🥊 The UFC Info and Prediction Thread

[tokeweed]

^  What's the line on Topuria?  If it's anything crazy like 3.50 then you're like forced to bet on him because it's starting to go into price that's going to be +EV.  Even if you lose, if the opportunity comes up again, the right move is to make the bet.  :/

Do you mean odds? I just checked odds on flashscore and the history of odds look like this:
Previous odds: Volkanovski - 1.53 || Topuria - 2.63
Current odds: Volkanovski - 1.91 || Topuria 1.91

It seems, bookmakers keen towards Topuria. I look at the comments and Topuria had higher odds, I think 1.91 will be the final odd or if they increase Volk's odds and decrease Topuria's odds, that will be a huge mental shock for Volk. It probably already is when it moves from 1.53 to 1.91 and you are getting anticipated. Many people even compare this fight to Aldo - McGregor.

I don't think it's the book makers who are moving this line.  From the odds history you have there, the books opened it at 1.53...  Meaning they favor Volk.  What moved the line could be sharp money thinking that Topuria at 2.63 could be value or maybe Volk isn't fully healthy rn.  But yeah, it's weird.  Best way to know is to check Volk's Insta and see what he's up to.  :/

...  Just checked and it looks like he's ok.  He's training and promoting some stuff.  Still a weird line movement tho.

UFC Fight Night:  Hermansson vs Pyfer - Weigh In Highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfPC2xsxMGE

UFC Fight Night:  Hermansson vs Pyfer - Face Off
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFTmBx30Cys

Edit:  Almost forgot...  Weigh in results.

Jack Hermansson (185) vs Joe Pyfer (185.5)
Andre Fili (146) vs Dan Ige (146)
Robert Bryczek (185.5) vs Ihor Potieria (187.5)*
Gregory Rodrigues (186) vs Brad Tavares (186)
Darrius Flowers (156) vs Michael Johnson (156)
Armen Petrosyan (186) vs Rodolfo Vieira (185.5)
Trevin Giles (171) vs Carlos Prates (171)
Tim Cuamba (155) vs Bolaji Oki (156)
Bruna Brasil (115.5) vs Loma Lookboonmee (115.5)
Devin Clark (204.5) vs Marcin Prachnio (204.5)
Max Griffin (170.5) vs Jeremiah Wells (171)
Bogdan Guskov (205.5) vs Zac Pauga (206)
Hyder Amil (145.5) vs Fernie Garcia (146)
Daniel Marcos (136) vs Aori Qileng (136)

*Missed weight

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[pawel7777]

It seems, bookmakers keen towards Topuria. I look at the comments and Topuria had higher odds, I think 1.91 will be the final odd or if they increase Volk's odds and decrease Topuria's odds, that will be a huge mental shock for Volk. It probably already is when it moves from 1.53 to 1.91 and you are getting anticipated. Many people even compare this fight to Aldo - McGregor.

I have no clue how do bookies set their odds, but I suspect they adjust them accordingly to how people are betting. So if public perception is that Volk is on the decline (because of the way he lost to Islam) and that Topuria is on the rise, and much more money was going on Topuria - then they might be forced to adjust the odds to mitigate the risk of making losses in case of Volk's losing.

Volkanovski is favorite to win but some people are saying he is too old to fight in same level with Topuria so he made great funny video for this, and you must watch it.
It is only two minutes long so you wont waste time, and he did a good job acting and making fun of himself, and I think he earned some money from casino for doing this:
https://youtu.be/C2nsn2uzWog

That's pretty funny. He's got a lot of distance to himself and probably one of the strongest mentalities in the sport.

[jakelyson]

I agree with the exception that the odds are simply not attractive enough. x2.02 is hardly an underdog, it's more of an even fight according to bookies.

Bookies might have considered the losses that Volkanovski attained against Islam Makhachev, but I think they also have considered that Volkanovski is not in the great shape he can be, while Ilia Topuria right now has an undefeated record in the UFC a solid ground game and his striking was really superb, that the likes of Josh Emmett that has a power in his strikes and Ilia Topuria is just a very technical fighter and a very calculative fighter for sure Volkanovski will really need all the knowledge he can get in handling Topuria.
 

Yup, they updated it and the fight is no longer showing as cancelled.

I really don't know what has happened to that card why it was canceled then all of a sudden it was OK, this is just my opinion it is all an error on the side that corresponds to who's updating the fights, but it could just been an error.

I don't think women should be fighting in mma at all, but currently there are 2 main events, plus, Weili Zhang VS Xiaonan Yan may not be exciting to you or me, but both of them are Chinese so potentially it could bring a lot of views from their fellow countrymen. I understand mma is getting more popular in China, so it could be a way for the UFC to expand.

Well, we both agreed that women's fights are really boring. but I think I am OK for them to fight because I believe in equality for both genders and for them to fight in the UFC or other fighting organizations as well there are some fights that are really boring although there are some that are really great and I am not really bothered watching it, and yes it is indeed additional views for their countrymen and a way for the UFC to grow in some way going to expand a fan base.

[Lykslyks]

Do you mean odds? I just checked odds on flashscore and the history of odds look like this:
Previous odds: Volkanovski - 1.53 || Topuria - 2.63
Current odds: Volkanovski - 1.91 || Topuria 1.91

It seems, bookmakers keen towards Topuria. I look at the comments and Topuria had higher odds, I think 1.91 will be the final odd or if they increase Volk's odds and decrease Topuria's odds, that will be a huge mental shock for Volk. It probably already is when it moves from 1.53 to 1.91 and you are getting anticipated. Many people even compare this fight to Aldo - McGregor.

I think both Line and Odds are the same based on gambling but I guess there are some that really prefer Odds just to be sure anyway it seems that Volkanovski's credibility is shattering the moment he seems to say something weird in the media some fans do not really believe what Volkanovski has to say for his fight as in the recent fight with Islam Makhachev that destroys his career people and himself believed that they definitely won that 1st fight not counting the fact that Makhachev can up his game on their 2nd fight, he thought that he can become a better fighter by doing nothing specific in the 2nd fight and just handed it down on Makhachev he thinks he can do any better but he was surely wrong I think this has given the fan some unliking for Volk because of that 2nd fight,

Volkanovski is favorite to win but some people are saying he is too old to fight in same level with Topuria so he made great funny video for this, and you must watch it.
It is only two minutes long so you wont waste time, and he did a good job acting and making fun of himself, and I think he earned some money from casino for doing this:
https://youtu.be/C2nsn2uzWog

I was laughing my heart out while seeing Alexander Volkanovski make fun of himself, the age gap is seriously alarming and he could be taken out by a fighter 8 years younger than him, because Ilia Topuria is 27 years old, for me I really like Volkanovski but his recent fight was really not that great there might be an impact in him to not do a great job in this fight aswell and I am really concern about him right now but maybe he can definitely pull this off, but even though I like Volkanovski Ilia Topuria is surprisingly OK as a fighter, aswell maybe if Alexander Volkanovski is finished with his fighting career maybe he can also try acting like Conor McGregor or maybe he could start with the next Expandables 5.

[tokeweed]

And there we go, another hyped up prospect as a 2 to 1 favorite losing to a vet.  Typical...  And these spots happen more than usual in the UFC which is what makes watching it more exciting.

Here are the results.  Pretty decent event imho.

Jack Hermansson def Joe Pyfer Decision UD
Dan Ige def Andre Fili KO R1
Ihor Potieria def Robert Bryczek UD
Gregory Rodrigues def Brad Tavares TKO R3
Michael Johnson def Darrius Flowers Decision UD
Rodolfo Vieira def Armen Petrosyan Sub R1
Carlos Prates def Trevin Giles KO R2
LBolaji Oki def Timothy Cuamba Decision SD
Loma Lookboonmee def Bruna Brasil UD
Marcin Prachnio def Devin Clark UD
Max Griffin def Jeremiah Wells SD
Bogdan Guskov def Zac Pauga KO R1
Hyder Amil def Fernie Garcia TKO R2
Daniel Marcos vs Aori Qileng No Contest

UFC Fight Night:  Hermansson vs Pyfer - Post Fight Press Conference
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puY9cTNtfC8

And on we go to the next event...  UFC 298.

Date:  Saturday, Feb 17
Main Card (PPV):  10:00pm EST
Preliminary Card (ESPN/ESPN+):  8:00pm EST
Early Preliminary Card (ESPN/ESPN+):  6:30pm EST
Venue:  Honda Center, Anaheim, California
Live Streams:  



Main Card (PPV)
Alexander Volkanovski vs Ilia Topuria
Robert Whittaker vs Paulo Costa            
Geoff Neal vs Ian Machado Garry   
Merab Dvalishvili vs Henry Cejudo            
Anthony Hernandez vs Roman Kopylov   

Preliminary Card (ESPN/ESPN+)
Amanda Lemos vs Mackenzie Dern            
Marcos Rogerio de Lima vs Justin Tafa            
Rinya Nakamura vs Carlos Vera            
Zhang Mingyang vs Brendson Ribeiro

Early Preliminary Card (ESPN/ESPN+)
Josh Quinlan vs Danny Barlow            
Oban Elliott vs Val Woodburn
Andrea Lee vs Miranda Maverick

UFC 298:  Countdown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qk1CfiGdmAc

[yazher]

And there we go, another hyped up prospect as a 2 to 1 favorite losing to a vet.  Typical...  And these spots happen more than usual in the UFC which is what makes watching it more exciting.
Main Card (PPV)
Alexander Volkanovski vs Ilia Topuria
Robert Whittaker vs Paulo Costa            
Geoff Neal vs Ian Machado Garry   
Merab Dvalishvili vs Henry Cejudo            
Anthony Hernandez vs Roman Kopylov   

I'm glad to see Volkanovski back in action again and back in his usual weight where he is comfortable to beat everyone inside the octagon. Let's see how he used his experience back in his comfort zone after the simultaneous two losses against Islam. Now that his fighting for the championship again, it will be an opportunity for him to regain back his honor because this guy is honorable and no one thought that he would be an easy opponent against Islam after their 1st fight when he lost, he also lost some respect because he looks like he reached his limit in that 2 fights. So this fight meant a lot for him because this is where he stands back again.

[cabron]

And there we go, another hyped up prospect as a 2 to 1 favorite losing to a vet.  Typical...  And these spots happen more than usual in the UFC which is what makes watching it more exciting.
Main Card (PPV)
Alexander Volkanovski vs Ilia Topuria
Robert Whittaker vs Paulo Costa         
Geoff Neal vs Ian Machado Garry   
Merab Dvalishvili vs Henry Cejudo            
Anthony Hernandez vs Roman Kopylov   

I'm glad to see Volkanovski back in action again and back in his usual weight where he is comfortable to beat everyone inside the octagon. Let's see how he used his experience back in his comfort zone after the simultaneous two losses against Islam. Now that his fighting for the championship again, it will be an opportunity for him to regain back his honor because this guy is honorable and no one thought that he would be an easy opponent against Islam after their 1st fight when he lost, he also lost some respect because he looks like he reached his limit in that 2 fights. So this fight meant a lot for him because this is where he stands back again.

The odds in Volkanovski vs Topuria are so tight. Can't say Topuria isn't capable of submitting Volk but it could be too early for him to get this shot and Volk is a tough fighter for Topuria. With Volks' striking, Topuria will be forced to bring the fight to the ground to win. It's way hard to speculate on this fight but I could choose the fighters below to win their fights.

Paulo Costa
Ian Machado Garry
Merab Dvalishvili
Roman Kopylov

[pawel7777]

(...) but I think I am OK for them to fight because I believe in equality for both genders (...)

Men and women are supposed to be complementary, not equal.
I'm not necessarily for banning women from MMA, but I won't support that either. I just take it as a symptom of an unhealthy society.

(...) the age gap is seriously alarming and he could be taken out by a fighter 8 years younger than him, (...)

Volkanovski is only 35. Depending on his genetics, he could still be within his peak performance period. Writing him off, just because of that head-kick KO loss is not serious. His previous fight against Islam was widely seen as his success not failure, and he also defeated Rodriguez in between those fights,

[jakelyson]

And there we go, another hyped up prospect as a 2 to 1 favorite losing to a vet.  Typical...  And these spots happen more than usual in the UFC which is what makes watching it more exciting.

Here are the results.  Pretty decent event imho.

Jack Hermansson def Joe Pyfer Decision UD

It was a great win for Jack Hermansson and he schooled Joe Pyfer from that fight he taught him that it is not guaranteed that you have the most powerful punch in the entire UFC because technique and skill are the ones that will make you win a fight, and in this fight, he has shown how great of a deal really is the skill and technique of a fighter than his power alone, and for sure Joe Pyfer's hype was derailed by Jack Hermansson, it was a hyper derailed.

I'm glad to see Volkanovski back in action again and back in his usual weight where he is comfortable to beat everyone inside the octagon. Let's see how he used his experience back in his comfort zone after the simultaneous two losses against Islam. Now that his fighting for the championship again, it will be an opportunity for him to regain back his honor because this guy is honorable and no one thought that he would be an easy opponent against Islam after their 1st fight when he lost, he also lost some respect because he looks like he reached his limit in that 2 fights. So this fight meant a lot for him because this is where he stands back again.

He badly needed a win right now and many fans are really doubting if he can beat Ilia Topuria now that they have seen that he is having a difficult time against Islam Makhachev, well for me actually I think Ilia Topuria is a dangerous opponent against Volkanovski even though this is his weight class for me I think that Ilia Topuria also has a great striking and ground offense and defense that could make Volk falter for me Volkanovski can not underestimate Topuria even though Volkanovski have an experience in fighting in another division he can not let his guard down that is for sure.

Men and women are supposed to be complementary, not equal.
I'm not necessarily for banning women from MMA, but I won't support that either. I just take it as a symptom of an unhealthy society.

We have different views about things and I mean equal rights in society and I still believe that there are things that men can do and women can not do, or vice versa women can do and men can not do, for sure I believe in that and yeah I am not for Banning woman into MMA.

[Hirose UK]

(...) the age gap is seriously alarming and he could be taken out by a fighter 8 years younger than him, (...)

Volkanovski is only 35. Depending on his genetics, he could still be within his peak performance period. Writing him off, just because of that head-kick KO loss is not serious. His previous fight against Islam was widely seen as his success not failure, and he also defeated Rodriguez in between those fights,

Volkanovski is indeed pretty great UFC fighter and he has managed to keep several titles on his record, but he is fighter who can't do much when he meets Islam, I think Volkanovski has lost some of his performance as tough fighter.
He has suffered 3 defeats in the history of being UFC fighter and these defeats made Volkanovski fighter who is sometimes underestimated by many people, I really cannot forget how Volkanovski met Islam in two fights and all of them were defeats.
A knockout was the final result in the second fight at UFC 294 and it was humiliating defeat for Volkanovski, even the coach was not sure if Volkanovski would be able to beat Islam in that fight.

Next, Volkanovski will face Topuria, who is young fighter who is currently ranked 3rd in the UFC featherweight class and has never been defeated.
Volkanovski could lose to Topuria in the next meeting and I sure Topuria has prepared everything to face featherweight champion Volkanovski.

[TopTort777]

Wow. I even rubbed my eyes twice this morning when I saw Paulo Costa fighting. Amazing. Finally we gonna see him (and probably loosing by UD:D). Or Costa has more 7 days to withdraw or fail fight to happen, what he has done last 3 or 4 times. I would be watching and expecting more for his excuses, then expecting to watch main event

Why Dvalishvili is fighting Cejudo, but Aljo (he refused because they are "friends") or Sandhagen for example? Why there is even all-of-a-sudden-returned Cejudo? And ranked so high after a lose and 3years pause.

[inthelongrun]

Maybe most of you already watched Sean Strickland's sparring session with an influencer named Sneako. Sneako thought it would be a fun sparring session. But Sean let his hands go at the last minute busting Sneako's face. And Sean did not even stop the carnage even if there were a lot of towels being thrown already.

Maybe this way, fighters who are locked in by their promotional contracts and are not allowed to make even exhibition fights can still earn through sparring sessions with influencers like Jake Paul that will be shown live online. I would love Sean busting Jake Paul's face.

[jakelyson]

Volkanovski is indeed pretty great UFC fighter and he has managed to keep several titles on his record, but he is fighter who can't do much when he meets Islam, I think Volkanovski has lost some of his performance as tough fighter.
He has suffered 3 defeats in the history of being UFC fighter and these defeats made Volkanovski fighter who is sometimes underestimated by many people, I really cannot forget how Volkanovski met Islam in two fights and all of them were defeats.
A knockout was the final result in the second fight at UFC 294 and it was humiliating defeat for Volkanovski, even the coach was not sure if Volkanovski would be able to beat Islam in that fight.

Next, Volkanovski will face Topuria, who is young fighter who is currently ranked 3rd in the UFC featherweight class and has never been defeated.
Volkanovski could lose to Topuria in the next meeting and I sure Topuria has prepared everything to face featherweight champion Volkanovski.

Topuria badly wants to fight the champion Alexander Volkanovski for sure and because of that I really think that Ilia Topuria is ready to fight anyone in my opinion and right now that Alexander Volkanovski has made a mistake I think Topuria will expose this side of Volkanovski, for sure this is going to be an interesting fight and because I think this is going to be an unpredictable fight it could go the other way as if Topuria could be the underdog this is a great chance if you want bet and ready to risk it on Topuria.

Wow. I even rubbed my eyes twice this morning when I saw Paulo Costa fighting. Amazing. Finally we gonna see him (and probably loosing by UD:D). Or Costa has more 7 days to withdraw or fail fight to happen, what he has done last 3 or 4 times. I would be watching and expecting more for his excuses, then expecting to watch main event

Why Dvalishvili is fighting Cejudo, but Aljo (he refused because they are "friends") or Sandhagen for example? Why there is even all-of-a-sudden-returned Cejudo? And ranked so high after a lose and 3years pause.

UFC 298 is going to be an interesting event for sure I have looked at the fighters that will be fighting in that event and what do you know Paulo Costa will be fighting Robert Whittaker and for that particular fight I think Costa will need to use his all and learned the ground game as this is Whittaker's weakness, we will be having Geoff Neal VS Ian Machado Garry, Merab Dvalishvili VS Henry Cejudo, for me this are the fights that are promising and most fans are expecting to see and very anticipated in seeing for the next UFC event.

[tokeweed]

And there we go, another hyped up prospect as a 2 to 1 favorite losing to a vet.  Typical...  And these spots happen more than usual in the UFC which is what makes watching it more exciting.
Main Card (PPV)
Alexander Volkanovski vs Ilia Topuria
Robert Whittaker vs Paulo Costa         
Geoff Neal vs Ian Machado Garry   
Merab Dvalishvili vs Henry Cejudo            
Anthony Hernandez vs Roman Kopylov   

I'm glad to see Volkanovski back in action again and back in his usual weight where he is comfortable to beat everyone inside the octagon. Let's see how he used his experience back in his comfort zone after the simultaneous two losses against Islam. Now that his fighting for the championship again, it will be an opportunity for him to regain back his honor because this guy is honorable and no one thought that he would be an easy opponent against Islam after their 1st fight when he lost, he also lost some respect because he looks like he reached his limit in that 2 fights. So this fight meant a lot for him because this is where he stands back again.

The odds in Volkanovski vs Topuria are so tight. Can't say Topuria isn't capable of submitting Volk but it could be too early for him to get this shot and Volk is a tough fighter for Topuria. With Volks' striking, Topuria will be forced to bring the fight to the ground to win. It's way hard to speculate on this fight but I could choose the fighters below to win their fights.

Paulo Costa
Ian Machado Garry
Merab Dvalishvili
Roman Kopylov

Costa is a live underdog but I'm giving Whittaker another chance. 

Garry will win but the line is almost forcing you to bet on Neal.  The guy has more experience in the cage and Garry will be exposed sooner or later.  It's just I don't think it's gonna be Neal. 

I got Cejudo as the underdog.

And totally agree with the Kopylov pick as the underdog!  Sometimes you just have this tingling feeling that the right pick is the underdog.  And from optics alone, Kopylov looks better in the cage than Hernandez.  Dunno... 

[Synchronice]

I don't think it's the book makers who are moving this line.  From the odds history you have there, the books opened it at 1.53...  Meaning they favor Volk.  What moved the line could be sharp money thinking that Topuria at 2.63 could be value or maybe Volk isn't fully healthy rn.  But yeah, it's weird.  Best way to know is to check Volk's Insta and see what he's up to.  :/

...  Just checked and it looks like he's ok.  He's training and promoting some stuff.  Still a weird line movement tho.

Bookmakers closely analyze the performance of teams, player and also many other small details, then they decide odds themselves and traditionally stronger teams/players have low odds because they are expected more likely to win, i.e. more likely bet on them will provide outcome for casinos.

I have no clue how do bookies set their odds, but I suspect they adjust them accordingly to how people are betting. So if public perception is that Volk is on the decline (because of the way he lost to Islam) and that Topuria is on the rise, and much more money was going on Topuria - then they might be forced to adjust the odds to mitigate the risk of making losses in case of Volk's losing.

I can't say with 100 certainty either but I tried to explain above this quote. Bookmakers offer you fixed bets at first, it's not an event against other users inside particular bookmaker, so, they have to provide odds before they start analyzing of which user bets on which team or player.

[Swordsoffreedom]

Wow. I even rubbed my eyes twice this morning when I saw Paulo Costa fighting. Amazing. Finally we gonna see him (and probably loosing by UD:D). Or Costa has more 7 days to withdraw or fail fight to happen, what he has done last 3 or 4 times. I would be watching and expecting more for his excuses, then expecting to watch main event

Why Dvalishvili is fighting Cejudo, but Aljo (he refused because they are "friends") or Sandhagen for example? Why there is even all-of-a-sudden-returned Cejudo? And ranked so high after a lose and 3years pause.

Last time we saw Paolo Costa fight was in August 2022. Even the fight before that got canceled. And since that fight happened, every fight he was scheduled to, got canceled. But finally, I guess we will watch him fight. And yes just like you, probably a lot of people are also expecting some excuses.

I also do not understand why Cejudo has been given the chance. I thought there were other fighters better suited for this. I thought he will have to do a lot of things to actually convince the authority. But for some reason, even though he did take a break of 3 years and lost the fight he did after coming back, he is getting a chance again.

[fuguebtc]

Maybe most of you already watched Sean Strickland's sparring session with an influencer named Sneako. Sneako thought it would be a fun sparring session. But Sean let his hands go at the last minute busting Sneako's face. And Sean did not even stop the carnage even if there were a lot of towels being thrown already.

Maybe this way, fighters who are locked in by their promotional contracts and are not allowed to make even exhibition fights can still earn through sparring sessions with influencers like Jake Paul that will be shown live online. I would love Sean busting Jake Paul's face.

It is definitely not going to be as easy as Sneako. Jake Paul is actually good. I saw the fight/spar between Sean Strickland and Sneako. It definitely did not like a sparring session in the last 30 seconds. Sean Strickland went all out. I am actually surprised to see Sneako standing after taking that beating. And all those people who are saying that Sean should not have gone that hard, what the dude literally wanted is sparring session with Sean Strickland. What did he expect?

I think this definitely has sparked the conversation of Sean versus Jake Paul. There is a lot of back and forth talking going on between these two in Twitter. Let's see what happens.

[Lykslyks]

I'm glad to see Volkanovski back in action again and back in his usual weight where he is comfortable to beat everyone inside the octagon. Let's see how he used his experience back in his comfort zone after the simultaneous two losses against Islam. Now that his fighting for the championship again, it will be an opportunity for him to regain back his honor because this guy is honorable and no one thought that he would be an easy opponent against Islam after their 1st fight when he lost, he also lost some respect because he looks like he reached his limit in that 2 fights. So this fight meant a lot for him because this is where he stands back again.

For sure if Volkanovski is around it will be another fun event for the UFC however his opponent looks intimidating and he was like he doesn't have any weakness whatsoever in him, Ilia Topuria is surely a fighter with the caliber that Volkanovski might have a little trouble with so this is why the odds are very close this is surely why this fight is interesting many fans think that Volk is old and needs to be replaced while many believe that Ilia Topuria is the one that will get the reign of Alexander Volkanovski, and in my opinion, I am really concern on the Future of Volkanovski is really in danger having Topuria as a challenger.

The odds in Volkanovski vs Topuria are so tight. Can't say Topuria isn't capable of submitting Volk but it could be too early for him to get this shot and Volk is a tough fighter for Topuria. With Volks' striking, Topuria will be forced to bring the fight to the ground to win. It's way hard to speculate on this fight but I could choose the fighters below to win their fights.

Paulo Costa
Ian Machado Garry
Merab Dvalishvili
Roman Kopylov

As we all know Volkanovski has a remarkable defense on the ground, which is why it is very hard if Topuria can submit Volk that easily as shown in the previous match of Islam Makhachev VS Alexander Volkanovski, that Volk has pretty much solid ground defense but that is if Ilia Topuria has the power to make that submission successfully executed.

Now I am baffled if Robert Whittaker can outpower Paulo Costa because of their body physique or just outsmart him, Robert Whittaker is a technical fighter so he will win based on the strike landed on his opponent, while I can not guarantee that Paulo Costa will really win in this I can say we can not underestimate Whittaker if he can not handle the strength of Costa.

While Merab Dvalishvili in my opinion has the strength and Cardio that an old Henry Cejudo can take for me base on the Aljamain Sterling fight it is just that Cejudo is too old for this.

Volkanovski is only 35. Depending on his genetics, he could still be within his peak performance period. Writing him off, just because of that head-kick KO loss is not serious. His previous fight against Islam was widely seen as his success not failure, and he also defeated Rodriguez in between those fights,

Well, I am not writing him off as he will likely lose for sure this is going to be a great match but I should say Topuria will give him a hard time and he fought Yair Rodriguez on July 8, 2023, after 2 months, and something he fought Islam Makhachev within that short span of time and lost to a head kick, then after maybe 3 months he is fighting again, and this time Ilia Topuria, it was like the time of his recovery is just short and I think he may need a more longer period to fight again.

[TopTort777]

I know that I am jumping far ahead, but can someone explain and remind me about BMF belt and title. Wasnt it like a special belt that was challenged between Masvidal and Diaz, and it supposed to be one time challenge/belt/title? I mean how can it travelled from Masvidal to Gaethe/Poirier? Sure they arent most BMF in UFC Now on UFC 300 Gaethje is defending this title Title that is not even in UFC ranking

[jakelyson]

Costa is a live underdog but I'm giving Whittaker another chance. 

Garry will win but the line is almost forcing you to bet on Neal.  The guy has more experience in the cage and Garry will be exposed sooner or later.  It's just I don't think it's gonna be Neal. 

I got Cejudo as the underdog.

And totally agree with the Kopylov pick as the underdog!  Sometimes you just have this tingling feeling that the right pick is the underdog.  And from optics alone, Kopylov looks better in the cage than Hernandez.  Dunno... 

For sure even if Costa looks more powerful than Whittaker we can not underestimate Robert Whittaker his fight with Marvin Vettori was one of the epic fights in the UFC and with Jared Cannonier or the likes of Kelvin Gastelum, we can be sure that Whittaker is a master of his class.

While I agree Neal Magny's experience is one that should not be taken lightly as far as I know these two have a beef with each other when Garry initially was taking to Magny's kid that Niel was a child abuser, which is not true, for me accusing someone that they didn't do is a big offense.

For me I got Merab Dvalishvili I really think that his cardio is more will do than Cejudo has, and because of their age gap that is 4 years, for me Henry Cejudo because he is not active inside the ring for a  long time I think I will favor Merab Dvalishvili,

I know that I am jumping far ahead, but can someone explain and remind me about BMF belt and title. Wasnt it like a special belt that was challenged between Masvidal and Diaz, and it supposed to be one time challenge/belt/title? I mean how can it travelled from Masvidal to Gaethe/Poirier? Sure they arent most BMF in UFC Now on UFC 300 Gaethje is defending this title Title that is not even in UFC ranking

Well, I know that the BMF is a special belt but for some like Masvidal, Porier, and McGregor this belt meant something them but it is just a special belt for fighters that don't want that belt or holds real significance to them, but for sure it is one of the additional belt that a fighter can take if you won that fight and that BMF belt is at stake and for some fighters this is a significant something for sure an additional Belt and collection for them.