UFC Fight Night 95 Predictions: Bleacher Report Main Card Staff Picks
Another weekend, another UFC event that lacks star power.
We're six weeks into what will go down as one of the most brutal slogs in MMA history, with UFC events on almost every single Saturday from here until year's end. Because of that, cards are starting to take on the sort of feel they had back in 2014, with one or two interesting fights expected to carry a seven-hour broadcast.
This time, the UFC has asked former Strikeforce and current Invicta FC featherweight champion Cris "Cyborg" Justino to bring the card to greater heights. Will she be up to the task? Probably not, but she does have help from former pound-for-pound greatest fighter (well, according to Dana White) Renan Barao and fan-favorite Roy Nelson.
Naturally, the Bleacher Report staff is here to help you make your picks. Let's jump right in.
Cris Cyborg vs. Lina Lansberg
1 of 6
Nathan McCarter
Another massacre. I'm not wasting time breaking it down. These fights are borderline at best.
Cyborg, KO, Rd. 1
Sydnie Jones
Well, I watched some footage of Lina Lansberg, and she might do OK overall in featherweight divisions. But she's facing Cyborg and has in the past left herself open to shots, and all Cyborg needs is one. Either for the KO or to rush in, tie Lansberg up and finish from there. Lansberg hasn't been dominant enough—and she'd have to be really dominant for that to apply—to pose much threat.
Cyborg, KO, Rd. 1
Craig Amos
This is a pointless fight. Anything can happen and all that, but the "anything" that's going to actually happen is the thing everyone knows is going to happen.
Cyborg, TKO, Rd. 1
Steven Rondina
My advice for the UFC road crew.
Cyborg, TKO, Rd. 1
Renan Barao vs. Phillipe Nover
2 of 6
McCarter
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. And oh, what a terrible co-main event. This is a good fight to get Barao a victory at 145 pounds. Phillipe Nover will offer some resistance, but he's not anywhere near Barao's level. This should be one-sided.
Barao, unanimous decision
Jones
Who's this Phillipe guy who got Barao for this third fight in the UFC? I've "Nover" heard of him. Apparently I've seen him fight, but clearly he didn't make a lasting impression. Barao, on the other hand, has a career full of dominant performances. This is a match for the hometown boy to get back in the win column.
Barao, submission, Rd. 2
Amos
Barao has fallen in the estimation of most fans, but he hasn't fallen far enough for this fight to appear competitive. The former champion shouldn't have much difficulty getting back into the win column.
Barao, submission, Rd. 2
Rondina
I echo what Craig is saying, but I'm not quite as bullish as he is on Barao's standing. This could be competitive, but Nover isn't good enough to pose a serious threat.
Barao, unanimous decision
Roy Nelson vs. Antonio Silva
3 of 6
McCarter
It's remarkable how this fan-friendly matchup has gone under the radar due to both the event it's on and their recent records. I have a lot more faith in Nelson. Silva's chin is gone, and Nelson hits hard. Nelson ices him early.
Nelson, KO, Rd. 1
Jones
It's about time for both of these fighters to get out of the game. Their records over the last few years are abysmal; both have gone 1-4 in their last five. That said, I agree with Nathan that Nelson seems to have more juice left in the tank. His stronger chin and power versus Bigfoot's fading chin will carry the day.
Nelson, TKO, Rd. 2
Amos
This fight pits a couple of heavyweights who hardly ever win against one another. Given Nelson's power and Silva's propensity for being knocked out quickly, the safe money is on Big Country.
Nelson, KO, Rd. 1
Rondina
Both men punch hard, but Roy still has some chin left. That's not the case with Bigfoot.
Nelson, TKO, Rd. 1
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Francisco Trinaldo vs. Paul Felder
4 of 6
McCarter
This is the most relevant fight on the card, and it is the most exciting. Paul Felder is the smart pick, but I'm taking Francisco Trinaldo. Felder can get lulled into fighting against his best interests, and Trinaldo can always fall back on his grappling. Felder will land some shots; there is little question about that. But Trinaldo does just enough to squeak by and earn a seventh straight victory.
Trinaldo, unanimous decision
Jones
This is a tough pick; Trinaldo has been racking up the wins over the last two years...but several of those have been decisions over middling fighters. Felder, six fights into his UFC career, still seems like something of an unknown quantity. Trinaldo has never been knocked out, and while Felder has that knockout power, it will be hard to employ it effectively against the Brazilian.
Trinaldo, unanimous decision
Amos
I'm on board with Trinaldo. Felder has had some terrific moments, but he hasn't looked too impressive over his last few outings, despite picking up a couple of wins. Trinaldo has been consistent, and he's fighting at home.
Trinaldo, unanimous decision
Rondina
This isn't a slam dunk, but unless Felder can catch Trinaldo with a spinning backfist or some other wild strike, Trinaldo has the tools to control things.
Trinaldo, unanimous decision
Thiago Santos vs. Eric Spicely
5 of 6
McCarter
Thiago Santos was making a name for himself in the middleweight division before Gegard Mousasi got to him at UFC 200. This is a rebound fight. Eric Spicely is known as "The Dream Catcher," and he'll have opportunities to live up to that name as Santos puts him to sleep.
Santos, TKO, Rd. 2
Jones
Like Barao vs. Nover, we have one fighter with extensive experience in the UFC, and the other is just starting out. This is Spicely's second fight for the promotion following his unsuccessful debut. Halfway through the first round, Sam Alvey submitted him with a guillotine. Santos is the No. 15 middleweight. It's a big opportunity for Spicely, but not one he's expected to win.
Santos, TKO, Rd. 1
Amos
Santos has knocked out Steve Bosse, an impressive feat, and defeated Elias Theodorou. Also impressive. Spicely has some talent, but this one will be straightforward. It will also be fast.
Santos, KO, Rd. 1
Rondina
This fight is just shy of being a squash match. Santos has posted numerous impressive knockouts over respectable midtier UFC fighters. Spicely...hasn't.
Santos, TKO, Rd. 2
Godofredo Pepey vs. Mike De La Torre
6 of 6
McCarter
Can I be honest? I forgot Mike De La Torre was still on the UFC roster. Whoops. Anyhow, the fight will make for a fun opener, but Godofredo Pepey has the advantage here. De La Torre will stand with Pepey, leading to his demise. Pepey gets a thunderous ovation for starting the main card off with a bang.
Pepey, TKO, Rd. 1
Jones
I'm going with Pepey based entirely on his greater experience in the UFC and the fact that several of De La Torre's finishes have come in shady promotions over opponents who seem like cans.
Pepey, submission, Rd. 1
Amos
I'm tempted to go with De La Torre because he looks like the more live underdog on the main card, but I can't force myself to believe. Pepey is the better fighter.
Pepey, submission, Rd. 3
Rondina
And just like that, we're unanimous on all six fights. Good night, everybody!
Pepey, unanimous decision
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