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Talented card overall-but 2 standouts:
GSP takes so little damage, while JJ dishes out more than anyone.
GSP takes so little damage, while JJ dishes out more than anyone.
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Will do ... we have great seatsComment
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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.Comment
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The Greek Sportsbook ...
Sharp Action
Garbrandt
Jedrzejczyk
ThompsonComment
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It would be fun for all of us to get together sometime and go to an event.Comment
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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: AVOIDComment
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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 RD3Comment
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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)Comment
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CG Technology ...
Biggest UFC 217 Liabilities to book as of now are in order:
Bisping / Cody Garbrandt / Paulo Borrachinha / Ricardo Ramos and Ion CutelabaComment
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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: JedrzejczykComment
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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.Comment
Would be a good time!
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