UFC 184: 4-1
2015 Overall: 33-29
2015 Title fights: 1-1
Now on to the next card!
The undercard
Jared Rosholt versus Josh Copeland
An interesting affair for a division that desperately needs some new names and matchups. This one depends on where the fight happens as Copeland is far better on the ground. But I think he tries to stand and bang and if that happens, Rosholt will knock his lights out. Rosholt by TKO
Daron Cruickshank versus Beneil Dariush
Another pretty even undercard fight. I don't know much about Dariush but I know that Cruickshank is heavy handed and doesn't care. He's too smart to get caught in this matchup. Cruickshank by TKO
Elias Theodorou versus Roger Navarez
Theodorou is an intriguing prospect who I want to see against a higher level of competition but as he is young and undefeated, I think the UFC will take some time in bringing him along. He's just too much of an athlete for Navarez here and while I don't think a finish is in order, Theodorou is going to outclass him. Theodorou by decision
Ross Pearson versus Sam Stout
Stout hasn't strung together back to back wins since 2010/2011, but he also hasn't had consecutive losses since 2008 which is what he is looking to avoid here. He throws heavy and takes punches and this fight could be a war. Pearson is 3-2-1 in his last six fights, but the no-contest with Guillard and the loss to Diego Sanchez should be wins. This could go either way and someone will get clipped, but in 2015, I just see Pearson as the better fighter. Pearson by TKO
The main card
Chris Cariaso versus Henry Cejudo
Cariaso should have never been in a title fight and Cejudo will prove why. This is the biggest no brainer on the card to me. Cejudo by decision
Roy Nelson versus Alistair Overeem
See Pearson v. Stout. Heavy hands, big throwing bombs. Who has the weaker chin? Clearly the Reem. Nelson by KO
Johny Hendricks versus Matt Brown
This will be an interesting fight because of how Hendricks is post-weight cut. He looked and seemingly felt horrid when he lost the title to Robbie Lawler and making 170 consistently is taking its toll. Brown has only fought one guy Hendricks' caliber in the past and needs to step his game up here. Upset pick: Brown by TKO
Women's Straw Weight Title
Carla Esparza (C) versus Joanna Jedrzejczyk
I have become a fan of Jedrzejczyk. Her demeanor, her fighting style, her confidence are all championship level. This will be a brawl and possibly the best fight of the night. Esparza is dangerous anywhere, but clearly excels on the ground as seen in her win over Rose Namajunas. Can Jedrzejczyk use her reach (2 inches) and height (5 inches) advantages to keep the champion away and turn this into a boxing match? Jedrzejczyk by decision
Lightweight Title
Anthony Pettis (C) versus Rafael dos Anjos
I will respect dos Anjos enough to say that he will present some challenges that will push Pettis past the opening round. And Pettis can be beat and beat in this division. But this isn't the guy, not now. Pettis by TKO
