🥊 The UFC Info and Prediction Thread

[TopTort777]

And Hooker is washed bro.  I think it's time for him to retire due to a lot of damage taken throughout the years.  But due to his opponent is new to the UFC, I have a feeling that he could make this one close.  

Dan Hooker vs Mateusz Gamrot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQcJV5xsdM8

I though you would post Hooker vs Poirier fight https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mr64Pu9LZ7A I think that was one of the fights were Hooker took most of damage in his career. He even was taken to hospital after the fight, that is how bad his condition was, even though fight has ended with decision. Who would you pick? Hooker is a huge underdog with +5.00 odds. Crazy opportunity if Parnasse is soo cool and have great record because he fought in Poland KSW

[tokeweed]

^  If you think this is gonna be like the main event last weekend then I'd say it's a bad comparison.  Song Yadong has yet to reach his ceiling while Dan Hooker already did and is now declining.  I mean sure it would be a good gamble at that line but that line is at that price for a good reason.

But we'll see...  I might be in the mood to put him in the degen parlay for the lulz. 

Here a replay of MVP.

Michael Venom Page vs Jared Cannonier
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDmum4qMZhI

[Pumared]

I chuckled.

This was Umar's 2nd loss. I believe he was a massive favourite, but odds don't fight.
There is some controversy about Usman storming into the octagon and trying to elbow celebrating Song, but I think the situation is blown out of proportion.

It would be a nice story for Usman, currently a free agent (if I'm not mistaken), to sign the contract with the UFC and fight Song in his first UFC fight to avenge his brother, but he fights in a different weight class, so that won't happen.

This could be the beginning of the end for Dagestani fighters. As others have commented here before, the boring grappling and control fights, which I also predicted might be coming to an end. It's all about knowing how to knock out your opponent. Before this fight, Garry had a great chance but was more concerned with defending takedowns than going on the offensive and landing precise punches. Maybe that's all it takes to beat them.

Just by because Umar lost for the 2nd time, doesn't mean that it's the end for Dagestani fighters. Dagestani fighters still have amazing records compared to any other fighters and in general, fighters from Caucasus region are on another level and that's not only true, that can disappear overnight because they are mostly genetically stronger and tougher than people from the rest of the world. That's why so many Dagestani and Georgian and Caucasian fighters in general are top fighters in UFC.

Agreed on this argument. It is very headshaking that people will declare that this is the beginning of the end for Dagestani fighters because losses are very much needed to give strength to fighters! I reckon if Islam will lose his next fight, this will still not be the beginning of the end for them because team Khabib is very much alive to train more young fighters and follow father's plan!

In any case, I predict the Islam will lose within 3 fights if he does not retire.

I don't diminish their merits; the point is that at some point their fighting style will be surpassed by other fighters, and that was precisely the case with Umar. While he was trying to control the fight, and I bet on that, he took a punch and fell. Now, it's just a matter of other fighters doing the same.

Furthermore, there's the issue that the UFC isn't hiring fighters who stall the fight; they're looking for fighters who deliver entertainment. So, it's natural that at some point we won't have fighters with that style.

[eaLiTy]

~
I understand your point, but before it's a job, the UFC is entertainment. If they don't provide good fights, excitement, screams of surprise, and plot twists, they'll go bankrupt or someone else will deliver better entertainment. So, the fights absolutely need to be good, and I'm sure a good fight isn't just grappling; that's part of it. But a 5-round fight that's all grappling doesn't sell.

I love fighting in its entirety, which is why I would actually love to watch MMA. If not, I would just focus on boxing, kickboxing, or Muay Thai tournaments for pure stand-ups. I am not in favor of takedowns used just to stall for time, but the entire grappling process itself is actually fascinating to me.

Not all Russian fighters are just wrestlers, even if they have a Sambo background. There are fighters like Shara Bullet, Shamil Musaev, Asadula Imangazaliev, Anatoly Malykhin, Ikram Aliskerov, Movsar Evloev, and Azamat Murzakanov—their striking is elite. Zabit Magomedsharipov is still one of my absolute favorites. Even with that short UFC run, his striking was pure beauty. It is sad that health issues forced him out early.

~
I don't diminish their merits; the point is that at some point their fighting style will be surpassed by other fighters, and that was precisely the case with Umar. While he was trying to control the fight, and I bet on that, he took a punch and fell. Now, it's just a matter of other fighters doing the same.

Islam Makhachev got knocked out early in his UFC career. I wonder why no one copied that blueprint, he wouldn't have gone on an 18-fight winning streak. Why isn't everyone else just doing what Adriano Martins did and catching him clean? The logic just doesn't add up. If I take that logic, then he should not have won this many fights after that knockout loss.  

Furthermore, there's the issue that the UFC isn't hiring fighters who stall the fight; they're looking for fighters who deliver entertainment. So, it's natural that at some point we won't have fighters with that style.

I already pointed out the reason earlier why Russian fighters are not getting booked simply because of visa issues.

[TopTort777]

But we'll see...  I might be in the mood to put him in the degen parlay for the lulz. 

Lol, please dont be in the mood. +5.00 is to risky to bet. There are plenty of opportunities to spoil parlay Pick Bukauskas if you want an underdog to be in your parlay. If we use math and paper, then Bukauskas beaten guy who Oumar Sy has lost. Sy is on zebra record and he is not doing well in UFC. Bukauskas looks more experienced fighter in this matchup. If I wanted to risk money, I would pick something else than Hooker.

[tokeweed]

^  Lol...  No matter how I try to convince myself to take Hooker, I just couldn't.    I took Ryan Spann tho, as it could be one of those volatile heavyweight match ups.  You just never know.

But yeah, here are the picks...

Parnasse
Sola
Ruziboev
Danchenko
Campbell
Keita
Lima
Spann
Sy
Wood
Aljarouj
Cornolle
Duclos
Benouaich

The line is at 1396.84.  10 bucks win 13,968.40 USD, lmaooo.  That's like more than a long shot.    Imagine if we took Hooker.  The line would prolly be over 5000.00.

UFC Paris:  Media Day
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAYk3iCA9Cs

[Synchronice]

I don't diminish their merits; the point is that at some point their fighting style will be surpassed by other fighters, and that was precisely the case with Umar. While he was trying to control the fight, and I bet on that, he took a punch and fell. Now, it's just a matter of other fighters doing the same.

Furthermore, there's the issue that the UFC isn't hiring fighters who stall the fight; they're looking for fighters who deliver entertainment. So, it's natural that at some point we won't have fighters with that style.

Islam Makhachev will probably be defeated too in the next fights because he is in a higher division and in the end, fight isn't only about force and technique, sometimes someone can luckily land an amazing shot on to the opponent and knock them out. No one is protected from such moment, we are all humans and we don't have super reaction like cats have.

By the way, that's true about Dagestani fighters too because their fighting style is very boring in most cases and such a style doesn't sell fights well. But they still have better statistics than 99% of the fighters. In the end, winning matters the most. If you do it in fashion, then that's fantastic but you need to win, that's the most important.

[Pumared]

I don't diminish their merits; the point is that at some point their fighting style will be surpassed by other fighters, and that was precisely the case with Umar. While he was trying to control the fight, and I bet on that, he took a punch and fell. Now, it's just a matter of other fighters doing the same.

Furthermore, there's the issue that the UFC isn't hiring fighters who stall the fight; they're looking for fighters who deliver entertainment. So, it's natural that at some point we won't have fighters with that style.

Islam Makhachev will probably be defeated too in the next fights because he is in a higher division and in the end, fight isn't only about force and technique, sometimes someone can luckily land an amazing shot on to the opponent and knock them out. No one is protected from such moment, we are all humans and we don't have super reaction like cats have.

By the way, that's true about Dagestani fighters too because their fighting style is very boring in most cases and such a style doesn't sell fights well. But they still have better statistics than 99% of the fighters. In the end, winning matters the most. If you do it in fashion, then that's fantastic but you need to win, that's the most important.

I agree with you, but thankfully we have fighters who don't just rely on domination; otherwise, it would be boring to watch. Islam himself suffered a knockout in his early fights, and the guy who did it simply disappeared. He defeated someone who would become a legend in the division and in the UFC, and then vanished.

But I still think he'll soon be knocked out by someone who really went for it and wasn't afraid of being taken down.

[l99l]

I don't diminish their merits; the point is that at some point their fighting style will be surpassed by other fighters, and that was precisely the case with Umar. While he was trying to control the fight, and I bet on that, he took a punch and fell. Now, it's just a matter of other fighters doing the same.

Furthermore, there's the issue that the UFC isn't hiring fighters who stall the fight; they're looking for fighters who deliver entertainment. So, it's natural that at some point we won't have fighters with that style.

Islam Makhachev will probably be defeated too in the next fights because he is in a higher division and in the end, fight isn't only about force and technique, sometimes someone can luckily land an amazing shot on to the opponent and knock them out. No one is protected from such moment, we are all humans and we don't have super reaction like cats have.

By the way, that's true about Dagestani fighters too because their fighting style is very boring in most cases and such a style doesn't sell fights well. But they still have better statistics than 99% of the fighters. In the end, winning matters the most. If you do it in fashion, then that's fantastic but you need to win, that's the most important.

I agree with you, but thankfully we have fighters who don't just rely on domination; otherwise, it would be boring to watch. Islam himself suffered a knockout in his early fights, and the guy who did it simply disappeared. He defeated someone who would become a legend in the division and in the UFC, and then vanished.

But I still think he'll soon be knocked out by someone who really went for it and wasn't afraid of being taken down.

I understand your thinking, because Islam has been knocked out before and it could happen again.
He's gained experience since then, he adjusts his distance better in fights, and he's more aware of what he's doing.
Defending the top isn't easy; everyone comes for that belt. Many are afraid of Islam and are cautious. I also believe that one day someone will come along and take it with all their might. Ian Machado and Garry are unlikely, but if there is a rematch, Garry might do better this time.

[SPIDERMAN008]

I don't diminish their merits; the point is that at some point their fighting style will be surpassed by other fighters, and that was precisely the case with Umar. While he was trying to control the fight, and I bet on that, he took a punch and fell. Now, it's just a matter of other fighters doing the same.

Furthermore, there's the issue that the UFC isn't hiring fighters who stall the fight; they're looking for fighters who deliver entertainment. So, it's natural that at some point we won't have fighters with that style.

Islam Makhachev will probably be defeated too in the next fights because he is in a higher division and in the end, fight isn't only about force and technique, sometimes someone can luckily land an amazing shot on to the opponent and knock them out. No one is protected from such moment, we are all humans and we don't have super reaction like cats have.

By the way, that's true about Dagestani fighters too because their fighting style is very boring in most cases and such a style doesn't sell fights well. But they still have better statistics than 99% of the fighters. In the end, winning matters the most. If you do it in fashion, then that's fantastic but you need to win, that's the most important.

Any experienced fighter can lose in UFC. It is very normal to get knocked out with a clean punch. Everyone is almost equal here in terms of power. Only those who are behind in terms of technique basically lose. Islam is now facing a strong opponent. He also has to struggle a lot to win the match.

And I can understand why there is criticism about the style of Dagestani fighters. Now, most of those who like UFC want to see aggressive movement, knockout, frequent striking and attacking. But if you look at the fighting style of Khabib and Islam, you will understand that their controlling is mainly in grappling and ground control. Although they have won a few fights by knocking down. But many people do not like them because they do not have much aggressive movement.

For example, Islam is doing quite well now, Khabib was undefeated, but still Conor's popularity is very high. Because Conor has been able to provide the kind of fighting style that the audience wants to see.

And I noticed one thing, you could often understand what their next move would be during a match between Khabib or Islam. Similarly, their opponent could also understand how they would take him to the down. But they could not even develop the ability to protect it. And that is what has taken Khabib's family is going so far. But Islam's style seems quite balanced to me now . He can strike well.

[TopTort777]

But yeah, here are the picks...

Have you ever tried to put in parlay only huge favorites? Instead of putting every single fight in parlay, pick only guys with <1.30 odds? I wonder what will be the final line.

Anyway, I have chosen only Parnasse, Page and Bukauskas, but as single bets. If I win 2 but lose 1, I would end with zero or tiny profit I am saving some money for UFC 331, for single betting. There are few fights that I think can bring easy money.

[Synchronice]

But I still think he'll soon be knocked out by someone who really went for it and wasn't afraid of being taken down.

As I said, it only takes one lucky punch to knock out someone. People win lotteries, so I won't be surprised if any fighter luckily lands an amazing shot. Again, this can happen to everyone, even the best fighters.

Defending the top isn't easy; everyone comes for that belt. Many are afraid of Islam and are cautious. I also believe that one day someone will come along and take it with all their might. Ian Machado and Garry are unlikely, but if there is a rematch, Garry might do better this time.

Not only that, he is in a different weight class where stronger and taller guys participate. It's not really easy to move from lower weight class to higher weight class because the difference between them is like night and day. I respect every fighter that moves to a higher weight class.

Although they have won a few fights by knocking down. But many people do not like them because they do not have much aggressive movement.

Khabib had 2 knockdowns in 13 UFC fights and Islam had 5 knockdowns in 19 UFC fights. By the way, truth be told, people love boxing in UFC, not wrestling, even though MMA means that both can be used in this sport.

[tokeweed]

But yeah, here are the picks...

Have you ever tried to put in parlay only huge favorites? Instead of putting every single fight in parlay, pick only guys with <1.30 odds? I wonder what will be the final line.

Anyway, I have chosen only Parnasse, Page and Bukauskas, but as single bets. If I win 2 but lose 1, I would end with zero or tiny profit I am saving some money for UFC 331, for single betting. There are few fights that I think can bring easy money.

We've seen time and time again that underdogs do win in these UFC events.  So it won't hurt to find those ones who could be live underdogs and include them in the parlay...  And we get better odds in the process.

And yeah...  UFC 331 looks good!  I'll be taking some single bets there too. 

Anyway here are the weigh in results.

Dan Hooker (155) vs. Salahdine Parnasse (155)
Fares Ziam (155) vs. Axel Sola (155)
Michael Page (185) vs. Nursulton Ruziboev (186)
Daniil Donchenko (170) vs. Punahele Soriano (170)
Kurtis Campbell (146) vs. Trevor Peek (146)
Losene Keita (145) vs. Muhammad Naimov (145)
Morgan Charriere (145) vs. Felipe Lima (145)
Mario Pinto (252) vs. Ryan Spann (255)
Oumar Sy (206) vs. Modestas Bukauskas (205)
Nathaniel Wood (146) vs. Pavel Andrusca (146)
Michael Aljarouj (126) vs. Fabia Sintes (125)
Nora Cornolle (136) vs. Klaudia Sygula (136)
Matthieu Duclos (185) vs. Luis Felipe Dias (185)
Delphine Benouaich (115) vs. Sofia Montenegro (115)

Live in three hours.

UFC Paris:  Ceremonial Weigh In
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSz_o7MpFXs

[pawel7777]

Ilia Topuria has returned to his social media activity and released a touching video, a form of an open letter to his son.
https://x.com/ChampRDS/status/2095905855975625141

It's a short one with the usual: losses happen, they can make you stronger etc.

There are some speculations about him fighting against Paddy in his return, and I think that's the fight that would make sense, unless he wants to move back to featherweight, but I don't think that he will.
I believe he originally said he only wants a rematch against Justin, but he no longer has the belt, so he will have to take what they give him.

[eaLiTy]

~
It's a short one with the usual: losses happen, they can make you stronger etc.

If he could follow what he actually says, then that would be well and good. His dominance and confidence were instrumental in his success, and if he can shrug off the humiliating loss upon his return and win a couple of fights, he could get back into title contention.

There are some speculations about him fighting against Paddy in his return, and I think that's the fight that would make sense, unless he wants to move back to featherweight, but I don't think that he will.
I believe he originally said he only wants a rematch against Justin, but he no longer has the belt, so he will have to take what they give him.

Paddy and Ilia Topuria had been going back and forth for a while, and after Topuria quit on the stool, Paddy purchased it just to troll him. A matchup between the two would be epic. There is no way Ilia Topuria gets a rematch against Justin.

[Pumared]

Ilia Topuria has returned to his social media activity and released a touching video, a form of an open letter to his son.
https://x.com/ChampRDS/status/2095905855975625141

It's a short one with the usual: losses happen, they can make you stronger etc.

There are some speculations about him fighting against Paddy in his return, and I think that's the fight that would make sense, unless he wants to move back to featherweight, but I don't think that he will.
I believe he originally said he only wants a rematch against Justin, but he no longer has the belt, so he will have to take what they give him.

I believe he'll return to the same weight class. He won't go down or up. I think the most logical path for him is to fight for the belt and then change weight classes. If he changes now, he'll suffer a lot at the beginning, as it will be a huge adjustment, even more than what he's going through now. It's not worth it.

[BluebloodCXVI]

Ilia Topuria has returned to his social media activity and released a touching video, a form of an open letter to his son.
https://x.com/ChampRDS/status/2095905855975625141

It's a short one with the usual: losses happen, they can make you stronger etc.

There are some speculations about him fighting against Paddy in his return, and I think that's the fight that would make sense, unless he wants to move back to featherweight, but I don't think that he will.
I believe he originally said he only wants a rematch against Justin, but he no longer has the belt, so he will have to take what they give him.

I saw the clip and all i can say is that Topuria is cooking; whoever he’s gonna fight next better be ready cos it’s gonna be dirty.

Now i’m really looking forward to seeing the Topuria VS Paddy fight once Topuria is fully healthy, it’s high time already for the UFC to set it up cos it’s a big money fight, there’s real hate between Paddy and Ilia that will fuel the fight; I’m literally hungry for that fight, i’ve been starving for too long lol.

I don’t care what anyone says, if that fight happens,
Topuria is coming out on top for sure, I can bet anything on it, but until then.

[tokeweed]

Ilia Topuria has returned to his social media activity and released a touching video, a form of an open letter to his son.
https://x.com/ChampRDS/status/2095905855975625141

It's a short one with the usual: losses happen, they can make you stronger etc.

There are some speculations about him fighting against Paddy in his return, and I think that's the fight that would make sense, unless he wants to move back to featherweight, but I don't think that he will.
I believe he originally said he only wants a rematch against Justin, but he no longer has the belt, so he will have to take what they give him.

He'd be lucky to get a rematch with Gaethje right after such a bad loss...  And it would funny if he gets another bad beating and loses again.  

And if there's a good time for Pimblett to fight Topuria it's now while Topuria's head isn't in the right place to take a fight.  At least I don't think it is.  But yeah, would love to see it.

Anyway, what are your picks guys?  Wtf are you guys doing here? 

[Upgrade00]

Who is watching the live prelims? Mario Pinto stays undefeated after a convincing performance. He started slow but grew into the fight while Splann faded with each shot he took. He seemed to have been looking for the ref to end the fight earlier than he did, but as usual a good stoppage from Goddard.

I didn't place any bets before the start but I'm looking at the line up coming up and considering some bets.

[eaLiTy]

Who is watching the live prelims? Mario Pinto stays undefeated after a convincing performance. He started slow but grew into the fight while Splann faded with each shot he took. He seemed to have been looking for the ref to end the fight earlier than he did, but as usual a good stoppage from Goddard.

I didn't place any bets before the start but I'm looking at the line up coming up and considering some bets.

I am watching the fights and placing live bets since I am not familiar with some of these early prelim fighters. I was certain Oumar Sy would win with the way he fought in the first round; he was actually dominating Modestas Bukauskas and controlling him on the ground. But he gassed out completely by the second round, became unable to hit a takedown, and ended up getting knocked out.

So, no more bets for me on this fight card since I lost my betting quota.