UFC 173 Predictions & Preview
UFC 173 takes place this week at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The main event features Renan Barao vs TJ Dillashaw for the UFC Bantamweight title.
Here are my predictions for the main card of UFC 173
Jamie Varner vs. James Krause
Krause is boast an impressive record of 25-5, but has had mixed performances in his two fights in the UFC. After beating, the hard hitting, Sam Stout at UFC 161, he lost a controversial decision against Bobby Green in November 2013.
The former WEC Champion, Varner, has lost his last two fights in the UFC. However, he looked good in both fights and they were against very tough opponents. He will come into this fight with a lot more UFC experience than Krause, and is fighting for survival.
This is a close fight that could go either way.
Prediction: Varner via decision
Takeya Mizugaki vs. Francisco Rivera
Both these fighters are ranked among the top 10 Bantamweights in the UFC and are very evenly matched in terms of skill set.
This should make it a very interesting fight, but I think Rivera’s power could make all the difference. Of his 10 wins he’s holds 7 KO’s.
Prediction: Rivera via TKO
Robbie Lawler vs. Jake Ellenberger
This will be Lawlers first fight since his war with Johny Hendricks for the Welterweight crown. He takes on No. 5 ranked Jake Ellenberger.
Ellenberger’s best chance of winning will be if he can out wrestle Lawler and keep him on his back. However, if he decides to trade punches with Lawler, as he has done in his last few fights, it will end badly for him.
Prediction: Lawler via KO
Dan Henderson vs Daniel Cormier
This is a great fight for Cromier and if he wins it, he could be in line for a title shot. Cromier has ever improving striking and great wrestling which he combines very well.
But don’t count Henderson out to quickly. All he needs to do is land his overhand right and the fight will be over.
Stylistically this is a Cromiers fight to lose.
Prediction: Cromier via decision
Renan Barao vs TJ Dillashaw
This seems like a very one sided fight on paper. Barao has convincingly beaten Dillashaws teammate, Urijah Faber, not once but twice. He has shown he has the tools to beat this style of fighter.
Dillashaw is an excellent fighter and has looked great in his last few fights most recently beating Mike Easton via decision. However, I don’t think he possesses the skills to neutralise Barao
Prediction: Barao via TKO
Here is the UFC 173 Extended Preview
Here is the full line up for UFC 173;
Main Card
Bantamweight: Renan Barao vs TJ Dillashaw
Light Heavyweight: Dan Henderson vs Daniel Cormier
Welterweight: Robbie Lawler vs. Jake Ellenberger
Bantamweight: Takeya Mizugaki vs. Francisco Rivera
Lightweight: Jamie Varner vs. James Krause
Preliminary card (Fox Sports 1)
Lightweight: Michael Chiesa vs. Francisco Trinaldo
Lightweight Tony Ferguson vs. Katsunori Kikuno
Bantamweight: Chris Holdsworth vs. Chico Camus
Lightweight: Al Iaquinta vs. Mitch Clarke
Preliminary card (UFC Fight Pass)
Lightweight: Anthony Njokuani vs. Vinc Pichel
Featherweight: Sam Sicilia vs. Aaron Phillips
Welterweight: David Michaud vs. Li JingLiang
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