There are a lot of fights happening this weekend. From December 10th to the 12th, the UFC is holding about three dozen bouts, most of them interesting, and many of them fascinating. That much MMA is a little overwhelming, however, so my Heavy Hands co-host and I have picked out what we consider to be the eight best fights of the weekend, with predictions for each one.
For more in-depth discussion and analysis of these fights, you can check out Heavy Hands episodes 80 and 81, both of which are embedded in this article. For more Heavy Hands, head over to HeavyHandsPodcast.com.
UFC FIGHT NIGHT 80
Aljamain Sterling vs Johnny Eduardo
Pat: Sterling. He’s one of the best prospects in the game, and unless he consents to a pure striking matchup, he’ll work Eduardo over on the mat and submit him.
Connor: Sterling. Sterling is young, and improving fast. If he continues to tighten up his striking fundamentals under Ray Longo and Matt Serra, he has a bright future in the bantamweight division. Even if he hasn’t made that many strides since his last fight, his determined grappling style should be enough to drag Johnny Eduardo to the mat for a submission win.
Rose Namajunas vs Paige VanZant
Connor: Imperator Namajunas. VanZant is good. Like Rousey, the backlash against her media presence has overshadowed her actual fighting ability. Unfortunately for her, that ability doesn’t translate to a matchup with Namajunas. VanZant is used to bulling forward and pushing her opponents around. Namajunas is the smaller fighter, but she won’t be foolish enough to go strength for strength with VanZant, and her superior movement and grappling skills will win her the day.
Pat: Namajunas. VanZant relies on her athleticism, durability, and pace; Namajunas is the better athlete, the much cleaner striker, and dangerous in the kinds of scrambles VanZant likes.
ULTIMATE FIGHTER FINALE
Tony Ferguson vs Edson Barboza
Pat: Ferguson. He does so much more at so many different ranges, and even at distance can probably keep up with Barboza technically while outworking him.
Connor: Ferguson. So long as Ferguson doesn’t hang out at long range for too long, he should have the edge here. I think he presses into the pocket and hits Barboza with all kinds of weird stuff, all while looking to take him down and do more weird stuff on the ground.
Frankie Edgar vs Chad Mendes
Connor: Mendes. Edgar can push a pace, and he’s very clever at linking together his wrestling and boxing. That phase shifting only works, however, when the opponent respects both aspects, and if there’s one fighter in the featherweight division who doesn’t have to worry about being taken down, it’s Chad Mendes. Without his wrestling threat, I think Edgar reminds us just how hittable he is, and Mendes could very well be the man to finally knock him out.
Pat: Mendes. My head says Edgar by virtue of his pace and output, my gut says Mendes laces the hittable Edgar with counters and shucks off his takedowns.
UFC 194
Max Holloway vs Jeremy Stephens
Pat: Holloway, probably inside the distance. He works at a much faster pace and is a much craftier and more diverse striker.
Connor: You know I’ve gotta go with Holloway. Stephens has improved at Alliance, but Holloway is improving at an alarming rate. I think he knocks Stephens out.
Ronaldo Souza vs Yoel Romero
Connor: Romero. I came into this prediction expecting to pick Souza, but on closer examination I don’t really see his path to victory against Romero. Can he outwrestle him? Can he trap him against the cage? Can he outstrike him? I think we’re in for a slow-paced fight with a few flashes of insane violence, mostly courtesy of Romero.
Pat: Romero. I don’t think Jacare can take him down or hold him in the clinch, and if it’s a pure striking matchup, Romero will be more comfortable there.
Chris Weidman vs Luke Rockhold
Pat: Rockhold. In a fight where I have no real idea what’s going to happen, I’ll take the more diverse fighter who can operate both moving forward and on the back foot.
Connor: Rockhold. I still haven’t actually settled on this one, but I’m sticking to my guns and running with Luke. I think his stamina is a big edge against Weidman, who has been known to fade late, and Rockhold’s counter punching should come in handy against Weidman’s pressure.
Jose Aldo vs Conor McGregor
Connor: Aldo. I think the champion is just too good. Likely better than McGregor really suspects, because Aldo has proven his ability to hit new heights when an opponent really pushes him. I expect a lot of hair trigger counters, playing off of Aldo’s superior footwork. McGregor is used to fighters backing away from his power, and Aldo won’t be shy about stepping in and cutting tight angles in the pocket. Oh, and leg kicks. There will be leg kicks.
Pat: Aldo. The combination of takedowns, low kicks, and crafty work in the pocket overcomes McGregor in a tight decision.
If you enjoy Heavy Hands, please consider supporting the show on Patreon. We have rewards listed for a pledge of anywhere from $1 to $20, and any little bit is greatly appreciated.