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#2 Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Edson Barboza
This is Khabib’s fight to lose, however, given the health issues he’s suffered between this fight and his last, it’s tough to say what version of the Dagestani grappling wizard the MMA world would get to see at UFC 219.
Barboza has faced mental blocks in marquee fights in the past—something for which he’s roped in the services of qualified medical professionals and experienced considerably positive results over his last few fights. Barboza has to keep his distance from Khabib and pepper the latter with strikes.
However, Khabib is likely to eventually close the distance before taking Barboza to the ground and pounding him into oblivion with a barrage of punches and elbows from top position. Khabib has this fight in the pocket unless his body is completely shot due to his laundry list of injuries and well-documented health issues over the past few months.
Prediction: Khabib Nurmagomedov def. Edson Barboza via TKO
#3 Cynthia Calvillo vs. Carla Esparza
Cynthia Calvillo has taken the UFC Strawweight Division by storm ever since entering the Octagon.
What she faces in former UFC Strawweight Champion Carla Esparza is her toughest test to date. Esparza has rudimentary striking, but her wrestling game is second to none, which in turn could cause Calvillo considerable issues down the stretch in particular.
Look for Calvillo to outpoint Esparza on the feet, with this fight being competitive on the ground. Calvillo is likely to do enough so as to sway the judges in her favour.
Prediction: Cynthia Calvillo def. Carla Esparza via Decision
#4 Carlos Condit vs. Neil Magny
Carlos Condit in his prime was one of the greatest fighters in MMA history.
However, following several bloody wars with the likes of Robbie Lawler, Georges St-Pierre, Johny Hendricks, Nick Diaz, Martin Kampmann and several others, Condit has taken a ton of damage and resultantly isn’t free of wear & tear. His reflexes seem to have slowed down as well, especially looking at his fight against Demian Maia.
Regardless, if Condit is even half the fighter he once was, this is his fight to lose. The Natural Born Killer is likely to outclass Magny on the feet; with the grappling scrambles being even-steven; enough to impress the judges to score the fight in favour of Condit.
Prediction: Carlos Condit def. Neil Magny via Decision
#5 Dan Hooker vs. Marc Diakiese
Dan and Marc represent two young, hungry fighters looking to break into the big time with emphatic performances.
However, Marc Diakiese seems to be the one with the more well-rounded MMA skill-set and greater striking skills. Look for Diakiese to time Hooker coming into boxing range for the highlight reel KO victory.
Don’t blink.
Prediction: Marc Diakiese def. Dan Hooker via KO
