Event Previews – Page 30

Fight Matrix Program – UFC Fight Night 118: Cerrone/Till (10-21-2017)

Posted on October 17, 2017 by Jason

Welterweight (170)
[#9] Donald Cerrone (32-9-0, -153) vs. [#55] Darren Till (15-0-1, +126)

Last 3 Fights: Donald Cerrone (1-2-0)
2017-07-29: L vs. [#3WW] Robbie Lawler (28-11-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2017-01-28: L vs. [#6WW] Jorge Masvidal (32-12-0) via TKO (Punches) in 1:00 of round 2
2016-12-10: W vs. [#43WW] Matt Brown (20-16-0) via KO (Head Kick) in 0:34 of round 3

Last 3 Fights: Darren Till (2-0-1)
2017-09-02: W vs. [#102WW] Bojan Velickovic (15-5-1) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2017-05-28: W vs. [#130WW] Jessin Ayari (16-4-0) via UD (30-27, 29-27, 30-27)
2015-10-24: D vs. [#175WW] Nicolas Dalby (14-2-1) via Draw (Majority) in 5:00 of round 3

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Donald Cerrone 84, Darren Till 49
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Women Strawweight (115)
[#9] Karolina Kowalkiewicz (10-2-0, -456) vs. [#23] Jodie Esquibel (6-2-0, +342)

Last 3 Fights: Karolina Kowalkiewicz (1-2-0)
2017-06-03: L vs. [#4SW/#9DD] Claudia Gadelha (15-3-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 3:03 of round 1
2016-11-12: L vs. [#1SW/#2DD/#1P4P] Joanna Jedrzejczyk (14-0-0) via UD (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
2016-07-30: W vs. [#5SW] Rose Namajunas (6-3-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Last 3 Fights: Jodie Esquibel (2-1-0)
2017-03-25: W vs. [#15FLY] DeAnna Bennett (8-3-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2016-07-29: L vs. [#16SW] Alexa Grasso (10-1-0) via UD (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
2014-11-01: W vs. [#53AW] Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc (8-10-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Karolina Kowalkiewicz 140, Jodie Esquibel 210
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Light Heavyweight (205)
[#39] Jan Blachowicz (19-7-0, +124) vs. [#45] Devin Clark (8-1-0, -150)

Last 3 Fights: Jan Blachowicz (1-2-0)
2017-04-08: L vs. [#24LHW] Patrick Cummins (10-4-0) via MD (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)
2016-09-03: L vs. [#5LHW] Alexander Gustafsson (18-4-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2016-04-10: W vs. [*] Igor Pokrajac (28-13-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Last 3 Fights: Devin Clark (2-1-0)
2017-04-15: W vs. [#156LHW] Jake Collier (10-4-0) via UD (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
2016-12-03: W vs. [#128LHW] Josh Stansbury (8-4-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
2016-07-13: L vs. [#84HW+] Alex Nicholson (8-4-0) via KO (Punch) in 4:57 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Jan Blachowicz 196, Devin Clark 189
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.
Keep Reading

Fight Matrix Program – Bellator 185: Mousasi/Shlemenko (10-20-2017)

Posted on October 16, 2017 by Jason

Middleweight (185)
[#4] Gegard Mousasi (42-6-2) vs. [#17] Alexander Shlemenko (56-9-0)
Gegard Mousasi is the All-Time #10 ranked Middleweight fighter.
Alexander Shlemenko is the All-Time #44 ranked Middleweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Gegard Mousasi (3-0-0)
2017-04-08: W vs. [#6MW] Chris Weidman (14-3-0) via TKO (Knees) in 3:13 of round 2
2016-11-19: W vs. [#14MW] Uriah Hall (13-8-0) via TKO in 4:37 of round 1
2016-10-08: W vs. [#9MW] Vitor Belfort (26-13-0) via TKO in 2:43 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Alexander Shlemenko (3-0-0)
2017-06-01: W vs. [#56LHW] Brandon Halsey (10-3-0) via TKO (Kick to the Body and Punches) in 0:25 of round 1
2017-03-03: W vs. [#71WW] Paul Bradley (23-8-0) via UD ()
2016-10-21: W vs. [#57MW] Kendall Grove (23-17-0) via TKO in of round 2

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Gegard Mousasi 195, Alexander Shlemenko 141
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Gegard Mousasi leads 2-1
.

Welterweight (170)
[#75MW] Brennan Ward (14-6-0) vs. [#149] David Rickels (18-4-0)

Last 3 Fights: Brennan Ward (1-2-0)
2017-08-25: L vs. [#43MW] Fernando Gonzalez (27-14-0) via Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 1:02 of round 3
2017-01-21: L vs. [#19WW] Paul Daley (40-15-2) via KO (Flying Knee) in 2:27 of round 1
2016-11-04: W vs. [#124LW] Saad Awad (20-9-0) via KO (Punch) in 1:26 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: David Rickels (2-0-0, 1 NC)
2017-01-27: W vs. [#664WW] Aaron Derrow (14-9-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:44 of round 3
2016-07-22: NC vs. [#218MW] Melvin Guillard (32-19-2)
2016-02-26: W vs. [#379WW] Bobby Cooper (12-7-0) via TKO (Knees and Punches) in 3:49 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Brennan Ward 56, David Rickels 266
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
.

Women Flyweight (125)
[#97] Heather Hardy (1-0-0) vs. [NA] Kristina Williams (DEBUT)

Last 3 Fights: Heather Hardy (1-0-0)
2017-06-24: W vs. [NA] Alice Yauger (4-6-0) via TKO (Punches) in 4:47 of round 3

Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.
Keep Reading

Fight Matrix Program – UFC 216: Ferguson/Lee (10-07-2017)

Posted on October 2, 2017 by Jason

Lightweight Championship (155)
[#3] Tony Ferguson (22-3-0, -219) vs. [#7] Kevin Lee (16-2-0, +176)
Tony Ferguson is the All-Time #27 ranked Lightweight fighter.
Kevin Lee is the All-Time #42 ranked Lightweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Tony Ferguson (3-0-0)
2016-11-05: W vs. [#5WW] Rafael dos Anjos (27-9-0) via UD (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
2016-07-13: W vs. [#117LW] Lando Vannata (9-2-0) via Submission (Brabo Choke) in 2:22 of round 2
2015-12-11: W vs. [#4LW] Edson Barboza (19-4-0) via Submission (Brabo Choke) in 2:54 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Kevin Lee (3-0-0)
2017-06-25: W vs. [#21LW] Michael Chiesa (14-3-0) via Technical Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 4:37 of round 1
2017-03-11: W vs. [#22LW] Francisco Trinaldo (21-5-0) via SUB in 3:12 of round 2
2016-11-19: W vs. [#80LW] Magomed Mustafaev (13-3-0) via SUB in 4:31 of round 2

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Tony Ferguson 336, Kevin Lee 104
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Flyweight Championship (125)
[#1/#4DD/#1P4P] Demetrious Johnson (26-2-1, -1185) vs. [#4] Ray Borg (11-2-0, +720)
Demetrious Johnson is the All-Time #1 ranked Flyweight and #17 ranked Absolute fighter.
Ray Borg is the All-Time #16 ranked Flyweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Demetrious Johnson (3-0-0)
2017-04-15: W vs. [#11FLY] Wilson Reis (22-8-0) via Submission (Armbar) in 4:49 of round 3
2016-12-03: W vs. [#10FLY] Tim Elliott (14-8-1) via UD (49-45, 49-46, 49-46)
2016-04-23: W vs. [#3FLY] Henry Cejudo (11-2-0) via TKO in 2:49 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Ray Borg (2-1-0)
2017-03-11: W vs. [#5FLY] Jussier da Silva (20-5-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2016-12-30: W vs. [#22FLY] Louis Smolka (11-4-0) via UD (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)
2016-02-06: L vs. [#42FLY] Justin Scoggins (11-4-0) via UD (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Demetrious Johnson 175, Ray Borg 210
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Heavyweight (265)
[#3] Fabricio Werdum (21-7-1, -250) vs. [#10] Derrick Lewis (18-5-0, +201)
Fabricio Werdum is the All-Time #4 ranked Heavyweight and #16 ranked Absolute fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Fabricio Werdum (1-2-0)
2017-07-08: L vs. [#2HW+] Alistair Overeem (43-15-0) via MD (28-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2016-09-10: W vs. [#14HW+] Travis Browne (18-7-1) via UD (30-27, 29-27, 29-28)
2016-05-14: L vs. [#1HW+/#3DD/#3P4P] Stipe Miocic (17-2-0) via KO (Punch) in 2:47 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Derrick Lewis (2-1-0)
2017-06-10: L vs. [#6HW+] Mark Hunt (13-11-1) via TKO (Punches) in 3:51 of round 4
2017-02-19: W vs. [#14HW+] Travis Browne (18-7-1) via KO (Punches) in 3:12 of round 2
2016-12-09: W vs. [#46HW+] Shamil Abdurakhimov (17-5-0) via TKO (Punches) in 3:42 of round 4

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Fabricio Werdum 91, Derrick Lewis 119
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Fabricio Werdum leads 6-3
.
Keep Reading

Fight Matrix Program – UFC Fight Night: OSP/Okami (09-22-2017)

Posted on September 17, 2017 by Jason

Light Heavyweight (205)
[#15] Ovince St. Preux (20-10-0) vs. [#42WW] Yushin Okami (34-10-0)
Ovince St. Preux is the All-Time #47 ranked Light Heavyweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Ovince St. Preux (1-2-0)
2017-04-22: W vs. [#52LHW] Marcos Rogerio de Lima (15-5-1) via Submission (Shoulder Choke) in 2:11 of round 2
2017-02-04: L vs. [#6LHW] Volkan Oezdemir (15-1-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2016-10-08: L vs. [#11LHW] Jimi Manuwa (17-3-0) via TKO in 2:38 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Yushin Okami (3-0-0)
2017-07-29: W vs. [#409WW] Andre Luis Leal Lobato (24-7-0) via UD (30-25, 30-27, 30-27)
2016-12-31: W vs. [#48MW] Paul Bradley (23-8-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2016-07-24: W vs. [#457LW] Shingo Suzuki (13-11-3) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 2:06 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Ovince St. Preux 154, Yushin Okami 56
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Women Strawweight (115)
[#2/#5DD/#4P4P] Claudia Gadelha (15-2-0) vs. [#4/#10DD] Jessica Andrade (16-6-0)
Claudia Gadelha is the All-Time #22 ranked Women’s fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Claudia Gadelha (2-1-0)
2017-06-03: W vs. [#9SW] Karolina Kowalkiewicz (10-2-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 3:03 of round 1
2016-11-19: W vs. [#11SW] Cortney Casey (7-4-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2016-07-08: L vs. [#1SW/#2DD/#1P4P] Joanna Jedrzejczyk (14-0-0) via UD (48-45, 48-46, 48-46)

Last 3 Fights: Jessica Andrade (2-1-0)
2017-05-13: L vs. [#1SW/#2DD/#1P4P] Joanna Jedrzejczyk (14-0-0) via UD (50-45, 50-44, 50-45)
2017-02-04: W vs. [#8SW] Angela Hill (7-3-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2016-09-10: W vs. [#13FLY] Joanne Calderwood (11-3-0) via SUB in 4:38 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Claudia Gadelha 112, Jessica Andrade 133
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
.

Light Heavyweight (205)
[#78] Henrique da Silva (12-3-0) vs. [NA] Gokhan Saki (0-1-0)

Last 3 Fights: Henrique da Silva (0-3-0)
2017-06-10: L vs. [#58LHW] Ion Cutelaba (13-3-0) via KO (Punches) in 0:22 of round 1
2017-01-28: L vs. [#30LHW] Jordan Johnson (8-0-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2016-12-17: L vs. [#70LHW] Paul Craig (9-2-0) via Submission (Armbar) in 1:59 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Gokhan Saki (0-1-0)
2004-07-11: L vs. [*] James Zikic (21-10-2) via TKO in 0:00 of round 0

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Henrique da Silva 105, Gokhan Saki 4822
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.
Keep Reading

Gennady Golovkin vs. Canelo Alvarez

Posted on September 13, 2017 by Oleg

Editor note: This is a guest editorial by Thomas Matthews of Oddschecker.
Oddschecker are the leading odds comparison site, comparing markets across all major bookmakers to find the best odds.

Gennady Golovkin vs. Canelo Alvarez has the potential to rival the Joshua/Klitschko bout in April for fight of the year. The heavy hitters from Kazakhstan and Mexico respectively will go at it and most are tipping it to be a thrilling fight as opposed to the “spectacle” that was Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor last month.

But given the nature of this contest, the betting and subsequent interest in the fight has been alarmingly non-existent compared to last month’s. Oddschecker have seen an incredible disparity in the number of total bets placed, with 3,500 so far on Canelo vs. GGG compared with over 130,000 on the Mayweather McGregor show.

The round-by-round betting comparisons also give an indication of how punters are expecting the fight to go. A total of 54.3% of bets on Saturday’s fight have been on the match to be decided in round eight or further, compared with just 18.9% in Mayweather McGregor.

Keep Reading

Fight Matrix Program – UFC Fight Night: Rockhold/Branch (09-16-2017)

Posted on September 12, 2017 by Jason

Middleweight (185)
[*] Luke Rockhold (15-3-0, -438) vs. [#8] David Branch (21-3-0, +334)
Luke Rockhold is the All-Time #3 ranked Middleweight and #50 ranked Absolute fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Luke Rockhold (2-1-0)
2016-06-04: L vs. [#1MW/#6DD/#7P4P] Michael Bisping (30-7-0) via in 3:36 of round 1
2015-12-12: W vs. [#5MW] Chris Weidman (14-3-0) via TKO (Punches) in 3:12 of round 4
2015-04-18: W vs. [*] Lyoto Machida (22-7-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 2:31 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: David Branch (3-0-0)
2017-05-13: W vs. [#15MW] Krzysztof Jotko (19-2-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2016-12-31: W vs. [#73MW] Louis Taylor (14-4-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 2:00 of round 5
2016-10-07: W vs. [#55LHW] Vinny Magalhaes (14-9-0) via UD (50-44, 50-44, 50-44)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Luke Rockhold 469, David Branch 126
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
.

Welterweight (170)
[#22] Mike Perry (10-1-0, -174) vs. [#30] Thiago Alves (22-11-0, +144)
Thiago Alves is the All-Time #17 ranked Welterweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Mike Perry (2-1-0)
2017-04-22: W vs. [#32WW] Jake Ellenberger (31-13-0) via KO (Elbow) in 1:05 of round 2
2016-12-17: L vs. [#51WW] Alan Jouban (15-6-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
2016-10-08: W vs. [#68WW] Danny Roberts (14-2-0) via in 4:40 of round 3

Last 3 Fights: Thiago Alves (1-2-0)
2017-04-08: W vs. [*] Patrick Cote (23-11-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2016-11-12: L vs. [#23LW] Jim Miller (28-10-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
2015-05-30: L vs. [#14WW] Carlos Condit (30-10-0) via TKO (Doctor Stoppage) in 5:00 of round 2

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Mike Perry 147, Thiago Alves 161
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Middleweight (185)
[#28] Anthony Smith (27-12-0, -121) vs. [#46] Hector Lombard (34-7-1, -106)
Hector Lombard is the All-Time #30 ranked Middleweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Anthony Smith (2-1-0)
2017-04-15: W vs. [#49MW] Andrew Sanchez (8-3-0) via KO (Head Kick and Punches) in 3:52 of round 3
2016-12-03: W vs. [#302WW] Elvis Mutapcic (15-6-1) via in 3:27 of round 2
2016-07-08: L vs. [#32MW] Cezar Ferreira (11-6-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Last 3 Fights: Hector Lombard (0-3-0)
2017-02-19: L vs. [#17MW] Johny Hendricks (18-7-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
2016-06-04: L vs. [*] Dan Henderson (32-15-0) via in 1:27 of round 2
2016-03-19: L vs. [#13WW] Neil Magny (19-6-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:46 of round 3

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Anthony Smith 154, Hector Lombard 209
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.
Keep Reading

Fight Matrix Program – UFC 215: Nunes/Shevchenko (09-09-2017)

Posted on September 5, 2017 by Jason

Women Bantamweight Championship (135)
[#1/#1DD/#2P4P] Amanda Nunes (14-4-0, -105) vs. [#2/#4DD/#6P4P] Valentina Shevchenko (14-2-0, -120)
Amanda Nunes is the All-Time #10 ranked Women’s fighter.
Valentina Shevchenko is the All-Time #32 ranked Women’s fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Amanda Nunes (3-0-0)
2016-12-30: W vs. [#6BW] Ronda Rousey (12-2-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:48 of round 1
2016-07-09: W vs. [*] Miesha Tate (18-7-0) via in 3:16 of round 1
2016-03-05: W vs. [#2BW/#4DD/#6P4P] Valentina Shevchenko (14-2-0) via UD (29-27, 29-28, 29-27)

Last 3 Fights: Valentina Shevchenko (2-1-0)
2017-01-28: W vs. [#7BW] Julianna Pena (8-3-0) via Submission (Armbar) in 4:29 of round 2
2016-07-23: W vs. [#4BW] Holly Holm (11-3-0) via UD (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
2016-03-05: L vs. [#1BW/#1DD/#2P4P] Amanda Nunes (14-4-0) via UD (29-27, 29-28, 29-27)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Amanda Nunes 253, Valentina Shevchenko 224
Previous Match-up Record: Amanda Nunes leads 1-0-0
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Welterweight (170)
[#6] Rafael dos Anjos (26-9-0, -198) vs. [#9] Neil Magny (19-5-0, +163)
Rafael dos Anjos is the All-Time #31 ranked Absolute fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Rafael dos Anjos (1-2-0)
2017-06-17: W vs. [#30WW] Tarec Saffiedine (16-7-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
2016-11-05: L vs. [#3LW] Tony Ferguson (22-3-0) via UD (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
2016-07-07: L vs. [#2LW/#10DD] Eddie Alvarez (28-5-0) via TKO (Punches) in 3:49 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Neil Magny (2-1-0)
2016-12-30: W vs. [#17MW] Johny Hendricks (18-7-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2016-08-20: L vs. [#16WW] Lorenz Larkin (18-6-0) via in 4:08 of round 1
2016-03-19: W vs. [#46MW] Hector Lombard (34-7-1) via TKO (Punches) in 0:46 of round 3

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Rafael dos Anjos 84, Neil Magny 253
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Light Heavyweight (205)
[#19] Ilir Latifi (12-5-0, -131) vs. [#26] Tyson Pedro (6-0-0, +106)

Last 3 Fights: Ilir Latifi (2-1-0)
2016-09-03: L vs. [#3LHW] Ryan Bader (23-5-0) via KO (Knee) in 2:06 of round 2
2016-03-05: W vs. [#32LHW] Gian Villante (15-9-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2016-01-17: W vs. [#80LHW] Sean OConnell (17-9-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:30 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Tyson Pedro (3-0-0)
2017-03-04: W vs. [#70LHW] Paul Craig (9-2-0) via TKO (Elbows) in 4:10 of round 1
2016-11-26: W vs. [#50LHW] Khalil Rountree (6-2-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 4:07 of round 1
2016-10-15: W vs. [#351LHW] Steven Warby (8-2-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 3:05 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Ilir Latifi 371, Tyson Pedro 189
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.
Keep Reading

Current MMA Rankings Updated (09-03-2017)

Posted on September 3, 2017 by Jason

UFC 215 Main Card Preview & Predictions

Posted on August 31, 2017 by A. J. Riot

On September 9th in Edmonton, Alberta Canada, Rogers Place Arena will be absent of the Edmonton Oilers, but is going to be teeming with crazed fight fans. The UFC 215 card is stacked with veteran talent and no doubt, the arena should be packed!

Though the matchups throughout are going to be highly competitive, we are here to focus on the top three main card bouts: Magny-Dos Anjos, Nunes-Shevchenko, and Johnson-Borg.

Demetrious Johnson vs. Ray Borg

It’s Mighty Mouse vs. The Tazmexican Devil! These two fighters match up quite well physically against each-other. You have a slightly more powerful Borg facing off with a slightly faster and savvier Johnson. Separated by just an inch in height, Johnson holds a clear, three-inch reach advantage but Borg evens it up with two inches in leg reach advantage.

Borg is more well-rounded than Mighty Mouse’s recent opponents but this fight is history in the making for Demetrius Johnson. With one more consecutive title defense, Johnson will break Anderson Silva’s record of 11 straight and go down in the books as one of the greatest champions of all time.

The Tazmexican will put up a great couple of rounds, but Johnson’s unorthodox style and savvy creativity will eventually take over. Oddsmakers agree with me, as they have laid Demetrious Johnson as a (-900) favorite at most offshore shops –Bovada is a great place to start if you are looking to pace action on the fight. If you disagree with my assessment and think that Borg has a legitimate shot here, you can find him at a profitable (+550) which is a little better than 5 to 1 odds!

UFC 215 Prediction: Demetrious Johnson Wins in the 3rd Round (+625)

Keep Reading

Fight Matrix Program – UFC Fight Night 115: Struve/Volkov (09-02-2017)

Posted on August 30, 2017 by Jason

Heavyweight (265)
[#11] Alexander Volkov (28-6-0, -129) vs. [#12] Stefan Struve (28-8-0, +104)

Last 3 Fights: Alexander Volkov (3-0-0)
2017-04-15: W vs. [#18HW+] Roy Nelson (22-14-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2016-11-19: W vs. [#31HW+] Timothy Johnson (11-4-0) via SD (29-28, 29-28, 27-30)
2016-06-16: W vs. [#80LHW] Attila Vegh (30-8-2) via KO (Punches) in 2:38 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Stefan Struve (2-1-0)
2016-10-08: W vs. [#44HW+] Daniel Omielanczuk (19-8-1) via Submission (Brabo Choke) in 1:41 of round 2
2016-05-08: W vs. [#37HW+] Antonio Silva (19-12-1) via KO (Elbows) in 0:16 of round 1
2015-11-14: L vs. [#39HW+] Jared Rosholt (15-4-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Alexander Volkov 140, Stefan Struve 329
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Alexander Volkov leads 1-0
.

Welterweight (170)
[#27] Leon Edwards (13-3-0, -293) vs. [#50] Bryan Barberena (13-4-0, +232)

Last 3 Fights: Leon Edwards (3-0-0)
2017-03-18: W vs. [#58WW] Vicente Luque (11-6-1) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2016-10-08: W vs. [#44WW] Albert Tumenov (18-4-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 3:01 of round 3
2016-05-08: W vs. [*] Dominic Waters (9-5-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Last 3 Fights: Bryan Barberena (2-1-0)
2017-04-22: W vs. [#421WW] Joe Proctor (11-5-0) via TKO (Punches and Knees) in 3:30 of round 1
2016-12-17: L vs. [#19WW] Colby Covington (12-1-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2016-05-14: W vs. [#72WW] Warlley Alves (10-2-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-82)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Leon Edwards 168, Bryan Barberena 133
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Light Heavyweight (205)
[#33] Francimar Barroso (19-5-0, +100) vs. [#101] Aleksandar Rakic (8-1-0, -125)

Last 3 Fights: Francimar Barroso (1-1-0, 1 NC)
2017-03-18: W vs. [#106LHW] Darren Stewart (7-1-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2016-11-19: NC vs. [#106LHW] Darren Stewart (7-1-0)
2016-05-08: L vs. [#19LHW] Nikita Krylov (22-5-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 3:11 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Aleksandar Rakic (3-0-0)
2017-03-04: W vs. [#321LHW] Sergio Souza (15-15-0) via TKO (Punches) in ? of round 1
2015-06-20: W vs. [*] Martin Batur (4-3-0) via KO (Left Hook) in 0:26 of round 1
2014-12-06: W vs. [#34LHW] Marcin Prachnio (13-2-0) via TKO (Punches) in 3:00 of round 3

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Francimar Barroso 168, Aleksandar Rakic 182
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.
Keep Reading

What Tactics Floyd Mayweather Can Expect from Conor McGregor

Posted on August 25, 2017 by A. J. Riot

On Saturday, August 26, the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas will host one of the most hyped-up events of all time. Floyd Mayweather, who retired from boxing but boasts a 49-0 record, will be taking on two-weight UFC champion Conor McGregor in a sanctioned boxing match.

This will be McGregor’s first ever meaningful boxing match, and without any of his mixed martial arts credentials on the line and a huge payday guaranteed, it could be said that the Irishman hasn’t got anything to lose. Mayweather, on the other hand, will be putting his untarnished record on the line, as well as boxing’s reputation – to an extent.

Sure he’s 40 years old and retired, but Floyd Mayweather will be taking on someone without a boxing record. Considered to be a great of the sport, a Mayweather loss would raise the standing of mixed martial arts above that of boxing in the eyes of many.

Mayweather needs to win this fight far more than McGregor does, and he’s expected to do so, but what can he expect from his upcoming opponent?

McGregor needs the knockout

Source: The Mac Life, via Twitter

At the first destination of the international four-city media tour to build-up the fight, Conor McGregor told the Los Angeles audience that he was going to knock out Floyd Mayweather in the fourth round, saying: “I am honored to be here, to give you this spectacle. His little legs, his little core, his little head, I am going to knock him out inside four rounds, mark my words.”

Many fighters, regardless of which sport they’re taking part in, will predict a round of victory during the build-up. This may be because they want to psych out their opponent and get that round in their head, or because they want their prediction to come true to receive praise from the press. In any case, they have no real way of knowing as anything can happen in the ring. Conversely, McGregor’s claim does hold some value.

Floyd Mayweather has never been defeated, never been knocked out, and has only been officially knocked down in a fight on one occasion. To add to that, the American’s last seven fights – all in Las Vegas, all wins – were decided by the judges, with only two of them not being unanimous decisions. If McGregor wants to win, he needs to knock out Mayweather.

Not only does he need to knock him out, but the Irishman should aim to do it quickly. As the fight progresses, Mayweather will simply get more comfortable up against the ropes and on the backfoot, bobbing and weaving, dodging the swings, and landing swift counter punches. It seems extremely unlikely that McGregor could defeat Mayweather in the eyes of the Las Vegas judges unless his knockout attempts achieve enough knockdowns to sway favor.

Keep Reading

How Can Conor McGregor Defeat Floyd Mayweather?

Posted on August 22, 2017 by A. J. Riot

As one would naturally assume, Floyd Mayweather – the former boxing world champion with a 49-0 record – is favored to defeat the two-weight UFC champion, Conor McGregor. Mayweather has years of boxing experience under his belt, and his defensive tactics have rendered him undefeated, whereas McGregor has never engaged in a meaningful boxing match.

So, with all of the odds stacked against him, how can the mixed martial arts star, Conor McGregor, defeat retired boxer-turned-promoter Floyd Mayweather in a sanctioned boxing match?

Mayweather lacks knockout power

Source: Sky Sports Boxing, via Twitter

Of course, if any fighter gets the right swing connecting with the right point, it can result in a knockout. However, Floyd Mayweather – who is hailed by many as one of the greatest boxers of his weight-class – hasn’t knocked an opponent out since Victor Ortiz in 2011.

Now, Mayweather has always utilized his defensive abilities to defeat opponents, but towards the end of his career, those skills became the center of his game plan. Against Manny Pacquiao, the Filipino threw in an inordinate number of punches, and yet Mayweather’s defense managed to fend many of them off – with the American winning by unanimous decision in his second home, Las Vegas.

Speaking of his second home, the last time that Mayweather fought outside of Las Vegas was in 2005, against Sharmba Mitchell in Portland. 12 of Mayweather’s last 14 fights – all in Las Vegas – have been decided by decision, with only the Ricky Hatton and Ortiz fights ending with a knockout.

Keep Reading

Video: Chael Sonnen on Mayweather vs McGregor

Posted on August 16, 2017 by Heather

Who is a harder puncher: Floyd Mayweather, Jr or Conor McGregor? Objectively, there’s no good way to tell unless we measure their punching power output in a scientific setting – or have first-hand testimony from someone who has been punched by both. Everything else is pure speculation… and who’s better to speculate on all things combat sports than MMA’s favorite loud mouth Chael Sonnen? Watch his take on who punches harder:
Keep Reading

Heather

MMA & Boxing Columnist | Business Development Consultant
I have been a fan and avid viewer of all combat sports for decades. I was once a Judoka, which is what eventually piqued my interest in Mixed Martial Arts. I have been a spectator of the UFC since 2001. For 25 years I’ve worked in healthcare, and now am trying to make something that was a hobby, into a full-time endeavor.

www.fightmatrix.com

Video: Conor McGregor interview with Ariel Helwani

Posted on August 14, 2017 by Heather

The lead-up to the upcoming boxing contest between Floyd Mayweather, Jr and two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor has been full of rumors and controversy. From accusations of racism stemming from Conor’s antics during the press tour, to the rumored payday for the fighters, to the fiasco that was McGregor’s short-lived training camp with Paul Malignaggi… Here, Conor sits down for a interview with MMA pundit Ariel Helwani, to discuss these issues and more.

Keep Reading

Heather

www.fightmatrix.com

What’s More and Less Likely to Happen Than McGregor Beating Mayweather?

Posted on August 14, 2017 by A. J. Riot

For many a boxing expert the upcoming fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr and Conor McGregor is a joke. McGregor has never had a professional boxing fight in his life and yet he is challenging arguably the greatest of all time in the sport. As of today the Notorious Irishman is 4/1 to win the bout for anyone interested in placing a bet on the Mayweather v McGregor fight. This article looks at events that bookmakers believe are more and less likely to happen than a big upset in Las Vegas this month.

Alien existence to be proven in 2017 is 3/1

The bookmakers believe there is more chance we’ll see alien existence proven before the end of 2017 than Conor McGregor winning the fight of the year! This just shows the mammoth task that stands in front of the UFC Lightweight champion, and whether it is possible remains to be seen. McGregor has some guts going into the ring with arguably the greatest pound-for-pound boxer of all time with no professional boxing experience under his own belt. It will take an out of this world performance from McGregor to walk out victorious.

Source: http://nypost.com/2017/04/25/aliens-may-have-existed-in-our-solar-system-long-before-us/

Keep Reading