As the anticipation mounts for UFC 274, fight fans around the world eagerly await the electrifying matchups set to unfold inside the Octagon. With champions defending their titles and contenders vying for glory, the stakes have never been higher. From explosive knockouts to tactical submissions, every fight promises adrenaline-fueled action and unforgettable moments.
Main Event: Lightweight Championship
(C) Charles Oliveira (-170) vs. (#1) Justin Gaethje (+145)
Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira has proved many doubters (including me) wrong with championship victories over Michael Chandler (KO/TKO) and Dustin Poirier (Submission). “Do Bronx” is on a 10-fight win streak and doesn’t show any signs of slowing his roll. Oliveira dealt with adversity in his last two fights and battled through it for the finish. Many critics had previously questioned his will and toughness which now looks like a silly statement. Justin Gaethje has the power to end a fight in the blink of an eye, there is a reason his nickname is the “Human Highlight Reel”. Gaethje is one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC and almost always never disappoints. However, I believe Gaethje has once again run into a champion that is currently on another level. Oliveira has the most finishes (18), submissions (15), and performance awards (18) in UFC history. “Do Bronx” will add to his resume with another submission victory.
Prediction: Oliveira def. Gaethje (Submission)
Co-Main Event: Women’s Strawweight Championship
(C) Rose Namajunas (-220) vs. (#2) Carla Esparza (+180)
Time sure does fly. On December 12, 2014 Carla Esparza defeated Rose Namajunas to win the first ever Women’s UFC Strawweight Championship. Fast-forward to nearly 8 years later, here we are for the rematch. Both fighters have very different fight styles; Namajunas prefers to stand up and pick apart her opponents compared to Esparza imposing her will with fierce wrestling. “Thug Rose” has looked like the champ defeating Zhang Weili twice, Joanna Jedrzejczyk twice, and avenging her defeat to Jessica Andrade. Now Thug Rose will look to avenge her defeat to Esparza and I believe she will do just that. Expect a long, tough fight to go the distance.
Prediction: Namajunas def. Esparza (Split Decision)
Lightweight Bout:
Respect to Tony Ferguson for always taking the toughest fights there is but the way he has looked his last three fights, this might’ve been too tough of a fight to choose. Ferguson doesn’t appear to be half of the fighter he was during his 12-fight win streak, “El Cucuy” looks a few fights away from retirement. Perhaps this fight puts him into retirement. “El Cucuy” hasn’t won a round in his last 3 fights; losses to Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, and Beneil Dariush. “Iron” Michael Chandler on the other hand has gone toe-to-toe with the best the UFC’s Lightweight division has to offer ever since he came over from Bellator. Chandler dominated Dan Hooker with ease and also scored a 10-8 Round 1 vs Oliveira in their title fight before being KO’d 20 seconds into Round 2. Chandler vs Gaethje was a fight of the year candidate, now Chandler faces a seemingly washed-up Tony Ferguson.
Prediction: Chandler def. Ferguson (Unanimous Decision)
Light Heavyweight Bout:
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (+190) vs. Ovince Saint Preux (-230)
This is also rematch from 2014, with OSP embarrassingly knocking out Shogun just 34 seconds into the fight. I’m sure Shogun would love to get his revenge here but, in all honesty, it’s not happening. Shogun is beyond his years and beyond washed-up, don’t be surprised to see another sad KO.
Prediction: OSP def. “Shogun” Rua (KO/TKO)
Lightweight Bout:
Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone (-175) vs. Joe Lauzon (+150)
Two UFC legends are meeting in the octagon for what could potentially both be their last fight. “Cowboy” Cerrone has the most wins in UFC history (23) but Father time seems to have arrived at Cerrone’s door. He has lost six straight fights and one more loss will probably have him riding off into the sunset. There is not much left for Cowboy to accomplish at this point. It sucks to watch legendary athletes not know when enough is enough, especially fighters. Most people are betting on Cerrone to pull out the victory in this old-timers matchup but I’m going to roll with Lauzon in this one. Will my UFC 274 predictions be correct? We shall see..
Prediction: Lauzon def. Cerrone (Submission)
Prelims Predictions
Randy Brown (+100) def. Khaos Williams
Francisco Trinaldo (-120) def. Danny Roberts
Norma Dumont (-220) def. Macy Chiasson
Brandon Royval (-260) def. Matt Schnell
Early Prelims Predictions
Blagoy Ivanov (+125) def. Marcos Rogerio de Lima
Andre Fialho (-420) def. Cameron VanCamp
Melissa Gatto (+125) def. Tracy Cortez
Kleydson Rodrigues (-340) def. CJ Vergara
Loopy Godinez (-170) def. Ariane Carnelossi
Fernie Garcia (N/A) def. Journey Newsom
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