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 200. 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: 7-3

Jason's Record: 5-5

Without anymore waiting, here are our picks and analysis for the main card at UFC 199.

 

Cain Velasquez vs Travis Browne

Justin’s Pick

The heavyweights will start off the main card off with a bang. Velasquez is a sizeable favorite, and for good reason. He is going to pressure Browne from the start of the fight until he finishes him. Browne certainly has a puncher’s chance because of his good power, but he will be on the defensive for the most part. Velasquez will be able to work Browne in the clinch before taking him down and ending the fight with a barrage of ground and pound.

Cain Velasquez via TKO, 1st Round

 

Jason’s Pick

There is little doubt that Cain Velasquez will win this fight. He is the number two ranked heavyweight in the world, he lands more punches per minute than Travis Browne, making him the aggressor, and he displays better overall defense, both on the ground and standing. Velasquez is, simply put, a better fighter. He should be able to finish this fight fairly quickly, but out of respect for Browne, let’s assume it goes into the second round.

Cain Velasquez via TKO, 2nd Round

 

Frankie Edgar vs Jose Aldo

Justin’s Pick

This is one of the closest fights on the card according to Vegas. Edgar is a small favorite, but it is essentially a toss up to the odds makers. Edgar fights at an elite level, while Aldo manages his energy and is a more efficient fighter. They both have elite striking defense, as well. Edgar will likely look for the takedown, but Aldo’s takedown defense is elite, and this fight will take place where Aldo wants it to. That means it will essentially be a striking match, and that favors Aldo. People tend to overlook Aldo after his devastating loss to Conor McGregor, but that was only one punch, and Edgar won’t be able to do that. Aldo is still an elite fighter, and he’ll be able to out point Edgar in this battle for the interim championship.

Jose Aldo via Unanimous Decision

 

Jason’s Pick 

Frankie Edgar is actually the slight favorite in this fight according to Vegas. While it is going to be difficult to Edgar to get Jose Aldo onto his back, if that does happen, the fight is likely over. Edgar is one of the best in the world on the ground. He also has elite-level striking and striking defense. He is a bit more aggressive than Aldo is, and due to his versatility and octagon IQ, it is hard to ignore him. If this fight goes the distance, which it should, Edgar has a slight advantage in my book.

Frankie Edgar via Unanimous Decision

 

Miesha Tate vs Amanda Nunes

Justin’s Pick

This should be an extremely fun fight. Nunes likes to start off fights fast and furious, while Tate tends to get better while the fight progresses. Nunes has a ton of power, as 75% of her wins have come via knockout, and Tate’s slow starts leave her susceptible to big shots early in the fight. Nunes’ most likely path to winning is with a knockout early in the fight. That likely won’t happen, though, and Nunes’ cardio will fail her as Tate starts finding her groove. Once Nunes runs out of gas, Tate should be able to work a takedown and retain her title with a submission.

Miesha Tate via Submission, 4th Round

 

Jason’s Pick

I see this fight happening a lot faster, but the result will be the same. Amanda Nunes is known for pushing the fight forward in the early rounds, and this is going to be a mistake, as Miesha Tate will take full advantage. Tate is one of the smartest fighters in her division, and she will use Nunes’ aggressiveness to her advantage. A few overextensions on Nunes’ behalf, and she will find her way onto the ground. Like a wounded swimmer in the ocean, Nunes will struggle to return to the surface, while Tate, the shark in this situation, attacks and finishes.

Miesha Tate via Submission, 2nd Round

 

Brock Lesnar vs Mark Hunt

Justin’s Pick 

This fight was extremely shocking when they announced it, and it should be fun to see Lesnar back in the Octagon. He won’t have an easy matchup, though, as Mark Hunt is one of the most powerful men in the UFC. Lesnar needs to get Hunt onto the ground and work his ground and pound if he wants to win this fight. In a recent interview, Lesnar stated that he isn’t scared to stand and throw with Hunt. While he might not be scared, that’s the quickest way for Lesnar to lose this fight, and he likely won’t be testing his chin in this fight. If this fight stays standing, which is the most likely scenario, Hunt will be able to land a big shot and knockout the returning Lesnar. Hunt may wind up on his back at some point during the fight, but he’ll be able to land his knockout shot early on.

Mark Hunt via KO, 1st Round

 

Jason’s Pick

This may be an unconventional analysis, but Brock Lesnar is going to win this fight, and this fight is going to go the distance. Mark Hunt is one of the most powerful strikers in the sport, and it is going to be difficult for Lesnar to avoid him for three rounds, but that is how he will win this fight, and he knows that. Lesnar is a lot more accurate than Hunt while standing, and he is a much better wrestler. He has a huge advantage on the ground, but he does not need to finish. He only needs to continue to advance. Hunt’s stamina is much to be determined. Lesnar looks like he is in much better shape, and he should be able to move enough to keep this fight alive long enough to pick up the win.

Brock Lesnar via Unanimous Decision

 

Daniel Cormier vs Jon Jones

Justin’s Pick 

Quite frankly, this fight should go fairly similar to the first time these two met. Cormier will look to pressure Jones, and he should have some success, but Jones is a long fighter and he should be able to keep him at range for the most part. Jones can also work in the clinch, where he is an elite fighter. Jones looked like he was shaking the rust off in his last fight against OSP, but he also looked like he may have been fine-tuning his skills in the Octagon. Unless Jones comes out sluggish in this fight, he’ll be able to out point Cormier on his way to regaining his title.

Jon Jones via Unanimous Decision

 

Jason’s Pick

If this fight would have happened when Ovince Saint Preux fought Jon Jones, it would not have even been close – Daniel Cormier would have destroyed the former champion. Fortunately for Jones, Cormier did not participate in that fight. He was definitely shaking off the rust, but it was probably a wake up call for Jones as well. He is the best in the world when he is at his best. If he trained correctly and takes this fight very seriously, which he should, he will come out on top.

Jon Jones via Unanimous Decision

 

Note: Jon Jones has been removed from the Main Event and Anderson Silva will take his place. Taking a fight on a few days notice against Daniel Cormier is never a good idea, and DC should have no problems winning this fight. Both writers are picking DC in his new fight.