UFC 206 takes place tomorrow night in Canada and we’ve got our predictions for all the fights below.
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Main Card:
Max Holloway vs. Anthony Pettis
High-level striking is guaranteed when these two interim featherweight title contenders clash in the cage tomorrow night.
There’s no doubt that Holloway is carrying the greater momentum heading into this fight as he looks for his tenth win in a row inside the Octagon, predicated on his high-volume, accurate striking, excellent movement and toughness. He’s not a massive power puncher, but his style is well equpped to give his opponents a serious headache over the course of a five rounder.
Pettis has tremendous technique and a full arsenal of eye-catching strikes at his disposal that he can unleash effortlessly, but he likes having space to operate and much of his magic can evaporate when an opponent is continually putting him on the back foot.
Pettis is the better of the two if the fight hits the mat, but given their natural striking instincts it’s unlikely we’ll see that scenario.
On the feet Holloway’s ability to apply pressure and higher output offensively will stand him in good stead to claim a decision victory and finally set himself up for a shot at the ‘real’ title.
Max Holloway to win by decision.
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Donald Cerrone vs. Matt Brown
These two fighters are at two very different points in their career, with Cerrone currently putting together an impressive winning streak after moving up to 170lbs and looking better than ever, while Brown’s hit upon hard times again after a string of defeats and is now in danger of being cut.
Brown can be at his most dangerous when his back is against the wall though and his forward pressing, aggressive style could throw off Cerrone, who can falter when things aren’t going his way.
However, Cerrone’s the more technical striker and seems to have more power since stepping up a division. He also transitions slickly from striking to takedowns and has a dangerous submission game that’s responsible for far more finishes over the course of his career than on the feet.
The first round of this fight could well be a barnburner as Brown looks to bully Cerrone, but I think ‘Cowboy’ will be up to the task and his superior skills will ultimately begin to tell, leading to a third round finish by way of submission.
Donald Cerrone to win by submission in Rd3.
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Cub Swanson vs. Doo Ho Choi
Choi is an exciting up and comer who’s ferocious power has already earned him three 1st round stoppage victories in the UFC so far, and if he can emerge with another win tomorrow night against a wily veteran like Swanson then that will confirm him as a new featherweight star.
That will be easier said than done as Swanson is a talented striker in his own right with some tricks up his sleeve that could catch his opponent by surprise, but while Choi’s defense isn’t the strongest, I do believe his offensive power and aggression will add another finish via strikes to his impressive resume.
Doo Ho Choi to win by TKO in Rd2.
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Tim Kennedy Vs Kelvin Gastelum
Gastelum steps up a division and takes a fight with Kennedy on short notice just a month after a botched weight cut forced him out of UFC 205 in New York City.
That’s not exactly ideal preparation for a tough match-up like this, though Kennedy’s preparations have also been disrupted due to his original fight with Rashad Evans being cancelled on two separate occasions and the fact that he’s coming back after a two year absence, not to mention the added distraction of becoming a spokesman for the MMAAA fighter association in the past week.
Nevertheless, Kennedy is a consummate professional and is more suited to this weight class than his more youthful opponent. Gastelum has a chance on the feet, but I think Kennedy big brother’s him on the mat to a win on the scorecards.
Tim Kennedy to win by decision.
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Jordan Mein vs. Emil Meek
It’s good to see Mein back in the Octagon after rethinking his plans to retire as he’s a talented striker who’s still in his 20’s, so hopefully still has several more years of fighting left in him.
Meek enters the UFC after a big KO win over Rousimar Palhares in Europe earlier this year, but I think Mein’s technical striking will gradually wear him down leading to a second round stoppage.
Jordan Mein to win by TKO in Rd2.
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Prelims: (predicted winners in bold)
Misha Cirkunov vs. Nikita Krylov
Poliana Botelho vs. Valerie Letourneau
Drew Dober vs. Olivier Aubin-Mercier
Mitch Gagnon vs. Matthew Lopez
Landon Vannata vs. John Makdessi
Rustam Khabilov vs. Jason Saggo
Dustin Ortiz vs. Zach Makovsky
