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 203. 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: 28-14

Jason's Record: 24-18

Without anymore waiting, here are our picks and analysis for the main card at UFC 203.

 

Jessica Andrade vs Joanne Calderon

Justin’s Pick

This is a sleeper matchup to win Fight of the Night on this card. Both of these girls love to come out throwing, and it has all that makings of a great fight. Andrade recently dropped weight classes, and she looks more comfortable, as it allows her to use her aggression and power in a more effective manner. Calderwood, on the other hand, is an elite prospect, who only has one blemish on her record, which was a submission loss to Maryna Moroz. Calderwood will look to win this fight in the clinch, while Andrade will likely rush her opponent while throwing heavy strikes. Ultimately, I believe Andrade’s power and pressure will be too much for Calderwood, but I’m expecting these women to meet up again before their careers are over.

Jessica Andrade via TKO, 2nd Round

 

Jason’s Pick

This is definitely going to be a great way to kick off the main card on Saturday, as both Jessica “Bate Estaca” Andrade and Joanne “JoJo” Calderwood have solid finishing potential. Andrade simply has more ways to win, which gives her the slight edge in this fight. Calderwood definitely has the power to land a big punch and end this fight quick, but Andrade is too experienced to allow that to happen. She is going to push this fight, and even if it ends up on the ground, Andrade has the advantage. Aside from a puncher’s chance, Calderwood will likely be slightly overwhelmed.

Jessica Andrade via TKO, 2nd Round

 

Urijah Faber vs Jimmie Rivera

Justin’s Pick

This is an interesting matchup. Faber is ending his career, while Rivera is a hot up-and-coming prospect. Faber has lost two of his last three fights, but they are against top fighters. Rivera is on an 18-fight win streak, including a 3-0 record in the UFC. He hasn’t faced the talent Faber has, but he has beaten some stiff competition in guys like Iuri Alcantara. Faber has been displaying physical decline over the last year or so, while Rivera is only getting better. As long as he can avoid the big shot and slick chokes of Faber, Rivera should be able to outwork him to a fun, close victory.

Jimmie Rivera via Unanimous Decision

 

Jason’s Pick

This is the UFC attempting to skyrocket Jimmie “El Terror” Rivera into the spotlight on the main card of UFC 203 against a very difficult opponent in Urijah “The California Kid” Faber. Unfortunately for Dana White and company, Faber is not going to allow that to happen. Rivera is one of the best up-and-comers in his weight class, but he has never fought competition like Faber, and Faber is going to make him pay in this fight. The number two ranked Bantamweight in the world has multiple ways to end this fight. If it goes decision, it is possible that Rivera eeks out a victory due to the decline of Faber’s stamina, but as soon as Rivera makes a mistake, Faber will be there to capitalize.

Urijah Faber via Submission, 3rd Round

 

CM Punk vs Mickey Gall

Justin’s Pick

This is the moment everyone is waiting for. It’s a genius move for the UFC to make money on CM Punk’s name, but it has been a lot of build up for what is going to be a quick fight. Punk is a 37-year-old fighter without any professional fighting experience and more than 10 years worth of WWE wear and tear on his body. Some people are calling this an easy matchup for Punk because Gall only has two professional fights, but he has looked outstanding in both of those fights. I have seen very little film on Punk, but he was continuously getting punched in the face during training that was released. There’s an extremely slim chance that Punk comes out and dominates, but Gall will likely rock him on the feet before sinking in a submission to spoil Punk’s UFC debut.

Mickey Gall via Submission, 1st Round

 

Jason’s Pick

Unfortunately for WWE fans, CM Punk is going to be a one-and-done in the UFC. Dana White may allow him to fight a second time just because of the name recognition, but he is going to get laughed at after Mickey Gall ends this fight in the first round. Punk is no slouch in his profession, but Gall is just too good. He is going to be a household name after this fight, and the UFC will be looking to capitalize on that. Punk will be tapping, breaking a bone, or going to sleep at some point in the first round.

Mickey Gall via Submission, 1st Round

 

Fabricio Werdum vs Travis Browne

Justin’s Pick

Browne was once seen as an elite prospect, but Werdum threw him off course in 2014. Since then, Werdum continued to get better, while Browne’s career seemed to stall. Browne has the power to end the fight at any given time, but it’s much more likely that Werdum will control the fight in a similar fashion to the way he did in 2014. He may even begin to finish this one, although it’s more likely he’ll outwork him in route to a three-round decision.

Fabricio Werdum via Unanimous Decision

 

Jason’s Pick

After getting slightly embarrassed in his last fight, which was against Cain Velasquez, Travis “Hapa” Brown has something to prove. It will be difficult for him to beat Fabricio “Val Cavalo” Werdum, especially if the fight goes the distance, but the longer than Werdum is in the ring with Browne, the more likely that one-punch knockout power comes into play. Werdum should not overlook Browne or Browne’s ability to get the fight to the ground and pound out a victory. This fight is a toss up, but I’m giving the slight edge to Browne due to his powerful hands.

Travis Browne via KO, 2nd Round

 

Stipe Miocic vs Alistair Overeem

Justin’s Pick

Who would have ever guessed that these two men would meet in a UFC Heavyweight Title Fight? Miocic is coming off a clean first round knockout of Fabricio Werdum, while Overeem has finished three of his last four fights. Both men are powerful, but Miocic will have the advantage in wrestling. He also has a better chin, as Overeem has been knocked out nine times in his fighting career. Miocic has the power to end the fight in one punch, but he also has elite cardio and can outpoint Overeem for five rounds. While it would be ridiculous to count Overeem out of this fight, Miocic certainly has the advantage.

Stipe Miocic via TKO, 2nd Round

 

Jason’s Pick

This is going to be quite the fight. Alistair “The Reem” Overeem has over 50 professional fights, while Stipe Miocic just knocked out Fabricio Werdum in an impressive fashion. Due to his ridiculous power and ability to continue to push forward into the later rounds of the fight, Miocic takes the advantage. He is likely going to wear down Overeem until he gasses and then take advantage. Miocic will retain his championship, showing off for one of the two fighters in the prior fight, as Browne or Werdum will likely get a chance at the belt next, if not Cain Velasquez, who definitely deserves it.

Stipe Miocic via TKO, 4th Round