I don't see the main event going differently this time around. It'll probably go longer but I think DC is just a better fighter and will get it done. People point to him taking some shots early but I don't think that's anything new for him. He can get touched up early but usually gets going pretty quickly after that. Watch their first fight again and you can see him landing some good combinations even before the eye poke that some people like to bring up. The striking numbers were nearly identical prior to the finish and DC didn't even use his wrestling at all.
Yeah, DC started to turn the tide before the eye poke. At some point, it seemed like he got pissed and started to just let his hands go and that's when he started to land. I think Stipe got over confident, though, and was just willing to trade.
Not sure about the wrestling, though. They were on the cage for a while in that first fight, and Stipe handled him well. I'm not saying Stipe's a better wrestler, but it's not like DC didn't even attempt to use his wrestling. He did. Stipe just stopped it.
I like both guys a lot, so I don't know who to root for, but I think DC gets it done again. This time by decision.
Co-main is easily my most anticipated fight on this card and maybe the whole year so far. It's hard to say how Nate will look after the long layoff but I'm just glad he's finally back. Nate's boxing at range and Pettis' leg kicks should be something to watch in this one. If I had to pick I'd go with Nate via decision but I really don't know how it's going to go.
I'm with you. Can't wait for this one. Again, I like both guys a lot, but I hope Nate wins. Nothing but respect for Pettis, though. This guy fights killer after killer after killer. He's been coming up on the short end a lot since being champ, but he brings it every time.
I think Pettis will chew up Nate's front leg and land enough shots to get the decision. Both guys are insanely tough, so I don't think either will get KOed. Nate's just a little too willing to take shots to win many decisions. Especially in 3 round fights.
I would be really interested to see this go to the ground, but I think there's close to a 0% chance that happens. Both guys are so offensive with their BJJ, though. It would be really interesting.
Romero vs. Costa is another fun one. Romero can probably win it with his wrestling and the cardio issues shouldn't be a factor in a three round fight. Costa has the type of power to beat anyone but he also hasn't fought anyone close to Romero's level. His best win is probably over a washed up Hendricks.
Romero should win this fight. Maybe we just don't know enough about Costa, but Romero is such a massive jump up from the rest of the guys he's fought. Romero's so athletic, powerful, a great wrestler, experienced, etc.. I just don't see a path to victory for Costa other than the good ole puncher's chance.
Assuncao vs. Sandhagen is a good match up on the prelims. Assuncao isn't the most exciting fighter but he has shown he can beat pretty much anyone in the division. He just came up short in the rematches when he was probably a win away from a title shot. I think he's in a gate keeper role at this point so it's a good test for Sandhagen.
Assuncao is probably one of the better fighters to never have fought for the title. Not the most exciting fighter, though. Kind of a fight where I'm interested to know the result, but don't really care if I see it.
