Ronda Rousey vs Sara McMann
It’s surprising to see Rousey fight soon after the Miesha Tate fight, especially being champion. I think this will be Rousey’s toughest fight to date. McMann has fought some tough fighters as of late. I was very impressed particularly in her win against Shayna Baszler. McMann showed very good counter striking against her more experienced opponents and used her Olympic wrestling when needing too.
To this, I’m not that impressed with Rousey’s striking. Her coach has come out saying she’s been dropping women world champion boxers in camp – I’m not convinced. The UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion’s striking last time against Miesha Tate wasn’t great. It wasn’t all that fluid and the speed wasn’t there.
However, Rousey’s judo and mat game speak for herself. What worries me about McMann most of all is her long lay off compared to the champions two months from the cage. I think McMann brings more than Miesha Tate did. Tate gave Rousey her toughest test to date and with Sara’s Olympic wrestling, Rousey will not find it easy to get her down.
Nonetheless, the judo trip will come eventually, but I see it coming at least half way through the second round.
Over 1.5 rounds in the fights – 4/5 with Bet365
Daniel Cormier vs Patrick Cummins
Patrick who? That was most people’s reaction when Cormier’s opponent was announced after Rashad Evans pulled out of the fight. This is a walk over for Cormier. He’s beaten Antonio Silva up on the feet along with surpassing former UFC Champion Frank Mir and IFL Champion Roy Nelson.
Cormier vs Evans would have been a great fight. Cormier’s weight cut and cardio would have been intriguing against a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. Yet, he now faces 4-0 Patrick Cummins, who’s last opponent boasts a 5-15 record. This fight doesn’t get past the first round.
Cormier to win in Round One – 11/8 with PaddyPower
Rory MacDonald vs Demian Maia
Both fighters badly need a win here. The hype train for the two has very much been done and gone after losses to Robbie Lawler and Jake Shields. They were both split decision however and both were razor thin.
Since his drop to welterweight, Maia has looked phenomenal. His sheer size advantage he holds over most of the division is astonishing. We all know his striking isn’t the best, nevertheless it has looked better and is sure to improve again.
I think Maia will not let MacDonald breathe in this fight, closing the distance when possible, smothering the Canadian against the fence whilst looking for the takedown. What I highlighted in the Lawler fight is that MacDonald does not like an aggressive fighter. Maia since dropping to 170lbs is one.
Maia via decision – a massive 4/1 with PaddyPower
Alexis Davis vs Jessica Eye
This fight is by far the most intriguing on the card. Jessica Eye looked great in her debut against Sarah Kaufman. Yet, so did Davis when beating Liz Carmouche. I’ve yet to see a boring women’s MMA bout. I don’t think this one will be. In fact, I think it’ll be fireworks
Davis vs Eye to be Fight of the Night – 4/1 with PaddyPower
~ Accumulator Bet ~
Cormier to win in round one – see above
Raphael Assuncao – Assuncao’s last meeting was such an entertaining fight and displayed two of the best in the batamweight division. This fight with UFC newcomer Pedro Muhnoz is pretty much a gap filler for the Brazilian, who want to stay fresh in search of a title shot. Muhnoz could develop into a nice fighter but this is a big opponent to meet on your UFC debut and by far the most skilled he’s met.
Mike Pyle – I really like this fight between Pyle and TJ Waldberger. I think however Pyle’s recent record speaks for itself, going 7-3 in his last ten fights with losses to Matt Brown, Rory MacDonald and Jake Ellenberger. Waldberger is known for having a poor jaw and Pyle finished Funch, Head and the very tough Josh Neer by strikes.
Zach Makovsky – Makovsky stepped in on very late notice to meet the well respected Scott Jorgensen. Makovsky’s performance was certainly one for the notebook. He walked through the former bantamweight title challenger with his excellent wrestling. I think he does so again.
Aljamain Sterling – Sterling is being dubbed ‘135lbs Jon Jones.’ He is long, has solid wrestling and a great matt game. His opponent Cody Gibson will be aggressive, however I see Sterling catching a kick, dumping him on his back and getting the rear naked choke.
£10 stake returns £107 with PaddyPower