UFC 241: Cormier Vs. Miocic 2 Predictions

6. Preliminary Card Preview

We've got a relatively entertaining preliminary card for UFC 241, with several bouts looking extremely exciting on paper. The one that really sticks out is a bantamweight match-up between perennial contender, Raphael Assuncao, and top prospect, Cory Sandhagen.

Assuncao is in what many old school MMA fans refer to as the "Jon Fitch role" - always in and around the top of the weight class, but never quite close enough to get a title shot. The 36-year old Brazilian was on a four-fight win streak, before Marlon Moraes guillotined him and scuppered his latest shot at the 135lb belt.

He now faces a big challenge in Cory Sandhagen - and yes, that was a play on words. At 5'11", Sandhagen is an absolute giant compared to other bantamweights, other than the equally lanky Sean O'Malley. Sandhagen is a very good boxer, who uses his reach extremely well and transitions between striking and grappling in a super smooth way. It would be a huge statement for him if he can take out Assuncao and it would add another title challenger into the mix.

We've also an extremely exciting bantamweight bout between 25-year old grappling sensation Manny Bermudez, who takes on another prospect in Casey Kenny. Bermudez has looked absolutely fantastic since he made his UFC debut last February. The 25-year old from Boston has finished all of his opponents in the UFC with slick submissions, so he's definitely one to watch out for.

He'll have a tough task in Kenny, who beat a very talented Ray Borg in his debut. This will be an exciting battle between two top 135lb prospects.