10 UFC 226 Predictions
The UFC presents their biggest card of the year so far.
Historically, UFC has always made a special effort to promote a stacked card on the weekend of the 4th of July, and this year is no different. In previous years, we've had Robert Whittaker vs. Yoel Romero, Daniel Cormier vs. Anderson Silva, and Conor Mcgregor vs. Chad Mendes, but it seems like Dana has gone one further in 2018.
With the return of Conor McGregor to the cage yet to be confirmed, Stipe Miocic vs. Daniel Cormier is the biggest fight available to UFC at this time. Never before in the history of UFC has the reigning Light Heavyweight Champion competed for the UFC Heavyweight Championship.
While the event has taken a big hit with Max Holloway's removal from his title fight with Brian Ortega after showing concussion-like symptoms during fight week, the card is still stacked with star power. Hard-hitting heavyweights Derrick Lewis and Francis Ngannou will now assume the co-main event spot, with both men looking to angle themselves towards a shot at the title with a win.
Another fight on the main card sees former UFC Lightweight Champion Anthony Pettis facing off with perennial contender Michael Chiesa after the fight was cancelled from UFC 223 when Chiesa was injured in the Conor McGregor bus incident.
Former world champion kickboxer Gokhan Saki is also on the main card, with established names such as Uriah Hall, Lando Vannata, and Raphael Assunção appearing on the prelims.
10. Fight Pass Prelims
The historic card kicks off with the only women's fight of the night as Jamie Moyle takes on Emily Whitmire in the strawweight division. Moyle is looking to bounce back after being defeated by Viviane Pereira at UFC 212. Whitmire, on the other hand, is aiming to cement her place on the UFC roster, after a disappointing defeat to Gillian Robertson in her last outing.
The second, and now final fight on the Fight Pass prelims sees Australian Dan Hooker take on Brazilian Gilbert Burns in a clash of lightweight prospects. Despite his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu pedigree, Burns has displayed an aptitude for striking in his last two bouts, scoring KO victories over Jason Saggo and Dan Moret. Hooker meanwhile is currently riding a three-fight win streak and will be looking to use his exciting, multi-faceted, style to overwhelm his opponent.
Prediction: Moyle via unamious decision
Prediction: Hooker via round 2 TKO