So UFC 200 wasn’t my best night of picks… I went 2-3 during the main card, dropping my overall record to 12-8. But hey, batting .600 would be hella insane in the major leagues.
With that being said, you can 100% trust me to get everything right for this weekend’s 201 main card.*
Robbie Lawler vs. Tyrone Woodley for the welterweight championship – Lawler has a tendency to make every fight a war, which means that his opponent always has a chance. Despite his vaunted toughness and chin, this fighting style has to catch up to the champ at some point. Is this Saturday that time? I doubt it, but you never know. Woodley has the power to put someone to sleep, but I doubt that he is active enough to do it to Lawler. #AndStill
Rose Namajunas vs. Karolina Kowalkiewicz – Grappler vs. Striker, and possible title eliminator matchup? Karolina throws punches in bunches, and likes to swarm her opponent, but she doesn’t throw with much ill intent. Rose, a grappler by trade, has vastly improved her striking to a point where it is now more than just serviceable. Rose’s style is perfectly suited to deal with a pressure fighter like Karolina, and she takes the decision here.
Matt Brown vs. Jake Ellenberger – I think I was still in diapers the last time Ellenberger won a fight. While Brown is on his own 1-3 slide recently, it has been against much stiffer competition, which Ellenberger is not. This seems like a “get back on track” fight for Brown, and he might just retire Ellenberger with those vicious clinch elbows.
Francisco Rivera vs. Erik Perez – this is going to be a fun fight. Rivera throws some heavy hands for a bantemweight, and Perez is usually happy to oblige. However, Perez is still too hittable, which means bad things for him against a fighter like Rivera. Unless he can weather the early storm and tire out Rivera he’s not leaving with his hand raised. Rivera for the win.
Ian McCall vs. Justin Scoggins – Uncle Creepy seems to get a bad rep, and I’m not sure why. He only losses to the cream of the crop. Unfortunately for him, Scoggins looks like he belongs up there with his karate/wrestling combination. The young “Tank” cements himself as a contender in a close decision victory.
*You can absolutely in no way trust me at all.
BROEST BROS YOU KNOW 