UFC 292 is set to go down this weekend and the excitement is at an all-time high! With some spectacular fights in store, fans can hardly wait for the event to begin. With that said, let’s go through our predictions for all of the fights.
Headlining the event, we have the bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling and #2 ranked Sean O’Malley. Over the years, both fighters have had a long journey to the top. Although a showdown between the two was always inevitable, it became even more heated in the aftermath of UFC 288.
Moreover, since it is a double-title header, we have Zhang Weili defending her strawweight title against Amanda Lemos in the co-main event. Other than that we have a few more bangers with Neil Magny taking on Ian Garry and Marlon Vera taking on Pedro Munhoz. Safe to say, fans are in for an amazing event on Saturday night.
UFC 292 main card predictions
Let’s take a look at what’s in store for fans and what outcome they can expect to see. As such, here are the predictions for the main card of the event that goes down at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts on August 19.
Marlon Vera vs Pedro Munhoz: Marlon Vera to win via decision
Understandably, Marlon Vera comes in as a favorite in this one. Despite his tendency to start slow, Vera will be cautious not to repeat the same mistakes as he did against Cory Sandhagen. On the other hand, though, Pedro Munhoz is the slightly better boxer and grappler with some incredible durability. As such, Vera’s best bet would be to wear down and outpoint his opponent. Pacing will be the name of the game for Vera. All that said, this likely goes the distance.
Da’Mon Blackshear vs Mario Bautista: Mario Bautista to win via submission
Coming into this one, we have two highly talented bantamweight prospects in Blackshear and Bautista. With Blackshear making a 7-day turnaround after UFC Vegas 78, it is understandable that Mario is the favorite here. Supposedly the more technical fighter and the better wrestler, Mario has all the tools to win this one. However, Da’Mon is no slouch as he is a hard hitter, and is coming off the back of the third twister submission in UFC history.
Neil Magny vs Ian Machado Garry: Ian Machado Garry to win via KO/TKO
As for the third bout on the card, we have Ian Garry taking on the quick-notice replacement, Neil Magny. For the most part, this bout is a classic ‘up and coming prospect vs the gatekeeper veteran’ contest. Whilst Garry is coming off two consecutive KO/TKO victories, Magny is 2-2 in his last four. As such, there is not a lot of expectation from Magny. However, it will be interesting to see how quickly and how well ‘The Future’ can dispose of the tough and durable ‘Haitian Sensation’.
Zhang Weili vs Amanda Lemos: Zhang Weili to win via KO/TKO
For our first of two title bouts, we have strawweight champ Zhang Weili making her first title defense. Facing her is the heavy-handed Amanda Lemos, who is 5-1 in her last six fights. Showing a good all-round game and having some serious firepower, it is almost surprising to see how little Lemos is favored. With the Brazilian likely to come looking for the knockout, it will be up to Weili to find the perfect time to strike. For the most part, Weili will be able to retain her title as long as she can avoid getting caught as she did against Rose Namajunas.
Aljamain Sterling vs Sean O’Malley: Sean O’Malley to win via KO/TKO
To make things clear, it is very difficult to root against someone with the skill and pedigree of Aljamain Sterling. With discussions of potentially being the bantamweight GOAT, ‘The Funkmaster’ is undoubtedly a big favorite for this one. On the other hand, O’Malley is one of the best strikers in the world right now. Although he doesn’t have the most impressive resume, Sean already carries himself like a world champion. Whilst many would pick the safe bet, we are rooting for the flashy underdog to go on and shock the world.
UFC 292 preliminary card predictions
Now, let’s take a look at the predictions for the prelims of Saturday’s PPV card.
● Chris Weidman vs Brad Tavares: Brad Tavares to win via decision
● Gregory Rodrigues vs Denis Tiuliulin: Gregory Rodrigues to win via KO/TKO or Submission
● Kurt Holobaugh vs Austin Hubbard: Kurt Holobaugh to win KO/TKO
● Brad Katona vs Cody Gibson: Brad Katona to win via Submission
Do you agree with our picks? Which fight are you looking forward to the most? Leave it all down in the comments below.
