UFC 230 Predictions – Breakdown of the entire fight card from MSG
Tomorrow night, one of the last UFC pay-per-views of the year takes place Madison Square Garden. Here are my compete UFC 230 predictions.
Daniel Cormier vs. Derrick Lewis
In my opinion, there is very little to analyze in this fight. Lewis undoubtedly has a punchers chance in this bout but I do not see how he can survive the wrestling and constant pressure of D.C. However, there are a few key factors that could affect the outcome of the fight. For Cormier, his hand is still injured stemming from his last contest against Stipe Miocic. Lewis earned a hard fought victory against Alexander Volkov on October 6 at UFC 229. Lewis has had very little time to prepare but he does not have any injuries at this time known to the public. If you’re a betting man, put some cash on Lewis as he is a +450 underdog.
Pick: Daniel Cormier via 3rd Round RNC
Chris Weidman vs. Ronaldo Souza
This one is a tough one to call. The “X” factor in this bout is no brain buster. The fans will be in for a treat if it goes to the mat. Weidman is an outstanding MMA wrestler while Souza is known as one of the very best jiu jitsu practitioners to ever grace the octagon. The battle on the ground will certainly be a chess match. I feel Weidman has the edge on the feet but Jacare doesn’t lack any power.
Pick: Chris Weidman via Decision
David Branch vs. Jared Cannonier
It seems like there is a middleweight tournament going on at UFC 230. This is a fight where Branch has little to gain but a lot to lose. The UFC has done Cannonier no favors in his time in the organization. He has fought Jan Blachowicz, Dominick Reyes, and Glover Teixeira, who are all ranked in the top 15 in the LHW division. Branch is 2-1 under the UFC banner with his only loss coming from former MW champion, Luke Rockhold.
Pick: David Branch via 3rd round submission
Derek Brunson vs. Israel Adesanya
The bad blood in this bout should certainly lead to a fun fight. Brunson, a seasoned UFC veteran, is coming off of a loss from Ronaldo Souza in January. Prior to that bout, he earned back-to-back knockout wins against Lyoto Machida and Daniel Kelly.
Aside from Adesanya owning the coolest nickname in the business, “The Last Stylebender” has a record that speaks for itself. He is 75-5-1 in his kickboxing career and 14-0 as a professional mixed martial artist. He headlined his first UFC event against Brad Tavares in July and it proved to the fans that he is the real deal as he dominated every round. Brunson has undeniable power and Israel as phenomenal timing and accuracy.
Pick: Adesanya via decision
The Rest of the Card:
Roberson def. Marshman via Decision
Jordan Rinaldi def. Jason Knight via KO/TKO
Sijara Eubanks def. Roxanne Modafferi via Decision
Sheymon Moraes def. Julio Arce via Decision
Lyman Good def. Ben Saunders via KO/TKO
Lando Vannata def. Matt Frevola via Decision
Shane Burgos def. Kurt Holobaugh via Decision
Brian Kelleher def. Montel Jackson via KO/TKO
Marcos Rogerio de Lima def. Adam Wieczorek via KO/TKO
