful submission attempts.

Mickey Gall by decision.

Zane Simon: If Brown makes it deep into round 2, he likely wins this fight. Gall is a terribly wooden striker and looked like he was sucking air pretty badly against Northcutt when he dropped him. He is, however, also a fantastically technical wrestle-grappler who chains his shots well and does a great job in the ride and taking the back. I can just see Brown getting taken down early too easily and submitted as he tries to scramble. Still, if he survives, he probably wins.

Mickey Gall via submission, Round 1.

Staff picking Brown: Phil, Dayne, Eddie, Mookie, Anton

Staff picking Gall: Bissell, Ram, Nick, Davies, Fraser, Stephie, Vick, Zane, Tim

New York Knight

11-03-2017, 07:21 PM

Curtis Blaydes vs. Oleksiy Oliynyk

Ryan Davies: This match up of high level grapplers will be a passing of the guard of sorts. 26 year old Blaydes will not throw anything at the 40 year old Oliynyk that he has not seen before. However Blaydes does posses the power, explosiveness and stamina to take over this fight with his wrestling while avoiding Oliynyk’s unconventional choke attempts.

Blaydes Unanimous Decision

Phil Mackenzie: Blaydes is clearly not learning striking as fast as people hoped, and he looked dreadfully wooden on the feet in his last fight. However, I'm not a big believer in Oliynyk's gas tank, and if Blaydes doesn't walk his way into a weird choke from bottom, then his youth and athleticism just wears Oliynyk down over time. I think he'll be cautious, but will essentially look to replicate what Omielańczuk did.

Curtis Blaydes by unanimous decision.

Victor Rodriguez: Yeah, I don’t like this. Blaydes can hurt people, man. Oliynyk ate a lot of damage to rally back against Browne, and is a super legit threat no matter what position he’s in. I just don’t think he’ll make it long as a damage sponge with Blaydes being a harder hitter with really good wrestling. This is basically shades of Godbeer/Harris, only Oliynyk has more tools to win and is a smarter fighter. That said, I still don’t like the odds for Oliynyk here.

Curtis Blaydes by TKO, round 2.

Zane Simon: Sure, Blaydes could jump on top of Oliynyk and get himself choked in that way that only Oliynyk opponents seem to get themselves choked, but my guess is that he’s just too much of a physical hulk for that. I feel like Blaydes may have broken his wrestling game a little in learning how to strike, so I think this will just be 3 rounds of wall-n-maul, as Oliynyk wears out quickly and Blaydes stifles him.

Curtis Blaydes by decision.

Staff picking Blaydes: Phil, Nick, Davies, Mookie, Anton, Stephie, Victor, Zane

Staff picking Oliynyk: Bissell, Ram, Dayne, Eddie, Fraser, Tim

New York Knight

11-03-2017, 07:21 PM

Ricardo Ramos vs. Aiemann Zahabi

Anton Tabuena: Unfortunately, this might be the only time Firas celebrates tonight.

Aiemann Zahabi by decision.

Ryan Davies: Both of these highly regarded prospects eked out controversial decisions in their debuts. Now they will look to pick up their second win in a more impressive manor. Zahabi, like the majority of Tri Star fighters,is a master of controlling the distance in the striking department. Ramos has shown flashes of brilliance on the feet, but Zahbi will have a noticeable technical striking edge. Ramos does his best work on the mat, however getting Zahabi down will be a bridge too far for the lanky 22 year old. Even if it does go to the ground Aiemann’s many years of coaching up from big brother Firas will have him more than ready to deal with the youngsters submission attempts.

Zahabi Unanimous Decision

Phil Mackenzie: Zahabi feels like a fighter who is incredibly well-coached but is already visibly bumping up against the limits of his athleticism, which don't appear to be very high. He hurt Vieira in his last fight by being better at drawing the shorter line between two points with his punches, but he also got hit quite a lot. Ramos is bigger, and the less technical but the more impactful striker, and is an aggressive, powerful grappler.

Ricardo Ramos by unanimous decision

Victor Rodriguez: I love this fight so much. Zahabi’s been training with top-level guys for years now and his brother’s a genius coach. Ramos is tough and probably a more complete athlete, but Zahabi has more tools to win.

Aiemann Zahabi by decision.

Zane Simon: Zahabi’s defensive instincts don’t seem very sound yet. Which means he has to rely on consistent pressuring or risk getting overwhelmed by his opponent’s offense. That leads nicely into Ramos’ dynamic countering game.

Ricardo Ramos by TKO, Round 2.

Staff picking Ramos: Dayne, Phil, Zane

Staff picking Zahabi: Bissell, Ram, Nick, Davies, Eddie, Mookie, Anton, Fraser, Stephie, Victor, Tim

New York Knight

11-03-2017, 07:29 PM

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New York Knight

11-03-2017, 07:48 PM

Bloody Elbow staff picks and predictions for main card

Michael Bisping vs. Georges St-Pierre

Anton Tabuena: So St-Pierre has been training every day since his layoff, thinks he’s the “best” GSP ever, and wouldn’t come back if he wasn’t. He says he has kept up with the sport and even actually had time to improve instead of just getting in fight shape and competing constantly. I really wish that was all true, but it’s just not logical to believe all that without any evidence. Ring rust is real, and 4 years away from the sport is going to be a real hurdle, especially in the opening rounds. St-Pierre is now 36-years-old, and I find it hard to believe that his timing won’t be affected, let alone his durability, endurance, explosiveness and skills.

If he does come back as the same guy (or even slightly better, which I highly doubt), stylistically, Bisping is also a very bad matcup for him. He’s much bigger, hard to take down, and even harder to keep down. He conceivably also has better striking and endurance than St-Pierre. If GSP can’t dictate where this fight takes place, or at least constantly have a legitimate takedown threat that disrupts Bisping’s striking game, his game will be more limited and he will struggle. For him to win, St-Pierre will not only have to beat a bigger and stronger guy who has the style to give him a lot of issues, he will also have to quickly shake off the rust and beat father time as well. I would love to see that storybook type of comeback, and I wish he proves me wrong to get back on top of the sport as a two-division champion. But MMA is unforgiving, and I expect a lot of people to once again be sad that their hero got old.

Michael Bisping by TKO.

Mookie Alexander: Full disclosure - I spent all of Thursday traveling cross-country, so I’m pretty tired and this will be my only predictions contribution for the week. Georges St-Pierre hasn’t fought since 2013. He tore his ACL the very next year. I cannot imagine a rational thinking person trying to argue GSP is going to be “better than ever” or whatever nonsense tagline has been used to promote the fight. Michael Bisping is older than GSP but he’s both an actual middleweight and has fought eight times since GSP’s last bout. Frankly speaking, even if Bisping knocks GSP out cold in 5 seconds, I value his Rockhold KO over both the Anderson Silva win and if he were to beat St-Pierre. Skillwise, GSP is miles ahead of Bisping, but I just cannot convince myself that he won’t look like a shell of his former self, and that’s what it boils down to. There’s also a part of me that doesn’t want GSP to win because I absolutely do not want to see him get murked by Robert Wittaker. This fight might end up being a tad disappointing in terms of excitement, but I’ve been wrong many many times before.

Michael Bisping by unanimous decision.

Ryan Davies: Tim Kennedy laid out the blueprint to beating Bisping and GSP mixes up his strikes and takedowns far better than Kennedy. If GSP is 80 percent of the fighter that retired in 2013 he will keep Bisping guessing and place him on the mat numerous times.

GSP Unanimous Decision

Eddie Mercado: Bisping won a BS decision over Anderson Silva. He won a BS decision over Dan Henderson. Why should I expect anything other than a BS decision over another MMA great? GSP will win the fight but lose the MMA match. Is paper GOAT a thing? Michael Bisping by BS decision. Actually, I just can’t do it. I refuse to pick Bisping over GSP.

GSP by Unanimous Decision!

Fraser Coffeen: In anticipation of this fight, I watched every Michael Bisping fight. Yep, all of them. And even with all that video, he’s a tough fighter to pin down. As Ryan mentioned above, the Kennedy fight is a real concern for any Bisping fans here - that’s a performance that GSP could very much emulate in this fight. The questions is just one of where GSP is these days. I think a prime GSP scores the takedowns and wins this, despite the size difference. But I’m still feeling the sting of last weekend’s Lyoto fight. Things like that and Bisping/Silva are good reminders that time is a serious factor and the guy fighting past his prime is not the same as he once was.

And so, sadly, Bisping, decision

Ram Gilboa: Michael Bisping vs Georges St. Pierre. True, if they met in 2013, you had to wonder what’s the point. But now, 4 years later, magically, you don’t seem to care enough about this fight to do that.

Georges St. Pierre is an all-time great. Best of all-time when he took a break four years ago, and now trailing after Johnson, if you ask me. I probably wouldn’t have advised him to come back now; but if he wants to, who am I to say something anyway. But it is almost obvious who St. Pierre should get, right? Especially since this can be a one-off: Anyone except Michael Bisping. It could have been Anderson Silva, for us nostalgic folks, or Nick Diaz - hell, A Diaz. If GSP plans to stick around, I can even see reason in squaring up again against Hendricks, and play on the different trajectories they went on since then. Even McGregor would have even been reasonable, at least our age kind of reasonable.

So they gave him Bisping. Yeah, I don’t know. It probably comes down to, as mentioned, the current shape GSP is in. The timing on his doubles has always been impeccable, and I think he’ll get that timing back in the cage soon enough. But to finish the shots his fast-twitch muscles will still have to perform well enough, and his knees will still have to sustain the motion long enough, and through Bisping’s resistance and weight. And that’s the second thing - against bigger opponents, Wrestling is probably the most difficult per pound-against; more than striking, where you can use much more movement, or grappling, where you can use the ground more, and a little more savvy. So to wrestle a bigger fella constantly for 5 rounds - when was the last time GSP finished a fight? - should prove extremely taxing on his stamina. I think GSP will keep this one standing a lot more than a lot of people think; while keeping the takedown threat implied, for as long as he can, to get Bisping’s hands a bit down, and him a bit thinking. And while Bisping will think, as Hemingway wrote, GSP will hit him. (Hemingway didn’t specifically mention GSP). I don’t see wrestling and ground and pound as the main game-plan for St. Pierre for the first two rounds at-least. As for Bisping, he pretty much got here by out-lasting and out-hustling, not out-gunning. He’s the last man standing from the old guard, and when the dust settled, he had a belt wrapped around his waist. But I think no more after tomorrow night.

Georges St. Pierre by a close decision.

Victor Rodriguez: I love both fighters, but the fact that they’re facing each other is utter garbage. GSP spends four years on the shelf to cut the line in a division he never fought in? If he at least came back to fight Woodley for the belt he never lost, I’d be a lot less sour about this. Meh. I can’t count on a guy that hasn’t been fighting during that time. I get that he’s never stopped training seriously, but Bisping’s only gotten better with time. He can shuck off takedowns, overpower with pressure and his counter game and stun Georges with an uppercut or two. GSP still presents some problems with his speed and athleticism, but will be undersized and can be outboxed. Bisping is still hittable, and might fall for GSP’s shenanigans and eat a high kick. Still gotta go with the more reliable fighter here.

Michael Bisping by decision.

Zane Simon: As many others have said, I just can’t trust where GSP is at. Especially can’t trust that he’ll have the cardio at 185 to hit takedowns for 5 rounds on a bigger fighter.

Michael Bisping by decision.

Staff picking Bisping: Anton, Bissell, Fraser, Mookie, Stephie, Victor, Zane

Staff picking GSP: Ram, Nick, Dayne, Eddie, Davies, Phil, Tim

New York Knight

11-03-2017, 07:48 PM

Cody Garbrandt vs. T.J. Dillashaw

Anton Tabuena: Even if we ignore the team drama that surrounds this contest, this is still a really intriguing match up stylistically. On paper, it seems like Garbrandt is faster, has better hands and bigger power, while Dillashaw has more diversity, better footwork, better kicks, and possibly a better judge of distance as well. To add to those clash in styles, both men are very familiar with what each other brings to the table, making it a possible x-factor that bridges the gap in some of these advantages. All in all, those things make this a bout that really piques my interest.

Cruz is a master of footwork, movement and distance, and Garbrandt passed that test with flying colors. TJ is more dangerous offensively than Cruz, but this makes me believe that when others struggle with TJ’s “unorthodox” style and movement, Cody wouldn’t -- especially with the familiarity they have. Couple that with a speed and power advantage, this is why I am leaning towards the champ keeping his belt. I definitely could be wrong, and x-factors like emotion and knowing each other’s tendencies could swing it either way, but I think it will be

Cody Garbrandt by TKO.

Ryan Davies: T.J is the superior striker. Superior footwork, superior timing and superior fight IQ. Garbrandt will get frustrated early when he doesn’t land clean and headhunt the rest of the fight losing every round.

Dillashaw Unanimous Decision

Eddie Mercado: Garbrandt’s recent surgery could be a thing here, but until I see him lose, I can’t really pick against him.

Cody Garbrandt by unanimous decision.

Fraser Coffeen: Great fight here with so much to love about it. I’m a big fan of TJ’s style in there - it’s a style I tend to favor, while Cody seems more of the pure KO artist. Those KO type fighters are always a bit tough to predict in my eyes. Like the first Chuck/Randy fight, it feels like there’s always a path to beating this style of fighter if you can find it. My gut instinct is that Dillashaw can indeed find it, using his movement, volume, and game planning to score the points. What holds me back somewhat is that I could have written that exact same sentence about Dominick Cruz, and he did not find any success. So what does Dillashaw have that Cruz doesn’t? Answer: the knowledge of Garbrandt and the drive. Is that enough to turn the tide? I’m going to say it is.

TJ Dillashaw, decision

Ram Gilboa: It’s a five rounds fight, that’ll play out on the feet. Two very good strikers, I’ll go with the puncher.

Cody Garbrandt by TKO, round 2

Victor Rodriguez: I know that MMAth is for suckers and rubes, but if Cruz couldn’t hurt Cody consistently, how can TJ? Garbrandt not only showed off his boxing skills, but his wrestling was on point and his attacks on the ground were good. We might see Dillashaw on his back eating a few elbows, which would be impressive. I’m not sure that TJ has the answers in his toolkit to deal with the range, length, pressure, and counters that Garbrandt has. The king stays king.

Cody Garbrandt by TKO, round 5.

Zane Simon: Garbrandt can match Dillashaw for speed and footwork, and should be able to scramble with him on the mat. Dillashaw holds the edge in volume striking, but Garbrandt is more capable fighting going forwards and backwards, while Dillashaw has trouble off his back foot. If Dillashaw has to keep coming forward, then he likely has to keep giving Garbrandt chances to counter him and land the better shots each round.

Cody Garbrandt by decision.

Staff picking Garbrandt: Bissell, Ram, Nick, Dayne, Eddie, Mookie, Anton, Stephie, Phil, Victor, Zane, Tim

Staff picking Dillashaw: Davies, Fraser

New York Knight

11-03-2017, 07:48 PM

Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Rose Namajunas

Anton Tabuena: Much like the main event, this is a bout where I think all the cards are stacked against the challenger, but I’m still hoping they both somehow push through those perceived disadvantages and pull off an improbable victory. After seeing tidbits of her growth and struggles both inside and outside the cage, I just can’t help but root for Namajunas here. Unfortunately, I think it would be very tough to outstrike or create enough nice scrambles to capitalize against Joanna, who has shown to be a dominant striking machine who is incredibly tough to take down and equally dangerous in the clinch.

Joanna Jedrzejczyk by Decision.

Eddie Mercado: I love Rose! Now with that being said, she is going to get outclassed on the feet and will flounder at getting the fight to the ground.

JJ by Unanimous Decision.

Ryan Davies: I would love this fight 2 years from now, Joanna champion is in the midst of her prime and Rose is on the cusp of achieving her potential. Rose won’t be able to out strike Jedrzejczyk and if Andrade couldn’t get Joanna down I don’t see how Namajunas will.

Jedrzejczyk Unanimous Decision

Victor Rodriguez: Rose is a fantastic fighter, but she’s lacking in handspeed and movement compared to what is probably the best pure striker in the UFC right now - male or female. Joanna’s got excellent takedown defense, tremendous pressure, great cardio, and killer finishing instinct. It’s gonna be hard to land shots when you’re dealing with a buzzsaw like JJ. I trust Trevor Wittman to break things down in a manner that allows for Rose to create opportunities for her offense to break through, as well as being mindful of Joanna’s offense. I’m just not sure Rose is ready for this big a step up. Either way, we’re getting a hell of a fight, and you should be amped for this.

Joanna Champion by decision.

Zane Simon: Beyond an edge in striking power, there really aren’t many advantages for Namajunas. Her hands aren’t as fast, her clinch game isn’t as complex, and trying to wrestle JJ is often a recipe for disaster.

Joanna Jedrzejczyk via Decision.

Staff picking Joanna: Bissell, Ram, Phil, Nick, Dayne, Eddie, Davies, Mookie, Anton, Fraser, Stephie, Victor, Zane, Tim

Staff picking Namajunas:

New York Knight

11-03-2017, 07:49 PM

Jorge Masvidal vs. Stephen Thompson
Anton Tabuena: If Masvidal actually takes it to Thompson, we might be in for a real treat, but there’s also a decent chance this becomes yet another staring contest sprinkled in with a few fancy kicks. I really hope it’s the former, but if that happens, I think this is where Thompson could shine.

Stephen Thompson by decision.

Eddie Mercado: Man, this is a tough one. I really want to call this a draw, but since Masvidal has an uncanny ability to lose a split decision, I’ll just go ahead with that.

Stephen Thompson by razor thin split decision.

Ryan Davies: This could be a striking masterpiece or two guys waiting around for the other to throw. Masvidal 2.0 is a fighter that isn’t leaving his future in the hands of the judges, but getting overly aggressive against Thompson and his Daniel Russo like skills could spell disaster. Masvidal, in my opinion is top 3 pound for pound when it comes to mma striking,he doesn’t possess one punch power but the cumulative damage will get it done.

Masvidal Knockout 3rd

Phil Mackenzie: This feels like such a Masvidal fight- he could well win it by marching inside, feinting the jab, disrupting Wonderboy's stance with kicks, and attacking in the clinch. Or. He could just hang out at range and wait for Wonderboy to do something weird. The most tragic thing about Masvidal is that in the Henderson or Maia fights, he didn't take his foot off the gas, he just lost, albeit in achingly close decisions. Wonderboy has given us 75 straight minutes of near-unadulterated tedium, apart from the bits where he was getting beaten up. I hope Masvidal can bring (or beat) something more interesting out of him.

Stephen Thompson by split decision

Victor Rodriguez: The only bad thing I can say about this fight is that it’s only three rounds. Masvidal knows he can’t just hang back and wait for the opportunity to counter. He’s going to have to walk Wonderboy down and make him sweat, then connect to the body while checking leg kicks and pressuring against the cage. From there, Masvidal softens him up by limiting his movement and outboxes him. I expect a takedown attempt or two to keep Thompson guessing, but this will mostly be a stand-up affair.

Jorge Masvidal by KO.

Zane Simon: I think this is a better matchup for Thompson than some people are willing to admit. My guess is that Thompson is able to land rangy strikes that frustrate Masvidal that then gets Masvidal to be aggressive and start walking in to exchanges where Thompson can land his counter shots. I’m excited to see if Masvidal can eat those and make Thompson pay in return, but I just don’t think Masvidal is quite explosive enough to take Thompson out of his game.

Stephen Thompson by decision.

Staff picking Masvidal: Ram, Davies, Stephie, Nick, Victor, Tim

Staff picking Thompson: Bissell, Dayne, Eddie, Mookie, Anton, Fraser, Zane

New York Knight

11-03-2017, 07:49 PM

Paulo Borrachinha vs. Johny Hendricks

Anton Tabuena: Hendricks should win this one, but I just really have lost faith in seeing him back in his championship form at this point. Bad weight cuts and lack of discipline have done a number on him, and I’m not sure we will ever see that powerhouse wrestler who carries the touch of death on his left hand anymore -- even after a couple of months with Greg Jackson.

Borrachinha by TKO.

Ryan Davies: I would much rather pick this fight post weigh ins, but based on what we have seen out of Hendricks lately it’s near impossible to take him over a star in the making like Borrachinha. If Hendricks can withstand the early onslaught he may be able to win a war of attrition. A 23 year old Borrachinha gassed in a 2 round fight on TUF Brazil 3 losing to eventual finalist “Lyoto” Alexandre. Time, desire, USADA there is just too much stacking up against Hendricks.

Borrichinha TKO 1st

Phil Mackenzie: Am I? Am I really thinking of picking Hendricks? This feels a lot like Maynard-Ishihara, where we have a washed fighter who nonetheless has a fairly overwhelming depth of skill in wrestling, against a one round finisher. If Borrachinha hurts Hendricks it's probably over. If a new(?) and improved(?!?) Jackson-Wink Hendricks takes Borrachinha down in the first? Hmmmm. Wait, no. I just heard that weigh-in rant. He's still struggling to make 185 and he sounds completely nuts.

Paolo Borrachinha by TKO, round 1.

Victor Rodriguez: Hendricks barely made weight, and not every fighter makes drastic improvements in their first fight with a new camp/team. Jackson/Winklejohn have done great things for some fighters, but this is still Johny Hendricks. He’s good, but he’s stubborn and not in the best shape anymore. He’s also undersized and facing a physical specimen that hits hard and has very accurate strikes. Good luck taking him down, too. Besides, it’s not like he’s a slouch on the ground. Again, gotta stay away from the least reliable of the two.

Borranchinha by TKO, round 2.

Zane Simon: Technically, Borrachinha doesn’t have many advantages here. He’s a slightly more potent offensive striker, but not quite a clinical one yet, and with a bad gas tank too. Physically however, he has a ton of advantages. And sometimes the physical side is all that matters.

Paulo Borrachinha via KO, Round 1.

Staff picking Borrachinha: Bissell, Ram, Nick, Eddie, Davies, Mookie, Anton, Fraser, Stephie, Phil, Victor, Zane

Staff picking Hendricks: Dayne, Tim

New York Knight

11-03-2017, 09:03 PM

Garbrandt is one of nine fighters in UFC history to win a belt with an undefeated record.

Garbrandt’s five-fight UFC winning streak in bantamweight competition is tied with Jimmie Rivera for the longest active streak in the division.

Garbrandt has earned nine of his 11 career victories by knockout. That includes four of his six UFC wins.

Garbrandt’s seven knockdowns landed in UFC bantamweight competition are the most in divisional history.

Dillashaw is one of six cast members from “The Ultimate Fighter” to win an undisputed UFC championship.

Dillashaw competes in his 14th UFC bantamweight bout, tied with Takeya Mizugaki for the second most appearances in divisional history behind UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber (15).

Dillashaw’s 10 victories in UFC bantamweight competition are tied with Faber for most in divisional history.

Dillashaw’s 10 victories in UFC/WEC bantamweight competition are tied for third most in divisional history behind Dominick Cruz (12) and Faber (11).

Dillashaw’s six stoppage victories in UFC bantamweight competition are tied with Faber for most in divisional history.

Dillashaw’s five knockout victories in UFC bantamweight competition are the most in divisional history.

Dillashaw’s five knockdowns landed in UFC bantamweight competition are tied for third most in divisional history behind Garbrandt (seven) and Eddie Wineland (six).

Dillashaw is one of two fighters in UFC history to land 100 or more significant strikes in five consecutive fights. Jedrzejczyk also accomplished the feat.

Dillashaw scored the latest head-kick knockout finish in UFC history when he stopped Joe Soto at the 2:20 mark of Round 5 at UFC 177.

Dillashaw is one of two fighters in UFC history to earn two or more fifth-round stoppage victories. Flyweight champ Demetrious Johnson also accomplished the feat.

Dillashaw lands 5.38 strikes landed per minute in UFC bantamweight competition, the second highest rate in divisional history behind Thomas Almeida (6.0).

Dillashaw’s 12 submission attempts in UFC bantamweight competition are tied with Alex Caceres for most in divisional history.

Dillashaw’s six fight-night bonuses for UFC bantamweight bouts are the most in divisional history.

New York Knight

11-03-2017, 09:03 PM

Jedrzejczyk became the first Polish-born champion in UFC history when she defeated Carla Esparza at UFC 185.

Jedrzejczyk is one of nine fighters in UFC history to win a belt with an undefeated record.

Jedrzejczyk’s five consecutive UFC title defenses are second most among current champions behind D. Johnson (11).

Jedrzejczyk’s six victories in UFC title fights are tied with Ronda Rousey for most of any female in company history.

Jedrzejczyk competes in her ninth UFC strawweight bout, the most appearances in divisional history.

Jedrzejczyk’s eight-fight UFC winning streak in strawweight competition is the longest active streak in the division.

Jedrzejczyk’s eight victories in UFC competition are tied with champ Amanda Nunes and Jessica Andrade for most of any female in company history.

Jedrzejczyk’s eight victories in UFC strawweight competition are the most in divisional history.

Jedrzejczyk has earned nine of her 14 career victories by decision. That includes six of her eight UFC wins.

Jedrzejczyk has out-landed her opponents 971-328 in significant strikes over her past six UFC appearances.

Jedrzejczyk is the only fighter in UFC history to land 200 or more significant strikes in two separate bouts.

Jedrzejczyk is one of two fighters in UFC history to land 100 or more significant strikes in five consecutive fights. Dillashaw also accomplished the feat.

Jedrzejczyk’s 225 significant strikes landed against Andrade at UFC 211 are a UFC title-fight record. She also holds the second highest amount with 220 against Valerie Letourneau at UFC 193.

Jedrzejczyk’s 225 significant strikes landed at UFC 211 are second most in a UFC fight behind Nate Diaz’s 238 significant strikes against Donald Cerrone at UFC 141 in December 2011.

Jedrzejczyk’s 75 leg kicks landed against Andrade at UFC 211 are the single-fight UFC record. She also holds the second highest amount with 70 against Letourneau at UFC 193.

Jedrzejczyk’s three fight-night bonuses for UFC strawweight bouts are the most in divisional history.

Namajunas competes in her seventh UFC strawweight bout, tied for the second most appearances in divisional history behind Jedrzejczyk (nine).

Namajunas’ four victories in UFC strawweight competition are tied for third most in divisional history behind Jedrzejczyk (eight) and Tecia Torres (five).

Namajunas has earned five of her six career victories by submission.

Namajunas’ three stoppage victories in UFC strawweight competition are tied with Paige VanZant for the most in divisional history.

Namajunas’ three submission victories in UFC strawweight competition are the most in divisional history.

Namajunas’ submission of VanZant at the 2:25 mark of Round 5 at UFC Fight Night 80 stands as the latest stoppage in UFC strawweight history and the latest stoppage overall in a women’s UFC bout.

Namajunas’ eight takedowns landed against VanZant at UFC Fight Night 80 stand as the single-fight record for a women’s UFC bout.

Namajunas’ 14 successful guard passes against VanZant at UFC Fight Night 80 stand as the single-fight record for a women’s UFC bout.