The first UFC PPV of 2017 is upon us with another stacked card destined to deliver as always. This card is unique because of its unpredictability. From who many believe to be the Greatest of All Time in Anderson Silva back in the octagon, to the inaugural 145 pound title bout headlining the card with Germaine De Randamie and Holly Holm. Below are my picks for the card!
#10 Dustin Poirier vs. Jim Miller
This is personally the most anticipated fight on the card. An up and comer in Poirier and a proven veteran in Miller. Poirier is coming off of a devastating knockout loss to Michael Johnson and looking to rebound. Jim Miller is on a three fight win streak dating back to July 2016 at UFC 200.
Prediction: Dustin Poirier wins this one by TKO. Poirier is a product of American Top Team which has been on a tear lately with the likes of Amanda Nunes and Jorge Masvidal.
#3 Glover Teixeira vs. Jared Cannonier
Glover is trying to rebound here after a highlight reel knockout loss against Anthony Johnson at UFC 202. Cannonier is unknown to many fans but has proved to be exciting to watch winning back to back Performance of the Night awards.
Prediction: Glover Teixeira wins this bout by Unanimous Decision. Both fighters fight cautiously respecting each others power.
#3 Ronaldo Souza vs. #13 Tim Boetsch
Ronaldo Souza has been knocking on the door for a Middleweight title bout for a few years now but despite of his lack of opportunity, he continues to take fights and risk his ranking. Tim Boetsch has had an up and down career but he is coming off two great wins against the late Josh Samman and Rafael Natal.
Prediction: Souza wins by Rear Naked Choke. Souza is arguably the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner to ever grace the octagon. Boetsch is a hard hitter and can stand with Souza, but the ground game will be too much for him.
#7 Anderson Silva vs. #8 Derek Brunson
Anderson Silva is known by many as the G.O.A.T. He's had a weird past few years. Losing his title to Chris Weidman from talking trash, breaking his leg in a rematch, knocking out the current champ Bisping and still losing the fight, to stepping in last minute at UFC 200 against the Light Heavyweight champ Daniel Cormier and losing by decision. Did you catch all of that? It's a lot to take in. Derek Brunson went on a tear before being a victim of defeat in his last bout against Robert Whittaker but he's younger and he's looking to rebound.
Prediction: Anderson Silva wins this one by K.O. Brunson has a history of charging forward with no regard of his opponents power. Silva made his reputation by being patient and using his precision to make his opponents look silly.
Holly Holm vs. Germaine De Randamie
The first ever fight at 145 for women and there's a title on the line. De Randamie is 6-3 in the UFC and has an undefeated professional Muy Thai record. Holly Holm is the former 135 pound women's champion after the memorable head kick knockout to Ronda Rousey.
Prediction: Holly Holm wins by Split Decision. Germaine De Randamie is a pressure fighter and her game is to come forward throwing punches, knees, and kicks. Holly Holm made her mark in this sport by being a counter striker and relying on her world caliber boxing skills.
Hope you guys enjoyed my picks! We will see how it all plays out! Thanks for reading and Cheers!
