Sunday night the UFC is back on ESPN and it features the return of Cain Velasquez. In the main event Cain faces off against former heavy weight title challenger and fellow knockout artist Francis Ngannou. Both Cain and Francis have a huge opprotunity to propel their selves to the top of the rankings for a title shot. No matter what is on the line for these fighters its probably best to bet on it not lasting 5 rounds. The co main event puts James Vick vs Paul Felder in a light weight battle with both fighters trying to make a run towards the top of their division. Here is a our staffs picks for what shpuld be a fantastic night of fights
Andre Fili (18-6-0) vs Myles Jury (17-3)
This is a featherweight match up with two tough as nails figthers looking to find some footing in a jammed packed division. Myles Jury comes in with a great wrestling back ground along with a good submission game. Andre Fili fighting out of Team Alpha Male has a solid wrestling but has excelled more in the striking game throughout his career. He has also been adding to that ablility recently by trainig with Keiran Fitzgibbons and the crew from Combat Sports Academy in Las Vegas. CSA makes straight monsters in the striking game. This should be a great first fight to kick off the main card. I like Fili by second round TKO.
Dave Van Auken: Andre Fili
Max Van Auken: Andre Fili
Vicente Luque (14-6-1) vs Byran Barberena (14-5-0)
Here we have two welter weights trying to make a name for themselves in a very deep division. Vicente Luque is on a three fight win streak with three straight finishes. He has won 7 out of his last 8 total. Bryan 2-2 in his last four fights. He is coming off a TKO win over veteran Jake Ellenberger. Both these fighters most recent loss came at the hands of Leon Edwards. We will see on Sunday night which fighter is ready to take the next step up the welter weight division. With a hot streak of finishes on his hands Vicente Luque keeps it going with a first round finish.
Dave Van Auken: Vicente Luque
Max Van Auken: Vicente Luque
Alex Caceres (14-11-0) vs Kron Gracie (4-0-0)
This is another feather weight match up featuring always exciting Alex Caceres and UFC debut Kron Gracie. Kron Gracie is the latest Gracie to grace the UFC octagon. His family lineage is filled with legends of this sport and he looks to start his journey to being included as a Gracie great. Alex comes to fight and put on a show with his dynamic style and high energy pace. Its gonna be submision artist verse dynamic striker. I have Kron Gracie showing off his high level bjj and getting the submission with rear naked choke.
Dave Van Auken: Alex Caceres
Maz Van Auken: Alex Caceres
Cortney Casey (8-6-0) vs Cynthia Calvillo (7-1-0)
A straw weight fight with two tough fighters that bring it everytime the step foot in to the octagon. Cortney has been fighting the top fighters of the division and splitting even with wins and losses. She is coming of a victory over game opponent Angela Hill and looking to build off of that momentum. This fight against a young up and comer like Calvillo could really help raise her stock in the division. Cynthia on the other hand is looking to use Casey as another stepping stone in her climb up the divisional rankings. Both woman could really use a win like this on their records. With all that hangs in the balance for these two fighters i take Cythina Calvillo by decision
Dave Van Auken: Cortney Casey
Max Van Auken: Cortney Casey
James Vick (13-2-0) vs Paul Felder (15-4-0)
This co main event has fight of the night written all over it. Both Vick and the Irish Dragon Felder are know for bringing the action and going for the finish when its there. These two hungry warriors are trying to make another run up the rankings to hopefully one day earn a convitted title shot in probably one of the most stacked division in the UFC.
I am going with Paul Felder in a fight of the night performance getting the win with a third round submission.
Dave Van Auken: James Vick
Max Van Auken: James Vick
Francis Nganou (12-3-0) vs Cain Velasquez (14-2-0)
Ok folks let’s get this down quick , because this fight could be over even quicker. These two bad dudes hit hard and fast. I don’t have this going five rounds , it’s done in two or less and it’s over when the ref peels Cain Velasquez off of Francis. Cain wins by ground and pound TKO.
Dave Van Auken: Francis Ngannou
Max Van Auken: Cain Velasquez
