289

[mrpickem]

Nice card, although somewhat weak for a numbered event past the "Top of the Card"

Had a nice week last time out, although I'm still down on the year

​

 

[mrpickem]

UFC 289​

Early Prelims:​

• 2.70/2 DIANA BELBITA -135
• 3/1.14 BELBITA vs OLIVEIRA o2½ -264
• 3/1.06 DAVID DVORAK -283
• 2/1.23 ERCEG vs DVORAK) o2½ -162

• Belbita(14-7) vs Oliveira(13-6)...should be relatively evenly matched standup affair between the 2 strawweights. Belbita is more likely to press the action and come forward, and she's decent at controlling distance. Olivera while a similar level skill wise, just doesn't throw enough and the volume should carry Diana to a probable decision.
• David Dvorak(20-5)-Steve Erceg(9-1)...Erceg gets his first UFC bout on a short 2-seek notice. He has proven himself worth by tearing up the locals in New Zealand & austrailia. He's very big for the weight at 5'9" with a 69" reach. He uses his length better on the mat as 6 of his 9 wins came by sub. But unlucky draw for him as Dvorak has been around awhile and has stellar sub defense and a granite chin to boot. Erceg may be a little dangerous early on, but I believe "The Undertaker" takes him to deep water and dominates most positions they find.

 

[The Farm]

Nice start. Appreciate this thread as always

 

[mrpickem]

UFC 289
ESPN Prelims:

• Kyle Nelson (13-55) vs Blake Bilder(8-0-1)..."the Monster" vs "El Animal" sounds good on paper. While Nelson has a wrestling base and good size/strength for feathweight, he just hasn't lived up to his potential with only 1 win in 5 UFC fights. Bilder seems like a top prospect the UFC is ready to get behind. Nelson is probably the right level to test Bilder. He just needs to weather the ealy storm that always comes with Nelson, then is the 2ns or 3rd he should have a good shot at the finish after Kyle's tank goes dry.
• Aiemann Zahabi(9-2) vs Aoriqileng(24-9)...Zahabi is another Canadien on the card who brings a well-rounded skillset and a 2-fight win streak. He will need to maintain distance and not let the Mongol get to him with his power. Aoriqileng has KO power in both hands...if he can track him down and cut-off this oversized 30' cage, he can get the finish.
• Miranda Maverick(11-4) vs Jasmine Jasudavicius(8-2)...Maverick is simply the better fighter with more strength, experience and better in all areas. Jasmine is quite tall at 5'7" and has shown some promise but I don't think she's ready for this step up...even at home in Canada. That said, I've seen Maverick blow fights vs inferior competition before so tread lightly.
• Nassourdine Imavov(12-4) vs Chris Curtis(30-10)...I'm a fan of the "Action Man" and I'm sure he's still a little salty after the no contest with Gordon. Imavov is an elite kickboxer, but Curtis has seen most everything in MMA and I'm sure his defense will hold up. Hopefully he don't get off to a slow start like he's done so often, pretty sure this one goes to the cards as both guys are super durable.

 

[mrpickem]

UFC 289​

Early Prelims:​

2.70/2 DIANA BELBITA -135
3/1.14 BELBITA vs OLIVEIRA o2½ -264
3/1.06 DAVID DVORAK -283
2/1.23 ERCEG vs DVORAK) o2½ -162
[3-1 +1.37u]

ESPN Prelims:​

• 4/4.60 Blake Bilder Wins Inside Distance +115
• 3/2.68 AORIQILENG -112
• 3/1.62 Zahabi vs Aoriqileng o2½ -185
• 2.40/1 Miranda Maverick -240
• 3.33/5 Chris Curtis +150
• 3/1.88 CURTIS vs IMAVOV o2½ -160

​

 

[mrpickem]

UFC 289​

Main Card:​

• Marc-Andre Barriault(15-6) vs Eryk Anders(15-7)...Barriault should win with better fundamentals. He has struggled with leg kicks and got cracked in his last fight, but he still pushed through to the finish. Anders was patient vs Daukaus in his last bout, but struggled finding his range at times. Barriault will be muck more aggressive and it'll be tough for Anders to get this iron-chinned Canadien out of there.
• Dan Ige(16-6) vs Nate Landwehr(17-4)...I'm thinking "50K" should be too much for "The Train". Ige cracks harder and is more durable (never finished) although Nate brings an edge in cardio. Both fighter do have underrated sub games but I think this one gets finished standing. Gonna take a shot on the dog here as Nate has shown improvements of late while Dan has lost 3 or 4.
• Mike Malott(9-1-1) vs Adam Fugitt(9-3)...Mallot hasn't really shown much in his career as 10 of his 11 fights ended inside 5 minutes. He was originally a featherweight but has mover up to 170 where Fugitt is the naturally bigger fighter and true welterweight with a 4" reach advantage. Gimme another upset.

 

[mrpickem]

UFC 289​

Early Prelims:​

2.70/2 DIANA BELBITA -135
3/1.14 BELBITA vs OLIVEIRA o2½ -264
3/1.06 DAVID DVORAK -283
2/1.23 ERCEG vs DVORAK) o2½ -162
[3-1 +1.37u]

ESPN Prelims:​

4/4.60 Blake Bilder Wins Inside Distance +115
3/2.68 AORIQILENG -112
3/1.62 Zahabi vs Aoriqileng o2½ -185
2.40/1 Miranda Maverick -240
3.33/5 Chris Curtis +150
3/1.88 CURTIS vs IMAVOV o2½ -160
[3-5-2 -11.03u]

Main Card:​

• 4.23/3 MARC-ANDRE BARRIAULT -141
• 3/6.63 NATE LANDWEHR +221
• 3/2.54 IGE vs NATE LANDWEHR u2½ -118
• 3/5.25 ADAM FUGITT +175

 

[mrpickem]

UFC 289​

Top of the Card​

• 10.5/7 BENEIL DARIUSH -150
• 2/5.16 IRENE ALDANA +258
• 3/2.13 ALDANA vs NUNES o2½ -141

These fights been over analyzed to hell and back, so I'll just say I believe in Benny, finally getting a big shot and he won't be denied.