My Predictions for UFC Fight Night 106 Fortaleza: Belfort Vs Gastelum. The event will kick off in just a few hours.
NOTE: I've been an MMA fan for a long time, and also a martial arts practitioner. I analyze the fighters and their history, but considering the unpredictability of this sport, I make the final decision based on what my gut says. I have a pretty good track record with MMA predictions, but I NEVER gamble! I make predictions just for fun. I won't be responsible if you lose all your money by gambling on my predictions. Don't come crying to me if your wife leaves you because you told her you were going to be a millionaire, and now you're homeless. I don’t suggest betting, but if you want to, please bet responsibly.
Now, let’s make some predictions. :D
Main Event: Vitor Belfort vs Kelvin Gastelum
When you look at Vitor Belfort, you see a hardened MMA veteran. This is one of the most experienced guys in the entire MMA community. He has been in the fighting game for over 20 years now, and ever since his debut, He has always stayed at the top of the game and never considered irrelevant. He’s an excellent fighter with brilliant killer instinct who has KO’d many champs during his time. He’s 40 years old, not on TRT anymore, and doesn’t look as good as the Vitor who KO’d Luke Rockhold. Despite of all that, I really don’t think he’s an easy target for Gastelum.
Kelvin Gastelum represents the young generation of up and coming fighters. He’s a TUF winner, is very intelligent, and possesses very good boxing. He’s had a lot of weight problems at 170, but He looked like a completely different fighter at his middleweight fight last time Vs Tim Kennedy. Against Vitor, He’ll face the most experienced fighter he has ever faced. He’ll have to save himself from the onslaught of Vitor in the first round, weather the storm, and glide towards the win.
My Pick: Kelvin Gastelum
Co-main Event: Edson Barboza vs Beneil Dariush
I always get excited when I hear Edson Barboza’s name. His KO of Terry Etims will forever live as one of the best MMA knock-out of all time. Barboza is a fantastic Kick-boxer, and He can be a real contender if makes his game a little more complete and wins this fight.
Dariush is an underdog in this fight. He’s coming off of a nice victory. This guy has been flying under the radar lately, but make no mistake, he is a complete fighter and trains with absolute killers. This fight is very important for the division and the winner of this fight might be the next title challenger or at least fight for the no.1 contender.
My Pick: Beneil Dariush
Maurico ‘Shogun’ Rua vs Gian Villante
Shogun Rua is a legend in this sport, and an absolute beast. He was a LHW champ at one point in his career. I don’t think He’s in his prime anymore, but still very much a threat. He’s riding on a 2-fight win streak giving him a nice momentum getting into this fight. His speed, footwork and world-class leg-kicks definitely give him an edge.
Gian Villante has been looking outstanding lately with KOs over fighters like Corey Anderson and Anthony Perosh. Although, he can’t match the experience of Shogun, he has a lot less MMA miles on him than Shogun. This is a big fight and a big chance for him to move up the rankings.
My Pick: Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua
Alex Olivera Vs Tim Means
This is a rematch of the fight that ended in a no-contest when Tim means landed an illegal knee on Alex Olivera. Those were undesirable circumstances. Both guys had their moment in their last fight at UFC 207. This fight will be interesting because both guys have unfinished business with each other.
My Pick: Alex Olivera
Ray Borg Vs Jussier Da Silva
This fight is very important in the Flyweight division, and will probably decide the next guy to face Demetrious Johnson. Both guys have some good submission victories. Expect some nice grappling exchanges.
My Pick: Ray Borg
Bethe Correia Vs Marion Reneau
Reneau has good striking and overall fight game. Can’t say the same for Correia. Correia got out-striked by Ronda Rousey who herself was never an outstanding striker. I don’t like the Correia’s attitude, and I don’t see her getting close to the title again.
My Pick: Marion Reneau
All mage credits go to UFC.com
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