Nelson vs Ponzinibbio
Odds: Nelson -205 or 1/2, Ponzinibbio +165 or 17/10
Gunnar Nelson returns to the Octagon this Sunday night coming off back to back performance of the night wins against Albert Tumenov & most recently Alan Jouban.
The subtle improvements in Gunnar’s game have been noticeable in those two victories, although Gunnar has looked like a competent striker throughout his UFC run he now looks comfortable and far more dangerous on the feet than earlier in his career. The evolution he’s displayed will serve him better as the level of competition gets tougher should Nelson get a win this weekend.
Nelson has been floating around the top 10 of the welterweight rankings for a few years, right on the fringe of breaking the top 5. This fight is somewhat confusing to me as Ponzinibbio is ranked #14 currently, Nelson is ranked #8. Nonetheless, he will need to beat the man in front of him to continue his ascension toward title contention.
For Santiago Ponzinibbio there’s almost nothing to lose and everything to gain, Ponzinibbio is the betting underdog, all eyes are on Gunnar Nelson, & this is Ponzinibbio’s first-time featuring in the main event after spending 3 of his last 4 fights on the prelims. Ponzinibbio is enjoying his best run since he’s been in the UFC so if he’s been waiting for a chance to seize an opportunity this is it.
Calderwood vs Calvillo
Scotlands own Joanne Calderwood will square off in the co-headline against Cynthia Calvillo, Calvillo was one of UFC’s breakthrough star’s from 2016 winning her debut in style at UFC 209 followed by another submission victory at UFC 210 earlier this year.
A product of the Alpha Male camp in Sacramento, California, Calvillo is attempting to emulate the championship caliber fighters that have emerged from Alpha Male for several years. Urijah Faber, TJ Dillashaw, Joseph Benavidez, & Cody Garbrandt have all either held or fought for a UFC title in their time at Alpha Male. Calvillo will have similar objectives, the co-headline spot is the perfect window to showcase more of her abilities.
Calderwood is a former professional Muay Thai fighter which gives this fight a striker vs grappler narrative, the proud Scot Calderwood will have home support to fuel a respectable striking pedigree and determined toughness that she always brings to the octagon. Having fought in Glasgow 4 times she’s yet to taste defeat on her home soil.
Potential Fight of the Night
Stevie Ray vs Paul Felder
This is the fight I’m most looking forward to on this card, Paul Felder is capable of finishing fights in devastating fashion & Stevie Ray has a habit of getting involved in crowd-pleasing fights. Expect fireworks.
Main Card Predictions
Gunnar Nelson vs Santiago Ponzinibbio (Nelson)
Joanne Calderwood vs Cynthia Calvillo (Calvillo)
Stevie Ray vs Paul Felder (Felder)
Jack Marshman vs Ryan Janes (Marshman)
Khalil Rountree vs Paul Craig (Rountree)
James Mulheron vs Justin Willis (Mulheron)