UFC Fight Night London Predictions

Kingdom MMA predictions for UFC Fight Night London

by Ben Heather @benheather, Tommy Strong @Strong_tea and Jack Broadey @J3cK_b

This week we will be predicting the fights for UFC Fight Night 38, as the UFC returns to London for its first EMEA show of 2014. For this event we will give a write up for the main card fights card and then we will be picking our winners for the rest of the card. Let us know if you agree with our picks.

Gustafsson vs Manuwa

Jack: Although Gus can handle himself on the feet he has a massive advantage on the ground here. Manuwa is a poor grappler and Gus is excellent. I expect this to go to the ground early and for the frustrations of the Jon Jones loss to be taken out on Manuwa. I don't think this fight will see past he halfway point of round 1.

Prediction: Gustafsson by Submission Round 1

Ben: I was shocked when this fight was announced, I thought Gustafsson should have been matched up with another top ranked fighter such as Phil Davis with Jimi on the main card against a top 10 guy.... just not the number 2 guy.

That being said, Alex has everything to lose in this fight. Jimi will be going in to this fight as a big underdog and it may be the first time that has happened in his career. I would love to see the upset, however we have never seen Jimi tested and he will be on Saturday night. I can't see it happening but I would love it for Jimi and UK MMA as well.

Prediction: Gustafsson by Submission Round 4

Tommy: I still can't figure out why and how Jimi has got this fight except for selling tickets! Jimi hasn't fought anyone on the level of Alexander Gustafsson before, this is a huge step up for him and one I think he's really going to struggle with. With so much on the line for Gustafsson he really has everything to lose and nothing to gain by beating Jimi. Its Manuwa that could be in touching distance of a title fight if he was to pull of a huge upset here.

I expect Gustafsson to play it safe here against a dangerous striker and keep the fight either at length or force Jimi onto the ground for much of the fight.

Prediction: Gustafsson by TKO Round 2.

Johnson vs Guillard

Tommy: With Ross Pearson having to pull out due to an injury, this is a very good replacement in Johnson. Both fighters can blow hot or cold on any given night, so lets hope its piping hot as we could be in for real treat here. With Guillard's knockout power and Johnson's ground game this is a coin toss to predict, I'm still not sure who to pick in this, if I was a betting man I would leave this fight well alone.

Prediction: Johnson by Unanimous Decision

Jack: This fight is as close to a pick em as you'll see. Both extraordinarily talented fighters and both frustratingly inconsistent. If we are to assume both guys turn up on point(which history tells us they won't) then I like Johnson. Tibau and Lauzon are tough tough guys and he handled both with ease. Guillard has lost every significant fight he's been in over the last couple of years only winning 2 of the past 7.

Prediction: Johnson by KO Round 2

Ben: Johnson is on a tear, he has to be in the best form of his career. First he picked apart Joe Lauzon in a fight not many people gave him a chance, then he knocked out Tibau and I think he will do the same this weekend against Guillard. That being said, Guillard has proved that he can finish anyone on a good night but his form is not consistent. I see Johnson keeping his run going and next time out facing off against a top 10 ranked fighter.

Prediction: Johnson by TKO Round 2

Pickett vs Seery

Tommy: Pickett making his flyweight debut was something I was really looking forward to. Though with the withdrawal of Ian McCall I feel a little let down now. A win against a top ranked McCall would really of put Pickett into the top 5 of the flyweight division. The UFC have done a good job in finding a late replacement in Seery but the fight lacks a little something for me.

I think Pickett's experience in the octagon and Seery making his UFC debut this could be a lop sided fight!

Prediction: Pickett by TKO Round 1

Ben: I feel for Pickett in this fight, when I spoke to him just before Christmas he mentioned challenges and pushing towards a title shot. I feel a big win against McCall could have been enough to give him a shot against Mighty Mouse and his case is helped by the fact that he is one of only two men to beat him. However, now he is set to fight Neil Seery there isn't much to gain here for Pickett. It's now a fight that he is expected to win and by winning doesn't get much reward for doing so. He certainly won't be facing the champ next time out.

As for the fight itself I can't see anything else other than a Pickett stoppage victory, I can't decide whether that will be a knockout or submission but it won't be a good night for Seery.

Prediction: Pickett by TKO Round 2

Jack: Styles may clash here, late notice for Seery who no doubt is in shape but wasn't preparing to face Pickett. Pickett was preparing for a different style all together but class should show here.

Prediction: Pickett by Unanimous Decision

Nelson vs Akhmedov

Jack: My sleeper for fight of the night. Really looking forward to this one as soon as it was announced. Akhmedov's debut lasted about 3.5 minutes and he managed to win fight of the night and come from behind to win by KO. The fight despite being so short had everything and it really showed off all the Russians skill set. Nelson has not fought since the last time the Octagon landed in London back in February of 2013. No real explanation of the extended break and that would be of concern for me. Once a real hot prospect in the sport it's difficult to pick him here though.

Prediction: Akhmedov by Decision

Tommy: It will be good to see Gunnar Nelson back inside the octagon after a year out since he last fought in London 2013. Though this could be a real tough test for Nelson. Akhmedov unbeaten in 11 fights, won fight of the night honours in his debut against Thiago Perpetuo in November. Both fighters are very well rounded here with Gunnar having the slight edge on the ground, though if Akmedov can keep it standing he has a very good chance here.

I've made the mistake to many times backing against Russian fighters in the UFC so this time I'm going for the upset here.

Prediction: Akhmedov by TKO Round 2

Ben: Unlike the others I see Gunnar Nelson returning to the Octagon and picking up where he left off last year in London. Yes Akhmedov could be his toughest opponent to date but I feel it will be a submission victory which will come and Nelson will not let it go until he gets the W.

Prediction: Nelson by Submission Round 2.

Predictions for the remainder of the Card

Diabate vs Latifi

Jack: Diabate         Ben: Diabate     Tommy: Diabate

Barnatt vs Nilsson

Jack: Barnatt         Ben: Barnatt       Tommy: Barnatt

Scott vs da Silva

Jack: Scott            Ben: Scott          Tommy: Scott

Grant vs Delorme

Jack: Grant           Ben: Delorme     Tommy: Delorme

Araujo vs Mitchell

Jack: Araujo         Ben: Mitchell      Tommy: Araujo

Harris vs Gaudinot

Jack: Gaudinot      Ben: Gaudinot    Tommy: Gaudinot

Video: UFC of FOX 10 & UFC 169 Predictions

Video: UFC of FOX 10 & UFC 169 Predictions
by Will Martin - @BIGBILBAR7MMA

Will Martin knows a thing or two about MMA.

Having produced a series of successful UFC prediction videos for over a year, Martins videos are the go to place if you want to make a little money betting, want in the insight into a specific bout or just want the low down on what a fighter has been up to.

Will's knowledge of MMA runs deep that why Kingdom MMA are proud to bring you his great series of prediction videos starting with UFC on FOX 10 & UFC 169.

Who you got?

 

You can hit Will up using the comment section, or on twitter at @BIGBILBAR7MMA

UFC 167 Predictions

UFC 167 Predictions

The UFC is back, and back in a big way with UFC 167 marking the companies 20th anniversary.

For the 3 time in 2 weeks the UFC will be back on your TVs on Saturday night with the biggest fight of them all, an intrigueing welterweight match up between one of the most dominate champs in UFC history in George St. Pierre, and NCAA champion and hardest hitting man in The UFC Johnny Hendricks.

Kingdom MMA writer Jack Broadey (Twitter @j3cK_b) and Tommy Strong (Twitter @strong_tea) give you their predictions for the event which is sure to be a cracker!

George St. Pierre vs Johny Hendricks
Strong: Finally a fight for GSP that puts him in real danger of losing his title he's clung onto for so long. GSP will no doubt try and get the fight to the floor for as much as the fight as possible trying to avoid Hendricks punching power. Though can GSP get Hendricks to the ground?

The odds certainly favour GSP but Im backing Hendricks to land at some point in the fight to end GSP title rein and become the 'new welterweight' champion! .

Prediction: Johnny Hendricks - TKO RD 2

Broadey: I love this fight, Johny Hendricks is easily the biggest threat to GSP's title reign especially with St Pierre having spent so long sidelined in the last couple of years.

Hendricks matches up very well with GSP and I have liked his chances here for a long time. Hendricks has huge power in his left hand and very good wrestling that's well adapted to MMA. GSP is GSP though, you can never count him out. He will have the gas tank to go the championship rounds and if it goes that far he could well take over and win a decision.

That's not to say I don't see Hendricks winning a decision. He showed against Condit he can fight smart when it matters. Getting the round stealing takedowns etc. At this point if anyone is going to beat GSP it's Hendricks, perfect style to beat him, experienced with the youth factor still and maybe catching GSP in the twilight of his career.


Prediction: Johny Hendricks - TKO RD 3

Rashad Evans vs Chael Sonnen
Strong: Sonnen has everything to do here to beat Rashad. He's met his match in the wrestling department and won't be able to take him down at will and sit on him for 3 rounds. If thats the case Rashad is the much better striker who carries power , something Sonnen doesn't. Rashad will be to quick, too strong and athletic for Sonnen.

Prediction: Rashad Evans - Unanimous Decision

Broadey: It's been well documented how evenly matched these 2 guys are. I see Evans having the edge on the feet, he likes to use feints and pushes his jab out but Sonnen doesn't let you settle for a minute and is in your face pushing the pace constantly. Sonnen will look for the takedown and it will be interesting who has the edge here.

In a fight so close I'd be looking to take on the favourite and I think Sonnen offers enough value for a play here. Him pushing the pace will be key to him picking up a decision win.

Prediction: Chael Sonnen - Unanimous Decision

Rory MacDonald vs Robbie Lawler
Strong: A win for either men will put them in prime position to fight the winner of GSP vs Hendricks.

Robbie Lawler has looked a different fighter since dropping down to welterweight again. Knocking out Koscheck and Bobby Voelker in his last 2 fights he will be coming in with lots of confidence. MacDonald is a massive set up for him Though.

In my opinion MacDonald will win this fight then go on to win the welterweight title within a year and I predict him to hold onto it just like GSP has. Lawler does have a punchers chance and a very good one at that, though landing it before being taken down might be the obstacle.

Prediction: Rory MacDonald - Submission RD 2

Broadey: Lawler has a punchers chance but that's all I would give him here. If anyone but GSP was champ we would be talking about an impressive win for MacDonald being enough to earn a title shot. But where does his motivation lie?

If MacDonald wins he's clearly the number 1 contender but won't get a title shot. He needs to figure that out later and get the win 1st. If he remotely looks like getting in trouble on the feet he won't have any trouble taking Lawler down.

Prediction: Rory MacDonald - Unanimous Decision

Josh Koscheck vs Tyron Woodley
Strong: Tyron Woodley will be eager to get back to winning way after suffering a loss last time out to Jake Shields, a fight that what won't be remembered for anything other than a stinker of a fight!! I just hope this doesn't go the same way as it could be a fun fight.

Koscheck even at 35 will give anyone a fight. Though he is coming off a knockout loss to Robbie lLawler, many thought the fight before he was unlucky not to get the win over Johny Hendricks, losing via split decision.

I'm Struggling to pick a winner, though I'm going to predict we might be in a for a bore fest here! (flips the coin)

Prediction: Tyron Woodley - Unanimous Decision

Broadey: This is a hard fight to call, it's difficult to look good against Koscheck. He's looked really poor lately and I would question his motivation at this point. However Woodley has hardly been tearing up trees himself after a strangely tentative performance against Jake Shields.

I think Koscheck might be done, if his motivation isn't there I see him being clipped and stopped again. Woodley has to pull the trigger and go after him.

Prediction: Tyron Woodley - TKO RD 3

Tim Elliot vs Ali Bagautinov
Strong: Nothing like a good flyweight fight to kick off the main event!

Elliot is coming off a very good win over Louis Gaudinot and will be looking to put himself in title contention with a win over Bagautinov in what many believe is the weakest division within the UFC.

Elliot will have his work cut out though fighting the heavy handed Russian Bagautinov who is on a 9 fight winning streak, and has finished his last 3 opponents via knockout.

If Elliot employs the right game plan, I think the fight should go his way, though when you have genuine knock out power of Bagautinov you always have a chance.

Prediction: Tim Elliot - Unanimous Decision 

Broadey: I feel this fight will mostly take place on the feet,  and if it plays out that way Bagautinov should have the edge. His striking is on a different level and he should have the know how to stay off his back. Elliot is well rounded fighter and will have his moments but will be worn down late on.

Prediction: Ali Bagautinov - TKO RD 2