UFC On FOX 28 takes place tomorrow night in Orlando, Florida and we’ve got our predictions for all the fights below.
Main Card (FOX):
Josh Emmett vs. Jeremy Stephens
After a KO win over Ricardo Lamas last time out, Josh Emmett gets a chance to shine on the main event in Florida against the also in-form Stephens.
Emmett isn’t usually a big knockout puncher though, but he is a very capable striker who keeps a high tempo and can land with accuracy, while he keeps his opponents on their toes due to the threat of takedown attempts.
Stephens has the power advantage here and has some versatility to his offense, though generally boxing and solid legs kicks are his main stock in trade in the stand-up battle, while he can also wrestle too.
This should be a competitive bout, but I would give Stephens the edge overall and think he might be able to bring his extra firepower to bare with a third round TKO stoppage due to strikes.
Jeremy Stephens to win by TKO in Rd3
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Jessica Andrade vs. Tecia Torres
This is a fun match-up of talented strawweights, and should provide a contrast of styles as Torres works on the outside, using her speed and footwork to hit without being hit, while Andrade will attempt to march her down and unleash vicious combinations inside, showing a willingness to to take punches in order to land harder ones of her own.
Andrade’s relentless drive and surprising cardio for someone with her strength and power gives her a good chance to close down Torres, where she will be able to outgun her in the striking exchanges.
The Brazilian is also dangerous in the clinch and on the mat, as evidenced by how she was able to deal with another of the divisions top contenders Claudia Gadelha last time out.
Torres is a skilled competitor in her own right, but I think Andrade will be able to overpower her over three years to emerge with a decision victory.
Jessica Andrade to win by decision
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Ovince Saint Preux vs. Ilir Latifi
Generally, OSP hasn’t proven to be the most consistent fighter, but he’s put together a nice run over the past year or so, registering three wins in a row, while Latifi has been victorious in four of his last five visits to the Octagon.
Saint Preux will enjoy a significant height and reach advantage over the short, stocky Latifi in this fight, and that looks to be an important fact as OSP is comfortable operating at range, frequently using kicks and straight punches to maintain distance.
He’ll need to be wary of his tendency to drop his hands though as Latifi can cover ground quickly and can cause serious damage if his winging overhands find the target.
Latifi’s strongest suit is wrestling and he’s very hard to shake off once he gets on top, but OSP comes from a wrestling background and having recorded no less than three rare-as-hens-teeth Von Flue chokes during his career, his submission game has to be respected.
OSP can be unreliable, but if he does show up focused and well prepared then I do favor his rangey striking style to frustrate Latifi and ensure he emerges with a win on the scorecards.
Ovince Saint Preux to win by decision
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Max Griffin vs. Mike Perry
This looks like a fight that’s been designed to give the fans something to cheer about as both Griffin and Perry will be looking to trade blows in the center of the Octagon here.
It’s also a fight that seems to favor Perry, who has the heavier hands, a sturdy chin and will provide more variety in his offensive onslaughts as he slugs his way to a second round TKO Victory.
Mike Perry to win by decision.
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Prelims (FOX): (Predicted winners in bold)
Renan Barao vs. Brian Kelleher
Sara McMann vs. Marion Reneau
Angela Hill vs. Maryna Moroz
Alan Jouban vs. Ben Saunders
UFC Fight Pass:
Russell Doane vs. Rani Yahya
Sam Alvey vs. Marcin Prachnio
Alex Perez vs. Eric Shelton
Manny Bermudez vs. Albert Moraes
