UFC 170: Rousey vs. McMann Predictions

Chris 7-5 (58.3%)

(c) Ronda Rousey vs. #4 Sara McMann:

Both of these women have an Olympic medal, are undefeated in MMA and are fighting for the title, doesn’t get much better than that.

While I’m not entirely confident in how this fight will go, I do see Rousey getting a first or second round submission victory, likely armbar to be precise. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not counting McMann out by any means, but there are some details in her top game, such as not having active toes that leave openings for submissions, primarily armbars and triangle chokes.

If this fight stays on the feet, I also see Rousey’s ever-improving striking being able to outclass McMann’s. The only way I see McMann winning is if she can hold Rousey down long enough to win a decision.

Favorite: Rousey (-485) Underdog: McMann (+375)

My Pick: Rousey

#4 (HW) Daniel Cormier vs. Patrick Cummins:

I don’t know much about Patrick Cummins as a fighter. He’s a former training partner of Cormier, a two-time NCAA division one All-American wrestler, and is undefeated in MMA.

Nevertheless, Cormier should be on another level, after all there’s a reason why he’s such a huge favorite.  I see Cormier putting Cummins’ back on the cage and pursuing the takedown while landing some heavy shots. Look for Cormier to finish by TKO early.

Favorite: Cormier (-1400) Underdog: Cummins (+850)

My Pick: Cormier

#4 Rory MacDonald vs. #6 Demian Maia:

Demian Maia is one of the very best Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners in all of MMA and is a threat to anyone on the ground, especially at 170 pounds. But, the problem for Maia will be getting MacDonald to the mat. I see MacDonald playing it safe by using his length to keep Maia at bay to get back in the win column. It probably won’t be exciting, but MacDonald should find the decision victory.

Favorite: MacDonald (-300) Underdog: Maia (+250)

My Pick: MacDonald

#15 Mike Pyle vs. T.J. Waldburger:

Mike Pyle is known for being one of those guys who are unbeatable in the gym, but at times won’t look that way when it comes time to fight. However, Pyle is still one of the best at Welterweight and has only lost to Jake Ellenberger, Rory MacDonald and Matt Brown in the past four years.

As for Waldburger, out of his eight losses, six have come by way of knockout/TKO and he was viciously knocked out by Adlan Amagov in his last fight.

The grappling of these men should nullify each other and cause this fight to stay on the feet where I believe Pyle has a big advantage. Pyle should come out hard and look for the knockout early.

Favorite: Pyle (-180) Underdog: Waldburger (+155)

My Pick: Pyle

Robert Whittaker vs. Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson:

After winning “The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes” Whittaker has looked solid in the UFC going 2-1. He has shown off his striking as well as his crafty takedown defense. Whittaker likes to keep the fight standing and use his black belt level karate to pick opponents apart, but I don’t think this game plan will bode very well against “Wonderboy” who is one of the most accomplished strikers in the UFC.

Thompson is not only a black belt in kickboxing, but is also a black belt in karate and has an undefeated record of 20-0 in professional kickboxing. Thompson has shown much improved wrestling following a 2012 decision loss to Matt Brown, so I can’t see Whittaker taking him down. This fight should stay on the feet where Thompson should have the advantage and may be able to find the knockout in the latter part of the fight.

Favorite: Thompson (-120) Underdog: Whittaker (even)

My Pick: Thompson

Preliminary Card: