UFC 189 Predictions/Thoughts

[arbnranger]

Fight card is as follows:

Prelims

170 lbs.: Matt Brown vs. Tim Means
170 lbs.: John Howard vs. Cathal Pendred
170 lbs.: Alex Garcia vs. Mike Swick
135 lbs.: Henry Briones vs. Cody Garbrandt

Main Card

145 lbs.: Chad Mendes vs. Conor McGregor for the interim featherweight championship

170 lbs.: UFC Welterweight Champion Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald
145 lbs.: Dennis Bermudez vs. Jeremy Stephens
170 lbs.: Gunnar Nelson vs. Brandon Thatch
135 lbs.: Thomas Almeida vs. Brad Pickett

The prelims are normally the up and comers or guys that have something to prove. The only one of note for me is Matt Brown. Matt is tough and has a grinding style but just doesn't quite have enough to make it over that last hurdle to become a champion. His fights are normally entertaining and I really enjoy when you see him take the will of his opponent.

On the main card

Thomas Almeida vs. Brad Pickett- This one seems to be a test of the young buck vs the grizzled veteran. Pickett needs to get on track in a hurry if he is ever going to sniff a title shot. At 36 there isn't much time left. I don't know much about Almeida but from what I've seen he looks like the real deal.

Prediction- Almedia 3rd TKO

Gunnar Nelson vs. Brandon Thatch- This one is a tough one for me. I like both of these guys. Both relative unknowns to the casual MMA fan and both have a hell of a lot of talent and potential. This one is one of the more interesting match ups stylistically on the card. Gunnar is an exceptional grappler and Thatch is exceptional and creative striker. I think if Gunnar can make it past the first round of onslaught he has a chance to put Thatch in some tough situations but its going to be really hard to get him down.

Prediction- Thatch by Decision

145 lbs.: Dennis Bermudez vs. Jeremy Stephens- Pretty simple on this one Jeremy is tough and well rounded but Dennis is an animal.

Prediction- Bermudez 2nd round TKO

UFC Welterweight Champion Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald- Very tough to call on this one. I personally like both of these fighters and the last fight was pretty close leading up to the last round if memory serves me correctly.

Prediction- Upset -MacDonald by decision

Chad Mendes vs. Conor McGregor for the interim featherweight championship- I was calling an upset by McGregor when he was fighting Aldo, Mendez is another story. Mendez is a complete beast thats only lost to Aldo. It hard to bet against his record and fighting style. I think Mendez will tke him down early and often and control the fight. Personally I like McGregor, his style and flash. Its nice to see something a little different in the UFC. I'm actually pulling for Conor but if Im putting money on it ...Im putting it on Money Mendez.

Prediction- Mendez by decision

 

I started late on the post so feel free to add you predictions or comments before the show.

[CarolinaCoolin]

Mendes by decision? The guy who took the fight on 2 weeks notice out lasting in the championship rounds? No way. McGregor by knock out first round.

[arbnranger]

One of the best UFC's I've seen in a long time!

[arbnranger]

These are tough to call but an all around bad ass UFC. I'm happy Gunnar won as as well As Conor. I was disappointed in the Bermudez loss. Good stuff overall!

[CarolinaCoolin]

What a fuging card