UFC Fight Night 126: Preview and Predictions
The UFC’s quest for oversaturation continues tonight as UFC Fight Night 126 is stretched thin for their awaiting Texas crowd.
While the top three fights all carry a sense of intrigue, the remaining nine fights on the card lack any real stakes or interest and, fair warning, this particular prediction series will share that apathy.
Donald Cerrone (32-10, 1 NC) vs Yancy Medeiros (15-4, 1 NC)
While both fighters recent form couldn’t be any more different, their strengths and weaknesses still match up well for an attractive contest.
On the mat, Cerrone has shown far more to his game than Medeiros and also possesses a more varied striking ability. Medeiros, however, will back his power against the waining durability of ‘Cowboy’ and should look to make it a fast round one against the notoriously slow starter.
While both fighters strike defences are porous, I think Medeiros’ boxing combinations will catch Cerrone if he can wade through ‘Cowboy’s’ kicks and takedown attempts.
Pick: Yancy Medeiros
Derrick Lewis (18-5, 1 NC) vs Marcin Tybura (16-3)
The smart money will be on Tybura here but with Derrick Lewis’ ability to simply stand up when taken down, I think Lewis’ incredible power will tag Tybura either often enough or clean enough to get the victory.
Pick: Derrick Lewis
James Vick (12-1) vs Francisco Trinaldo (22-5)
Vick vs Trinaldo is the best fight on this card. Both fighters are vastly underrated, rangy and well-rounded.
Trinaldo’s age, however, will play the biggest factor here in my opinion. While he has held a high standard in his late thirties and should have received better opportunities in the past, Kevin Lee seemingly set ‘Massaranduba’ back a bit and with Vick’s physical advantages and sneaky submission game, I fancy the Texan to get the win in his backyard.
Pick: James Vick
Thiago Alves (22-11) vs Curtis Millender (14-3)
Millender has been tasked with a tricky UFC debut here but Alves has been seen sparingly in the octagon since 2015 and ended a two-fight losing streak with a victory over a retiring Patrick Cote.
Alves should have success with his infamous leg kicks but Millender’s speed should play the difference in a kick filled bout.
Pick: Curtis Millender
Steven Peterson (16-6) vs Brandon Davis (8-4)
Peterson lacks the footwork that Kyle Bochniak used to stifle Brandon Davis and he should play into Davis need to fight in close.
Pick: Brandon Davis
Sage Northcutt (9-2) vs Thibault Gouti (12-3)
Gouti takes a lot of punishment to dish out his own but Northcutt’s athleticism should afford him success.
Pick: Sage Northcutt
(Last Predictions: 2/5, Total: 12/24, 50% Success Rate)
(2017: 60% Success Rate)