UFC 197 Main Card Picks

Want to make a ton of cash?  Just follow my fool-proof picks below for a perfect evening as you watch UFC 197 tonight.*

*Not full-proof and I’m not responsible if you lose money. This is fighting, who the hell knows what’s going to happen…

UFC 197 Main Card

Jon Jones vs. Ovince Saint Preux for interim light heavyweight title – Bones is back! I wouldn’t be surprised if there are a few “oh shit!” moments where OSP gives Jones trouble in the first round, but Jones will settle in and take it by TKO in the 3rd.

Demetrious Johnson vs. Henry Cejudo for flyweight title – head says Mighty Mouse, but I just have a gut feeling that Cejudo’s size and strength gives Johnson trouble tonight. Johnson hasn’t fought someone of Cejudo’s calibre (of course the same could be said about Cejudo not having fought someone of Johnson’s calibre). Don’t be surprised, though, if this is a split-decision upset.

Edson Barboza vs. Anthony Pettis – two fighters moving in opposite directions? Barboza and Pettis have similar styles, but Pettis can get too complacent fighting as he backs up, and Barboza is not someone you want pressuring you.  Probably not ending in a KO, despite the kicking pedigree of both fighters, but this should be a fun one for 3 rounds.

Rafael Natal vs. Robert Whittaker – Natal is skilled, but Whittaker is on the up and up, and seems to add new elements every time he enters the octagon.  And his power is scary, meaning a round 1 KO.

Andre Fili vs. Yair Rodriguez – when in doubt, go Team Alpha Male. Although, as an aside, that camp does seem to be hemorrhaging talent of late. First TJ, now Benevidez?  TAM gameplan leads to a unanimous decision.