UFC on Fox 18: Bleacher Report Main Card Staff Predictions
UFC on Fox 18 pits also-ran Anthony Johnson against Ryan Bader in what is likely a light heavyweight title eliminator fight. The 13-fight card features a robust nine prelims, but we'll be focusing only on the main card, as usual.
The four fights on the main card are:
- Anthony Johnson vs. Ryan Bader
- Josh Barnett vs. Ben Rothwell
- Iuri Alcantara vs. Jimmie Rivera
- Sage Northcutt vs. Bryan Barberena
Who've we got? Click on and find out.
2016 Standings
1 of 5
Look at these poor guys. I don't know if you remember, but for UFC Fight Night 81 Steven Rondina said after that card people would start falling behind. At that time, he was tied for the lead.
Not anymore. Guess who fell behind? It's Rondina. Currently, I am the champ.
- Sydnie Jones: 6-3
- Steven "The Best You Can is Good Enough" Rondina: 5-4
- Craig Amos: 5-4
- Nathan McCarter: 4-5
- Scott Harris: 4-5
The most exciting part of UFC on Fox 18 is finding out who's leading afterward. At this point, I assume it's me.
But let's see how our picks stack up!
Sage Northcutt vs. Bryan Barberena
2 of 5
Nathan McCarter
Barberena is a short-notice replacement, and he'll get the short-notice beatdown. Northcutt shouldn't have many problems here, and he will finish in the first.
Northcutt, submission, Rd. 1
Steven Rondina
Look, let's be honest. This fight wouldn't have been made if Northcutt had a chance of losing. He'll win this without any trouble.
Northcutt, TKO, Rd. 1
Craig Amos
Barberena is probably Northcutt's toughest opponent thus far, but not by much. Lacking a full training camp may hurt his already marginal chances. Northcutt will continue to roll.
Northcutt, submission, Rd. 2
Scott Harris
I understand Northcutt is something of a well-known fighter. You know who is not a well-known fighter? Barbarena. This piece of matchmaking almost feels intentional. Plus, no one with abs like that can ever actually lose a fight, right? Right.
Northcutt, TKO, Rd. 2
Sydnie Jones
I mean...I'm not trying to phone it in here, but what else is there to say? Northcutt is marketed to win.
Northcutt, TKO, Rd. 1
Iuri Alcantara vs. Jimmie Rivera
3 of 5
Nathan McCarter
Good for these two getting on the main card of a Fox event. If nothing else, I hope both men come away with a swath of new fans. Rivera is the hot, young up-and-comer, but I'll take the vet in a back-and-forth scrap.
Alcantara, unanimous decision
Steven Rondina
One of these guys is coming, and the other is going. It's just a matter of which one's moving faster. I'm leaning toward Alcantara sticking around for at least a little bit longer.
Alcantara, unanimous decision
Craig Amos
I spent entirely too long pondering this fight. It's close but wasn't worth all those sleepless nights. I'd still be on the fence come fight time if there was no deadline for the pick, which is Rivera.
Rivera, unanimous decision
Scott Harris
It's good to see Rivera get a showcase fight in the UFC after putting in a lot of impressive work on regional circuits and Octagon undercards. Here's guessing he capitalizes; his boxing and balance will keep him off the mat and in Alcantara's face.
Rivera, unanimous decision
Sydnie Jones
Boy, really tough call. I think Alcantara's recent wins have come over somewhat middling opponents. On the other hand, Rivera is new to the UFC, and we've barely seen how he operates at this level. It's a crapshoot, but I'm going with Rivera.
Rivera, split decision
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Josh Barnett vs. Ben Rothwell
4 of 5
Nathan McCarter
This is the fight I am most excited for, and it is also the fight I am most conflicted about. I'll side with the "Warmaster" as he looked exceptional against Roy Nelson. If that Barnett shows up on Saturday he should sweep the cards.
Barnett, unanimous decision
Steven Rondina
This is flat out brains vs. brawn. Barnett is a smart veteran with 20 years of experience while Rothwell is a guy that has beaten some very formidable opponents with his guts alone. Like Nathan said, this is a tough call. I'll lean toward brawn today.
Rothwell, unanimous decision
Craig Amos
Both heavyweights have put in strong showings of late, making this an intriguing matchup. Barnett will have to be careful both on the feet and on the mat, but his experience and intelligence will allow him to overcome the threats posed by Rothwell.
Barnett, unanimous decision
Scott Harris
It's hard not to root for Rothwell, but his athleticism isn't going to be up to par in this bout. It's kind of funny to think that the 38-year-old would have the edge there, but on the other hand, welcome to the heavyweight division.
Barnett, unanimous decision
Sydnie Jones
I think Barnett is going to outsmart Rothwell, so I guess I'm going with brains over brawn today. I also think Barnett's wrestling will be too much for Rothwell to counter very effectively, so if Barnett isn't controlling the fight on the ground, it'll end up staying primarily on the feet.
Barnett, unanimous decision
Anthony Johnson vs. Ryan Bader
5 of 5
Nathan McCarter
I don't think Bader gets the credit he deserves, and I feel like he is being slightly overlooked in this fight. But I am not picking him in this matchup. Johnson's defensive grappling is a huge obstacle for Bader, and it will keep this fight on the feet.
Danger! Danger, Will Robinson!
Johnson, KO, Rd. 2
Steven Rondina
Johnson tends to fold when he's forced out of his game, but I don't know that Bader is going to be able to pull that off. I can see Bader taking control if this becomes a drawn-out affair, but the most likely result is...
Johnson, TKO, Rd. 1
Craig Amos
Bader deserves credit for improving his striking, but his acumen on the feet falls well short of Johnson's. In order to succeed Bader will need to take and keep the action on the mat, which is not something "Rumble" will allow.
Johnson, KO, Rd. 1
Scott Harris
I don't think the oddsmakers are giving Bader enough of a chance. You don't need to be Daniel Cormier to work an effective game plan against Johnson: Play defense on the feet, get inside as you can, wait for him to gas and then use your double-leg takedown. That said, I'm going to be a coward here and go with Johnson. Bader hasn't shown he can win big fights like this.
Johnson, KO, Rd. 1
Sydnie Jones
It may be easy to choke Johnson out once you're on his back, but how many people can get there? His striking is fearsome. Johnson's 70 percent finish rate means Bader would have to take him down or gas him out over the fight to hope to take a decision. But that won't happen before Johnson manages to levels him.
Johnson, TKO, Rd. 1
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