UFC 243 Preview and Predictions

I know I say it with every pay per view, but man UFC 243 has me incredibly excited. If you’re new here, welcome. I am currently 6-4 in my main card predictions, let’s see if I can keep that current streak going! Here are my thoughts and picks on this weekend‘s slate of fights.

Justin Tafa x Yorgan De Castro (Heavyweight)

Normally, I try to do my research on these fighters that I don’t know. Which doesn’t happen much because I’ve been following the UFC for a solid 10 years now, but we can insert the Snoop Dogg gif of him saying who? UFC 243 seems to be a showcase for their local fighters, and that shows here. The only reason these guys are on the card is because these are two Australian fighters. This writer has no clue as to what’s going to happen here, so we will go with the better records here. De Castro UD

Luke Jumeau x Dhiego Lima (Welterweight)

Finally, some names fans should recognize. Now we can get into some real analysis. Jumeau, winner of 7 of his last 8, coming off a decision win at 221 back in February, is looking to ride a wave of momentum to crack the top 15 at 170. His finishes are split 4 for TKO and 4 for submissions, so he has multiple ways to finish a fight. Across the cage is Dhiego Lima, who has been up and down the last two years or so, but is looking to turn his fortunes around and climb his way back up the division. Normally, when there are tons of fighters from one country, it can be a clean sweep with all wins, or all losses. I’m going with the younger man here and the streak continues for local fighters. Jumeau 3rd Round Sub

Tai Tuivasa x Sergey Spivak (Heavyweight)

I always pick out a fight or two that will steal the show and will provide fireworks. Here we are. Tai Tuivasa and Sergey Spivak are not shy about letting their hands fly, and I expect nothing less coming into UFC 243. Both men are coming off losses, so they are going to go out there and look to make a statement. I think this will be a bloody, exciting war between these two heavyweights. I can’t wait to see how this one goes. Not much analysis goes into a battle of two brawlers. I have Tuivasa here, looking to avoid a 3 fight losing streak. This fight could steal the show at UFC 243. I hope he does a shoey shortly after leaving the cage. Tuivasa 2nd Round TKO

Al Iaquinta x Dan Hooker (Lightweight)

It makes me chuckle every time I think about Al Iaquinta selling homes in his downtime between fights. For those who don’t know, he is a licensed real estate agent. Iaquinta has had a rough last few fights, going 1-2 in his last three including an embarrassing, dominated loss to lightweight king Khabib Nurmagomedov He is coming off a loss to Donald Cerrone in the main event back in Ottawa in May. He will look to kick the snide he’s on, but he has a tough challenge in Dan Hooker. The pop for Hooker will be incredible, due to him fighting out of New Zealand. Hooker, winner of 5 of his last 6 including a win against James Vick in a hellacious KO back in July, is hoping to jump his way into the conversation for a title eliminator in 2020. Hooker is fighting in front of his friends and family, and riding so much momentum. I don’t see anything stopping Hooker here. Iaquinta is one tough man, so don’t expect a finish. But expect this to be one-sided. Hooker unanimous Decision

Robert Whittaker x Israel Adesanya (Middleweight Championship)

When I tell you I have been looking forward to this fight with bated breath but pure excitement, that would be an understatement. Bated breath because the last two times Whittaker has been scheduled to fight in Australia he has had to withdraw due to injury. But it would appear we are all systems go. Robert Whittaker is a killer, no question about it. He is a well-rounded fighter, underrated wrestler and has good hands. I will admit that I am one of the folks who thought he lost his last fight against Yoel Romero, but he got the nod. That was one hell of a fight and he did look good. But he has a formidable opponent in Israel Adesanya. The Last Stylebender is the second coming of Anderson Silva. I’ll say it for the world to see. His creativity with his striking can overwhelm any fighter. I know he didn’t look incredibly against Silva when they fought, but did you watch his fight against Kelvin Gastelum? My goodness, when you look up war in the dictionary that fight comes up. I expect an all-out war in Melbourne, but Israel shows the time is his and the 185 crown lands on his head. The division runs through the Last Stylebender now. Adesanya unanimous decision

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