UFC 186: B/R Main Card Staff Predictions
At UFC 186, Demetrious Johnson will look to accomplish what only four other individuals have in UFC history.
With a win over Kyoji Horiguchi on Saturday, Mighty Mouse would record his sixth consecutive title defense as UFC champion. Only Anderson Silva, Georges St-Pierre, Jon Jones and Jose Aldo have accomplished that inside the Octagon.
The odds are in Johnson's favor this weekend. Horiguchi is a promising young flyweight, but he's also unproven, as he does not own a win over a current Top 15 contender in the 125-pound division.
Although the choice seems clear, Bleacher Report writers Riley Kontek, Craig Amos, Scott Harris, James MacDonald and Sean Smith are here to provide their predictions for the clash between Johnson and Horiguchi as well as the remaining UFC 186 main card contests.
2015 Staff Records
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With a disappointing tally at UFC on Fox 15, Riley Kontek is now only two correct picks above James MacDonald.
Sean Smith, meanwhile, is sitting a tad closer to the top than the bottom. For me, that's really all that matters.
At the moment, Scott Harris and Craig Amos are battling to stay out of the basement. However, the standings are still close enough that one great week for either of those two could put him in the hunt for the top spot.
| W | L | |
| Riley Kontek | 39 | 21 |
| James MacDonald | 37 | 23 |
| Sean Smith | 36 | 24 |
| Scott Harris | 33 | 27 |
| Craig Amos | 32 | 28 |
Yves Jabouin vs. Thomas Almeida
2 of 6Riley Kontek
If you like fast-paced firefights, the main card opener should wet your beak. Yves Jabouin is never in a boring fight unless somebody is laying-and-praying him. Thomas Almeida is a future contender in this division who is looking to make this bout his true coming-out party. These two will throw crazy strikes throughout and pump up the crowd, but the Brazilian's power should prove deadly.
Almeida, TKO, Rd. 2
Craig Amos
Jabouin is nice option for Almeida, a 23-year-old Brazilian who is climbing the ladder. Jabouin is legitimately dangerous and sets a hard pace, but a win over him absolutely means something. The guess here is that the youngster catches the older fighter with something and then latches a choke on to finish the fight.
Almeida, Submission, Rd. 3
Scott Harris
Cheers to Jabouin for having such a long and successful UFC career. But the guy is a journeyman, and Almeida is one of the brightest prospects in the sport. Almeida strikes fast, and his punches and kicks land with a thud. He takes another step forward here.
Almeida, KO, Rd. 1
James MacDonald
This is an excellent fight to kick off the main card. We can look forward to a fun, action-packed striking battle. However, Jabouin is more limited than the much younger Almeida, who has huge potential to be a future contender. Look for the Brazilian to finish this one late and continue his ascent up the rankings.
Almeida, TKO, Rd. 3
Sean Smith
With Jabouin's UFC experience, I'm a bit hesitant to complete the sweep for Almeida, but I do believe the Brazilian will be the better fighter on Saturday. He's talented enough to at least hang with Jabouin when standing and could even win there, but Almeida's biggest advantage should come on the ground.
Almeida, Submission, Rd. 1
John Makdessi vs. Shane Campbell
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Riley Kontek
Shane Campbell is a top Canadian prospect, but a short-notice affair against a killer like John Makdessi is a tall task. Makdessi isn't easy to get down, and Campbell lacks the striking chops to outgun The Bull. It's a nice first showing in the UFC, but Makdessi gets it done.
Makdessi, Unanimous decision
Craig Amos
Makdessi has looked good lately, winning three in a row before suffering a loss solely by the ill grace of three judges. He should get back into the win column by taking out Campbell, a solid but manageable opponent.
Makdessi, Unanimous decision
Scott Harris
Buckle in for a fun one. Not many people know Campbell, but he's a champion-level muay thai striker who could pull the upset on Makdessi. But The Bull will use his hometown advantage—and that powerful jab—to work his way to a win.
Makdessi, Unanimous decision
James MacDonald
Campbell has talent, but this is a tall order on short notice. Makdessi is one of the more underrated fighters on the UFC roster. His superior striking will be the difference in this one.
Makdessi, Unanimous decision
Sean Smith
Although Makdessi hasn't risen in the lightweight division as quickly as many initially thought he would, he is still a tough adversary for a UFC newcomer like Campbell. With some experience in solid smaller promotions like WSOF and MFC, Campbell should make this interesting, but Makdessi will show his fellow Canadian what the UFC lightweight class is all about.
Makdessi, Unanimous decision
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Michael Bisping vs. C.B. Dollaway
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Riley Kontek
I have always believed that Dollaway is overrated. He's a tough stylistic matchup for most, but I don't see him as elite. If he can break Bisping's takedown defense, he can most definitely score an upset. I just think Bisping has seen this type of fight before and will be able to handle it.
Bisping, Unanimous decision
Craig Amos
Last time Bisping visited the province of Quebec he suffered a frustrating loss to Tim Kennedy, who wrestled him for five rounds. Dollaway would be wise to follow that blueprint, even if he isn't on the same level as Kennedy. It could wind up being close, but Bisping is likely to rack up enough points on the feet to get the nod.
Bisping, Unanimous decision
Scott Harris
Bisping has alternated wins and losses dating back to 2011. Based on that pattern, he's due for a win. Dollaway will test The Count's sprawl and balance with takedown attempts, plus The Doberman's boxing has improved a bit over his past few outings. Yes, Lyoto Machida embarrassed him, but Bisping is not Machida. The Brit puts the American over in a mild upset.
Dollaway, Unanimous decision
James MacDonald
Dollaway is a true grinder. He hasn’t lived up to the potential he showed on The Ultimate Fighter, but his grappling prowess means he presents some matchup issues for Bisping. Still, the Brit is a better grappler than he is often given credit for. Dollaway will need to put on the performance of his career to come away with the win here. Unfortunately for him, I just don’t see it happening. Look for Bisping to stuff the takedowns and chip away at Dollaway for all three rounds.
Bisping, Unanimous decision
Sean Smith
I'm not ready to throw the blanket over Bisping's career even if that is exactly what Dollaway is planning to do this weekend. The Englishman still has underrated defensive wrestling and should be able to take advantage of Dollaway's subpar striking defense at UFC 186.
Bisping, TKO, Rd. 2
Rampage Jackson vs. Fabio Maldonado
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Riley Kontek
With all the drama going into this fight, it's hard to pick Rampage Jackson. Will his head be in the right place? Not only that, but he's not the same man he used to be. Fabio Maldonado is a dissector who could easily refute the former world champion. Still, I will take Rampage because, you know, why not?
Jackson, Unanimous decision
Craig Amos
I'm not sure what to expect in this one. Jackson has not been a model of consistency these last few years, and the circuitous route he took to this match inspires little confidence in him. He'd be wise to dust off his wrestling, but he's always been more inclined to keep it vertical. That plays to Maldonado's strength, and if the Brazilian can make it ugly, he could outgut Rampage for the upset.
Maldonado, Unanimous decision
Scott Harris
This one has to be a nightmare proposition for oddsmakers. No way is Jackson, who in the best of times is still 36 years old and nearly a year away from his last fight, ready for a UFC co-main event. On the other hand, Fabio Maldonado would be a punching bag if he didn't punch back quite so frequently. The mere specter of Jackson's wrestling—not to mention the strange hypothetical optics of Maldonado having his hand raised while Jackson stands idly by—swings this one barely for the man from Memphis.
Jackson, Split decision
James MacDonald
Despite the drama surrounding Rampage’s appearance at UFC 186, is the MMA fanbase really eager to see him compete? Jackson’s reputation for excitement has long since passed its expiration date. That being said, Maldonado is nothing if not fun to watch, so we should be treated to a decent scrap. Rampage’s superior defence should give him the edge here, though.
Jackson, Unanimous decision
Sean Smith
At this stage in his career, Jackson is so hard to trust. That said, he'll be motivated to prove something in his UFC return after battling through legal problems with Bellator MMA to compete at UFC 186. It also doesn't hurt that he's facing an opponent who won't be looking to wrestle with him.
Jackson, Unanimous decision
Demetrious Johnson vs. Kyoji Horiguchi
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Riley Kontek
I know Demetrious Johnson has the personality of a piece of plywood, but you should really care about him as a fighter. He's technical, skilled and one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. While the future is bright for Kyoji Horiguchi, this is simply not his time yet. Big things are ahead for him, though.
Johnson, Submission, Rd. 3
Craig Amos
Horiguchi is a good fighter, but Johnson has already passed tougher challenges. The champ will notch another victory and get another finish, and it's unlike he'll have to navigate through any significant danger.
Johnson, Submission, Rd. 3
Scott Harris
Enough about Johnson's low-key personality and his inability to move the needle of public interest. He's an amazing fighter, with lightning quickness in his limbs and his brain and the ability to shift effortlessly between a full array of expert skill sets. Horiguchi is young and fun, but he's going to fall, just like the rest of them.
Johnson, Submission, Rd. 2
James MacDonald
I love watching Johnson compete. However, I just wish he actually had something resembling competition. Forget the champion’s personality. The near-absence of contenders is the flyweight division’s biggest issue. Mighty Mouse is so superior to Horiguchi that I would be astounded if the fight went the full 25 minutes.
Johnson, Submission, Rd. 2
Sean Smith
Horiguchi is a really solid up-and-comer in the 125-pound division, but he's still improving and doesn't seem ready to compete against one of the best in the world. Mighty Mouse is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world and should cruise to another title defense on Saturday.
Johnson, Submission, Rd. 2
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