One of the pound-for-pound bests defends the light-heavyweight title against the most dangerous fighter in MMA, while two top middleweights square off in a career defining battle
Daniel Cormier vs. Anthony Johnson II (Light-heavyweight Championship)
The two very best (active) light-heavyweights in the world collide once again in the main event on Saturday, as Anthony Johnson seeks redemption against champion Daniel Cormier. The two previously met in a gruelling bout at UFC 187 in May 2015, which saw DC crowned champion after submitting Johnson in the third round.
Despite holding the title for almost two years, this will be just the second time Cormier has defended it. This title fight was originally scheduled for UFC 207 last December, before Cormier was forced out through injury.
While Cormier’s career since their first fight has been sporadic and perhaps even underwhelming, Johnson’s has been anything but. ‘Rumble’ has firmly established himself as not only the top contender at 205lbs, but as the most terrifying fighter in the UFC, and perhaps in combat sport generally, with brutal knockouts of Jimi Manuwa, Ryan Bader and most recently, Glover Teixeira last August.
The early rounds may be the most interesting, with 55 percent of Johnson’s career victories coming by first round knockout, including a record five UFC finishes within the first minute. This, along with Johnson’s questionable cardio and Cormier’s renowned durability, makes it clear that the longer the fight goes on, the less likely the belt is to change hands. However, with Cormier’s weigh-in troubles and the depletion that comes along with a bad weight cut, all bets are off.
If Johnson can land a clean shot early on against Cormier as he did in their first fight, we may see DC finished for the first time in his career. However, if Cormier uses his world-class wrestling to exhaust Johnson early on as he did two years ago, then we can expect DC to dominate the later rounds and look to secure another submission. One thing is for certain: this one is not to be missed!
Prediction: Cormier via decision
Chris Weidman vs. Gegard Mousasi (Middleweight)
Saturday’s co-main event sees former middleweight champion Chris Weidman attempt to get his career back on track, as he battles the vastly experienced Gegard Mousasi. Weidman is coming off two devastating defeats, with some questioning whether his return after just over four months is premature. Most recently, the All-American was left dazed and bloodied at UFC 205 after receiving a flying knee (since dubbed a ‘Cuban missile’) from Yoel Romero.
Mousasi enters in excellent form, boasting a four-fight win streak, most recently easily avenging his prior loss to Uriah Hall. Incredibly, Mousasi, aged 31, will be competing in his 50th career MMA bout – a testament to his ability to avoid damage in his fights. The stoic Dutchman is yet to have a truly high profile victory in the UFC career, so he will be relishing the chance to affirm his position as a top contender at 185lbs.
His stellar defensive wrestling could be crucial is he hopes to defeat the former champion. If Weidman’s grappling is stifled by Mousasi, and that is a big if, we may see the latter out-strike the American to a decision. A third successive loss for Weidman would be devastating and would put a huge dent in any future title aspirations. It’s do or die for him, which is what makes this fight so intriguing.
Prediction: Weidman via decision
Cynthia Calvillo vs. Pearl Gonzalez (strawweight)
It seems odd that that two fairly unknown strawweights with a combined UFC record of 1-0 are so high up the main card of a highly anticipated PPV. However, there’s plenty to be excited about as Cynthia Calvillo returns to action just one month after making her stunning debut. Calvillo (4-0), of Team Alpha Male, demonstrated her grappling prowess at UFC 209 last month, ultimately finishing Amanda Cooper with a rear-naked choke.
Her opponent, San Diego’s Pearl Gonzalez is well-rounded and riding a six-fight win streak, although she hasn’t fought in almost a year. Gonzalez is also a submission ace. The UFC debutant has a particular knack for armbars, with four of her six career wins ending this way.
A dominant win for Calvillo would solidify her position as the most exciting upcoming straweight and as a potential future title challenger.
Prediction: Calvillo via decision
Thiago Alves vs. Patrick Côté (welterweight)
Former welterweight title challenger Thiago Alves faces fellow veteran Patrick Côté, in a nostalgic matchup that promises to excite. Alves will be making his return to 170lbs after an ill-fated attempt at a lightweight run, which saw the Brazilian beaten to a decision by Jim Miller at UFC 205 after weighing well over the 156lbs limit.
Côté’s last outing came in June last year, losing by TKO to Donald Cerrone, putting an end to his three-fight win streak. Both men have taken a lot of damage throughout their careers (see Condit vs. Alves from May 2015 – if you’re brave enough), so a knockout is definitely on the cards.
In the midst of the excitement of the main and co-main event, this fight has slipped under the radar. However, this is not one to skip, especially if you’re a fan of vicious leg kicks! While neither man can realistically hope for another shot at UFC gold in their careers, Saturday night’s fight is a fun bit of matchmaking, and maybe even a potential FOTN contender.
Prediction: Côté via TKO
Will Brooks vs. Charles Oliveira (lightweight)
‘Ill’ Will Brooks came into the UFC with a lot of excitement around him, as Bellator’s lightweight champion. However, his UFC career has yet to really take off, winning a decision against Ross Pearson in his debut, before losing by knockout against an overweight Alex Oliveira. On Saturday night he faces another weight-troubled Oliveira, as he takes on one of the most creative submission specialists in the sport in Charles Olivieira.
The Brazilian is finally returning to lightweight, after he missed the 146lbs featherweight limit for the fourth time last November, and was then submitted by Ricardo Lamas. In the past two years, Oliveira has gone 1-3, highlighting his inconsistency at the top level.
The well-rounded skills of Brooks, particularly his wrestling, should see him edge his opponent in this one. Though Oliveira is one the best jiu-jitsu fighters in the UFC, he has lost his last two bouts by submission. This is Brooks’ fight to lose.
Prediction: Brooks via decision
