🥊 The UFC Info and Prediction Thread

[Pumared]

I'm rooting for Lopes in the next card because I want to see him fight for the belt again. And watching him fight is truly exciting to watch; he brings a lot to the UFC and to the viewers, and he's also a very charismatic guy.

I love them both as fighters.  But from what I've seen, Silva is more methodical out there as Lopes tends to just throw as hard as he could when he see the opportunity.  Silva on the other hand sets traps so he'll prolly use Lopes' own tendencies against him.  

But just from line value alone, I wouldn't blame anybody for taking a shot at Lopes as a decent underdog at 3.15.  Lopes is def being disrespected in this spot...  And I wouldn't be surprised if if the lines move closer as the event draws closer.

Btw, what do you guys think about Oliveira vs Fiziev?

Charles Oliveira vs Rafael Fiziev Full Fight Marathon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zobOVjWhW9M

From what I've seen, Oliveira is training hard and posting as much as he trains. But from what I've seen, his manager had said that he already had three fights lined up for Oliveira, and the first would be this one against Fiziev, so expectations for him are high and he's been training a lot.

[pawel7777]

From what I've seen, Oliveira is training hard and posting as much as he trains. But from what I've seen, his manager had said that he already had three fights lined up for Oliveira, and the first would be this one against Fiziev, so expectations for him are high and he's been training a lot.

Did he really say that he has 3 fights already lined up for him? This doesn't make much sense. Perhaps he was only talking about potential fights. The match-ups are decided by the UFC, and the choice of opponents is always heavily contingent on the result of a fighter's next fight.

As for Fiziev Vs Oliveira, both will be desperate to win as both have 3 losses in their last 5 fights. But those losses are not necessarily much to be ashamed of. For Fiziev, he lost twice to Gaethje, both times by decision and both times after giving a great show. The other loss was to Gamrot but it was due to an injury. Oliveira, in his recent fights, has only lost to the best guys (Islam and Ilia) and had one split-decision loss to Arman.
I don't know what the odds are yet, but I imagine Oliveira will be the favourite, even just by virtue of his submission skills. Bookies tend to favour younger fighters though, plus Oliveira and his team chose a horrible strategy for his last fight against Ilia, so who knows.

[TopTort777]

Tsarukyan vs Hooker, I would have said that it is a step back for Tsarukyan, but instead I would say it is two steps back for him Before sudden back issues Tsarukyan was considered as a possible champion. Now he is considered a guy who will beat Topuria. And instead he fights a guy who has lost most of his biggest fights, and his recent best achievement is a win over Gamrot (a split win btw). Puelles, Turner, they are not even in top, so a win against them does not count as cool And before them Hooker had losses.

Like him or not, Hooker is now ranked No: 6, so just one spot below Gaethje, who is fighting for the belt.
Obviously, Topuria Vs Tsarukyan would make more sense, but Arman gets penalised for ruining the main event and pulling out in the last minute. And since Topuria is fighting Gaethje next, Arman should have a fight too. That's much rather than just sitting and waiting. Out of the top guys, Hooker (on paper) is one of the easiest opponents Arman could get. And he's entertaining so can bring more views and therefore more money to both. Plus, since Hooker defeated Gamrot and Gamrot defeated Arman, it's a chance for Arman to have an indirect revenge and prove that his skills are better.

I am looking on this fight from different angle. Suppose Arman is the person who could have beaten Islam if he hasnt pulled off just before the fight, suppose Arman is a guy who is able to beat Topuria and became a champ. On a paper we have a potentially next champ who is risking his place in top against a "an easiest opponent he could get". On the scales are belt and chance to get injury/chance to get KOed and forget about fight against champion (Topuria) for next half a year (doctors wont let you fight for 6 months if you are KOed). Possibly he could waste his peak on nothing, when he should spend it on defending belt

[tokeweed]

I just realized...  The event this weekend was supposed to be UFC Noche, a huge event as a tribute to Mexico.  At least that's what it's supposed to be.  But it looks like this year the UFC can't compete with Canelo's huge event. 

Anyway, here are a couple of replays of the guys fighting in this weekend's main event.

Diego Lopes vs Brian Ortega
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3h6ocoVkp1c

Jean Silva vs Bryce Mitchell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqMP-pRaLn0

I'm rooting for Lopes in the next card because I want to see him fight for the belt again. And watching him fight is truly exciting to watch; he brings a lot to the UFC and to the viewers, and he's also a very charismatic guy.

I love them both as fighters.  But from what I've seen, Silva is more methodical out there as Lopes tends to just throw as hard as he could when he see the opportunity.  Silva on the other hand sets traps so he'll prolly use Lopes' own tendencies against him. 

But just from line value alone, I wouldn't blame anybody for taking a shot at Lopes as a decent underdog at 3.15.  Lopes is def being disrespected in this spot...  And I wouldn't be surprised if if the lines move closer as the event draws closer.

Btw, what do you guys think about Oliveira vs Fiziev?

Charles Oliveira vs Rafael Fiziev Full Fight Marathon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zobOVjWhW9M

From what I've seen, Oliveira is training hard and posting as much as he trains. But from what I've seen, his manager had said that he already had three fights lined up for Oliveira, and the first would be this one against Fiziev, so expectations for him are high and he's been training a lot.

Yeah, I'm leaning Oliveira via SUB in the second round or so.  Could be later as Fiziev looks like he gets kinda gassy later in the fight.

No odds available yet tho.  But I'm thinking it could be priced at a decently sized favorite for Oliveira.  Maybe around 1.50 - 1.55?  Dunno... 

[TopTort777]

I just realized...  The event this weekend was supposed to be UFC Noche, a huge event as a tribute to Mexico.  At least that's what it's supposed to be.  But it looks like this year the UFC can't compete with Canelo's huge event.  

UFC will be presented at Canelo huge event as its CEO This second day and Canelo fight is headline news on ufc.com. Good luck Dana avoiding new "but professional boxers earn more than we" bs

In fact, people already start to ask him about that and here is how he reply: Dana White believes transparency on pay would make life tougher for fighters 💰😮 "There's no gag order on any of these fighters. They could all sit down and do full interviews on how much they make and what they were paid. They don't want to because they don't want you to know what they got paid. Yeah, they could sit down, tell how much they earn and get their contract cancelled

[pawel7777]

I am looking on this fight from different angle. Suppose Arman is the person who could have beaten Islam if he hasnt pulled off just before the fight, suppose Arman is a guy who is able to beat Topuria and became a champ. On a paper we have a potentially next champ who is risking his place in top against a "an easiest opponent he could get". On the scales are belt and chance to get injury/chance to get KOed and forget about fight against champion (Topuria) for next half a year (doctors wont let you fight for 6 months if you are KOed). Possibly he could waste his peak on nothing, when he should spend it on defending belt

He had his chance and blew it.
If his that good, he'll work his way back to the title shot, if he can't - he doesn't deserve it. Simple as.

What's the point of entertaining fantasies about what would happen if he didn't pull out and defeated Islam back then? He's not entitled to anything. We all knew he would have to fight down before getting another shot. So Hooker is really an early Christmas gift from the UFC to Arman, and it's a good option on every level (difficulty, money, hype).

(...)
No odds available yet tho.  But I'm thinking it could be priced at a decently sized favorite for Oliveira.  Maybe around 1.50 - 1.55?  Dunno... 

That would sound fair, but bookies strongly prefer younger fighters, so who knows.

[Pumared]

From what I've seen, Oliveira is training hard and posting as much as he trains. But from what I've seen, his manager had said that he already had three fights lined up for Oliveira, and the first would be this one against Fiziev, so expectations for him are high and he's been training a lot.

Did he really say that he has 3 fights already lined up for him? This doesn't make much sense. Perhaps he was only talking about potential fights. The match-ups are decided by the UFC, and the choice of opponents is always heavily contingent on the result of a fighter's next fight.

As for Fiziev Vs Oliveira, both will be desperate to win as both have 3 losses in their last 5 fights. But those losses are not necessarily much to be ashamed of. For Fiziev, he lost twice to Gaethje, both times by decision and both times after giving a great show. The other loss was to Gamrot but it was due to an injury. Oliveira, in his recent fights, has only lost to the best guys (Islam and Ilia) and had one split-decision loss to Arman.
I don't know what the odds are yet, but I imagine Oliveira will be the favourite, even just by virtue of his submission skills. Bookies tend to favour younger fighters though, plus Oliveira and his team chose a horrible strategy for his last fight against Ilia, so who knows.

Basically, Oliveira's manager was asked if he would retire after his last fight, and the answer was "We have three fights pre-arranged in 2026." These were his own words in an interview ruling out any retirement.


Source: here

[trendcoin]

Charles is a bigger name in terms of career, but he was knocked out in the ring two months ago... I think he should wait a little longer before fighting again. His chin may still be sensitive to new punches. He could take new punches to the chin against a Muay Thai master like Fiziev. If he doesn't keep Fiziev on the ground, he could even lose this fight...

...
Basically, Oliveira's manager was asked if he would retire after his last fight, and the answer was "We have three fights pre-arranged in 2026." These were his own words in an interview ruling out any retirement.


Source: here

They probably made a plan to get another belt fight and came to this conclusion... He is 35 years old, and I'm sure he knows he shouldn't rush, but he also knows he has to do it...

[TopTort777]

So Hooker is really an early Christmas gift from the UFC to Arman, and it's a good option on every level (difficulty, money, hype).

Hype - yes, Hooker talks trash better than Arman, he could attract extra attention to fight
Money - no, I dont think that Arman need money. He is wearing watches that cost times more than his paycheck.
Difficulty - one again, UFC though that he was skilled enough to face champion, now give him Hooker. Mathematically, Hooker has to be same level as Islam But he isnt, not even close.

If I was Tsarukyan, I would have waited for title shot than get involved in a fight that gives nothing (from rating and legacy point of view).

[Synchronice]

Tsarukyan is ignored by many because he earned it and he deserves it. We all had so high hopes on him to see him against Makhachev, it was a dream fight because he almost beat Islam in his first matches, so now, after years, it would be a very interesting when both, mature wrestlers would go against each other but instead, he acted like a crybaby and ruined the match in the last day.
I'd really love to see Topuria vs Tsarukyan too and I'd really love to see his fights but the reason why I and many people completely ignore him is that he has to earn that again. If he makes weights and beats two fighters, I'd happily watch him fight for the title.

Posted 2 hours ago. Arman Tsarukyan vs Dan Hooker targeted to headline UFC Qatar on November 22. I dont even know what to say. One day you are about to become a champion, then you fight #6 for some reason. Is this stupid? It is stupid. I dont know what UFC has offered Tsarukyan if this isnt fake and he has agreed to have a fight that won give him anything but +1 in record table. First Topuria will face Gaethji, than Pimblett, that is +1 year to wait for Tsarukyan.

Hello

Why is this stupid? One days he was about to fight for the title but he ruined it, so? And we have to keep in mind that this is Dana White's business and he doesn't love when things like this happen. Arman ruined the title fight, he ruined everything for the company and now he has to earn everything if he wants to fight for the title again.
I think that Topuria VS Gaethje will be the next fight. After that, I think that if Arman wins, he has the chance to fight Topuria before Paddy fights. Paddy fighting for the title doesn't make any sense, he is ranked number 7.

[tokeweed]

I just realized...  The event this weekend was supposed to be UFC Noche, a huge event as a tribute to Mexico.  At least that's what it's supposed to be.  But it looks like this year the UFC can't compete with Canelo's huge event.  

UFC will be presented at Canelo huge event as its CEO This second day and Canelo fight is headline news on ufc.com. Good luck Dana avoiding new "but professional boxers earn more than we" bs

In fact, people already start to ask him about that and here is how he reply: Dana White believes transparency on pay would make life tougher for fighters 💰😮 "There's no gag order on any of these fighters. They could all sit down and do full interviews on how much they make and what they were paid. They don't want to because they don't want you to know what they got paid. Yeah, they could sit down, tell how much they earn and get their contract cancelled

Yeah win some, lose some.  A few years ago, it was Canelo who had to postpone his match because Masvidal vs Diaz wasn't done yet.  Lmao.  There was a pic of Canelo back in the day lying down on a couch while he was waiting.  

And I also just found out that Dana White is some how involved with the Canelo fight..?  That would be the only explanation why the UFC isn't celebrating 'UFC Nochi' in a big way this year.  That's alright tho, there's always next year.

Edit:  Even the Canelo vs Crawford pre fight press conference and the weigh ins is in the UFC's YT channel.      Yeah, the UFC is prolly directly involved with this, not just Dana White.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzkBI_sKOZo

[TopTort777]

Why is this stupid? One days he was about to fight for the title but he ruined it, so? And we have to keep in mind that this is Dana White's business and he doesn't love when things like this happen. Arman ruined the title fight, he ruined everything for the company and now he has to earn everything if he wants to fight for the title again.
I think that Topuria VS Gaethje will be the next fight. After that, I think that if Arman wins, he has the chance to fight Topuria before Paddy fights. Paddy fighting for the title doesn't make any sense, he is ranked number 7.

I will try to explain it look stupid to me. If you are about to fight a champion, this means that your chances to become a new champion are high, people believe in you, your boss believe in you. Your ambitions are on different level. Then you are offered to fight a strong average fighter (but who is better than majority of division), and you accept it. I dont know how else to explain it. Suppose you apply for CEO, this means you have knowledge and experience for such position. You fail at the interview once, then take position of an accountant in that company...

Btw, "earn to fight for title" completely does not work correctly in UFC Some earn that opportunity in years, some have a title fight as their second fight in promotion.

[Welsh]

Not liking many of the matchups for the next event. From first glance it looks to me like a lot of favourites will be winning, which doesn't leave a whole lot of space / value for under dog picks. What your guys thoughts?

[pawel7777]

(...)
Basically, Oliveira's manager was asked if he would retire after his last fight, and the answer was "We have three fights pre-arranged in 2026." These were his own words in an interview ruling out any retirement.
Source: here

Thanks. The link says:

Diego Lima revealed on YouTube (@PVT) that the goal is to do three fights next year, already pre-closed, depending on the results:
"Our goal is to do three fights next year. We already have the three pre-closed ones, to be honest. Of course, it all depends on the outcome. We know that a setback delays us a little in this, but, looking at the best scenario, which are the victories, we already pre-marked them. So, totally out of the question for Charles to retire

So it's nothing set in stone yet as it's all contingent on the outcome(s). They might have some gentlemen's agreements but probably nothing signed yet.
But it makes sense for Oliveira (or any other fighter his age) to reduce breaks between fights to a minimum.

So Hooker is really an early Christmas gift from the UFC to Arman, and it's a good option on every level (difficulty, money, hype).

Hype - yes, Hooker talks trash better than Arman, he could attract extra attention to fight
Money - no, I dont think that Arman need money. He is wearing watches that cost times more than his paycheck.
Difficulty - one again, UFC though that he was skilled enough to face champion, now give him Hooker. Mathematically, Hooker has to be same level as Islam But he isnt, not even close.

If I was Tsarukyan, I would have waited for title shot than get involved in a fight that gives nothing (from rating and legacy point of view).

He might have been "skilled enough" but he wasn't professional enough to make the weight (assuming that was the real reason for him pulling out).
He's not getting Hooker "instead". That opportunity is gone. Being offered a title shot doesn't mean he holds some magic title-shot ticket with no expiry date that he can redeem at any time. Things don't work that way.
Anyhow, if he gets past Hooker, he'll probably get another chance.

[Pumared]

(...)
Basically, Oliveira's manager was asked if he would retire after his last fight, and the answer was "We have three fights pre-arranged in 2026." These were his own words in an interview ruling out any retirement.
Source: here

Thanks. The link says:

Diego Lima revealed on YouTube (@PVT) that the goal is to do three fights next year, already pre-closed, depending on the results:
"Our goal is to do three fights next year. We already have the three pre-closed ones, to be honest. Of course, it all depends on the outcome. We know that a setback delays us a little in this, but, looking at the best scenario, which are the victories, we already pre-marked them. So, totally out of the question for Charles to retire

So it's nothing set in stone yet as it's all contingent on the outcome(s). They might have some gentlemen's agreements but probably nothing signed yet.
But it makes sense for Oliveira (or any other fighter his age) to reduce breaks between fights to a minimum.

I agree, this shows that he'll probably soon stop fighting and retire at his peak, perhaps, or at least at the beginning of his decline. But I think these agreements are honored, as Oliveira sells the pay-per-view and consequently generates income for the other fighter, too, from what I understand of the contracts. Besides, who wouldn't want to say they beat him, such a great person inside and outside the organization?