2014 UFC 175 Free Picks & Predictions for Weidman vs. Machida
By Drew Sharper
LAS VEGAS, NV (The Spread) – UFC 175 will go down tonight, with two UFC titles on the line. Here are some picks to consider for tonight’s card.
UFC 175 will take place from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada with the main card bouts airing live on PPV at 10PM ET. All odds are according to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv.
UFC MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT - Chris Weidman (11-0) vs. Lyoto Machida (21-4)
This fight has a lot of intrigue as Weidman is coming off a pair of controversial wins over Anderson Silva to become champion. Machida is a proven fighter and former UFC light heavyweight champion that fights a style that few can duplicate. Machida works a karate-style that has a lot of power and speed, but he is not very aggressive. Weidman is a boxer that also can use his wrestling to win. Weidman has been a KO artist as of late, but it would be a mistake for him to go into this fight thinking he can win a striking contest. If the fight stays standing, Machida will land the KO blow in 25 minutes. Another issue is conditioning. Weidman has never fought past 15 minutes like Machida has. For these reasons, I like the challenger to win in a mild upset. UFC 175 FREE PICK – Lyoto Machida +155
UFC WOMEN’S BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT – Ronda Rousey (9-0) vs. Alexis Davis (16-5)
Alexis Davis is a grinder, but she is stepping into a whole new world against Rousey. Davis likes to use grappling to win fights, but that will play right into Rousey’s hands with her judo throws. Rousey is too strong and too talented to be out-grappled by Davis. Davis will need a KO to win, but I don’t see that happening. UFC 175 FREE PICK – Ronda Rousey -1000
UFC HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT – Stefan Struve (25-6) vs. Matt Mitrione (7-3)
Struve is making his return to the octagon in over a year due to health issues, but he was emerging as a top-10 heavyweight prior to his injuries. Mitrione has been up and down, going 2-3 in his last five. He has very good punching power, but he also finds himself losing quickly if he doesn’t score the quick KO. Struve will have the conditioning and the poise to withstand Mitrione’s quick start before eventually scoring a submission finish. UFC 175 FREE PICK – Stefan Struve -165