The Heavyweight division will be in the spotlight for UFC 211, as current champ Stipe Miocic and division all-timer Junior Dos Santos are in for an anticipated rematch. Along with those two warriors are also a list of rising and well-experienced warriors, so expect to be treated to an action-packed event.
Read on below as we preview each matchup on the card!
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UFC 210: Miocic vs. Dos Santos 2
Main Event – UFC Heavyweight Championship
(C) Stipe Miocic (-150) vs. Junior Dos Santos (-125)
With the five-round war they had in their first bout, we can look forward to have more of the same this Sunday. The two have a balanced built for their weight class, and both like to stand up and exchange blows. Although Miocic has a three-inch reach advantage, it’s not really going to play much of a factor since he likes to attack closely and JDS prefers to maintain some distance.
Miocic (16-2) has been on a tear since his loss to Dos Santos (18-4), winning four in a row via TKO/KOs, three of which came in the opening round. JDS, meanwhile, has split his two matches since their 2014 fight. “Cigano” isn’t as explosive in his prime years, but he should still be considered dangerous.
Additionally, Miocic has the most post-fight bonuses in the heavyweight class (seven), while Dos Santos has the most knockdowns in the division (12).
Writer’s Prediction: Miocic retains after a TKO in the fourth round.
UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship
(C) Joanna Jędrzejczyk (-175) vs. Jessica Andrade (+145)
These two are among the most fearless and relentless women in the sport. It’s Joanna’s mean streak, speed, and accuracy versus Andrade’s speed, aggression, and power.
Joanna (13-0) has established herself as the queen of the division, thanks to a string of strong performances and four successful title defenses. More than that, which is rarely talked about, is her defense that’s as commendable as her offense – she has the highest takedown D in the weight class’s history (81.8 percent).
Andrade (16-5), meanwhile, is simply scary. She’s easily the best striker in the Strawweight division, and we should see her prove to be a very worthy challenger. Her impressive takedown accuracy (63 percent), which ranks seventh in ALL OF UFC, is a perfect foil to Joanna’s defense.
Writer’s Prediction: Joanna retains via unanimous decision. This may be a candidate for “Fight of the Night.”
Demian Maia (EVEN) vs. Jorge Masvidal (+130)
Maia (24-6), who owns world-class jiu-jitsu skills, is on a roll as of late and will enter with a six-fight winning streak, with three of the last four coming via rear-naked choke finish. Expect him to be patient, but he is also sure to impose his expertise, especially with a fighter like Masvidal.
Masvidal (32-11) has pure aggression in his style, which was quite evidenced in the pair of KO finishes in his last two fights, where he blasted Donald Cerrone and Jake Ellenberger until they hit the canvas. We should once again witness his style of throwing a couple of jabs and then following it up with a series of combinations.
Writer’s Prediction: If Masvidal can evade Maia’s takedowns, he will cruise to another win.
Frankie Edgar (-135) vs. Yair Rodriguez (+105)
It’s that classic youth versus experience type of encounter, and we are bound to a very interesting clash.
There’s no quitting in Edgar (21-5-1), who can dish out AND take a ton of punishment. He’s well-conditioned and well-rounded, as he is equipped to throw an array of strikes and set his timing for a good takedown. Additionally, he is also being blessed with that savvy, veteran aura, now that he’s very seasoned in the MMA.
For the flashy Rodriguez (10-1, 6-0 in the UFC), this is another big opportunity to further strengthen his stocks. He’s been worth the price of admission in his six appearances in the octagon and is continuously on the rise in ranking and popularity. All that palpable energy, athleticism, and high-flying kicks should mix well with what Edgar is bringing to the table.
Writer’s Prediction: Yair wins via unanimous decision and puts on another show. Edgar should be able to do his thing, too.
Krzysztof Jotko (-155) vs. Dave Branch (+125)
Jotko (19-1) is gunning for his sixth straight W. He only has one KO in his current five-fight winning streak, but it includes three dominant performances. What we can expect from the on-the-rise 27-year old is patience and good set-ups. He likes maintaining distance and using his southpaw style to avoid counters from his opponents, which fits well in his abilities in the clinch and on the ground, as well as his overall takedown game.
Branch (20-3), meanwhile, is in his first fight with the UFC in more than six years. The 35-year-old is returning to the company following a great title run at World Series of Fighting, where he became the Middleweight and Light Heavyweight champion. In six combined successful title defenses of his WSOF belts, he had four finishes – three submissions and one TKO/KO. Branch is a strongly built middleweight, who, like Jotko, prefers distance but at the same time, deliver multiple takedown attempts.
Writer’s Prediction: Jotko wins in a decision, as an octagon-rusty Branch struggles to find rhythm.
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