· Main Event: Welterweight Championship
(Champ) Kamaru Usman (-310) vs. (#1) Colby Covington (+250)
If the rematch between Usman – Covington is remotely close to the first fight, we are in for a treat. The first battle was one of the greatest fights in UFC history. Both fighters have a tremendous wrestling background, which caused both fighters to stand up and trade blows for 24 minutes. The fight was arguably tied 2-2 heading into the 5th round, where Usman began to land one power shot after another, eventually dropping Covington and winning via TKO. Nearly two years later, The Nigerian Nightmare and Colby Chaos Covington meet again at the Madison Square Garden. Since their first meeting, Usman has defeated Jorge Masvidal (twice) and Gilbert Burns. The KO of Masvidal was extremely impressive as Jorge has never been KO’d in his career, it also showed how much Usman improved his striking, thanks to coach Trevor Wittman. Covington has only fought once since his TKO loss to Usman, a 5th round TKO victory over former-champ Tyron Woodley. Defeating a washed-up Tyron Woodley who was on a 4-fight losing streak to end his career is not something to gloat about, 75% of the welterweight division could defeat Tyron Woodley at this point in his career. Covington did not show many improvements in the Woodley fight, Saturday night Covington will see a different Kamaru Usman. The #1 ranked P4P fighter in the world has won all 14 of his UFC fights, and shows no signs of weakness or slowing down. Usman’s improvements in his game will prove too tough of a match for Colby Covington.
Prediction: Usman def. Covington via TKO (3rd round)
· Co-Main Event: Women’s Strawweight Championship
(Champ) Rose Namajunas (-105) vs. (#1) Zhang Weili (-115)
Another championship rematch, this card is simply stacked. One of the best cards of the year. Heading into their first fight back in April, I was flipping back and forth on who I thought would win this fight. One day it was Rose, the next day Weili, and so on. I eventually picked Zhang Weili. I couldn’t believe how fast the fight ended, 78 seconds. Thug Rose with a picture perfect head kick KO on Weili. Weili seemed to have been anticipating a low leg kick, but Rose kept elevating that leg and put Weili to sleep. Ahead of this rematch with Namajunas, Weili moved to Phoenix, AZ to train alongside UFC legend Henry Cejudo. I expect Weili to mix it up and win in another all-time classic.
Prediction: Weili def. Namajunas via Decision
· Lightweight Bout: (#2) Justin Gaethje (-210) vs. (#5) Michael Chandler (+175)
The main card of UFC 268 kicks off with a potential fight of the year candidate. The winner of this bout has a very strong chance to put themselves back into the title fight conversation. Both Gaethje and Chandler and coming off defeats in their championship fights. Gaethje losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov; Chandler losing to Charles Oliveira. Gaethje has proved that it is near impossible to knock him out. Michael Chandler got KO’d by Charles Oliveira, which leads me to believe he will most likely get caught viciously by Gaethje.
Prediction: Gaethje def. Chandler via KO (2nd Round)
· Featherweight Bout: (#14) Shane Burgos (-195) vs. Billy Quarantillo (+165)
I would not be surprised to see this bout win Fight of the Night, as this will be an action packed fight on the main card. Quarantillo is on the cusp of breaking into the top 15 and Burgos is on the verge of exiting the top 15, both men have a chip on their shoulder. Both fighters have proven to provide fireworks but Burgos experience will take get him the victory in this back and forth battle with Quarantillo.
Prediction: Burgos def. Quarantillo via Decision
· Bantamweight Bout: (#8) Frankie Edgar (+135) vs. (#13) Marlon “Chito” Vera (-160)
Frankie Edgar is a UFC legend, that I believe is on his way toward retirement. Edgar is 40 years old, has lost 3 of his last 4 fights, and 5 of his last 9. Chito Vera is one of the toughest fighters on the UFC roster, I expect this to be a bloody fight. Chito is much younger and athletic at this point in their careers. Chito will try to take this fight to the ground and pour it on.
Prediction: Vera def. Edgar via Decision
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