MMA has one of the best sweats in DFS. Two fighters compete at a time with only one coming out as the winner. It's the best feeling in the world when you are watching the main event of a show and know you need a first round knockout to win the entire tournament.

And nothing feels worse than when you need a first round knockout by Stipe Miocic to win thousands of dollars in a tournament, but when he lands that knockout punch, you realize that you placed 14th because Jacare Souza was too dominant in a previous fight. This was a serious scenario that I had to live through when Miocic won the Heavyweight Championship.

Anyway, Jason and I will be taking a look at the main card for UFC on Fox 20. We will be keeping track based on picking winners and losers. We will also predict how the fight will be finished, but that will not reflect in the records.

Justin's Record: 10-5

Jason's Record: 8-7

Without anymore waiting, here are our picks and analysis for the main card at UFC on Fox 20.

 

Felice Herrig vs Kailin Curran

Justin’s Pick

This is a matchup against a prospect and a veteran. The prospect, Curran, is a pressure fighter that throws good combinations, but lacks power. She can also work takedowns, and she uses her athleticism to get into dominant positions on the ground. Herrig is the more complete fighter in this matchup, but she doesn’t throw nearly at the volume of Curran, and she also doesn’t have much finishing potential. Curran will be able to out point Herrig enough for a decision.

Kailin Curran via Unanimous Decision

 

Jason’s Pick

This fight is really a toss up. As Justin mentioned, each fighter has some strengths and weaknesses. Felice “Lil Bulldog” Herrig has been around the block a couple of more times than Kailin Curran, however, and that experience is going to be very important come round three. Curran does throw at a higher volume, but Herrig is more consistent with her strikes, allowing her to not wear herself out during the fight. As long as Herrig stays off of her back, she should pick up the decision victory.

Felice Herrig via Unanimous Decision

 

Francis Ngannou vs Bojan Mihajlovic

Justin’s Pick

Short of a heavyweight knockout for Mihajlovic, this is the easiest fight on the card to pick. Ngannou is bigger, faster, stronger, and more powerful than Mihajlovic, who is extremely small for a heavyweight. Ngannou should have no problems stuffing Mihajlovic’s takedown attempts, and he will have a huge advantage on his feet. This fight likely will not make it out of the first round, and it would be surprising if one of the UFC’s best heavyweight prospects does not have his hand raised after the stoppage.

Francis Ngannou via KO, 1st Round

 

Jason’s Pick 

The prior analysis is spot on here. This is basically a ‘gimme’ fight for Francis “The Predator” Ngannou, as Bojan Mihajlovic does not stand much of a chance. Ngannou is taller, stronger, and simply put, better. This fight is very likely to end in the first round.

Francis Ngannou via KO, 1st Round

 

Edson Barboza vs Gilbert Melendez

Justin’s Pick

This fight is the tale of two fighters. Barboza is on the rise, while Melendez is on the decline. Melendez’s best chances at winnings are by pressuring Barboza and getting him to the ground. That likely won’t happen, though, as Barboza has elite takedown defense. He should be able to keep this fight at a distance with crisp jabs, kicks, and footwork. Barboza is the more accurate fighter on his feet, and he looks like he’s finally in the prime of his career. Melendez, on the other hand, has lost three of his last four fights. Barboza will continue his rise to the top of the division, while Melendez continues his fall.

Edson Barboza via Unanimous Decision

 

Jason’s Pick

Unfortunately for Gilbert Melendez, the prior analysis is correct. Edson “Junior” Barboza has some of the best takedown defense in the UFC, and Melendez really needs to get him to the ground to win this fight. Barboza is a very tough opponent to face while standing because his offense is so versatile. There is really no way to completely train against him. His next fight should be against someone in the top five of the lightweight division.

Edson Barboza via TKO, 2nd Round

 

Holly Holm vs Valentina Shevchenko

Justin’s Pick 

It will be interesting to see how Holm rebounds from her loss against Tate, but I’m expecting her to be fine, especially against someone like Shevchenko. Holm will be able to dictate where this fight takes place, and she has a massive advantage on her feet. Holm will be the more active fighter, while Shevchenko will look to counter. Holm is a much more defensive fighter than Shevchenko, as well, and she should have no problems out pointing her to the fifth-round decision.

Holly Holm via Unanimous Decision

 

Jason’s Pick

This fight is not going to be as cut and dry as most people think. Holy “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm is fantastic on her feet, but Valentina “Bullet” Shevchenko also has great standup, and she wins, at least the round, if the fight goes to the ground. Holm is the more active fighter while standing, but Shevchenko is more accurate, and in a five round fight, it is important to stay well-rested for when that opportunity to finish arises. Holm is going to be stuffing takedown attempts all fight long, but if Shevchenko keeps her cool, does what she can while standing, and waits for her opportunities to rise, she will walk out of the octagon 13-2-0.

Valentina Shevchenko via Unanimous Decision