The UFC ends the New Year with a huge fight, literally and figuratively. Brock Lesnar returns against the debuting Allistar Overeem in a fight with title implications on the line.
Both men are 6’3’’ or taller and both will weigh in above 255 lbs. at the weigh-ins. It doesn’t get much bigger than this! Since Saturday falls on New Years Eve, this fight is on Friday at MGM Grand, and starts at 7 p.m. on PPV.
Lesnar vs. Overeem
Allistar has been training in Holland after uprooting his Las Vegas training when his mother got ill. He also will not be coming to the USA until Tuesday at the earliest, which doesn’t give much time to get synced with the time difference.
His striking is second to none, but the deeper this fight goes I believe his cardio will be an issue. Brock will look to take him down and pound him out. I expect Lesnar to go off favored in this fight, so snatch the plus money you see now. Lesnar TKO 2.
Cerrone vs. Diaz
This fight will be an all out war. Two guys who have been talking trash who will both bring it in the Octagon. Donald Cerrone has been riding high, although a few of his wins this year have been very overrated, while Nate Diaz looked great last time out.
Cerrone doesn’t fit the one dimensional wrestler role of fighters that have defeated Nate lately, but I think he is going to win the fight. I expect a very close decision. Can’t endorse anything but a flyer on a live dog at +230. Cerrone decision.
Fitch vs. Hendricks
Fitch returns and draws a tough, durable, athletic version of himself. The few differences are experience and game plan. Jon Fitch sticks to his wrestling and grinds people out, while Johny Hendricks likes to try and land bombs after using his wrestling to stay standing.
Rick Story proved Hendricks could be taken down, and -210 is low on a fighter of Fitch’s caliber. I think his time off is over compensated in that line. Fitch decision.
Hettes vs. Phan
This is a sleeper fight for the fight of the night award. Jim Hettes will be looking to get it to the ground, while Nam Phan is perfectly fine anywhere it goes. Once on the ground I expect some slick transitions and great offensive jiu jitsu from both men.
I think the step up in competition is too much for Hettes to overcome, although -240 is a little on our pick. Phan decision.
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