UFC 268: Usman vs Covington 2 Predictions

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UFC 268: Usman vs Covington 2 Predictions & Results

Pintsized Background

Holy moly, what a card! Drink it in lads, this is a card that appeals to the casuals and the hardcore. In the main event, we have the rematch between Usman and Covington which has sparked the masses into empty political battles across social media. Technically, is the Wittman-trained Usman going to go one step further and finish the mouthy upstart? Weili Zhang comes off her first meaningful career loss and interest focuses on her mental state – claiming a hostile atmosphere last time out caused her demise.

Failed to catch the action from the last UFC? No worries. Peep our preview from las week via UFC 267: Teixeira vs Blachowicz Predictions. Prefer a review of the event to jog the memory? Read MAFB: UFC Fight Night 195 Review. Number crunching more your suit? Find all of Pintsized scores for your favourite fighters on MAFB Math: UFC Fight Night 195.

Unconvinced by Pintsized’s mystical predicting powers? Take a look at our prediction success last month detailed in UFC Predictions Results: October 2021.

Khabib may have mauled Gaethje, but his leg kicks saved the highlight reel some face | UFC 268 Predictions
Khabib may have mauled Gaethje, but his leg kicks saved the highlight reel some face | UFC 268 Predictions

UFC 268: Main Event

Kamaru Usman (19-1) vs Colby Covington (16-2)

Welterweight (170)

UFC Welterweight Championship

Kamaru Usman

The rematch that not many wanted to see, but hey ho, Usman returns for yet another title defence and goal to cement his #1 P4P ranking. ‘You’re only as good as your last fight’ rings true in the recent portrayal of Usman. Long gone are the days of Usman being regarded as an oppressively boring grinder, happy to coast to decisions. Sure, Wittman may have added layers to Usman’s striking, but knocking out a well-weathered Masvidal isn’t a career scalp to be championed. Highlight reels push numbers, however, and we will have to bear through the changing narrative that Usman is a hard-hitting boxer now.

The first fight between the two was far closer than many remember. With both men forgoing their grappling qualities, Usman and Covington donned their boxing hats and traded on the feet for five rounds. The stiffness of Usman was regularly caught off guard by the ferocious volume and pace of Covington. Granted, Usman’s power proved the key differential by the championship rounds – but the champion’s discomfort on the back-foot may prove an Achilles heel again. Whether Covington is willing to close the distance as willingly as last time is up for debate – he was knocked out after all.

Colby Covington

With only a victory over Tyron Woodley since the knockout loss to Usman, Colby Covington runs the risk of being rolled over early. The decrepit version of Woodley that Covington faced put up almost no fight. In essence, Covington has remained inactive for almost two years since his first career stoppage loss. If there were ever a fighter to struggle with a bruised ego – it would be the confidence fighter whose striking centres around a belief in out-pacing, out-gritting opponents.

Jumping camps over to MMA Masters, led by Cesar Carneiro and Daniel Valverde, at least offers the prospect of adjustments to his initial gameplan. but if Covington’s chin holds up this time, he can once again bank on his gas tank reigning supreme over Usman. While Covington has never shown the power necessary to replicate Burns’ knockdown of the champion, the intense pace the American pushes could force Usman to flag by the later rounds. Unfortunately for Covington, Usman is far more likely to sit into his shots early and bring back the demons from their first fight.

Predicted Result: Usman decision

This isn’t as clear-cut an Usman victory as first presumed. Re-watching the first fight reveals several occasions where Covington shook Usman with the ferocious pace and volume that he is capable of pouring out for the full five rounds. Usman’s recent firepower under Wittman has been pleasing, yet his lack of defensive savvy remains exploitable for Covington. To say Covington doesn’t have a chance of winning this would be foolish.

Unfortunately for Colby fans, ring rust is likely to rear its ugly head. Aside from a muted victory over a decrepit Tyron Woodley, Covington has effectively remained inactive for two years. If there were ever a fighter to struggle with a bruised ego – it would be the confidence fighter whose striking centres around a belief in out-pacing, out-gritting opponents. If either man engages in the grappling department, Usman’s size may prove the key differential, but I expect a repeat of their solely striking contest from the first meeting.

Result: Usman def. Covington // Decision (unanimous – 48-47, 48-47, 49-46)

Winner ✔️ // Method ✔️ // Round ✔️

It'll be fun to watch these two host a podcast after their careers | UFC 268 Predictions
It’ll be fun to watch these two host a podcast after their careers | UFC 268 Predictions

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UFC 268: Co-Main Event

Rose Namajunas (10-4) vs Weili Zhang (21-2)

Women’s Strawweight (115)

UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship

Rose Namajunas

Well. It’s pretty difficult to call a fight that ended in a minute. Perhaps of importance is whether Zhang approaches the fight with a fresh game plan. The former champion is a confidence pressure fighter, banking on her chin to keep her in the pocket and negate her T-Rex arms. After Thug Rose dispatched Zhang’s consciousness in such a timely fashion, will this force a more patient Zhang on the feet?

Can Rose replicate her first-round knockout? Yes, absolutely. Is it likely? Probably not. Instead, Rose will likely secure the early rounds with her exceptional use of angles and ability to pepper a more conservative Zhang from range. Around the mid-point, however, it will be Rose’s durability that comes into question as Zhang’s confidence grows after eating Rose’s shots. Of greatest interest is Rose’s defensive grappling, which may be unable to hold up by the later rounds if she is flagging hard.

Weili Zhang

Happy to sit on the edge of striking range, waiting for opponents to lead before exploding into her bursts – can Zhang’s career tactics be trusted once again against Rose’s power? While the former champion is likely capable of harnessing a different approach, the best game plan would be to survive the first round. Rose’s power is notorious in the first round, but her anxious energy and Zhang’s consistent pressure on the edge of the striking range will cause Rose to fade hard by the championship rounds.

Similar to the mental boom that Covington may still be suffering from the Usman TKO, Zhang has acted worryingly in the lead-up to the rematch. Demanding the immediate re-match, blaming hostile fans, and putting the loss down to external factors all raise red flags. Confidence will flood back to Zhang if she lands her tree-chopping leg kicks early. Rose’s long, bladed stance is a prime target for the former champ – forcing Namajunas to square up and enable Zhang to close the distance with less risk. Add on the bodywork that will pay dividends by the later rounds, and Zhang could regain her title in a brutal fashion.

Predicted Result: Zhang TKO Round 4

Can Rose replicate her first-round knockout? Yes, absolutely. Is it likely? No. Instead, there is a greater chance that Rose secures the early rounds with her exceptional use of angles and ability to pepper a more conservative Zhang from range. Around the mid-point, however, it will be Rose’s durability that comes into question as Zhang’s confidence grows after eating Rose’s shots. Of greatest interest is Rose’s defensive grappling and whether it can hold up in the championship rounds.

Confidence will flood back to Zhang if she lands her tree-chopping leg kicks early. Rose’s long, bladed stance is a prime target for the former champ – forcing Namajunas to square up and enable Zhang to close the distance with less risk. Add on the bodywork that will pay dividends by the later rounds, and Zhang could regain her title in a brutal fashion.

Result: Namajunas def. Zhang // Decision (split – 47-48, 48-47, 49-46)

Winner ❌ // Method ❌ // Round ❌

Make no mistake, Rose's victory the first time around was no fluke | UFC 268 Predictions
Make no mistake, Rose’s victory the first time around was no fluke | UFC 268 Predictions

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UFC 268: Main Card

Frankie Edgar (24-9-1) vs Marlon Vera (19-7-1)

Bantamweight (135)

Frankie Edgar

This could well be the end of Frankie Edgar’s wonderful career. Edgar has shown weakness in the first round recently, knocked out by TKZ and Cory Sandhagen in a brutal fashion. Unfortunately for Edgar, these knockouts are inevitable as he has to close the distance early and fast-track his way to top control. The likelihood of Edgar cruising out a decision is pretty compelling. Vera is frustratingly inept off his back – Davey Grant was able to grind out two minutes from the top.

Worryingly diminished durability and Vera’s danger in the clinch are inescapable factors, however. Even with a freakishly deep gas tank, a clear path to victory in wrestling superiority, and an athletic edge (even at forty years of age) – Edgar has to successfully close the distance three times this fight, that’s two too many for me to be confident in his chin.

Marlon Vera

Marlon Vera will likely never amount to anything other than an incredibly violent gatekeeper. That isn’t to say Vera isn’t a wonderful fighter. His beautiful work in the clinch and ever-improving counter-striking attest to a damn good skillset. Leaky takedown defence and a clear athletic ceiling, however, are the thorns in Vera’s side.

While frustrating to watch Vera allow opponents back into rounds and lose them on the scorecards, it is often the lack of natural athleticism that hampers the Ecuadorian. If Vera can somehow delay Edgar’s takedowns at the start of each round, there is a strong chance that Vera punishes the old veteran.

Predicted Result: Vera TKO Round 3

The likelihood of Edgar cruising out a decision is pretty compelling. Vera is frustratingly inept off his back and is at an athletic disadvantage to a forty-year old. Even with a freakishly deep gas tank, a clear path to victory in wrestling superiority, and an athletic edge – Edgar has to successfully close the distance three times this fight, that’s two too many for me to be confident in his chin.

Result: Vera def. Edgar // TKO (front kick) Round 3 3:50

Winner ✔️ // Method ✔️ // Round ✔️

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Shane Burgos (13-3) vs Billy Quarantillo (16-3)

Featherweight (145)

Shane Burgos

BANGER. Obviously, Gaethje/Chandler will naturally attract the Blood God’s attention, but this is also a banger. Burgos is far too happy to be led into a scrap on the feet, eating a shot to land a harder counter. That helped in the regionals but against the likes of Barboza, it has highlighted the need for a Plan B. Quarantillo is tame compared to the heavy-hands of Josh Emmett and Barboza, which as mad as it seems, Burgos’ typical tactics may well serve him well once again.

Worryingly, Burgos’ delayed knockout to Barboza may have been the first visible sign of vacant durability. Six months is not long enough to recover after the punishment, Burgos absorbed. Burgos’ scrambles should be able to keep this fight standing, and his pace should out-last Quarantillo’s forward pressure. It all rests on whether Burgos’ chin can keep up with accumulated damage Billy will land from the get-go.

Billy Quarantillo

As a huge Billy Quarantillo fan, his ceiling has started to emerge. Shane Burgos may be on his way out as his durability is of real concern, but Quarantillo’s questionable gas tank and unrefined aggression could be exposed by Burgos in a similar fashion as Gavin Tucker. In a close fight, punch for punch, Quarantillo is unlikely to withstand the power or pace that Burgos offers.

If Quarantillo can force a trip and take this to the ground, the threat of submissions is everpresent. Gabriel Benitez was controlled with ease by Quarantillo, from where Billy landed strikes regularly. Although I have a sneaking suspicion that Quarantillo’s success on the ground will only appear if Burgos has regressed far more than expected.

Predicted Result: Burgos Decision

Quarantillo, for all the relentless pressure on the feet, is tame compared to the power of Josh Emmett and Edson Barboza. Burgos’ scrambles should be able to keep this fight moslty standing, and his pace should out-last Quarantillo’s forward pressure. Worryingly, Burgos’ delayed knockout to Barboza may have been the first visible sign of wear and tear after years of wars. If Burgos is a shell of his former self, Quarantillo’s trips and ground threat could be as much of a threat as it was against Gabriel Benitez.

Result: Burgos def. Quarantillo // Decision (unanimous – 29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Winner ✔️ // Method ✔️ // Round ✔️

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Justin Gaethje (22-3) vs Michael Chandler (22-6)

Lightweight (155)

Justin Gaethje

I’m not sure who has advised Gaethje to adopt the role of a heel recently, but the fan favourite needn’t trouble himself. The walking highlight reel is a beloved fighter in the octagon and he will never struggle to find a match-up – he basically guarantees a FOTN bonus for any opponent. Technically, Gaethje has made huge strides to his already overwhelming pressure striking.

The key to the fight is the low kick. Even the great, Khabib Nurmagomedov, struggled with the aggressive leg kicks that Gaethje throws freely throughout his fights. Chandler has shown a vulnerability to low kicks in the past, suffering a dead leg to Brent Primus. Early pressure from the leg kicks may force Chandler into panic wrestling, opening himself up to damage in the process.

Michael Chandler

A huge first-round threat or a grinding decision machine, there isn’t much of an in-between for Michael Chandler. Part of this is down to Chandler pouring everything behind his power shots early doors if he sniffs a chance of a finish. Against Gaethje, this would be foolish. Gaethje may have been stopped by Eddie Alvarez and Dustin Poirier, but this was after swallowing a freakish amount of damage. If Chandler were to put Gaethje to sleep in the first round, you may as well hand Chandler the BMF belt.

Despite his wrestling credentials on paper, Gaethje was out-wrestled by both Michael Johnson and Eddie Alvarez (obviously, Khabib too, but that’s a given). Chandler is a different breed on the mat than MJ/Alvarez, and while he is unlikely to dominate in a similar fashion to a certain Dagestani, he can grind vital rounds out.

Predicted Result: Gathje TKO Round 3

A fantastic fight that would perhaps be more interesting in a five-round format. One key to the fight is the low kick. Even the great, Khabib Nurmagomedov, struggled with the aggressive leg kicks that Gaethje throws freely throughout his fights. Chandler has shown a vulnerability to low kicks in the past, suffering a dead leg to Brent Primus. Early pressure to the lower half may force Chandler into panic wrestling, opening himself up to damage in the process.

Still, Gaethje’s wrestling credentials are regularly overrated. Taken down by both Michael Johnson and Eddie Alvarez (obviously, Khabib too), Chandler could well buy himself vital control time and rounds on the mat. If, as expected, Gaethje weathers Chandler’s early power – the safest call is the walking highlight reel to find the finish late.

Result: Gaethje def. Chandler // Decision (unanimous – 29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Winner ✔️ // Method ❌ // Round ❌

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UFC 268: Preliminary Card

Andreas Michailidis (13-4) vs Alex Pereira (3-1)

Middleweight (185)

Andreas Michailidis

The tubby Greek is a surprisingly slippery banana peel for Pereira to face off with immediately. Michailidis was more than happy to dive on takedowns against Modestas Bukauskas and was only stopped through elbows. The Greek’s method to close the distance, however, is engaging in a brawl on the way to the hips. To do so against Pereira is near-suicidal, considering Pereira’s ridiculous power.

Alex Pereira

Kickboxing legend, Alex Pereira, enters the UFC rather prematurely in his MMA career on the back of a vicious knockout over Middleweight Champion, Israel Adesanya. Dana is quite literally salivating over the prospect of the numbers between a potential Adesanya/Pereira showdown. The Brazilian’s exceptional power-striking will likely carry him during the initial stages of UFC tenure, but his lukewarm TDD and lack of MMA experience will bite him in the arse if not for magical match-making.

Predicted Result: Pereira TKO Round 1

Make no mistake. This is a kickboxer against an experienced MMA operator. Pereira may well be on the way to a rude awakening. Michailidis was more than happy to dive on takedowns against Modestas Bukauskas, and Pereira’s lack of experience on the mat will sorely show. Unfortunately for the Greek, he is too happy to engage in a brawl before shooting. To do so against Pereira is near-suicidal, considering Pereira’s ridiculous power.

Result: Pereira def. Michailidis // TKO (flying knee and punches) Round 2 0:18

Winner ✔️ // Method ✔️ // Round ❌

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Al Iaquinta (14-6-1) vs Bobby Green (27-12-1)

Lightweight (155)

Al Iaquinta

It has been over two years since we’ve seen the loud-mouthed Yankee in the octagon. There doesn’t seem to be much love lost between Al and the UFC, or even the sport in general. To be quite honest, I thought Iaquinta had retired and was pursuing his real estate empire. This makes it very hard to judge what version of Iaquinta we will see in the octagon. Al, going off career performances, is a pressure-heavy fighter who looks to out-wrestle opponents. Al’s power isn’t likely to surprise Green who is coming off a three-round war with Rafael Fiziev.

Bobby Green

Since rebuilding his career during the pandemic, Green has finally started to earn the respect he has always deserved from fellow fighters and fans. Cerrone found great success with his jab against Iaquinta, who kept his head uncharacteristically on the centre-line. Green’s exceptional jab could well claim all three rounds, but often his preference for a war in the pocket is his Achilles heel. I don’t expect Iaquinta’s wrestling to cause Green’s solid TDD any trouble. Instead, Green will happily allow a back-and-forth affair in the pocket where he can showcase his slick head movement and counter-striking. This never lends itself to dominant scorecards, however, and it is only with great caution that I back the in-form Green.

Predicted Result: Green Decision

It has been over two years since we’ve seen the loud-mouthed Yankee in the octagon. Unfortunately for Al, ring-rust or not, his style should be countered by Green. Green’s solid TDD will keep the fight standing, while his jab should regularly punish Iaquinta’s tendency to sit on the centre-line. Most likely, however, Green will happily allow a back-and-forth affair in the pocket where he can showcase his slick head movement and counter-striking. This never lends itself to dominant scorecards, however, and it is only with great caution that I back the in-form Green.

Result: Green def. Iaquinta // TKO (punches) Round 1 2:25

Winner ✔️ // Method ❌ // Round ❌

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Phil Hawes (11-2) vs Chris Curtis (26-8)

Middleweight (185)

Phil Hawes

Megatron is a plus athlete who is leaving it very late in the day to piece together all the facets of his game. Clearly, Hawes has freakishly heavy-hands, yet it is his power wrestling that is what often gives him the upper hand. When Nassourdine Imavov was gaining the upper hand on the feet, Hawes somewhat easily dumped Imavov to the mat and pinned him. Never overlook exceptional athleticism at the non-ranked levels of the UFC.

Chris Curtis

A massively experienced veteran, Curtis has plyed his trade across the regional scene as well as DWCS and PFL recently. Middleweight is perhaps a weight division too high for Curtis’ natural frame, especially against a physical specimen in Hawes, Low-output counter-striking and an aversion to risks ensures that Curtis keeps himself relevant until the final round. Hawes, as a flawed fighter, could well walk himself onto a hard technical counter from Curtis.

Predicted Result: Hawes Decision

Low-output counter-striking and an aversion to risks ensures that Curtis keeps himself relevant until the final round. Hawes, a flawed fighter, could well walk himself onto a hard technical counter from Curtis. The freakishly powerful hands and wrestling of Hawes, however, are too great an equaliser to overlook.

Result: Curtis def. Hawes // KO (punches) Round 1 4:27

Winner ❌ // Method ❌ // Round ❌

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Edmen Shahbazyan (11-2) vs Nassourdine Imavov (10-3)

Middleweight (185)

Edmen Shahbazyan

There is a still long time left for Shahbazyan to put together the pieces, but it is probably for the best that he takes a considerable step back in competition. Already, Shahbazyan showcased greater control over his gas tank in his return fight against Jack Hermansson. Unfortunately, Shahbazyan is still limited to surprising opponents with his powerful first layer of striking. How much of Shahbazyan’s issues are linked to coaching issues? If Imavov doesn’t simply fall apart in the first round, Shahbazyan will have to show the ability to adapt on the feet against an awkward, longer, sniping counter-puncher.

Nassourdine Imavov

Imavov sure doesn’t have an appealing style, but his educated single-shot counter striking has served him well so far. The game plan to beat Shahbazyan so far has appeared to be relentless pressure on the feet and a wrestling threat. Imavov’s preferred game is either methodically picking apart opponents with straight shots or leaning on opponents with his long frame. Still, Imavov has shown a penchant for tearing it up in the pocket – owing to his solid chin.

Predicted Result: Shahbazyan Decision

A fantastic match-up that Shahbazyan has the barest edge in. A fast starter that fades after opponents have read his dangerous initial layer of striking, Imavov’s sniping counter-striking is unlikely to win the early rounds. Granted, the Frenchman will be able to pick apart Shahbazyan by the later rounds as the youthful prospect hasn’t shown the ability to adapt on the spot. Shahbazyan’s greater control over his output in the Hermansson fight leads me to backing him.

Result: Imavov def. Shahbazyan // TKO (elbows) Round 2 4:42

Winner ❌ // Method ❌ // Round ❌

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Jordan Williams (9-5) vs Ian Garry (7-0)

Welterweight (170)

Jordan Williams

I mean, there is always the prospect of a flash knockout? Williams certainly carries the power, but his inability to deliver it in a meaningful manner leaves him stranded eating damage. Without the gas tank to remain a lethal threat outside of the first round, Williams should be an easy opponent for Garry to game plan against.

Ian Garry

A slick boxer who will frustrate Williams at distance and bait out the brawler’s power shots. The former Cage Warriors champion has been predicted to raise McGregor levels of hype – yet how many times have we heard this before? The Irishman is a monster at 170lbs, while Williams’ power doesn’t appear to have carried up to Welterweight. Garry can be caught on occasion, yet I imagine a hyper-focused Garry on his UFC debut will not overlook his opponent.

Predicted Result: Garry Submission Round 2

I mean, there is always the prospect of a flash knockout? Williams certainly carries the power, but his inability to deliver it in a meaningful manner leaves him stranded eating damage. Without the gas tank to remain a lethal threat outside of the first round, Williams should be an easy opponent for Garry to game plan against. Don’t buy into the hype just yet!

Result: Garry def. Williams // KO (punches) Round 1 4:59

Winner ✔️ // Method ❌ // Round ❌

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Gian Villante (17-13) vs Chris Barnett (21-7)

Heavyweight (265)

Gian Villante

Ugh. What is there to be said about Villante that hasn’t already been written a thousand times before? The UFC veteran will retire at the end of this contest, regardless of the result, which is excellent to hear. Ever since Villante piled on the pounds to fill out a dire Heavyweight roster, his presence has made a mockery of every other fighter cut. No longer falling back onto his wrestling, Villante now only looks for the Hail Mary.

Chris Barnett

I’m glad to see that the UFC isn’t fully professional, yet. Chris Barnett represents one of the last bastions of a by-gone era. The big lad has journeyed across many promotions on the back of being a small, overweight Heavyweight who pulls off crazy aesthetic spinning/jumping attacks. Against Villante, a man who has eaten himself into a punching bag, Barnett will have a couple of opportunities per round to land something special.

Predicted Result: Barnett TKO Round 2

I simply cannot back Gian Villante at Heavyweight. Chris Barnett represents one of the last bastions of a by-gone era. The big lad has journeyed across many promotions on the back of being a small, overweight Heavyweight who pulls off crazy aesthetic spinning/jumping attacks. Against Villante, a man who has eaten himself into a punching bag, Barnett will have a couple of opportunities per round to land something special.

Result: Barnett def. Villante // TKO (spinning wheel kick and punches) Round 2 2:23

Winner ✔️ // Method ✔️ // Round ✔️

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Dustin Jacoby (15-5-1) vs John Allan (13-6)

Light Heavyweight (205)

Dustin Jacoby

On the one hand, Dustin Jacoby has been excellent since his UFC debut. On the other, Jacoby caused Darren Stewart’s release – an unforgivable transgression. A long, efficient striker who should prove far too strong for Allan to takedown. Keeping this fight standing, Jacoby’s eye for a counter will sooner than later zone in the power switch on a flailing John Allan.

John Allan

Allan may well be tough as nails but he will be a sitting duck for fifteen minutes against Jacoby. Far too hittable, unable to takedown Jacoby, and unlikely to ever read Jacoby’s variety – Allan is walking into a striking clinic. The only path to victory for Allan is to catch Jacoby clean after baiting him into a phone-booth brawl. While the American is a last-minute replacement, he has only shown in the UFC the ability to engage in his preferred fight.

Predicted Result: Jacoby Decision

Allan may well be tough as nails but he will be a sitting duck for fifteen minutes against Jacoby. The Brazilian is far too hittable, unable to takedown Jacoby, and unlikely to ever read Jacoby’s variety. While the American is a last-minute replacement, he has only shown in the UFC the ability to engage in his preferred fight and stay away from Allan’s preferred phone booth brawl.

Result: Jacoby def. Allan // Decision (unanimous – 29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Winner ✔️ // Method ✔️ // Round ✔️

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C. J. Vergara (9-2-1) vs Ode Osbourne (9-4)

Flyweight (125)

C. J. Vergara

The stocky Texan is a powerful fighter who should have no trouble cracking the paper chin of Osbourne, but he cannot afford to fight with reckless abandon. Pouring everything behind his power shots, he could be surprised by Osbourne’s speed. While Vergara’s durability is slightly in the Texan’s favour, this feels like a quick fire-fight with the winner being the man first to punish an errant power shot.

Ode Osbourne

Despite his size and frame, Osbourne’s inability to control the range sees him fall into the ‘glass cannon’ archetype. Rather than utilise his flashy hand speed to crack chins, Osbourne lingers at striking range where he never prepares for a return counter.

Predicted Result: Osbourne TKO Round 1

The stocky Texan is a powerful fighter who should have no trouble cracking the paper chin of Osbourne, but he cannot afford to fight with reckless abandon. While Vergara’s durability is slightly in his favour, this feels like a quick fire-fight with the winner being the man first to punish an errant power shot.

Result: Osbourne def. Vergara // Decision (unanimous – 29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Winner ✔️ // Method ❌ // Round ❌

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Prediction Accuracy

UFC 268

Winner: 10/13

Method: 6/13

Round: 5/13

2021 MMA Season

Winner: 269/429

Method: 201/429

Round: 185/429

MMA Overall

Winner: 460/733

Method: 338/733

Round: 311/733

Takeaway comments: Just fast-track Pereira to Adesanya before he loses the hype.


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