UFC On FOX 10 takes place in Chicago tomorrow evening and we’ve got our predictions for all the fights for you below.
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Main Card:
Ben Henderson vs. Josh Thomson
Thomson now knows a win over Henderson will re-earn him the title shot he missed out at the tail-end of last year, but he’s going to have to perform at his very best to beat the former champion here.
Both of these men are well rounded with Thomson being a little more likely to produce a fight-ending moment of magic either with creative striking or a crafty submission, while Henderson will be able to push an unrelenting pace over five rounds and should have superior wrestling and overall strength.
Thomson has gone as record that he’s had a bad training camp which is definitely a concern, and adds to my overall gut feeling that Henderson is going to have more periods of control over the course of five rounds to claim a decision victory.
Ben Henderson to win by decision.
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Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Stipe Miocic
While Gonzaga is generally known as a dangerous submission specialist, recently he’s shown you can teach an old dog new tricks by showing off some big firepower on the feet that’s earned him two KO victories.
Miocic’s most recent performances haven’t been so impressive, but he’s a solid, dependable heavyweight who can mix it up effectively on the feet and on the mat, and has better cardio than his opponent.
Despite improving his punching power, Gonzaga’s still not the best defensively and has been stopped on a number of occasions in the past, and I believe will be again on Saturday night as he tires in the later rounds.
Stipe Miocic to win by TKO in Rd3.
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Donald Cerrone vs. Adriano Martins
At first glance this could be seen as an easier fight for Cerrone than usual, but despite lacking star power, Martins is no slouch, with a 25-6 career record.
Still, Martins is at his best on the ground and Cerrone is very capable there too, while also being more dynamic and dangerous on the feet, so I like ‘Cowboy’ to steadily pick apart the Brazilian as the fight progresses, but ultimately have to settle for a decision victory.
Donald Cerrone to win by decision.
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Jeremy Stephens vs. Darren Elkins
Stephens has rejuvenated his career with a move down to featherweight recently, but faces a big challenge here as he faces Elkins, one of the 145lb division’s more dependable fighters.
Stephens certainly has the striking advantage here and boasts fight-ending power, but he’s going to have to worry about the takedown threat from Elkins who’ll happily put him on his back and grind his way to a victory if afforded the opportunity to do so, and I think that will prove to be the story of this fight.
Darren Elkins to win by decision.
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Prelims:
Alex Caceres vs. Sergio Pettis
Eddie Wineland vs. Yves Jabouin
Chico Camus vs. Yaotzin Meza
Junior Hernandez vs. Hugo Viana
Daron Cruickshank vs. Mike Rio
George Sullivan vs. Mike Rhodes
Nikita Krylov vs. Walter Harris
