JUSTIN GAETHJE (22-3) VS MICHAEL CHANDLER (22-6) - Gathje KO ...A fantastic fight that would perhaps be more interesting in a five-round format. One key to the fight is the low kick. Even the great Khabib, struggled with the aggressive leg kicks that Gaethje throws freely throughout his fights. Chandler has shown a vulnerability to low kicks in the past, suffering a dead leg to Brent Primus. Early pressure to the lower half may force Chandler into panic wrestling, opening himself up to damage in the process. Still, Gaethje’s wrestling credentials are regularly overrated. Taken down by both Michael Johnson and Eddie Alvarez (obviously, Khabib too), Chandler could well buy himself vital control time and rounds on the mat. If, as expected, Gaethje weathers Chandler’s early power – the safest call is the walking highlight reel to find the finish in the 2nd or 3rd.
Man, I really hope you’re right about Covington’s chances, but it seems Colby fought his best fight the 1st time, and Usman seems to have improved more than Colby, especially in stand up. Usman’s strength just seems to much for Colby. I really hope I’m wrong though.UFC 268: Main Card
- View attachment 59682JUSTIN GAETHJE (22-3) VS MICHAEL CHANDLER (22-6) - Gathje KO ...A fantastic fight that would perhaps be more interesting in a five-round format. One key to the fight is the low kick. Even the great Khabib, struggled with the aggressive leg kicks that Gaethje throws freely throughout his fights. Chandler has shown a vulnerability to low kicks in the past, suffering a dead leg to Brent Primus. Early pressure to the lower half may force Chandler into panic wrestling, opening himself up to damage in the process. Still, Gaethje’s wrestling credentials are regularly overrated. Taken down by both Michael Johnson and Eddie Alvarez (obviously, Khabib too), Chandler could well buy himself vital control time and rounds on the mat. If, as expected, Gaethje weathers Chandler’s early power – the safest call is the walking highlight reel to find the finish in the 2nd or 3rd.
- SHANE BURGOS (13-3) VS BILLY QUARANTILLO (16-3) - Burgos ...Quarantillo, for all the relentless pressure on the feet, is tame compared to the power of Josh Emmett and Edson Barboza. Burgos’ scrambles should be able to keep this fight moslty standing, and his pace should out-last Quarantillo’s forward pressure. Worryingly, Burgos’ delayed knockout to Barboza may have been the first visible sign of wear and tear after years of wars. If Burgos is a shell of his former self, Quarantillo’s trips and ground threat could be as much of a threat as it was against Gabriel Benitez. Too much experience though imho here as Billy's not ready for this level quite yet.
- FRANKIE EDGAR (24-9-1) VS MARLON VERA (19-7-1) - Vera KO late ...The likelihood of Edgar cruising out a decision is pretty compelling. Vera is frustratingly inept off his back and is at an athletic disadvantage to a forty-year old. Even with a freakishly deep gas tank, a clear path to victory in wrestling superiority, and an athletic edge – Edgar has to successfully close the distance three times this fight, that’s two too many for me to be confident in his chin with Vera excellent striking.
- ROSE NAMAJUNAS (10-4) VS WEILI ZHANG (21-2) UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship - Zhang KO ...Can Rose replicate her first-round knockout? Yes, absolutely. Is it likely? No. Instead, there is a greater chance that Rose secures the early rounds with her exceptional use of angles and ability to pepper a more conservative Zhang from range. Around the mid-point, however, it will be Rose’s durability that comes into question as Zhang’s confidence grows after eating Rose’s shots. Of greatest interest is Rose’s defensive grappling and whether it can hold up in the championship rounds. Confidence will flood back to Zhang if she lands her tree-chopping leg kicks early. Rose’s long, bladed stance is a prime target for the former champ – forcing Namajunas to square up and enable Zhang to close the distance with less risk. Add on the bodywork that will pay dividends by the later rounds, and Zhang could regain her title in a brutal fashion. Love Rose though, so this one will be tough to pull.
- KAMARU USMAN (19-1) VS COLBY COVINGTON (16-2) UFC Welterweight Championship - Usman decision ...This isn’t as clear-cut an Usman victory as first presumed. Re-watching the first fight reveals several occasions where Covington shook Usman with the ferocious pace and volume that he is capable of pouring out for 5 five full rounds. Usman’s recent firepower under Wittman has been pleasing, yet his lack of defensive savvy may remain exploitable for Covington. To say Covington doesn’t have a chance of winning this would be foolish. Unfortunately for Colby fans, ring rust is likely to rear its ugly head. Aside from a muted victory over a decrepit Tyron Woodley, Covington has effectively remained inactive for two years. If there were ever a fighter to struggle with a bruised ego – it would be the confidence fighter whose striking centers around a belief in out-pacing, out-gritting opponents. If either man engages in the grappling department, Usman’s size may prove the key differential, but we'll likely see a repeat of their solely striking contest from the first meeting. Ima Colby fan, so if I'm up at this point...I may just take a flyer with the cardio machine.
Yep, I believe Usman is the better more proven fighter, but Colby still carries intangibles like getting in Kamara's head. I think the shove at the presser proved that. Colby proved the first time he can connect, but he still needs to avoid Usman's big shots as they obviously carry more power. Unlikely win for Colby, but I really don't think the odds should be this high...more like -150 to -180 would be way more spot on imho
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