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We are just days away from the biggest MMA event of 2017. UFC are set to return to Madison Square Garden for three highly-anticipated title fights and the long-awaited return of Georges St Pierre.
Unusually, the UFC have opted to book a four-fight main card as opposed to the traditional five-fight cards. Let's go into each fight in-depth in Sportskeeda's UFC 217 Preview.
Catch the live action of UFC 217 on 5th November, Sunday at 7:30 AM, Live and Exclusive on SONY ESPN SD and SONY ESPN HD
Stephen Thompson vs. Jorge Masvidal
The opening fight of the night sees two extremely dangerous stand-up fighters face off in what promises to be an enthralling a match that should have the fans captivated and on their feet throughout.
Thompson is renowned for his dangerous Karate and is cemented as the #1 ranked fighter in the Welterweight Division despite not registering a win since June 2016. However, Masvidal's strong boxing skills have posed serious problems for top-level fighters in the past and will create an interesting and chaotic contrast in striking styles.
Both fighters desperately need a win to stay in and around the title picture and will need to put on an impressive performance to justify their position in the Welterweight rankings. The bookmakers have Stephen Thompson as the favourite going into the fight, and we believe you can expect an exciting and extremely offensive performance from both fighters.
Prediction: Thompson via KO
Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Rose Namajunas
The first of three massive title fights at Madison Square Garden sees the dominant Joanna Jedrzejczyk line up against Rose Namajunas in the Women's Strawweight division.
Jedrzejczyk is undefeated heading into UFC 217 and it is not unfair to say that she has been head and shoulders above every competitor she has faced so far. Keep an eye out for the most devastating weapon in Jedrzejczyk's arsenal, which is her Muay Thai. These skills have allowed her to become recognised as one of the most accomplished and dangerous strikers in all of MMA.
Rose Namajunas has displayed great ability in patches of her UFC career and is more than worthy of this title shot, her most notable performance being against Paige VanZant and Michelle Waterson. However, many agree that the young fighter still has a few gaps in her defence which Jedrzejczyk will definitely look to exploit.
With Jedrzejczyk's striking ability in mind, it is not unreasonable to say that Namajunas will need to take this fight to the floor to have any significant advantage over the champion. We expect Jedrzejczyk will have tools to avoid a takedown and finish this fight on her feet to claim another impressive victory.
Prediction: Jedrzejczyk via Unanimous Decision
Cody Garbrandt vs. TJ Dillashaw
During the build-up to UFC 217, Cody Garbrandt dubbed this fight as 'the real main event' of the evening, and it is easy to understand why. Garbrandt and Dillashaw are former Team Alpha Male teammates and training partners, however, the manner of Dillashaw's departure from the team has turned this into a real grudge match, which has captured the imagination of fight fans around the world.
Garbrandt is a proud member and the jewel in the crown of Urijah Faber's Team Alpha Male, and he will be fighting to defend the honour of his team and prove that Dillashaw was wrong to walk away when he did. Dillashaw, on the other hand, will be fighting to prove that he made the right decision to jump ship and defend his own honour after being named 'the snake in the grass' by those at Team Alpha Male.
Fights are always harder to call when emotions could get the better of either fighter as is the case with this match. On a purely technical basis, Dillashaw will be looking to use his superior wrestling ability to finish Garbrandt on the floor, whereas Garbrandt will be looking to stand up and utilise his impressive boxing skills that lead him to the Bantamweight title.
Prediction: Cody Garbrandt via Split Decision
Michael Bisping vs. Georges St-Pierre
After four long years, the former Pay-Per-View King of MMA is coming back to the UFC. Waiting for him upon his return to the octagon will be Middleweight champion, Michael Bisping.
Although he is largely considered to be one of the greatest competitors in the history of mixed martial arts, many people believe St-Pierre's decision to fight at 185lbs may be a step too far, especially after a four-year absence.
It is important to remember, Georges St-Pierre used to fight at 170lbs whereas Michael Bisping used to fight at 205lbs. There will be a significant size difference between these two competitors on the night. The difference in size will make it more difficult for St-Pierre to impose his superior ground game which will benefit Bisping who prefers to stand up and brawl with his opponents.
Georges St-Pierre is undoubtedly one of the greatest fighters of all time. However, returning to fight a champion at a new weight after a long absence may well be a step too far even for a fighter of his calibre.
Prediction: Bisping via KO
Tune in to UFC 217 Live and Exclusive on Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD at 7:30 AM (IST) on November 5th
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