1. Jose Aldo v Conor McGregor
THIS IS THE big one. Jose Aldo has won his last 25 fights, with his only defeat coming 10 years ago against Luciano Azevedo.
Conor McGregor, meanwhile, has lost one more fight, despite having been involved in six less match-ups than the Brazilian.
There is a stark contrast in the average fight lengths of the respective fighters. Currently, Aldo holds the record for the longest average fight time, for any fighter who has fought at least five times in the UFC, with an average fight time of 21 minutes.
McGregor on the other hand, holds the all-time featherweight record for shortest average fight length, at just six minutes and 28 seconds. Only one fight in McGregor’s UFC career has gone the distance, when he beat Max Holloway.
For all the talk of tactics coming into this fight, it could be the fighter who can stand the pace for the longest, that may succeed. And the Brazilian hasn’t seen the inside of the Octagon for over a year.
Prediction: McGregor in the third round 6-1
2. Chris Weidman v Luke Rockhold
Two strong fighters, who like to dominate their opponent. Weidman (13-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC), likes to take on his opponents on the ground to utilise his strong wrestling techniques.
Former Strikeforce champ Rockhold (4-1 in the UFC), on the other hand, prefers to dictate the action on his feet, utilising his quick-style of kickboxing to knock out his opponents. Whoever sets the pace early on and dominates the proceedings could go on and claim the title.
Prediction: Rockhold to win by KO or TKO 11/2
3. Yoel Romero v Ronaldo Souza
This could be good. Two of the top-ranked middleweight contenders come face-to-face on Saturday.
Brazilian, Souza is an expert in jiu-jitsu and has been working on his striking and power since the fight against Romero was cancelled, earlier this year. Souza has won his last eight fights and is currently unbeaten in the UFC, after five fights.
Cuban fighter Romero is on the back of winning the biggest fight in his career after defeating Lyoto Machida in a third-round TKO win. Romero has lost only once in his career, four years ago.
Prediction: Souza to win @ 4/7
4. Max Holloway vs. Jeremy Stephens
Max Holloway is the only man to bring Conor McGregor the distance in the UFC.
The Englishman is looking for an eighth successive win when he takes on Jeremy Stephens on Saturday night. His last victory in August ended prematurely when his opponent, Charles Oliveira, suffered a nasty neck injury in the first round.
Stephens, who knocked out his last opponent, Dennis Bermudez at UFC 189 in July, will be up against it as Holloway lands almost twice the number of strikes on average per fight. Only one winner, right?
Prediction: Holloway to win @ 2/11
5. Demian Maia v Gunnar Nelson
Maia will be a substantial upgrade in opponent for SBG star Nelson, after he knocked out Brandon Thatch at UFC 189. The Icelander, who is a training partner of Conor McGregor, has a lot of advantages over his opponent, not least, the fact that he is 11 years younger than Maia.
Nelson has a higher strike rate per minute than Maia, with a higher accuracy and could be worth a punt..
Prediction: Nelson to win @ 11/10
And what about a flutter on these?
- McGregor to say ‘we’ve taken over’ at ringside interview 6/5
- McGregor to fight in Croke Park before end of 2016 13/8
- McGregor or Aldo to strike opponent at weigh-in 10/1
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