UFC 227 Predictions
The UFC had a pair of championship fights headlining UFC 227 tonight in Los Angeles. Here’s some fight predictions for this big MMA card.
24201 Cody Garbrandt vs. 24202 TJ Dillashaw
The main event is for the UFC Bantamweight Championship with Dillashaw (15-3) defending his title against former teammate Garbrandt (11-1). According to the latest oddsmakers, Dillashaw is the slight favorite, as he is getting odds of -125 to win. Garbrandt is listed with odds of +105 to win. This is a rematch from November in which Dillashaw won by second-round TKO. Garbrandt rocked Dillashaw just before the end of the first round but Dillashaw recovered and got the win in the second round. Neither man has fought since then and both are similar in style. They rely on footwork and striking to beat their opponents. Dillashaw works in some grappling while Garbrandt sticks to striking. Garbrandt certainly can win this fight, but I think Dillashaw has more overall tools and is a little more elusive. I like him to come away with the victory again. UFC 227 Prediction: TJ Dillashaw -125
24205 Henry Cejudo vs. 24206 Demetrious Johnson
The co-main event features UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson (27-2-1) defending his title against Henry Cejudo (12-2). Oddsmakers have Johnson as the clear favorite, giving him a money line of -480 to win. Cejudo is listed with odds of +380 to prevail. Johnson has won his last 13 fights and is making his 12th title defense. He already defeated Cejudo by first round TKO in April of 2016, but the challenger has won his last two fights to get another title shot. Cejudo has big hands, but Johnson is as fast of a fighter as you will see and he mixed his strikes and takedowns so well. Nobody in this weight class has even been competitive with him and I don’t think Cejudo is going to land a lucky punch. UFC 227 Prediction: Demetrious Johnson -480
24213 Cub Swanson vs. 24214 Renato Moicano Carneiro
In a featured featherweight bout, Swanson (25-9) takes on Carneiro (12-1-1). Oddsmakers list Carneiro as the favorite, as he is getting odds of -320 to win. Swanson is listed with a money line of +270 to prevail. Swanson is a gritty all-around fighter that is coming off two tough losses to Brian Ortega and Frankie Edgar, among the best in the division. Carneiro has his only loss to Ortega, but he was able to last longer than Swanson. Carneiro looks to be the fresher and more capable fighter right now. Swanson will bring the fight, but he is a step slower than he used to be. UFC 227 Prediction: Renato Moicano Carneiro -320