🥊 The UFC Info and Prediction Thread

[TheNineClub]

a
It was a bad illegal knee by Yan. I thought at that stage of the fight Aljo was a lot fatigued and it seemed like he could be knocked down at any moment but Yan did not take that chance. Instead, he threw an illegal knee. And Aljo is a tough guy. If he could get up he would have got up.

It was definitely a nasty illegal blow, although I do get the impression that he played on it a bit, despite it being a heavy blow. At that point in the fight, the only way he was winning was through disqualification or via a shocking knockout/submission. Plus, we've seen it before where fighters are asking what will happen with the result, as some times they reward it based on the rounds passed or they deem it a no contest. So, it's no longer allowed to ask the ref that, and they can only answer the doctors questions.

Yeah, he played it. How much is anybody's guess, but, again, I will not shun him completely for doing so. In the end, it's the old 'don't hate the player, hate the game' situation in a sense that if the ruleset allows it..well, it's the rullset. As I said, we can twist and turn this whichever way, but I doubt we can make a decisive conclusion out of anything.

Yeah, we beat that topic to death when it happened, and we really couldn't find a definitive conclusion on how it should have played out. But the outcome has been set and moving forward from that I kinda wonder what Aljo brings to the table much more than Yan. Not sure if he could still win, but at least we might get a better performance from him.

I'm hoping so, you can't really blame Aljo for winning in that way, so it wasn't his fault, and its not like hes got to where he is out of luck. The guy is talented, I just think Yan in particular is a bad match up for him. Although, Aljo has the quality to submit, and knock out anyone. I've always been impressed with his wrestling skills, and it wouldn't be the first time that hes losing, and pulls out a submission out of nowhere.
 
I'm not super hyped for the fight, however I'm hoping its better than last time. I'm not a fan of total dominance fights, I prefer you know, an actual competitive fight.

I completely understand not being really hyped about the fight. I would say it's partially because of how the first fight went, but it's also the fact that the market is oversaturated IMHO. There is to much going on and I just feel like that takes away from the anticipation of certain fights. At least that is my feeling.

[1714240627]

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[1714240627]

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[tokeweed]

Yeah, we beat that topic to death when it happened, and we really couldn't find a definitive conclusion on how it should have played out. But the outcome has been set and moving forward from that I kinda wonder what Aljo brings to the table much more than Yan. Not sure if he could still win, but at least we might get a better performance from him.

I'm hoping so, you can't really blame Aljo for winning in that way, so it wasn't his fault, and its not like hes got to where he is out of luck. The guy is talented, I just think Yan in particular is a bad match up for him. Although, Aljo has the quality to submit, and knock out anyone. I've always been impressed with his wrestling skills, and it wouldn't be the first time that hes losing, and pulls out a submission out of nowhere.

I'm not super hyped for the fight, however I'm hoping its better than last time. I'm not a fan of total dominance fights, I prefer you know, an actual competitive fight.

Aljo actually has no KO power.  He'd have to grapple with Yan or grind him against the cage if his TD's don't work to nullify Yan's tools.  And yup, Aljo is really pretty good in wrestling and BJJ.  He finished Sandhagen in under a minute or so via rear naked choke.

And I'm actually hyped for the rematch.  Aljo has a good coach in Ray Longo who's considered to be one of MMA's best coaches.  Let's see what kind of adjustments they have cooking.    But yeah the lean is Yan but the line should prolly be closer.  Dunno...

[TopTort777]

The main enemy of Aljo will be his neck surgery. Or if he looses, that will be a good excuse.
Does anyone knows, being a champion gives any benefits, except a higher payment for title defense fight? I mean if it is worth skipping fights or postponing it for a later period?

What about Volkanovski vs Zombie fight? Many told that Volkanovski chose weakest among opponent among given.

[tokeweed]

^  After what happened during him and Yan's last match up, there's going to be no excuse coming from Aljo.  Yan showed that he was the better fighter that night.  Losing in the rematch would only be showing something like the inevitability of the crowd being shown who the real winner of the first fight is...  If that makes any sense.

And it isn't that Volk chose the weakest opponent.  The guy is a stud and beat most of all the best in his weight class.  TKZ is a former 155'er dropping down to 145.

[fiulpro]

a
It was a bad illegal knee by Yan. I thought at that stage of the fight Aljo was a lot fatigued and it seemed like he could be knocked down at any moment but Yan did not take that chance. Instead, he threw an illegal knee. And Aljo is a tough guy. If he could get up he would have got up.

It was definitely a nasty illegal blow, although I do get the impression that he played on it a bit, despite it being a heavy blow. At that point in the fight, the only way he was winning was through disqualification or via a shocking knockout/submission. Plus, we've seen it before where fighters are asking what will happen with the result, as some times they reward it based on the rounds passed or they deem it a no contest. So, it's no longer allowed to ask the ref that, and they can only answer the doctors questions.

Yeah, he played it. How much is anybody's guess, but, again, I will not shun him completely for doing so. In the end, it's the old 'don't hate the player, hate the game' situation in a sense that if the ruleset allows it..well, it's the rullset. As I said, we can twist and turn this whichever way, but I doubt we can make a decisive conclusion out of anything.

Yeah, we beat that topic to death when it happened, and we really couldn't find a definitive conclusion on how it should have played out. But the outcome has been set and moving forward from that I kinda wonder what Aljo brings to the table much more than Yan. Not sure if he could still win, but at least we might get a better performance from him.

I'm hoping so, you can't really blame Aljo for winning in that way, so it wasn't his fault, and its not like hes got to where he is out of luck. The guy is talented, I just think Yan in particular is a bad match up for him. Although, Aljo has the quality to submit, and knock out anyone. I've always been impressed with his wrestling skills, and it wouldn't be the first time that hes losing, and pulls out a submission out of nowhere.
 
I'm not super hyped for the fight, however I'm hoping its better than last time. I'm not a fan of total dominance fights, I prefer you know, an actual competitive fight.

I completely understand not being really hyped about the fight. I would say it's partially because of how the first fight went, but it's also the fact that the market is oversaturated IMHO. There is to much going on and I just feel like that takes away from the anticipation of certain fights. At least that is my feeling.

Don't think you both watched fight, or your memory serves you incorrectly- which is understandable for the way aljo was after the fight. Embarassing to say the least, claiming to be champ when he was "outclassed". I love Yan, but he first fight was highly competitive. Aljo had only once fought in the later rounds since his first UFC appearance. Although he slowed down considerably, his stamina and ability was on clear display. You can't take a hit like aljo was in the the 4th if your not in considerably good shape. Yan is a patience killer, excellent boxing, and for his size, suprisingly good wrestling. Aljo, although his style ultimately led to his demise, the constant movement. He has a unique style with a huge arsenal of attacks and is a dangerous man. The first fight wasn't a domination, it was skill and endurance between two of the very best. Really looking forward to the rematch. Aljo has nothing to lose with everything to prove and think he may get the win by submission, early. If not, Yan will pick him apart on the feet going five rounds. Let's go uncle dana

[notblox1]

The main enemy of Aljo will be his neck surgery. Or if he looses, that will be a good excuse.
Does anyone knows, being a champion gives any benefits, except a higher payment for title defense fight? I mean if it is worth skipping fights or postponing it for a later period?

Aljo biggest problem is that he was not recognized by Oscar award organizers for his acting performance in his last fight with Yan, that give him fake title and contract with sponsors.
This fight was more than one year ago and he didn't have any fight after that, while Yan won against Cory Sandhagen.

[Welsh]

Aljo actually has no KO power.  He'd have to grapple with Yan or grind him against the cage if his TD's don't work to nullify Yan's tools.  And yup, Aljo is really pretty good in wrestling and BJJ.  He finished Sandhagen in under a minute or so via rear naked choke.

And I'm actually hyped for the rematch.  Aljo has a good coach in Ray Longo who's considered to be one of MMA's best coaches.  Let's see what kind of adjustments they have cooking.    But yeah the lean is Yan but the line should prolly be closer.  Dunno...

I've seen him land a few nice shots on fighters, while not actually knocking them out it usually puts them in a bad enough position to submit them, or at least threaten. So, while I wouldn't go as far as saying he  doesn't have knock out power, he most certainly isn't a knockout artist.

I'd like to be hyped about it, I'm just feeling deflated. I just feel its a mismatch. We know exactly what Aljo is going to do, hes going to try, and hit the mat as soon as possible. Although, his opponent has some serious take down defense. I wouldn't mind being surprised here though, if Aljo can get the job done, that might spice up the division quite some bit. I think other fighters would fancy themselves against Aljo instead of Yan.

[goldkingcoiner]

The main enemy of Aljo will be his neck surgery. Or if he looses, that will be a good excuse.
Does anyone knows, being a champion gives any benefits, except a higher payment for title defense fight? I mean if it is worth skipping fights or postponing it for a later period?

What about Volkanovski vs Zombie fight? Many told that Volkanovski chose weakest among opponent among given.

I would not really be counting on Aljo fighting worse or even losing due to his neck injury. I mean, fights have rigorous health checks, don't they? Otherwise you could provide any of the fighters the opportunities they have been waiting for, to defeat a certain opponent or just for an easy win. I think since Aljo was let to fight, then obviously his neck injury will have no major role in his chances of winning.

A competetive sport is always fair.

[Welsh]

I would not really be counting on Aljo fighting worse or even losing due to his neck injury. I mean, fights have rigorous health checks, don't they? Otherwise you could provide any of the fighters the opportunities they have been waiting for, to defeat a certain opponent or just for an easy win. I think since Aljo was let to fight, then obviously his neck injury will have no major role in his chances of winning.

A competetive sport is always fair.

Considering multiple fighters have fought with broken bones, and former champion Michael Bisping basically fought with one eye, I'm going to go with no they don't have rigorous health checks. Although, they're definitely checked over by a doctor, but they likely don't get scans etc. So, it would be easy to hide injuries which aren't visible via a physical check. Which to be honest, is most injuries in the sport.

You aren't going to prove muscle injuries, or weakness of a certain part of the body because they haven't quite recovered yet. Obviously, there are scans for muscle tears, and what not. Although, the only access they'd have of that would be immediately after the surgery not months down the line.

I doubt the neck injury will have an effect, what might be is the fear of hurting it again. You know when you see a fighter get visibly hurt from a kick, so they instinctively drop their guard lower to protect. It could have a similar effect where they''re subconsciously trying to protect that area. It's a bit hard with the neck though, I'll admit .

[YuginKadoya]

^  After what happened during him and Yan's last match up, there's going to be no excuse coming from Aljo.  Yan showed that he was the better fighter that night.  Losing in the rematch would only be showing something like the inevitability of the crowd being shown who the real winner of the first fight is...  If that makes any sense.

And it isn't that Volk chose the weakest opponent.  The guy is a stud and beat most of all the best in his weight class.  TKZ is a former 155'er dropping down to 145.

Aljamain Sterling can not make excuses anymore, from their last fight that was just a mistake from Petr Yan, but all advantage from their 1st fight was for Petr Yan, and yes it's not really making sense at all if Aljamain Sterling win this fight he needs to win by KO TKO or Submission, so there is no more doubt on peoples minds, right now stake.com's odds for this fight was a flat 5.00 for Sterling while 1.20 for Yan making Petr yan the likely favorite to win this fight people are treating Aljamain Sterling an a nobody and not as a real champion at all, well I can not blame them for feeling this way, because I really thought so as well that Petr yan should be champion instead of Sterling.

And right now on the news Chael Sonnen issue was pretty much getting more controversial, because in the police report that Sonnen was asleep or unconscious when the altercation occur, just because both him and his wife is taking sleeping pills and Sonnen added that he is taking Ambien and there are crazy stories that is you are taking Ambien you can do stuff that you don't realize that you are doing, because you are unconscious and subconsciously you are doing something you didn't know, this is really getting crazy I don't know if Chael Sonnen is just making an excuse and knowing about the effects of Ambien might think of an excuse this low, I really don't know about that drug but if many would just takes the blame on a drug pill then many will be acquitted.

[Welsh]

I didn't realise how stacked the card was outside the main fights. Mackenzie Dern fight should be a close one, and I kind of fancy her to take it, despite Torres probably being the favourite. Aleksei Oleinik vs Jared Vanderaa should be a decent  fight, not expecting the fight to go the distance. Got Ian Garry, and Jairzinho Rozenstruik on the card. Should be a good night. I might have to order in some food, quite a big night. Obviously, the main card is absolutely crazy with two belts on offer, and then Burns vs Khamzat Chimaev. I'm honestly considering putting some money on Burns, I think he will surprise us all.

I'll get my predictions out later.

[TopTort777]

This fight was more than one year ago and he didn't have any fight after that, while Yan won against Cory Sandhagen.

That was only because of his neck injury. If not it, I think he and Yan would have met earlier. I feel strange that no one gives him a chance to win against Yan. History have numerous cases when complete underdog surprises everyone. I think Aljos tactics was to taunt Yan all that time, making him loose mind and try to finish Aljo as quick as possible. And those who hurry, are either being knockdown by surprised punch (not our case) or being submitter. But if this tactic fails, we would see a 5*5min beating of Aljo.

[Welsh]

Right, my predictions:

Alexander Volkanovski
Petr Yan
Gilbert Burns
Mackenzie Dern
Aleksei Oleinik
Dricus Du Plessis
Aspen Ladd
Ian Garry
Anthony Hernandez
Jairzinho Rozenstruik
Mike Malott
Julio Arce
Vinc Pichel

That's a lot of fights this event. My actual betting slip will probably only include a few of these. I'm thinking Ian Garry, Petr Yan, Alex Volk, and potentially Gilbert Burns as the underdog. I'm undecided, but I might put Dricus Du Plessis on the betting slip too. Hes always pulled it out of the bag when I've included him.

[TopTort777]

I would suggest to take a look on Oleynik vs Latifi fight once again. Oleynik is 44 years old, is on series of 3 loses, and is best known for submissions. While Latifi never lost by submission and his base sports is wrestling (he is actually from wrestling family). I would say there are high chances that old Oleynik dont have a strong chin after 76 fights. By the look at Oleynik, I find that he does not have that fighting spirit anymore and seeks for a calm and peaceful life, to continue doing gardening. Just my 2 cents.

[Welsh]

I would suggest to take a look on Oleynik vs Latifi fight once again. Oleynik is 44 years old, is on series of 3 loses, and is best known for submissions. While Latifi never lost by submission and his base sports is wrestling (he is actually from wrestling family). I would say there are high chances that old Oleynik dont have a strong chin after 76 fights. By the look at Oleynik, I find that he does not have that fighting spirit anymore and seeks for a calm and peaceful life, to continue doing gardening. Just my 2 cents.

I have a soft spot for veterans. I think for this fight, he'll be alright. I think volume could be a problem, and that could potentially get him a decision loss. Although, if he can go the lay, and pray strategy of just taking down, and getting some control time. I think he could get the decision himself. I'm not expecting a finish in this fight, probably has the potential to be a boring fight all things considered.

[tokeweed]

Right, my predictions:

Alexander Volkanovski
Petr Yan
Gilbert Burns
Mackenzie Dern
Aleksei Oleinik
Dricus Du Plessis
Aspen Ladd
Ian Garry
Anthony Hernandez
Jairzinho Rozenstruik
Mike Malott
Julio Arce
Vinc Pichel

That's a lot of fights this event. My actual betting slip will probably only include a few of these. I'm thinking Ian Garry, Petr Yan, Alex Volk, and potentially Gilbert Burns as the underdog. I'm undecided, but I might put Dricus Du Plessis on the betting slip too. Hes always pulled it out of the bag when I've included him.

It's probably good to remove the underdogs from your parlay and just leave Volk, Yan and Garry parlayed at 1.75 since it's mostly likely going to cash then just bet straight on Burns and Du Plessis.  They're both live dogs imho.  Burns is a bit of step up for Chimaev, tho Chimaev could be something special.  And Du Plessis is going against Gastelum that seems to be deteriorating.  He hasn't looked himself since losing to Adesanya.

And tbh, I really don't know who I'd pick between Gastelum and Du Plessis.  The Du Plessis guy has some serious power in his hands and he's a big guy.  Go watch him vs Giles.

[Welsh]

It's probably good to remove the underdogs from your parlay and just leave Volk, Yan and Garry parlayed at 1.75 since it's mostly likely going to cash then just bet straight on Burns and Du Plessis.  They're both live dogs imho.  Burns is a bit of step up for Chimaev, tho Chimaev could be something special.  And Du Plessis is going against Gastelum that seems to be deteriorating.  He hasn't looked himself since losing to Adesanya.

And tbh, I really don't know who I'd pick between Gastelum and Du Plessis.  The Du Plessis guy has some serious power in his hands and he's a big guy.  Go watch him vs Giles.

Funny you should say that it was either last week or the week before that I pretty much nailed a 6 fold accumulator if it wasn't for one of the massive favourites letting me down. Cory Mckenna, had to be a Welsh fighter too. I can't remember how much it was for now. It was for a decent amount I know.

I really like Du Plessis, hes come through for me many of times. Burns to me is the real risky bet, but I actually think hes going to do it. I rarely do single bets these days, I'd rather the excitement of an accumulator with high odds, especially since the Burns fight is one of the last on the accumulator.

[notblox1]

This weekend we are taking break from UFC and it's still early for making predictions for next UFC event Volkanovski vs Korean Zombie.
I have to say that I always likes Korean Zombie and he was in some amazing fights, but it's not going to be easy for him against Volkanovski.
He has only one defeat and that was long time ago in 2013, so I my early pick would be on Volkanovski but odds are unacceptably low.

[TheNineClub]

This weekend we are taking break from UFC and it's still early for making predictions for next UFC event Volkanovski vs Korean Zombie.
I have to say that I always likes Korean Zombie and he was in some amazing fights, but it's not going to be easy for him against Volkanovski.
He has only one defeat and that was long time ago in 2013, so I my early pick would be on Volkanovski but odds are unacceptably low.

I am all for Zombie, love what he did in his time with the UFC, and I would say he rightfully deserves a title shot. but boy oh boy it's gonna be a long and tough night for him. I do like Zombie better in this event than Holloway, but wherever he lost to former Volks opponents, he has to be aware that anything those guys did good, Alex does even better. But damn, I can't forget that Jung pulled off a first Twister submission in the UFC in the last second of the round against Garcia. What a stud.

[YuginKadoya]

I would suggest to take a look on Oleynik vs Latifi fight once again. Oleynik is 44 years old, is on series of 3 loses, and is best known for submissions. While Latifi never lost by submission and his base sports is wrestling (he is actually from wrestling family). I would say there are high chances that old Oleynik dont have a strong chin after 76 fights. By the look at Oleynik, I find that he does not have that fighting spirit anymore and seeks for a calm and peaceful life, to continue doing gardening. Just my 2 cents.

Alexey Oleynik is pretty much well-known for winning most of his fights with submission of the Ezekiel choke if not with this choke a rear-naked choke would be his end takedown but mostly with the Ezekiel choke, for me, I would surely respect mostly the veteran's in this industry but in Alexey Oleynik's family life and really wants to settle down for good, I think if he wants to fight then let him, he surely knows what his capability is, and with Jared Vanderaa it seems that the fight may end up with a decision, Oleynik would surely have a hard time with the mountain, that has a wrestling background and he could hold himself with most takedowns, but Alexey Oleynik as a veteran can handle himself but for me I really want him to settle down and retire for good.

This weekend we are taking break from UFC and it's still early for making predictions for next UFC event Volkanovski vs Korean Zombie.
I have to say that I always likes Korean Zombie and he was in some amazing fights, but it's not going to be easy for him against Volkanovski.
He has only one defeat and that was long time ago in 2013, so I my early pick would be on Volkanovski but odds are unacceptably low.

It is sure early but for me, I like the Co-main and the Welterweight division fight, but will still give my picks, for the main card when the fight will be near, now will wait for certain news if the fight for Sterling or Yan could be canceled, Aljamain Sterling may evade this fight but I salute him if he will continue and prove himself that he can beat Petr Yan and that he is truly worthy to be the champion for this division, and for Petr Yan if he can get his Belt back, and that their first fight would not repeat again and Sterling winning a disqualification,

And with the Gilbert Burns VS Khamzat Chimaev, many are in favor of Chimaev, although I really like Khamzat Chimaev winning this, I surely think that he will have a hard time with Gilbert Burns, with that kind of physique but I always believe in Khamzat Chimaev's hype as I believe in Ciryl Gane's hype, I tend to always say that some hypes are just hyped on the outside but on the inside it was nothing, but with Khamzat Chimaev there is something about him that I am surely getting latch to believe that it is not just hype, although Ciryl Gane lost to Francis Ngannou, my hype for him still there, he is on the edge of getting there but kudos to Francis Ngannou that change tactics the seconds he realized that he can not take on Ciryl Gane head-on.