The most anticipated UFC event of all time is just around the corner. UFC 194 promises to meet the expectations of the fans, with a stellar fight card that any fight fan will find mouth-watering. All the fighters fighting in the main card are well known and have huge fan bases.
There are two world titles on the line, as well as two fights that will determine who the next contender will be. Will it be Aldo or will McGregor live up to the hype? Will Weidman retain his belt against the hungry Rockhold?
Here are 8 fearless predictions for UFC 194.
Urijah Faber certainly has a lot to prove after finishing the latest season of the Ultimate Fighter coaching opposite Connor McGregor. The Irishman was quick to get into Faber’s head, telling him that he could fight in his undercard in order to revive his career. Urijah took most of the brunt pretty well though and will be going into UFC 194 in high spirits. Urijah is still capable of beating the best of the best and will showcase his superior octagon control to dispatch Frankie Saenz who has three consecutive wins under his belt.
Now, this is a candidate for fight of the night. Both fighters are explosive and leave it all in the cage. Max Holloway is gunning for the number 1 contender position in the featherweight division and will prove his worth come fight night in UFC 194. Holloway has been on a vicious tear in the division, destroying all opponents that come in his way. His last loss was a close decision loss to the headliner, Connor McGregor.
Jeremy Stephens is a great fighter himself and is coming off an impressive win Dennis Bermudez. Although Stephens has a lot of heart, he will ultimately fall short to the younger and quicker Holloway.
Expect Gunnar Nelson to shine when there is an abundance of Irish fans in the arena. Both these fighters are jiu-jitsu wizards with Demian Maia being the more decorated and superior grappler. Since both of these fighters know how to defend submission attempts very well, both fighters will most likely remain on their feet.
Gunnar’s hands are far more superior to those of Maia, and he will grind out the decision in a grueling three-round fight.
Jacare Souza has the power behind his hands and feet to accompany his well decorated jiu-jitsu game. Expect Jacare to come out strong and put Romero on his back.
Romero is a great fighter in his regard, having recently knocked out Lyoto Machida with brutal elbows but the only way Romero can win this fight is if he weathers the early storm. If Jacare gets into a clinch with Romero, expect the fight to go to the ground and be over very soon.
The question still remains—how will Weidman react to a young and hungry opponent? Weidman’s last three title defenses were against Anderson Silva, Lyoto Machida, and Vitor Belfort: all veterans approaching the end of their career. Rockhold will overwhelm Weidman in the late rounds and will be awarded the decision win which will see him be crowned as the new UFC middleweight champion of the world.
The wait is finally over. There has been so much hype leading up to this fight that it’s getting ridiculously exciting. This is definitely the biggest main event in the history of the UFC and you can expect the notorious Irishman to walk away the victor. The debate has been weather McGregor can derail a champion who hasn’t lost in a decade. This actually goes in the favor of McGregor because of the wear and tear of the champion. With the new IV ban in the UFC, fighters will have a harder time rehydrating after cutting weight for the weigh-ins. This will benefit the younger McGregor who is very holistic in his approach to training. McGregor will utilize his range and fight IQ to keep the champion at bay, while slowly picking him apart in the process.
Aldo will succumb to a big shot in the 3rd round and McGregor will capitalize to win via TKO. The world will witness the crowning of a new champion—and the genesis of the McGregor era.
Jaws will drop to the ground when they see McGregor walk over a beaten Aldo with his hands raised in the air. There will be a moment of disbelief followed by complete hysteria hugely thanks to the Irish fans. Whether it be a punch, a kick, or a knee, the mere fact that he put away a champion who was untouchable for 10 years, will earn McGregor a hefty Performance of the night bonus.
What are your predictions? Sound off in the comments!
