10 Major Predictions For UFC 225: Whittaker Vs. Romero 2

The CM Punk circus rolls on in Chicago.

CM Punk Mike Jackson UFC 225
UFC

The world "stacked" was invented for shows like UFC 225.

Barring any last minute pull-outs, the promotion will present the year's most star-studded lineup this Saturday evening (June 9), with Robert Whittaker and Yoel Romero's Middleweight Championship rematch taking top billing. Their first fight was a barnburner, with the Australian overcoming injury to score a deserved unanimous decision victory. Romero has since rebounded with a win over Luke Rockhold, but the Champion hasn't fought since, with a knee injury and untreated staph infection sidelining him for 11 months.

Elsewhere, Rafael dos Anjos and the controversial Colby Covington will fight for the interim Welterweight strap, while former champions Holly Holm and Andrei Arlovski are set to face Megan Anderson and Tai Tuivasa respectively. The CM Punk carnival will continue, too, with the former WWE man meeting another 0-1 fighter in Mike Jackson.

Even the preliminary cards are laced with star power, as the likes of Alistair Overeem, Clay Guida, and Rashad Evans will all compete on Fight Pass and Fox Sports 1. This makes UFC 225 an absolute blockbuster, with most fights looking every bit as exciting as they are tough to call...

10. Fight Pass Prelims

CM Punk Mike Jackson UFC 225
Isaac Brekken/AP/Press Association Images

Few fighters stand to lose as much as Rashad Evans at UFC 225. A former Light Heavyweight Champion, his slide has been drastic, and he walks into Saturday's fight with the ultra-tough Anthony Smith on a 0-4 skid. This is, in theory a step down in competition for 'Suga,' but if he loses, there's every chance the UFC cut him loose.

The rest of the Fight Pass card is stacked with familiar names. Joseph Benavidez and Sergio Pettis are the UFC's #1 and #5 ranked Flyweights respectively, with this being the former's first fight since undergoing ACL surgery in December 2016. Though the UFC are reportedly close to finalising a second fight between Demetrious Johnson and Henry Cejudo, a win would strengthen either man's case for a title shot, despite Benavidez' record against 'Mighty Mouse.'

Elsewhere, veteran wrestler Clay Guida faces Charles Oliveira at 155lbs, and Mike Santiago, who entered the UFC via Dana White's Tuesday Night Contenders Series, will meet Dan Ige.

It's a stacked lineup by Fight Pass standards, but in the interest of brevity, we've condensed our predictions below:-

Dan Ige d. Mike Santiago (unanimous decision)

Charles Oliveira d. Clay Guide (submission, 3rd round)

Joseph Benavidez d. Sergio Pettis (unanimous decision)

Anthony Smith d. Rashad Evans (split decision)

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.