UFC Fight 196 thoughts and predictions

Written by: Scott Beers
March 5, 2016, 5:00 a.m.
Tweet to: @skottbeers

 Conor McGregor C (FTW) @ WW (170) vs. Nate Diaz #5 (LW) @ WW (170)

This is the first time in UFC history that a fighter has moved up TWO weight classes for a bout. Not because he planned to, but because he thought it would break yet another UFC record after RDA bowed out of their 155 lb. super fight. Diaz has always been off and on, but when he’s on he’s a beast. We’re likely to see the taller and rangier Diaz stand and strictly box with Conor; but is that enough? Conor isn’t going for a takedown, this fight will be contested on the feet for all five rounds if necessary. Although I do believe Diaz is the more technical boxer, Conor is a more well rounded striker with considerably more power. As soon as McGregor finds his range, expect wheel kicks, hook kicks, roundhouse kicks, powerful straight lefts, and more. Despite Diaz absorbing a lot of punishment I don’t see him going for a takedown. Diaz is great on the ground, but has trouble taking it there. At the weigh ins McGregor said about Diaz that he couldn’t understand how a skinny guy could be fat at the same time; I partially agree and believe Diaz is not in ideal shape for a fight this soon. I’m also highly concerned that he will fail his drug test for marijuana as ten days notice generally isn’t enough for a daily smoker to get the THC out of their system. If Diaz wins… expect a no contest. I’ll choose McGregor to get inside of Diaz’s range and crack him hard and often. This fight will be over by round two.

McGregor wins via TKO round 2

Holly Holm C vs. Miesha Tate #2

It’s ridiculous that Tate is ranked #2. That goes to show you how shallow the women’s bantamweight division is. Her technique is equivalent to that of janitor who took two karate classes 23 years ago. She should retire before she gets embarrassed from the elite once again. The female divisions are a decade away from being truly competitive. It’s not that I don’t enjoy the fights, it’s that their technique is generally flawed. Holly Holm is a true combat sports athlete. Miesha on the other hand is a bum who has won four closely contested bouts in a row. Miesha will engage in a clinch and constantly try for a takedown against the cage. She will fail again and again. Holly will slowly pick her apart, expect Miesha’s big polish nose to be pouring blood before the referee calls it off. If we’re lucky we might get to see Holm side kick Miesha’s old saggy boobs as well.

Holm wins via TKO round 4 

Gian Villante #13 vs. Ilri Latifi

This is your typical mid-PPV filler fight. Latifi doesn’t pass the eye test but his genetics certainly appear to  favor his powerful style. Villante is best known for being close friends with Chris Weidman.I sense Latifi maybe coming into his own as the next Swedish headliner. The filter fight does however have some implications if Latifi can win impressively.

Latifi via KO round 1

Corey Anderson #12 vs. Tom Lawlor

Lawlor is an entertaining individual, he’s simply not a top ten fighter. Anderson will control this fight on route to an easy grappling base victory. It seems when PPVs have two large fights at the top of the card, the rest of the card suffers. This is your first filler fight with minimal implications.

Anderson wins via decision

Amanda Nunes #4 vs. Valentina Shevchenko #11

 Nunes is certainly next in line for the title. If it was up to me she would be fighting Holm instead of Miesha “The Trash Can” Tate. Shevchenko certainly has the ability to win, she’s good, better than Tate for sure. Nunes might possibly be better than Ronda Rousey on the ground, and unlike Rousey she can actually take someone down with wrestling opposed to Judo throws. Nunes should out grapple Valentina and land a submission.

Nunes wins via submission round 2