The UFC returns to ESPN for its 6th event in TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, headlined by a UFC stalwart in Chris Weidman up against a potential title prospect, the undefeated Dominick Reyes.
Chris Weidman vs. Dominick Reyes (Light Heavyweight)
These fights are always the toughest to call as it is an exciting prospect up against a proven fighter at the elite level. What can be said is that Reyes is not just hype anymore as he has beaten the likes of Oezdemir, Saint Preux and Cannonier. All three of which have won fights since and Reyes comes into this fight high on confidence and rightly so. Chris Weidman is one of the most likeable fighters inside and out of the octagon. The former champion has lost three of his last four fights but what he does bring is main event experience. Weidman is yet to lose a main event fight being a flawless 5 from 5. Lots of chatter on this fight has Reyes running through the former champ largely due to his power and the fact Weidman was knocked out in the third round by Souza in his last fight. Admittedly I do think Weidman’s durability is questionable, but he has immense experience and a level of wrestling that Reyes has not previously had to deal with. While Reyes will be dangerous early and may just catch him, if Weidman wears the early storm, he might just grind Reyes out or even get a late stoppage win. I really do think this is a coin flip fight and with just too many questions I am not willing to have a play in this even though Weidman does look value.
TIP: No Bet
Maycee Barber vs. Gillian Robertson (Women’s Flyweight)
At 21 years of age Maycee ‘The future’ Barber continues to make plenty of noise in the women’s flyweight division. I am not completely sold on Barber’s quest to be the youngest champion in UFC history, but I do think this is a favourable stylistic matchup for her. Barber has an advantage on the feet, maybe not clearly in technique but definitely in power. I see this leading to Robertson shooting for a takedown and while Robertson has an edge in her jiu jitsu game, Barber scrambles well in any takedown attempt, ultimately taking top position and landing more damage both on the feet and the ground.
Molly McCann vs. Diana Belbita (Women's Flyweight)
Molly McCann is coming off a huge win against Ariane Lipski while her opponent makes her UFC debut on the back of a four-fight win streak of which all four are via stoppage. That record is incredibly padded. Belbita has next to no takedown defence and in the striking department, which is her expertise, she loses out in reach, technique and power to McCann. I think McCann outclasses Belbita in wherever this fight goes and can even get her first KO victory in the UFC.
McCann to win via KO/TKO
$4.20
Brendan Allen vs. Kevin Holland (Middleweight)
Holland is on a three-fight win streak but by my scoring he should be on a two-fight losing streak. He fights way too relaxed and Allen will take this to him and put the pace on. Early in the first Holland can find some success, yet in the end, Allen takes it to the ground or clips a lazy Holland putting him in deeper water than he has been in before and ultimately gets his debut UFC win.
