UFC 192 Predictions

Chris and Hugh are back for a second week of predictions. It is tight after only one week, with Chris (4-1) slightly ahead of Hugh (3-2). Still, it it early days, so let's see the picks for this week:

Jessica Eye vs. Julianna Pena

Chris: It is hard to tell where Pena is at right now, having had a long layoff followed by a quick victory over an unranked opponent. Eye will be a stiffer test, having fought respectable competition over her UFC tenure. Eye fades somewhat as fights go on, and Pena will approach this with her customary intensity, which should be enough to secure the win.

Winner: Julianna Pena by Decision

Hugh: Pena looked good in her last fight, if she can get passed Eye it would be pretty crazy. Eye is coming off a loss, but still very experienced. I’ll take the risk and say Pena.

Winner: Pena

Ali Bagautinov vs. Joseph Benavidez

Chris: This one should go exactly as expected, since Benavidez is usually as reliable a fighter as you can find. I also worry about Bagautinov coming off a layoff after failing a drug test. Benavidez should take this without too many scares.

Winner: Joseph Benavidez by Decision

Hugh: Have to go with Benavidez.

Winner: Benavidez by decision

Shawn Jordan vs. Ruslan Magomedov

Chris: I have already picked one heavyweight slugger over a more skilled opponent, but I don't think I can do the same here. Jordan is an athletic heavyweight, but Magamedov knows what he is in for, and if he plans right he should be getting the win here.

Winner: Ruslan Magomedov by TKO

Hugh: Jordan is a pretty exciting heavyweight, his last 7 fights all ended in KO, 5 of those went his way. I’d be happy to see Jordan win, but I’m going with Magomedov.
Winner: Magomedov

Ryan Bader vs. Rashad Evans

Chris: There are a number of intangibles in this fight, not least how Rashad will look after a 22 month layoff. Bader is on a win streak, but has always failed when put in the spotlight. I think this will happen again here if Rashad looks anywhere near his best.

Winner: Rashad Evans by Decision

Hugh:If this was a few years ago I wouldn’t think twice about picking Evans, but now it’s harder. While Evans has been out Bader has gotten a few good wins. Really hard to know, that’s what makes fights interesting though.
Winner: Evans by Decision

Daniel Cormier vs. Alexander Gustafsson

Chris: I'm not a huge fan of Cormier, but it is undeniable that he is a top level fighter. Gustafsson has never really beaten anyone elite and in their prime, and has seemed like his head is not really in fighting anymore. Cormier wants this more, and I think that will show through as the fight goes on.

Winner: Daniel Cormier by Decision

Hugh: I would love for Gus to win, and then there would technically be 3 European champs. I will be rooting for Gus, but my pick is Cormier.
Winner: Daniel Cormier