Main Card on FOX
Derek Brunson vs. Jacare Souza
Prediction: This fight is such a mystery when it comes to predicting a winner. If this was a few years ago, I’d say that this would turn out just like their first fight where Jacare Souza scored a quick KO finish. I just think that Jacare’s best days as an elite fighter are past him, and it’s unfortunate that he never got his title shot when he was in his prime. His last 2 fights he looked to be out of shape from his previous fights, and he took a lot of punishment in his fight with Robert Whittaker. His movement, aggressiveness, and footwork did not look the same as it did before. He looked like a man that had nothing to offer if he couldn’t get the takedown, and if that trend continues on Saturday night, then Derek Brunson is going to get some redemption. Brunson has shown that he has the power to KO anyone in the division, and he has worked on being more patient in his last couple fights. He still rushes forward, leaving his chin straight in the air while striking, which costed him in his first match with Jacare. But if he stays patient in this fight, I think he will eventually find an opening to land a big bomb on Jacare. I like Brunson’s takedown defense, and youth to win him this fight. This fight can go either way, and I would love to see either man win. But for my honest pick I would give Brunson the edge. Derek Brunson by KO, Round 2.
Dennis Bermudez vs. Andre Fili
Prediction: Andre Fili by Split Decision.
Gregor Gillespie vs. Jordan Rinaldi
Prediction: This fight is sort of a feeding for Gregor Gillespie. The guy has a great skill set, and puts on really exciting fights. To be on the main card of a FOX event just shows you that they want Gillespie to get some free exposure. Jordan Rinaldi is not a bad fighter at all. I think he comes prepared, and has a well rounded skill-set for martial arts. But anything good that Rinaldi can do, Gillespie can do it better. This fight might be even on the feet, but Gillespie will have the edge in power. But what separates these two is the fact that Gillespie can dictate where this fight takes place. Rinaldi is dangerous off of his back with submissions, but I don’t think that Gillespie will give him enough space to snatch his neck or limb. I do think this will be a closer fight than the odds indicate, but Gillespie should win this fight. Gregor Gillespie by KO, Round 2.
Drew Dober vs. Frank Camacho
Prediction: This should be a great fight to start off the main card on FOX. Frank Camacho always comes out swinging, and he won’t quit until the fight is over. Camacho is very dangerous in the first round, especially the first few minutes. He does tend to fade as the fight goes on because he blows his wad with all of his power shots. Drew Dober seems to be the more seasoned fighter that applies specific game plans for each opponent he faces. He has excellent leg kicks, and has big power in his hands. He does get hit with hooks often, and that is a major concern against Camacho. But I see Dober using his footwork, going for takedowns, and chopping at Camacho’s legs until it is evident that Camacho is gassed. Then I see Dober opening up with his hands later in the fight. If this were 2008, Camacho would be one of the top guys in his division. At this stage of progressing martial arts, Camacho will never make it to the top 20 of his division. Drew Dober by Submission, Round 2.
Prelims on FOX Sports 1
Bobby Green vs. Erik Koch
Prediction: Bobby Green by Decision.
Mirsad Bektic vs. Godofredo Pepey
Prediction: Godofredo Pepey by TKO, Round 2.
Katlyn Chookagian vs. Mara Romero Borella
Prediction: This is a striker vs. grappler type of match-up. Katlyn Chookagian has shown great volume, and footwork. She’s not this power-house on the feet that no one can hang with, but her ability to stay consistent, from round 1 to round 3, is what gives her the edge in her fights. Mara Romero Borella isn’t one to mess around during fights. She knows that if she gets a takedown then she can smother her opponents. And that’s exactly what she does. If she gets on top of her opponents they are not getting back up until they tap, or until the bell rings. In this match-up I see Borella having the opportunities to get the clinch and getting takedowns from there. I think Borella has decent enough stand-up to stay out of danger long enough to eventually get the takedown. Chookagian has shown that getting taken down is her big flaw so far in her UFC career. The game plan to beat Chookagian has been revealed by both Lauren Murphy, and Liz Carmouche. Borella went straight for the takedown in her last fight, and if she goes right to work in this fight she will take this with ease. Both girls in this match-up are tough, so I do think this fight will reach the scorecards. Mara Romero Borella by Decision.
Randa Markos vs. Juliana Lima
Prediction: Juliana Lima by Submission, Round 2.
Justine Kish vs. Ji Yeon Kim
Prediction: Justine Kish by Decision.
Vince Pichel vs. Joaquim Silva
Prediction: This is a fairly even match up between two guys that like to stand and bang. Vince Pichel was out of the fight game for over 3 years, but he delivered one hell of a knockout in his return fight. His striking looked technical, but I saw a few holes that can be exposed by someone with big power in their punches. It could have possible been from having a 3 year layoff, and he wasn’t quite comfortable in the cage. Joaquim Silva loves to press forward and throw big hooks. He usually likes to counter his opponents, but as the fight goes on he loves to pour the pressure on them, mixing it up from head to body punches. Both men are very hittable, but for this specific match-up I see Silva landing his big right hand over and over. Pichel can be pressured so his back is against the cage, and he tends to leave his left hand down, causing big hooks to land on him. Pichel did show a very nice rear upper-cut, and that is something that Silva needs to watch out for. This will be a close fight, but over time I think Silva is the man to win the rounds with his forward pressure. Joaquim Silva by Decision.
Prelims on UFC Fight Pass
Nico Price vs. George Sullivan
Prediction: This is a good fight for both fighters at this point in both of their careers. George Sullivan has been inactive for 2 years, and this is a good test to see where he will stand in the welterweight division. Sullivan is an aggressive fighter that uses all of his tools to win fights. He’s not great at anything, but he can capitalize his opponent’s deficiencies. Nico Price has the mentality of a street fighter, but a poor IQ as a martial artist. He might not have the best technique, but he will never quit. He has power in his hands, and he can take punishment well. His top control on the ground seems to be his best area. He can smother you, and eventually sneak his way into a position where he can sink in a choke. I see Sullivan coming out strong with leg kicks, and using the jab to keep his distance. Price will press forward looking to counter with a huge hook, taking damage in the process. I don’t think Sullivan can keep up his success, and will slow down after a few minutes. Price should then be able to land big punches, and eventually get a takedown. Once he has top control, I see Price getting in a good position to end the night with strikes on the ground. Nico Price by TKO, Round 2.
Austin Arnett vs. Cory Sandhagen
Prediction: Austin Arnett by Decision.
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