UFC 172: Predictions for Every Main Card Bout
After a pre-fight press conference on April 21, you'd think the main event for UFC 172 in Baltimore was ย Jon "Bones" Jones vs. "Mr. Wonderful" Phil Davis.
Davis spent more time taking verbal shots at Jones than he did discussing his opponent on Saturday night.ย
Jones will be defending his UFC light heavyweight title against Glover in the main event. Davis has drawn Anthony "Rumble" Johnson in the latter's return to the UFC after a two-year absence.
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Despite having other obligations for the event, Davis called out Jones in just about every way possible. Take a look at two sharp jabs from "Mr. Wonderful" per the UFC and UFC on Fox:
In an entertaining session of he-said-he-said, Jones retorted with this quote, per Damon Martin of Fox Sports:
Pardon me, but after this exchange, I'm with Bleacher Report's Jeremy :
Both men have to win on Saturday before we can see them take on each other. But this back-and-forth has helped to add some flavor to an otherwise bland card.
Here are my predictions on the main card bouts. Will Jones and Davis do what's needed to set up a collision later this year?
Max "Blessed" Holloway vs. Andre "Touchy"
This is an awesome matchup of two young and hungry prospects. Aside from having one of the funniest nicknames in sports, is one heck of a mixed martial artist.
He hasn't lost a fight in four years, and he won his UFC debut by stopping Jeremy Larsen at UFC 166.ย
Holloway is still just 22 years old, but he's been fighting in the UFC since 2010. He's had some bumps along the way, but he broke a two-fight losing streak with a TKO win over Will in January.
This matchup has Fight of the Night potential because of the desperation and skill present in the bout.
Both men are excellent strikers, though Holloway's skills as a boxer probably give him an edge in that category.ย
Holloway hasn't performed well from his back, though. Conor McGregor dominated the third round of their bout (and the first two) after planting Holloway with a takedown.
will likely try to take a similar approach. Some good stand-up action should be featured as well. But when it's over, is my pick to come out on top.
Prediction: by unanimous decision
Jim Miller vs.
has the length and striking advantage, but if he can't stop Miller from taking him down, he'll be in trouble.
is a talented and explosive fighter. We learned that after seeing him knock out Yves Edwards in Nov. 2013. The bout was declared a no-contest after tested positive for marijuana metabolites, but it's clear he's a dangerous striker.
Miller is known for his toughness, endurance and wrestling ability.
Look for him to get inside ' reach and to dominate position most of the fight.
Prediction: Miller by unanimous decision
Luke vs. Tim
With all due respect to , the 33-year-old veteran is about to get his lunch handed to him.
is on a mission after being knocked out by Belfort in his UFC debut back in May 2013.
He demolished in January and will likely make quick work of . speed, and striking ability will be too much for .
Even if the fight goes to the ground, Brazilian jiu-jitsu background still gives him a decided edge.
Prediction: by TKO
Phil Davis vs. Anthony Johnson
Johnson is a tough guy with massive striking power, but he couldn't have drawn a worse matchup in his return to the UFC.
Throughout Johnson's entire career, he's been thwarted by expert and submission fighters.
Davis just happens to be one of the UFC's best wrestlers.
Johnson has never exhibited the type of takedown defense that would make you think he'll be able resist Davis' attempts to take the fight to the mat.
"Mr. Wonderful" will win convincingly.
Prediction: Davis by submission
Jon Jones vs. Glover
To put it plain, isn't big or fast enough to give Jones any issues in the stand-up game. The champion's reach advantage should keep at bay.
Jones' edge in speed should also serve as a means to keep from closing the distance.
If by some chance the challenger is able to take Jones down, the champion is capable of defending himself from there.
It's hard to see a way wins. The likely result is a TKO as Jones picks apart with strikes.
Prediction: Jones by TKO
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