🥊 The UFC Info and Prediction Thread

[yazher]

pretty much I am excited on that rematch,

I have a bit opposite opinion. I think there will be no rematch, even though fans would love to see who is better (as this fight was rather close), or to see someone winning more persuasively. In the post fight interviews, Makhachev said that he wanted to test his striking more, and Volkanovski said that he needs that kind of fights to test himself, to learn new. So the both get what they wanted, both tested their skills, and now will go back to their divisions, smashing everyone else

Not really necessary since both fighters are done well and they put everything they got inside the cage, though one of them should be crowned as a champion, both of them are real champions because of their performance and none of them avoided the other where they took the initiative not to engage whether in the ground or when they want to strike each other. lots of fighters will come to Islam Makachev since they saw his weakness in this fight and that would be another war for sure whoever it is, from now on, he will be fighting champions and he really deserves it.

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[inthelongrun]

Many are pretty much amazed at what Volkanovski is doing performing as an escape artist and he even was talking to Islam Makhachev when he was on his back like it was nothing to me many are well-known about how dominating Islam Makhachev is, but seeing how easily Alexander Volkanovski escapes him this kind of show that the boa constrictor was exposed with his ground submission,

The battle was really very close, in such battles it is very difficult to give an advantage to one of the fighters, but as they say in such cases, if you are a preetindent for the title, then you should be much better than the champion, to give you victory.

Therefore, the victory of Makhachev may not be as confidient as many would like, but still deserved. Maybe Volkanovsky was a little better in the rack, but Makhachev was better in wrestling. I saw that many people write that the Volk won, but I repeat, there was no convincing advantage, none of the fighters. I don’t even know if I would like to see the revenge match, or not, I assume that it will pass approximately the same.

But why are you not interested in a rematch between Volk and Makachev? Rematch is best staged when both protagonists made a very close fight which made it somehow controversial as the winner could've gone to any of them.

Although I do think that Volk is just too small at lightweight. Although it is not popular, maybe a catchweight at 153 will make the rematch more interesting. Volk won't stay in the division if he becomes a champ anyways.

I also wonder how judges score when someone was in a dominating position on the ground yet unable to threaten a submission. Isn't just like an aggressor in a stand-up position showing ring generalship by controlling the ring and the fight making its opponent back pedaling and in defensive mode but not able to deliver a huge blow? 

[AverageGlabella]

Although I do think that Volk is just too small at lightweight. Although it is not popular, maybe a catchweight at 153 will make the rematch more interesting. Volk won't stay in the division if he becomes a champ anyways.  

Volk just wrestled one of the best wrestlers in the ufc and he did that going up in weight. I do not think he is to small because he had the strength and he did struggle with the height difference but I think against worse opponents he will do better. Makhachev has very good striking and I think that is why he struggled if it was against any one else I think Volk wins and that is impressive when moving up a weight.

I also wonder how judges score when someone was in a dominating position on the ground yet unable to threaten a submission. Isn't just like an aggressor in a stand-up position showing ring generalship by controlling the ring and the fight making its opponent back pedaling and in defensive mode but not able to deliver a huge blow?  

Judges score control time which is what you are describing but to score it they need to be trying to advance their position they are lying down on their opponent and not doing any damage or moving positions you see the judges rule in the favor of the person that is being controlled but that requires the bottom fighter to be active enough to score points.

I have a bit opposite opinion. I think there will be no rematch, even though fans would love to see who is better (as this fight was rather close), or to see someone winning more persuasively. In the post fight interviews, Makhachev said that he wanted to test his striking more, and Volkanovski said that he needs that kind of fights to test himself, to learn new. So the both get what they wanted, both tested their skills, and now will go back to their divisions, smashing everyone else

It would be boring if they went back to their divisions because they are both going to dominate their divisions. They both need this test and we have saw a Moreno v Figuerdo for the 4th time so I think he will see this fight again and maybe a trilogy if the 2nd fight is as good and close as this one was.

[klidex]

Although I do think that Volk is just too small at lightweight. Although it is not popular, maybe a catchweight at 153 will make the rematch more interesting. Volk won't stay in the division if he becomes a champ anyways.

Volk does look too small at lightweight, but he is a strong fighter and one of the mixed martial arts fighters that can make him have pretty good and strong fighting skills.
We can't underestimate a fighter like Volk because even though he's small he has strong punches and a lot of power so that he can survive when he fights.
From the fight against Makachev he was able to prove that he was able to survive until the final round and only lost in points calculations because his opponent was indeed the king in the lightweight class as well as the holder of the lightweight defense belt with a winning record of 24 wins (4 KO) and one defeat.

[Balmain]

Surprisingly Makhachev can fight distance and have striking power, on other hand Volkanovski do have wrestling skill and not only have striking power, both of them clearly train themselves in the other fighting style in order to surprise or fix their disadvantages. Even Makhachev clearly won the fight since he landed more punches, but it deserve a rematch and we will see if Volkanovski can knock out Makhachev in the next fight.

Makhachev's next fight is said to be Poirier or a rematch with Oliveira.

I think a rematch with Volkanovski might better, when he was fight with Oliveira, Makhachev's win was solid and there's no competition from Oliveira.

I think Volkanovski Rematch might be better. Because if he fights Dustin Porier or Charles Oliveria, Islam will win by an overwhelming advantage. We all saw Volkanovski, he fought well for five rounds, I think he could have won if he had spent a little more power in 2,3 rounds. We know what made Islam's face, I think this match should be repeated. Dustin Porier and Charles can fight among themselves, look, such a match would be nice again, but not with Islam anymore.

[Unsoldier]

Many are pretty much amazed at what Volkanovski is doing performing as an escape artist and he even was talking to Islam Makhachev when he was on his back like it was nothing to me many are well-known about how dominating Islam Makhachev is, but seeing how easily Alexander Volkanovski escapes him this kind of show that the boa constrictor was exposed with his ground submission,

The battle was really very close, in such battles it is very difficult to give an advantage to one of the fighters, but as they say in such cases, if you are a preetindent for the title, then you should be much better than the champion, to give you victory.

Therefore, the victory of Makhachev may not be as confidient as many would like, but still deserved. Maybe Volkanovsky was a little better in the rack, but Makhachev was better in wrestling. I saw that many people write that the Volk won, but I repeat, there was no convincing advantage, none of the fighters. I don’t even know if I would like to see the revenge match, or not, I assume that it will pass approximately the same.

I agree with you. There's an unspoken rule in the UFC that if you're a contender you have to confidently beat your opponent, otherwise the judges will award victory to the champion. I'm not 100 percent sure about that, but in most cases it's true. Islam and Alex did their best, it was a great fight. Will there be a rematch? I'd love to see another fight between these guys.

[notblox1]

There are many controversies after Makhachev vs Volkanovski match, many people are thinking Volkanovski won the match, and I am sure we are going to see rematch soon.
Now there is one potential problem for Islam Makhachev after Dan Hooker accusing him for taking intravenous (IV) therapy after weigh-ins, that is illegal in UFC
Now we are waiting to see if USADA is going to say something about this and strip Makhachev from title:
https://twitter.com/danthehangman/status/1625041978743455745

[Welsh]

There are many controversies after Makhachev vs Volkanovski match, many people are thinking Volkanovski won the match, and I am sure we are going to see rematch soon.
Now there is one potential problem for Islam Makhachev after Dan Hooker accusing him for taking intravenous (IV) therapy after weigh-ins, that is illegal in UFC
Now we are waiting to see if USADA is going to say something about this and strip Makhachev from title:
https://twitter.com/danthehangman/status/1625041978743455745

I'm not saying Dan Hooker is wrong here, since he might have insider knowledge. However, he should probably supply an accusation with a name, and some evidence, but for all we know he has behind the scenes. The UFC might have asked him t keep somewhat silent on the details. So, I'm not going to be quick to judge, but I'm also not going to believe someone did that until there's a little bit of proof that's been made publicly.

At the moment, we have an accusation against Islam, and no evidence whatsoever. Just people assuming Dan's telling the truth because of insider knowledge. Also, I'm wondering why it is against the rules? Call me uneducated, but an IV could just be for rehydration. If a fighter is dehydrated because of the weight cut, and was sent to hospital it's exactly what they would do. So, Dan Accusing him of cheating, isn't exactly true. Cheating implies there's an advantage to be had. I guess, you could look at it like; it's not allowed, and therefore anyone that does IV does get an advantage. However, I'm not sure why it would be banned in the first place. It's definitely not to prevent fighters from nearly killing themselves, because we've seen plenty of evidence to suggest they really push the limits to cut weight.

I think I'd want my fighters getting fluid into them at a controlled rate to be honest. Sounds, like it'd be safer especially by a nurse. Again, not defending anyone here, but taking the accusations with a grain of salt. However, I'm also interested in the rules surrounding hydrating yourself after a weight cut.

[bbc.reporter]

There are many controversies after Makhachev vs Volkanovski match, many people are thinking Volkanovski won the match, and I am sure we are going to see rematch soon.
Now there is one potential problem for Islam Makhachev after Dan Hooker accusing him for taking intravenous (IV) therapy after weigh-ins, that is illegal in UFC
Now we are waiting to see if USADA is going to say something about this and strip Makhachev from title:
https://twitter.com/danthehangman/status/1625041978743455745

I am quite certain that it will be very easy to prove if he was given IV. The UFC can begin by looking at Islam's body if there are pin marks from the IV. It might be visible until now, I reckon. In any case, this will also be very difficult for the accuser to prove. Where did they hide the nurse? Was it Khabib dressed as his wife?



Cameras are always following the fighters everywhere including the hotel. Dan Hooker is very much similar tweeting like a bitcoin fudster hehehehehee.

[YuginKadoya]

pretty much I am excited on that rematch,

I have a bit opposite opinion. I think there will be no rematch, even though fans would love to see who is better (as this fight was rather close), or to see someone winning more persuasively. In the post fight interviews, Makhachev said that he wanted to test his striking more, and Volkanovski said that he needs that kind of fights to test himself, to learn new. So the both get what they wanted, both tested their skills, and now will go back to their divisions, smashing everyone else

Well, for me they will have a rematch but for me, they will have to fight some fights in their division 1st until it is time for Islam Makhachev to have a shot on Alex Volkanovski's belt well this is only a hunch I think it is only fair for Islam Makhachev to get a chance to have a title match for the belt of Volkanovski, but yeah I would love to see it again and this time with the gained knowledge on each other this is going to be a great match to watch,

Many are pretty much amazed at what Volkanovski is doing performing as an escape artist and he even was talking to Islam Makhachev when he was on his back like it was nothing to me many are well-known about how dominating Islam Makhachev is, but seeing how easily Alexander Volkanovski escapes him this kind of show that the boa constrictor was exposed with his ground submission,

The battle was really very close, in such battles it is very difficult to give an advantage to one of the fighters, but as they say in such cases, if you are a preetindent for the title, then you should be much better than the champion, to give you victory.

Therefore, the victory of Makhachev may not be as confidient as many would like, but still deserved. Maybe Volkanovsky was a little better in the rack, but Makhachev was better in wrestling. I saw that many people write that the Volk won, but I repeat, there was no convincing advantage, none of the fighters. I don’t even know if I would like to see the revenge match, or not, I assume that it will pass approximately the same.

I agree there are no convincing dominant fighters after this fight both are sure equal in terms I have said Alexander Volkanovski is surprised to see a great striking Makhachev and Islam also out strike him that leading to him winning, and also knocking him out, but gaining a bit easy escapes on Islam Makhachev's submission was the highlight people are enjoying right now, and exposing Makhachev's wrestling,

[owengtam09]

It seems many are still lingering with the UFC 284 and its result but certainly we are having another event and it is

UFC Fight Night: Andrade vs. Blanchfield

DATE and TIME: February 18, 2023, at 04:00 PM ET
EVENT: UFC Apex
LOCATION: Las Vegas, Nevada, United States



MAIN EVENT

Jéssica Andrade vs Erin Blanchfield

CO-MAIN EVENT

Zac Pauga vs Jordan Wright

MAIN CARD

Josh Parisian vs Jamal Pogues
William Knight vs Marcin Prachnio

PRELIMINARY CARD

Jim Miller vs Alexander Hernandez
Lina Länsberg vs Mayra Bueno Silva
Jamall Emmers vs Khusein Askhabov
Ovince St. Preux vs Philipe Lins
Nazim Sadykhov vs Evan Elder
AJ Fletcher vs Themba Gorimbo
Juancamilo Ronderos vs Clayton Carpenter

Information was from: https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/94589-ufc-fight-night

[Apocollapse]

It seems many are still lingering with the UFC 284 and its result but certainly we are having another event and it is

UFC Fight Night: Andrade vs. Blanchfield

So many unknown fighters in this fight and I don't see any underdog is worth to bet except the main card. Andrade is experienced but she's always lost when she fight with fighter who stronger than her, while Blanchfield she have a good record and this is her first test to fight with a high rank fighter. I see a possibility Blanchfield will pull an upset, she have a tough chin and I believe Andrade wouldn't easily make her fall.

[TopTort777]

I have a bit opposite opinion. I think there will be no rematch, even though fans would love to see who is better (as this fight was rather close), or to see someone winning more persuasively. In the post fight interviews, Makhachev said that he wanted to test his striking more, and Volkanovski said that he needs that kind of fights to test himself, to learn new. So the both get what they wanted, both tested their skills, and now will go back to their divisions, smashing everyone else

It would be boring if they went back to their divisions because they are both going to dominate their divisions. They both need this test and we have saw a Moreno v Figuerdo for the 4th time so I think he will see this fight again and maybe a trilogy if the 2nd fight is as good and close as this one was.

Lets see official revenue numbers of this event and try to predict if the gonna have a second fight or not. So far I havent manage to find any, but I often came across articles saying that PPV numbers gonna be somewhere around top10 PPV sales. I have also read that tickets were costly. Never been on UFC event, but I saw 4 digit numbers for a single UFC 284 ticket. I think that is a lot.

I have a bit opposite opinion. I think there will be no rematch, even though fans would love to see who is better (as this fight was rather close), or to see someone winning more persuasively. In the post fight interviews, Makhachev said that he wanted to test his striking more, and Volkanovski said that he needs that kind of fights to test himself, to learn new. So the both get what they wanted, both tested their skills, and now will go back to their divisions, smashing everyone else

It would be boring if they went back to their divisions because they are both going to dominate their divisions. They both need this test and we have saw a Moreno v Figuerdo for the 4th time so I think he will see this fight again and maybe a trilogy if the 2nd fight is as good and close as this one was.

But that exactly what is going to happen, they will get back to their divisions. They will fight again only if UFC will try to create a trashtalk or drama right now. Volkanovski has posted in his media, that he has rewatched the fight and he thinks he has taken 2,3 and 5 rounds, and won. Islam replied that "Volkanovski has won only 1 minute of the fight and received beating during 24minutes". If media and UFC can pump that, then we will get a rematch.

[tokeweed]

It seems many are still lingering with the UFC 284 and its result but certainly we are having another event and it is

UFC Fight Night: Andrade vs. Blanchfield

So many unknown fighters in this fight and I don't see any underdog is worth to bet except the main card. Andrade is experienced but she's always lost when she fight with fighter who stronger than her, while Blanchfield she have a good record and this is her first test to fight with a high rank fighter. I see a possibility Blanchfield will pull an upset, she have a tough chin and I believe Andrade wouldn't easily make her fall.

Don't think so.  Lol.  Andrade is a couple of levels higher than Blanchfield and the only reason why the line is a bit close is because Andrade took the match on short notice as the original opponent got injured.

But as far as underdogs go, at first glance I like OSP, Josh Parisian and Jordan Wright.  Themba Gorimbo could be a good one too just cos I want to fade Fletcher.  Lol.

Something to watch...

UFC Free Fight:  Blanchfield vs McCann
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmLyrVsLh2c

[Erumo]

UFC has scammed Islam Makhachev. Mens POUND-FOR-POUND ranking isnt updated. Islam Makhachev, but Alexander Volkanovski is still above him. https://www.ufc.com/rankings <--- check out yourself.

[bittraffic]

It seems many are still lingering with the UFC 284 and its result but certainly we are having another event and it is

UFC Fight Night: Andrade vs. Blanchfield

So many unknown fighters in this fight and I don't see any underdog is worth to bet except the main card. Andrade is experienced but she's always lost when she fight with fighter who stronger than her, while Blanchfield she have a good record and this is her first test to fight with a high rank fighter. I see a possibility Blanchfield will pull an upset, she have a tough chin and I believe Andrade wouldn't easily make her fall.

Don't think so.  Lol.  Andrade is a couple of levels higher than Blanchfield and the only reason why the line is a bit close is because Andrade took the match on short notice as the original opponent got injured.

But as far as underdogs go, at first glance I like OSP, Josh Parisian and Jordan Wright.  Themba Gorimbo could be a good one too just cos I want to fade Fletcher.  Lol.

Something to watch...

UFC Free Fight:  Blanchfield vs McCann
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmLyrVsLh2c

Feels like both can also submit each other if opportunity comes. I'm not sure who to bet though but there is no other fights this Saturday. I can see you are rooting for Blanchfield? She seem new, young and wants to prove something. While Jordan Wright was already fucked 3 in a row, whoever he is fighting will likely to win. Pauga it is.

This card sort of a filler episode in UFC but its still fun to watch still.

[Welsh]

Don't think so.  Lol.  Andrade is a couple of levels higher than Blanchfield and the only reason why the line is a bit close is because Andrade took the match on short notice as the original opponent got injured.

Yeah, I suspect closer to the event those odds will widen. So, if you plan on betting for Andrade it might be worth getting a early bet in. I'll probably be doing so. I still remember how she tossed Rose around like a rag doll. She's very strong in the division, and I think she gets it done convincingly. Honestly, the current odds have a decision around 6.00 which is tempting, but this fight is probably going to end up in a finish. Good value bet if you think Blanchfield can manage to stay up right though.

I'm not that confident in it going the distance though, so I'll just be betting on the outcome rather than the actual method of victory.

[Macadonian]

Photos on twitter of Islam Makachev having a puncture wound in his arm and is being accused of using a IV after the weigh ins. He could be stripped of his title if he is found guilty. I do not know if the UFC would have the balls to strip him but I think there will be a investigation and a lot of fighters are starting to talk about how he has broken rules in the past. This could get messy.

[eaLiTy]

~

At the moment, we have an accusation against Islam, and no evidence whatsoever. Just people assuming Dan's telling the truth because of insider knowledge. Also, I'm wondering why it is against the rules? Call me uneducated, but an IV could just be for rehydration. If a fighter is dehydrated because of the weight cut, and was sent to hospital it's exactly what they would do. So, Dan Accusing him of cheating, isn't exactly true. Cheating implies there's an advantage to be had. I guess, you could look at it like; it's not allowed, and therefore anyone that does IV does get an advantage. However, I'm not sure why it would be banned in the first place. It's definitely not to prevent fighters from nearly killing themselves, because we've seen plenty of evidence to suggest they really push the limits to cut weight.

USADA made this rule because IV will help in increasing the plasma levels and they claim that using IV will have a huge difference in the athletes biological passport.

Regarding the accusation, i believe USADA will be collecting samples after the event as well and they can verify easily if the accusation is true or not. I heard complaints regarding the recovery timings for UFC 284 from the Islam camp as all the fighters got only 24 hours to recover, usually they get 48 hours to recover after weight cut and Zubaira Tukhugov had to be in the arena at 2 AM after the weigh cut with not enough time to recover or got the time to take rest and that affected his performance.

I think I'd want my fighters getting fluid into them at a controlled rate to be honest. Sounds, like it'd be safer especially by a nurse. Again, not defending anyone here, but taking the accusations with a grain of salt. However, I'm also interested in the rules surrounding hydrating yourself after a weight cut.

Water intake and normal food, no other external effort to hydrate yourself during the event. Majority of the top fighters have a nutritionist who take care of these things.

[AakZaki]

I thought Jeka Saragih would fail to join the UFC but it turned out to be wrong. It looks like he's still on contract to compete in the UFC. From the local media I read if he got a 5-match contract with the UFC. This is history for Indoesia there is one athlete who can enter the world-class competition. Reportedly he came in and got a UFC contract because of the match record he had gotten in the match before the final road to the UFC.