RADIO
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 102. 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: 63-31
Jason's Record: 51-43
Without anymore waiting, here are our picks and analysis for the main card at Fight Night 102.
Gian Villante vs Saparbek Safarov
Justin’s Pick
I applaud Safarov for taking this fight on short notice, but it likely is not going to end well for him. He comes with elite finishing abilities, as he has only made it out of the first round once in his career. With that being said, he has never fought anyone as talented as Villante. Villante has had a few tough fights recently, but he has proven that his power translates to the UFC level. I expect his experience to make a difference, and he should be able to pick up a quick victory in New York.
Gian Villante via TKO, 1st Round
Jason’s Pick
Corey Anderson vs Sean O'Connell
Justin’s Pick
I generally love watching Sean O'Connell getting into brawls, but that won't be the case this weekend. Anderson is going to take O'Connell down as many times as he needs to get this victory. He's an elite wrestler, and O'Connell isn't the type of fighter that is going to stop that. I do expect O'Connell to be able to take all of the punishment Anderson can dish out, though, which means this fight will be going to the judge's scorecard.
Corey Anderson via Unanimous Decision
Jason’s Pick
Francis Ngannou vs Anthony Hamilton
Justin’s Pick
I don't believe Hamilton is anyone to look passed, but this is a matchup set for Ngannou. He's athletic enough to keep this fight standing, and he has heavy hands on the feet. Hamilton does have the power to clip Ngannou, but that is essentially his only path to victory. As long as Ngannou can avoid the power shot from Hamilton, he should be able to land his own and walk out with another impressive victory. Hopefully he can get a top-10 fighter in his next fight. Maybe Derrick Lewis? I sure hope so.
Francis Ngannou via TKO, 1st Round
Jason’s Pick
Derrick Lewis vs Shamil Abdurakhimov
Justin’s Pick
Lewis is coming off a questionable win against Roy Nelson. Nelson wanted no parts in exchanging with Lewis on the feet, and he took his down as much as he could in that fight. I do not believe Abdurakhimov has the ability to consistently take Lewis to the ground, and keep him there. That means this feet will play out on the feet, where Lewis isn't afraid to throw until someone is knocked out. He has the ability to do that because of his elite power. Lewis may potentially get hit more than Abdurakhimov, but he'll be the one that lands the shot with enough power to win this fight.
Derrick Lewis via TKO, 1st Round
Jason’s Pick
