UFC On FOX 15 takes place this Saturday night in New Jersey and we’ve got our predictions for all the fights for you below.
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Main Card:
Lyoto Machida vs. Luke Rockhold
What a tough fight to predict! We’ve got two very talented light-heavyweights here who can mix it up pretty much wherever the fight goes, though I do feel Rockhold is the more well-rounded overall as he has better grappling and is the stronger of the two.
Machida’s movement, sense of range, and timing with his karate style on the feet makes him very difficult to deal with though and that’s what makes this fight such a headscratcher.
With it being such a close fight I think there’s a good chance we’re headed to a decision here and with that in mind I do lean more towards Rockhold as Machida’s patient approach and focus on precision rather than volume striking doesn’t always score well with the judges. Rockhold is likely to lead this dance, pushing the pace over the full five rounds and that’ll help him edge a narrow decision on the scorecards.
Luke Rockhold to win by decision.
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Ronaldo Souza vs. Chris Camozzi
I don’t think we need an extended analysis for this one. Credit to Camozzi for stepping up on short notice, but it’s been proven in the past that he’s no match for ‘Jacare’ and nothing’s happened since then to suggest it won’t go the same way again as he’s completely outmatched here both on the feet and on the mat.
Ronaldo Souza to win by submission in Rd1.
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Cub Swanson vs. Max Holloway
Two slick featherweight strikers on show here, so this should be an entertaining one and a good call for ‘Fight Of The Night’ honors.
Holloway is the lankier of the two, but doesn’t actually hold a reach advantage, so he’ll be relying on his boxing technique to keep his opponent at bay as Swanson is dangerous in close. Swanson has the bigger power though and for me is a little more dynamic, so I’m leaning slightly towards him here, though I expect Holloway to fight him tooth and nail to the finish.
Cub Swanson to win by decision.
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Felice Herrig vs. Paige VanZant
A lot of attention has been placed on these two ladies looks coming into this fight, but there’s more to them than that.
Herrig isn’t necessarily a world-beater, but she’s reasonably well rounded and holds the experience advantage here. Despite being rougher round the edges skill-wise I like VanZant to win though, pushing a hard pace and finding success putting Herrig on her back and scoring points with ground and pound.
Paige VanZant to win by decision.
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Prelims: (Predicted winners in bold)
Jim Miller vs. Beneil Dariush
Ovince St. Preux vs. Patrick Cummins
Corey Anderson vs. Gian Villante
Aljamain Sterling vs. Takeya Mizugaki
Tim Means vs. George Sullivan
Diego Brandao vs. Jim Hettes
Eddie Gordon vs. Chris Dempsey
