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#2 John Dodson vs. Pedro Munhoz
John Dodson is one of the most dangerous strikers in the UFC, however, he often ends up on the wrong end of the judges’ scorecards in the fights that go the distance.
Dodson’s complacency has time and again impeded his progress, however, against someone like Munhoz he’s likely to find the mark en route to a dominant decision win.
Dodson is likely to start off Round 1 at a slow pace, before getting his rhythm and timing down. The second and third stanzas could bring more action as Dodson out-classes Munhoz on the feet, while also dominating the grappling scrambles.
Prediction: John Dodson def. Pedro Munhoz via Decision
#3 Valentina Shevchenko vs. Priscila Cachoeira
Valentina Shevchenko could arguably have won the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship off Amanda Nunes, however, the judges seemed to favor the latter in the matchup.
Shevchenko has stated that she’d like to pursue a match with Nunes again, however, first intends to win the belt in the newly created UFC Women’s Flyweight Division. Valentina has world-class striking skills coupled with excellent grappling.
Nevertheless, Cachoeira is tough as nails and isn’t going to be finished easily. Expect this one to be a clear-cut decision victory for Valentina Shevchenko.
Prediction: Valentina Shevchenko def. Priscila Cachoeira via Decision
#4 Michel Prazeres vs. Desmond Green
Desmond Green is perhaps one of the more underrated talents on the UFC roster today.
Green possesses good striking, however, doesn’t seem to let his hands go, particularly when faced with an aggressive opponent. Regardless, against Prazeres, Green is likely to establish the rhythm with his jab.
Green may be able to step on the gas late in the fight; stunning Prazeres on the feet and securing a takedown. From there onwards, Green’s grappling skills shall help him seal the deal; likely with a rear-naked choke.
Prediction: Desmond Green def. Michel Prazeres via Submission
#5 Timothy Johnson vs. Marcelo Golm
Timothy Johnson may not be the most athletic Heavyweight on the UFC roster, however, he possesses a great chin.
Johnson seems to be a typical MMA scrapper, with his striking skills being the biggest chink in his armour. On the other hand, Golm isn’t the most dangerous striker in MMA today, and has a few holes in his grappling and clinch game as well.
Expect Johnson to make this fight ugly, and use a grapple-heavy approach in order to best Golm en route to a decision victory.
Prediction: Timothy Johnson def. Marcelo Golm via Decision
#6 Thiago Santos vs. Anthony Smith
Thiago Santos is one of the best kickers in the UFC right now.
Santos has also been working on improving his boxing skills, after getting out-classed by Gegard Mousasi at UFC 200. Against Smith, Santos’ improved boxing will show.
Expect Santos to gauge the distance with pawing strikes, following which he’s likely to set up Smith for the right leg roundhouse head kick. Once Santos connects on his signature strike, it’s lights out for Smith.
Prediction: Thiago Santos def. Anthony Smith via KO
