Despite a questionable title fight and some odd matchmaking, UFC 208 is not to be missed
Saturday night sees the UFC come to Brooklyn, New York for the first time in its history, headlined by the inaugural women’s featherweight championship bout, as Holly Holm squares off against fellow striking specialist, Germaine de Randamie.
Holly Holm vs. Germaine de Randamie
UFC president Dana White announced the creation of a women’s 145 pound weight class in December, with Holm and de Randamie as its first title challengers. White recently admitted that the division was created with Cris Cyborg in mind, though her recent USADA suspension has put those plans on hold.
As far as title fights go, this one certainly feels underwhelming. Holm is coming off two consecutive bantamweight losses (to Miesha Tate and Valentina Shevchenko respectively), and de Randamie has not fought since last May, winning by TKO against unranked (or unheard of) Anna Elmose. However, the styles of these two fighters provide us with an intriguing matchup, with one of the greatest female boxers ever in Holm doing battle with an undefeated Muay Thai sensation (46-0) in de Randamie.
Holm’s crisp striking and footwork will be her key to victory though she would be wise to avoid the Dutchwoman’s powerful clinch. Moreover, if de Randamie is able to follow the blueprint to beat Holm that was laid down by Shevchenko last July, then the ‘Preacher’s Daughter’ could be in for a long night.
Prediction: de Randamie by decision
Anderson Silva vs. Derek Brunson
The co-main event features middleweight G.O.A.T Anderson ‘The Spider’ Silva faces off against No.7 ranked contender Derek Brunson. Incredibly, Silva’s last official victory came way back in October 2012 at UFC 153 against Stephan Bonnar.
However, in his last two bouts he has looked dangerous, effectively knocking out current champion Michael Bisping last February, and hurting light-heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier with a body shot at UFC 200, before going on to lose both fights by decision.
Brunson is a powerful striker but his reckless style cost him a TKO defeat to Robert Whitakker in November. A similar approach against Silva will play right into the counter-striking game of ‘The Spider’, giving the Brazilian ample opportunity to roll back the years with a long awaited knockout. Brunson’s best bet will be to use his superior wrestling to take Silva down and utilise his ground and pound.
Prediction: Silva by TKO
Jacare Souza vs. Tim Boetsch
In what appears to be a mismatch, eight-time jiu-jitsu world champion and former Strikeforce middleweight champion, Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza meets No.13 ranked Tim Boetsch.
Jacare is long overdue a title shot but will have to wait in line behind Yoel Romero and, as such, needed a fight to stay in the spotlight.
Thus, the UFC brass decided to feed Boetsch to ‘Jacare’ (alligator in Portuguese). The Brazilian’s last outing was back at UFC 198 in May 2016, mauling legend Vitor Belfort within the first round. A similar outcome against ‘The Barbarian’ is very much on the cards.
Boetsch is on a two-fight win streak, recently knocking out Rafael Natal at UFC 205, but it’s difficult to see him stopping arguably the best grappler in the sport from having his way with him. However, you can never count Tim Boetsch out – just ask Yushin Okami!
Prediction: Jacare by however he wants (probably submission)
Glover Teixeira vs. Jared Cannonier
This is another strange matchup. Brazilian Glover Teixeira is a perennial light-heavyweight contender and is well-rounded, possessing solid boxing and grappling skills. His opponent Jared ‘The Killa Gorilla’ Cannonier has fought just once in the UFC’s 205lb division – a decision victory over unranked Ion Cutelaba in December.
A win for Cannonier, 32, would be great for the division, which is in dire need of fresh, young(er) contenders. To achieve this, the American’s best hope is for Teixeira to keep the fight standing. However, coming off a brutal 13-second knockout loss to Anthony Johnson, don’t be surprised to see Teixeira take the fight to the ground to outwork Cannonier there instead.
Prediction: Teixeira by submission
Dustin Poirier vs. Jim Miller
The opening fight of the main card has the potential to be Fight of the Night, as No.10 ranked lightweight, Dustin Poirier is tasked with putting away division veteran Jim Miller. Both fighters are renowned for putting on a show, each having ‘fight of the year’candidates in 2012.
Poirier is returning after a devastating knockout loss to Michael Johnson last September, whereas Miller is riding a three-fight win streak.
Poirier’s boxing-oriented striking will probably be too much for fellow southpaw, Miller. However, if the fight goes to the ground, the advantage will be with Miller, who holds submission victories over high-level jiu-jitsu fighters Charles Oliveira and Fabrício Camões. Definitely a fight to look out for!
Prediction: Poirier by decision
