UFC 185 SHOCKER – Breaking MMA News

By Barnaby Kellaway

UFC 185 this coming weekend provides fans with a solid main card featuring two title fights and three additional intriguing match ups. For the first time here at RSR we’ll break down each fight and pick a winner.

CARIASO/CEJUDO

In the first fight of the main card Cariaso steps in to the octagon for the first time since his unsuccessful title fight against Demetrious Johnson, to face Olympic wrestling gold medalist, Henry Cejudo.

Expect to see a clash of styles between these two, Cariaso looking to catch Cejudo off guard with his technical striking whilst the Olympian will aim to get close and wrestle to victory.

Unfortunately last years title shot is likely be the top of the mountain for the ageing Cariaso. Conversely this is only Cejudo’s second UFC fight (first at flyweight) and at 28 years old, after an outstanding wrestling career, he’s going one way.

Prediction: Cejudo by decision

NELSON/OVEREEM

I predict this one to be fast and fun.

If Overeem behaves as usual he’ll come out all guns blazing and explode on Nelson early on. This can go one of two ways: he gets the KO or ‘Big Country’ absorbs the attack and unleashes one of his own on the “Reem”. If Nelson’s famous chin holds up against the early onslaught he should find a home for his big right.

Considering both men are in the twilight of their careers this fight makes sense and whatever the result we should enjoy the spectacle, neither fighter will be around much longer after this one.

Prediction: Nelson by KO/TKO

HENDRICKS/BROWN

This fight has all the ingredients to be a thriller.

Heading in to his unsuccessful rematch versus Lawler in December, Hendricks struggled with the weight cut and claimed fatigue post fight. He has made necessary changes and apparently feels great now. Considering he only lost his belt by split decision, whilst not 100%, this time round we should see a much improved fighter.

But he’ll be standing opposite one of the toughest men in MMA, Matt Brown has never been knocked out. With Hendricks bearing this in mind he is likely to revert to his wrestling roots in an attempt to stifle the aggressive striking attacks.

Brown does have the resilience and power to end this fight, however ‘Big Rigg’ has perhaps the best wrestling in the division and should use it to shut Brown down.

Prediction: Hendricks by decision

ESPARZA/JEDRZEJCZYK

The co-main event presents the first ever strawweight title defence.

Similarly to the first fight of the card this is a straight up wrestling versus striking match. The champion will try to replicate the performance which won her the belt by taking Jedrzejczyk down and staying there.

The Pole won’t make this easy for her and impressive performances in her only other two UFC fights have catapulted her to within touching distance of the belt.

But with Esparza’s suffocating style she should be able to either keep the fight on the canvas until the bell goes or at least exhaust her so much that Jedrzejczyk can’t attack with full force.

Prediction: Esparza by decision

PETTIS/DOS ANJOS

In the main event we’re lucky to be treated to a second Pettis fight in three and a half months following a fifteen month injury layoff.

It will be very interesting to see how Dos Anjos comes out in round one. With his improved striking he will be tempted to stand with Pettis. But considering no one in the division can match the champions lightning striking this game plan would surely be regretted. Meaning that maybe the best tactic would be to test Pettis’ limited wrestling ability, even then, wrestling someone so elusive for five rounds is a hard ask.

The champion has finished his last four, each time revealing another facet to his ever increasing repertoire of skills. His flashy fight style matches his wardrobe and he’s becoming more media savvy; there is a feeling that Anthony Pettis is on the verge of becoming a huge star. With a ‘showtime’ finish on Saturday he may very well become one.

Prediction: Pettis by KO/TKO