UFC Fight Night 102 takes place in Albany, New York on Friday night and we’ve got our predictions for all the fights below.
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Main Card:
Derrick Lewis vs. Shamil Abdurakhimov
This i clearly not the most glamorous main event we’ve ever seen, but nonetheless, Lewis has established himself as a significant force in the UFC’s heavyweight ranks after winning four fights in a little over a year.
Lewis will need to be mindful of the takedown threat from Abdurakhimov here, but he has a big advantage on the feet in terms of raw power and I think he’ll put the Russian away with strikes inside of 10 minutes.
Derrick Lewis to win by KO in Rd2
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Francis Ngannou vs. Anthony Hamilton
Like Lewis, Ngannou is another fighter who’s been making waves in the heavyweight division with his imposing physique, power and finishing instincts.
Hamilton can pack a punch too, and in the heavyweight class that means either man could be dropped on a moment’s notice here, but Ngannou has a huge reach advantage, a better chin and is just generally a better fighter overall, which should enable him to piece together the strikes needed to find a finish in the first half of the fight.
Francis Ngannou to win by TKO in Rd2.
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Corey Anderson vs. Sean O’Connell
With only two wins in his last six fights, O’Connell is fighting for his UFC future here and it’s a tough assignment as Anderson can match him on the feet and has a big advantage on the mat, with the latter option being his most likely route to a comfortable victory on points.
Corey Anderson to win by decision.
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Gian Villante vs. Saparbek Safarov
Veteran slugger Villante welcomes newcomer Safarov to the Octagon, and while he’s got a the advantage of far more experience in the cage than his opponent, he probably won’t have it all his own way in the stand-up battle and will be relieved to emerge with a win on the scorecards.
Gian Villante to win by decision.
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Prelims: (Predicted winners in bold)
Juliana Lima vs. J.J. Aldrich
Randy Brown vs. Brian Camozzi
Joseph Gigliotti vs. Gerald Meerschaert
Andrew Sanchez vs. Trevor Smith
Shane Burgos vs. Tiago Trator
Frankie Perez vs. Marc Diakiese
Keith Berish vs. Ryan Janes
Justine Kish Vs Ashley Yoder
