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 Fight Night 101. 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: 56-26

Jason's Record: 45-37

Without anymore waiting, here are our picks and analysis for the main card at Fight Night 101.

 

Seo Hee Ham vs Danielle Taylor

Justin’s Pick

This is a tough matchup to predict. Both women will be looking to showcase their striking, although Taylor could score with the judges with a takedown or two. They are two different strikers, as Ham works at an extremely fast pace, while Taylors packs more power in her punches. Taylor also focuses much more on defense, which will be a problem for Ham. I expect Taylor’s power to play a major role in this matchup, as her punches wear Ham down on the way to a decision victory.

Danielle Taylor via Unanimous Decision

 

Jason’s Pick

If this fight goes to decision, Seo Hee Ham gets the edge over Danielle “Dynamite” Taylor. Ham absorbs punches and continues to pressure her opponents. That is going to shock Taylor, and Ham should be able to make her uncomfortable in the octagon. Taylor needs to set up her punches, and Ham is not going to let that happen. She does not have the power to finish the fight, but if she flusters Taylor early, she should pick up the decision victory.

Seohee Ham via Unanimous Decision

 

Tyson Pedro vs Khalil Rountree

Justin’s Pick

This should be a fun matchup. Both fighters come with tremendous power, but in different ways. Rountree displayed great power in his punches and kicks throughout the Ultimate Fighter, while Pedro has displayed some powerful takedowns. If Pedro can get this fight to the ground, he should be able to pick up the win. If he can’t, he will be in a world of trouble against the power of Rountree. Rountree likely spent most of his camp working on his takedown defense, which will result in a highlight reel knockout.

Khalil Rountree via TKO, 2nd Round

 

Jason’s Pick

There are two ways this fight can go – Khalil Rountree out strikes Tyson Pedro on his way to victory, or Tyson Pedro takes Khalil Rountree to the ground and makes him tap. The slight advantage may go to Rountree, but he has yet to prove that he has the takedown defense necessary to keep this fight standing. This fight will end up on the ground, and Pedro will lock in the submission.

Tyson Pedro via Submission, 2nd Round

 

 

Yusuke Kasuya vs Alex Volkanovski

Justin’s Pick

Alex Volkanovski has been dominant recently, as he has won 10 consecutive fights with eight finishes. He has flashed solid chokes with great power in his hands. Yusuke Kasuya is no slouch, though, as he has finished all nine of his victories. Volkanovski will need to be on the lookout for Kasuya’s submissions, but if he is able to do that, he should be able to be victorious in his UFC debut.

Alex Volkanovski via TKO, 3rd Round

 

Jason’s Pick

This prediction is spot on. Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski is the better fighter, but if he is not careful with Yusuke Kasuya’s submission attempts, he will find himself either tapping out or asleep on the mat. If he can avoid those submission attempts, he will walk away with the victory. He is far better standing, and he should be able to use his knockout power to end this one early. This is a fight that UFC fans will not want to miss.

Alexander Volkanovski via KO, 2nd Round

 

 

Omari Akhmedov vs Kyle Noke

Justin’s Pick

Both of these fighters have been struggling recently, as they both have dropped three of their last five fights. Both fighters are well rounded and matchup great together. Akhmedov may have a slight advantage in both wrestling and striking, which will make the difference in this fight. He should dictate where this fight takes place, and I expect him to find a finish in the middle rounds.

Omari Akhmedov via TKO, 2nd Round

 

Jason’s Pick

I wholeheartedly disagree. Kyle Noke is the better fighter in almost all categories. Omari “Wolverine” Akhmedov is no slouch on the ground or on his feet, but Noke is simply superior. He has a reach advantage while standing, and he also lands at a more effective rate with better standing defense. He has better takedown defense, so he should be able to keep this fight standing, if he wishes to do so. Noke wins this fight.

Kyle Noke via Unanimous Decision

 

Andrew Holbrook vs Jake Matthews

Justin’s Pick 

Both of these fighters are good prospects that have had a knack for finishing fights throughout their careers. Matthews has faced better competition in his career, though, specifically in the UFC, which will give him a small advantage. He should be able to get back on track and control the fight while handing Holbrook his second consecutive loss.

Jake Matthews via TKO, 3rd Round

 

Jason’s Pick

This is going to be one of the best fights on the card. Both Jake “The Celtic Kid” Matthews and Andrew Holbrook are up-and-coming in the UFC. Holbrook currently has an 11-1 record. Matthews currently has an 11-2 record. Matthews is good enough on the ground to thwart submission attempts from Holbrook, and he has the advantage, if the fight stays standing. He is more likely to walk away victorious here.

Jake Matthews via TKO, 3rd Round

 

Robert Whittaker vs Derek Brunson

Justin’s Pick

Derek Brunson has been on an unbelievable run, as he has finished four consecutive fights in the first round. Whittaker has also looked great since losing to Stephen Thompson in 2014. This fight will likely play out one of two ways. Brunson could clip Whittaker and knock him out, or Whittaker could use his defense, avoid the knockout shot, and outpoint Brunson in a decision victory. If this fight were three rounds, Whittaker may be the favorite. That isn’t the case, though, and it’s unlikely that Whittaker will be able to avoid Brunson for five rounds. Since he only needs to land one big shot, the advantage goes to Brunson.

Derek Brunson via TKO, 4th Round

 

Jason’s Pick

This is going to be a very close fight. Do not underestimate Robert “The Reaper” Whittaker’s finishing potential. Of course, Derek Brunson has one-punch knockout power, and Justin is correct – it is going to be difficult for Whittaker to avoid Brunson for five rounds. Brunson has a reach advantage, as well, which will allow him to stay away from any attempt at a takedown, if the fight goes south for Whittaker. Brunson gets the edge here.

Derek Brunson via TKO, 2nd Round