By Lance LeVan
( C) Renan “The Baron” Barao (34-1-0, 1NC) vs. (#5) TJ “The Viper” Dillashaw (10-2-0)
This is a bantamweight fight for the title. Everyone knows Barao and his record speaks volumes about this fighter. He has 33 straight fights without a loss. The last time he lost a fight was in 2005. He is a great striker and an accomplished Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt. Dillashaw has a wrestling background. He’s only been in the UFC for a few years, but has a decent record. I’m not really sure how this fight got matched up. I have seen both of these guys fight, and I honestly do not think that Dillashaw is in the same league as Barao. Of course Dillashaw is dangerous and with the right circumstances, he could pull off the win. But I think it is highly unlikely. Barao has three times as many fights as Dillashaw. It is difficult to overcome that much experience. My prediction: Barao via submission in the second round.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OPRa2809Sc
(#5) Daniel “DC” Cormier (14-0-0) vs. (#6) Dan “Hendo” Henderson (30-11-0)
This is not a title fight but it is going to be a fight to watch at light heavyweight. Cormier is undefeated and has defeated some huge names in MMA. And what can I say about Hendo. He’s “DAN HENDERSON.” He’s been fighting for a long time and also has fought a ton of top-level fighters. Both of these guys are former Olympic wrestlers. Both of these guys like to throw hands. On paper, they look pretty even…but just like all of the close fights…it is going to come down to “heart.” I think both of these fighters have a ton of heart…but I think Hendo has a slight advantage in this department. I hope this fight comes down to grappling and winds up on the mat, but I have a nasty feeling that this one is going to be the fight of the night and it’s going to be decided with their fists. My prediction: Hendo wins this fight via TKO in the third.
(#1) Robbie “Ruthless” Lawler (22-10-0, 1NC) vs. (#5) Jake “The Juggernaut” Ellenberger (29-7-0)
This welterweight fight is going to be extremely entertaining. Lawler is coming off of a loss to Johny Hendricks for the championship title. He is going to have something to prove. Ellenberger hasn’t been in the octagon since July 2013 and it ended with a loss to Rory MacDonald. Both fighters are going to want to come out and make a huge statement. Both of them are going to want to prove to the UFC that they still belong on the roster. I don’t think that either of these fighters are in jeopardy of losing their contract…but why take the risk? They are going to come out swinging and I don’t think that either of them is going to hold back for one second of this fight. Since they both like to brawl…I expect this fight to be violent. However, in the end…there can be only one. My prediction: Ellenberger wins by unanimous decision
Disagree with me? Let me know via twitter @BlitzWeekly and we’ll see who has better picks the night of the fights.