UFC 204: Preview and Predictions
The UFC makes a long-awaited return to the U.K tonight and with it, brings the first and only British UFC champion in Michael Bisping.
In the first title fight on British soil since UFC 80, Bisping is set to defend his middleweight title for the first time and will do so against long-time rival Dan Henderson who has promised to retire after the bout win, lose or draw.
As is tradition with a European UFC card though, the match-ups are dominated with, you guessed it, European talent from top to bottom.
On the FightPass prelims, the controversial Mike ‘Platinum’ Perry faces off against the English Danny Roberts at welterweight while on the preliminary card there are two fights in particular that look to be barnburners.
Former BAMMA champion Leon Edwards will look to continue his rise up the ranks as he jumps into the deep end against the brilliant Albert Tumenov at 170 lbs while U.K favourite Brad Pickett faces off against Yuri Alcantara at bantamweight.
Michael Bisping (29-7) vs Dan Henderson (32-14)
As sad as it will be to say goodbye to Dan Henderson, I can’t see him getting the fairytale ending to his career.
He’s still got his scary power and he made sure people knew about it when he knocked out Hector Lombard but he’s become more and more one-dimensional as his career’s gone on.
He shuffles forward, looks to land a low kick and then follows up with the overhand right and that seems to be his gameplan for every fight.
The champion is far too savvy for that nowadays and while all it takes is one shot from Henderson, Bisping’s volume, combinations and developing patience and ringcraft should be too much for ‘Hendo’.
Pick: Michael Bisping
Vitor Belfort (25-12) vs Gegard Mousasi (39-6-2)
Another case of an ageing fighter who is plenty dangerous facing off against a more agile, more technical and younger opponent.
Belfort’s famous for his first round blitzes and still has decent speed at his age but outside of the first five minutes, he doesn’t offer that much.
Despite being an accomplished grappler, he hasn’t looked stellar on the ground and an apparent tough weight cut won’t help his chances.
Mousasi, on the other hand, may well be one of the most well-rounded fighters in all of MMA and he could win this fight as easily on the feet as he could on the mat.
If he survives an early onslaught he should cruise to victory.
Pick: Gegard Mousasi
Ovince Saint Preux (19-8) vs Jimi Manuwa (15-2)
A tough fight to call.
OSP is a fantastic athlete and went five rounds with Jon Jones on short notice. He’s got terrific power in his power side and he’s a decent wrestler to boot.
Manuwa is most likely the more technical striker and certainly has power that you can’t afford to sleep on but OSP’s wrestling may make this a three-round top control heavy affair.
Manuwa will have to use footwork to keep OSP away but the American has fought a better calibre of competition.
Pick: Ovince Saint Preux
Stefan Struve (27-8) vs Daniel Omielanczuk (19-5-1, 1 NC)
Omielanczuk is a decent grappler and will look to grind out a win here but Struve has been through it all during his time in the UFC and looks to finally start piecing his potential together.
If Struve can avoid a performance like he had against Jared Rosholt and use his striking he might even get a stoppage win.
Pick: Stefan Struve
Mirsad Bektic (10-0) vs Russell Doane (14-6)
Bektic is a real prospect at featherweight. He’s a fantastic wrestler and grappler while Doane has suspect takedown defence, is on a three-fight skid and is coming into this fight on short notice.
Barring any troubles on a return from injury or a shock punch, Bektic should pick his momentum back up.
Pick: Mirsad Bektic
(Last Predictions: 0/4, Total: 73/118, 62% Success Rate)