UFC Vegas 18

Alexander Volkov destroys Alistair Overeem at UFC Vegas 18

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Alexander Volkov, UFC

In the main event of UFC Vegas 18, we saw a heavyweight clash between Alistair Overeem (47-18, 1 NC) and Alexander Volkov (32-8). Both of these heavyweight contenders were looking to take another step towards the UFC heavyweight crown.

Alistair Overeem is getting ready to turn 41 years old. He’s had an incredible career, however, the UFC heavyweight title has always evaded him. He’s currently on the final run of his career and he’s hoping it ends with that UFC heavyweight title.

Standing in Overeem’s way tonight was Alexander Volkov. Volkov was perhaps seconds away from a UFC title shot a few years ago. However, a knockout loss to Derrick Lewis in the final seconds derailed those dreams. He was looking to get closer to a title shot tonight.

UFC Vegas 18 Recap

Round 1

The UFC Vegas 18 main event kicked off with a touch of the gloves. Volkov immediately opened with a big leg kick and pushed Overeem against the fence. A few follow up hooks followed as Overeem covered up.

Overeem was able to spin away and get the fight back to distance. One minute in and Overeem was just trying to feel out Volkov. Another big leg kick lands for Volkov and Overeem gets pressed against the fence. Overeem then threw two massive lefts that backed up Volkov.

Volkov then landed a couple of stiff jabs as Overeem pushed forward. Halfway through the round and Volkov lands a good body kick. A good lead uppercut lands for Overeem. Overeem pushed forward and ended up on the ground. Wasn’t clear if he was hurt or if he slipped.

Volkov pounced but couldn’t get the finish. Overeem worked his way up to his feet, but Volkov was heavy on the pressure. Overeem tries with an overhand left that glances Volkov. Volkov was heavy on the pressure to close the round and landed well. 1-0 Volkov at UFC Vegas 18.

Round 2

Overeem was busted up to start the second in the UFC Vegas 18 main event. Volkov lands a clean 1-2 to start the striking in round two. Overeem was getting busted up even more by Alexander Volkov.

Overeem pushes forward and forces a clinch, but he couldn’t hold Volkov. Volkov was circling around the outside just popping Overeem. A few stiff shots cause Overeem to turn away and he’s hurt badly.

Volkov pushes forward looking for the finish. Overeem was able to get away and the fight continued. However, it didn’t last for long. Volkov lands a couple of additional shots that cause Overeem to completely crumble. Incredible performance at UFC Vegas 18 for Alexander Volkov.

Alexander Volkov def. Alistair Overeem by KO – Round 2

Cory Sandhagen KOs Frankie Edgar with a flying knee at UFC Vegas 18

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In the co-main event of UFC Vegas 18, we had a pivotal matchup in the bantamweight division. Former lightweight champion, Frankie Edgar (24-8-1) took on Cory Sandhagen (13-2). The winner could be next in line for a bantamweight title shot.

The former UFC lightweight champion was making his second appearance at bantamweight. Edgar made his debut in the division back in August when he defeated Pedro Munhoz by decision in a very close fight.

After being the smaller guy for his entire career, Edgar finally appears at home in the UFC‘s bantamweight division. Standing across from him this evening was one of the top contenders in the division, Cory Sandhagen.

Sandhagen had a title eliminator back at UFC 250 against Aljamain Sterling. Unfortunately for him, he was submitted in the first round. However, he bounced back beautifully with a knockout of Marlon Moraes. A win over Edgar should put him next in line for a title shot.

UFC Vegas 18 Recap

Round 1

The UFC Vegas 18 co-main event opened with no touch of the gloves. Sandhagen was circling around the outside and Edgar was looking to pressure. A couple of nice calf kicks land for Cory Sandhagen.

Frankie Edgar moves forward and Sandhagen explodes with a massive flying knee that knocks Frankie Edgar out cold. Edgar falls forward lifeless and it’s a massive victory for Cory Sandhagen. He’s clearly the number one contender in the UFC’s bantamweight division.

Cory Sandhagen def. Frankie Edgar by KO (Flying Knee) – Round 1

Clay Guida grinds out decision over Michael Johnson at UFC Vegas 18

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UFC Vegas 18 featured a lightweight clash between veterans and one of them was perhaps fighting for his job. Clay Guida (35-20) and Michael Johnson (19-16) went head-to-head on the main card tonight.

Michael Johnson has had a UFC career that just doesn’t make much sense. On one hand, just take a look at his overall record. However, on the other hand, he’s defeated the likes of Dustin Poirier, Tony Ferguson, and Edson Barboza.

You truly never know which Michael Johnson is going to show up. Johnson was carrying a three-fight losing streak into the octagon at UFC Vegas 18. If he was to lose to Clay Guida, he might not be making that walk again.

Clay Guida has been with the UFC since 2006. He’s had some extremely memorable moments inside the octagon and his toughness can never be questioned. He usually brings a tornado of activity and he was expected to push Johnson in this one.

UFC Vegas 18 Recap

Round 1

The UFC Vegas 18 lightweight contest kicked off and Guida refused to touch gloves. Johnson opened the striking with a nice clean jab. Guida started his striking with a couple of nice calf kicks.

Johnson lands back to back 1-2’s that seemed to stagger Guida momentarily. The striking of Johnson was looking good, but Guida landed a big right hand that hurt Michael Johnson. A couple of additional right hands from Guida landed big on the left eye of Michael Johnson.

Guida worked Johnson against the fence and landed a takedown. Johnson was able to work his way up with two minutes left in the round. During one of the exchanges, Johnson opened up a big cut on the forehead of Guida.

A big knee up the middle lands for Johnson. Guida forces the clinch, but Johnson was able to push him against the fence. A good knee to the body lands for Guida. After a separation, both men traded hooks. Another big overhand for Guida lands, but Johnson countered with a clean 1-2.

Johnson was pressuring Guida late in the round and he was throwing heat. Another looping right lands for Guida as the round comes to a close. Good action from both men, but I believe it’s 1-0 Guida at UFC Vegas 18.

Round 2

Both men went right back to work in the second at UFC Vegas 18. Guida was moving forward with pressure, but Johnson was landing some crisp counters. However, Guida shot in and landed a nice takedown on Johnson.

Johnson was able to work his way up to his feet, but Guida kept him against the fence. Two minutes into the round and Guida pressed for another takedown. However, Johnson was defending well.

Johnson was able to escape and get back to striking. However, it wasn’t there for long as Guida pressed Johnson right back to the fence. After the two separated, Guida immediately shot back in for a takedown. Johnson was able to reverse the position this time and push Guida against the fence.

One minute left in the round and they separated again. Guida moves forward and lands a clean right. After some brief striking exchanges, Guida again pushed Johnson against the fence. I think it’s 2-0 Guida after two at UFC Vegas 18.

Round 3

Johnson appeared to need a finish entering the final round to avoid his fourth straight UFC loss. Guida immediately opened the final frame with pressure. Johnson was throwing serious heat to open the round.

Guida landed a nice knee up the middle that backed Johnson off. Johnson then wobbled Guida with a couple of good shots which forced Guida to shoot for a takedown. Johnson was able to defend, but Guida kept the pressure against the fence.

Halfway through the round and Guida was able to get Johnson down. Michael Johnson was looking incredibly frustrated along the fence. However, he started to get up with two minutes left. Guida was able to transition to the back and he locked in a rear-naked choke.

Johnson was doing a good job of defending the hands and he was able to get out of the choke. However, Guida was still locked on his back. The final bell sounds and it was a dominant third round for Clay Guida. Should be a shutout on the cards at UFC Vegas 18 for The Carpenter.

Clay Guida def. Michael Johnson by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Alexandre Pantoja spoils the debut of Manel Kape at UFC Vegas 18

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One of the fights I was looking forward to the most at UFC Vegas 18 was the featured flyweight contest. Former RIZIN champion, Manel Kape (15-4), was making his debut with the promotion against the dangerous Alexandre Pantoja (22-5).

Kape got the Michael Chandler treatment from the UFC which tells you what the promotion thinks of him. Back at UFC 256, Manel Kape weighed in as the backup to the UFC flyweight title fight.

Of course, he didn’t actually compete, but the promotion was comfortable putting him in that spot. The UFC was giving Kape a big challenge in his debut with the promotion. Outside of the champion, Pantoja might be the most intimidating flyweight in the UFC.

Pantoja made the walk this evening as the fifth ranked flyweight in the UFC. If you include The Ultimate Fighter, Pantoja holds two victories over the top contender in the division, Brandon Moreno. He’s one of the best and he is the best opponent to welcome Manel Kape.

UFC Vegas 18 Recap

Round 1

The highly anticipated UFC flyweight contest started with a touch of the gloves. Pantoja was immediately looking to pressure Kape. Kape remained composed while looking for his openings early on.

Pantoja was really pressuring Kape early and threw a couple of powerful kicks. Kape was circling the outside as he ate a vicious body kick from Pantoja. Then Kape was able to land his first shot of the night with a good left hand.

Pantoja blitzed in and both man landed. Kape landed a stiff jab, but Pantoja countered with a brutal leg kick. The leg kicks were adding up for Pantoja. Both men then exchanged leg kicks as we passed the halfway point in the round.

Kape stepped forward but Pantoja landed a couple of clean shots on him. Pantoja was much more active in the first, but Kape was landing at a high percentage when he did throw. A couple of stiff jabs landed for Manel Kape.

Kape looked for a lead uppercut, but Pantoja countered with a good body kick. A cartwheel kick attempt from Kape found him on the ground. The first UFC round is complete for Manel Kape, but it’s a losing one in my opinion.

Round 2

The UFC flyweights started exchanging right away to open the second round. It was again Pantoja leading the striking with his kick. Kape was seeming more aggressive, but Pantoja was landing the cleaner shots in the opening minute.

Pantoja landed another good leg kick and then followed with a body kick. Kape was much more accurate with his striking, however, the volume from Pantoja was much higher. Both men then exchanged stiff shots that snapped their heads back.

Kape then landed a couple of clean shots that backed Pantoja up. Manel Kape was looking more confident halfway through the second. Pantoja then landed a clean combination that snapped the head back of Manel Kape.

A couple of body kicks landed again for Pantoja. Entering the final minute and it was still Pantoja leading the striking. 30 seconds left in the round and Kape was able to land a brief takedown, but Pantoja got right back to his feet. I have it 2-0 Pantoja at UFC Vegas 18.

Round 3

Entering the final round of his UFC debut and I believe Manel Kape needed a finish. Both men embrace before the action starts in the final round. Kape opened the striking with a nice straight left hand.

Pantoja seemed much less active in the final round. Kape steps forward with a nice uppercut, but Pantoja countered with a body kick. A nice calf kick and follow-up left lands for Manel Kape.

Pantoja then lands a stiff left cross. Another nice body kick lands for Pantoja before he pushes forward for an exchange. Kape lands another nice left, but Pantoja threw a couple of big shots on the counter including a big headkick.

There just wasn’t nearly enough activity from Manel Kape in this one. Kape was pressuring with 90 seconds left, but he wasn’t throwing. Another body kick for Pantoja lands. Entering the final minute, Kape really needs to pick it up.

Kape steps forward with a couple of stiff 1-2s. For a moment it appeared that Kape hurt Pantoja, but Pantoja countered with a big shot of his own. 20 seconds left in the round and Kape lands a takedown. The round closes and I’ll give that round to Manel Kape. However, I think Pantoja spoils the UFC debut here.

Alexandre Pantoja def. Manel Kape by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Beneil Dariush makes it 2-0 over Diego Ferreira at UFC Vegas 18

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After kicking off 2021 in Fight Island, the UFC returned to their home APEX tonight for their 18th fight night. The second fight on the main card was a lightweight showdown and a rematch between Beneil Dariush (19-4-1) and Diego Ferreira (17-2).

The two men previously fought back in 2014 at UFC 179. That night, Dariush was able to walk away with a unanimous decision victory. Diego Ferreira is so much better than he was at UFC 179, but has he done enough to surpass Dariush?

Ferreira was riding a six-fight win streak heading into UFC Vegas 18. Only Dariush and Dustin Poirier have been able to defeat Ferreira. Meanwhile, he has wins over the likes of Anthony Pettis and Mairbek Taisumov.

Much like Diego Ferreira, Dariush also carried a winning streak into UFC Vegas 18. Dariush had won five fights in a row and he’s finished four straight opponents. Both men were looking to take that next step towards the lightweight elites this evening.

UFC Vegas 18 Recap

Round 1

The UFC Vegas 18 lightweight contest kicked off with a touch of the gloves. Ferreira got the striking stared with a body kick and Dariush threw a leg kick of his own. Dariush pushed forward and landed a solid 1-2 on Ferreira.

A minute into the round and Dariush shot in for a takedown. Ferreira defended well but let the fight go to the ground while he looked for a submission. After that didn’t work, the fight went back to the feet.

Both men were just standing in the pocket and trading. Dariush landed a massive knee to the body that buckled Ferreira. Ferreira folded and Dariush ended up on top, but he wasn’t able to get the finish.

Dariush settled into Ferreira’s guard with two minutes left in the round. Big shots were landed in the guard from Dariush. Ferreira was able to get to his feet with 30 seconds left in the round. He landed a massive right that wobbled Dariush, but it’s 1-0 Dariush at UFC Vegas 18.

Round 2

The second round at UFC Vegas 18 started with another touch of the gloves. Immediately both men started throwing heat. Dariush was heavy with the pressure in the opening minute of the round.

Ferreira was getting off better to start round two. Dariush shot in for a takedown, but Ferreira initially defended well. However, when they got along the fence, Dariush landed the takedown and got on top.

Ferreira tried to get up, however, Dariush was doing a good job of controlling him on the ground. Halfway through the round and Ferreira worked his way up, but he couldn’t get off the fence. Two minutes left in the round and Ferreira was able to separate.

However, Dariush immediately shot in and landed another takedown. This time, Ferreira was able to get right back up. After a brief exchange, Dariush landed another takedown. Dariush controlled Ferreira the rest of the round and it should be 2-0 Dariush at UFC Vegas 18.

Round 3

Heading into the final round at UFC Vegas 18 and Ferreira looked like he needed a finish. Ferreira did appear to be the fresher fighter entering the final round. He opened the striking with a couple of crisp shots up top.

Dariush was trying to keep Ferreira at range with his jab. One minute in and Dariush shot in for a takedown, but couldn’t get it. Once they were back striking, Dariush threw a body kick, but it landed low which paused the action.

Dariush was breathing heavy as the action resumed. However, he threw a couple of strong kicks once they were striking. Ferreira defended another takedown attempt well and the two kept striking. Dariush landed a massive left that snapped Ferreira’s head back.

However, Ferreira seemed to be getting the better of the striking. Ferreira kept looking for his 1-2 but he couldn’t find his power shots. Dariush looked gassed entering the final minute. However, he shot in deep for a takedown and landed it.

Dariush was able to get Ferreira’s back once the two men were on the ground. However, Ferreira was able to get back to his feet just before the round ended. Razor thin final round that I lean towards Ferreira. However, I think Dariush gets the nod at UFC Vegas 18.

Beneil Dariush def. Diego Ferreira by Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

UFC Vegas 18 Preview: Diego Ferreira – Beneil Dariush

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Kicking off the main card of UFC Vegas 18 is a banger in the lightweight division. Top 15 lightweights will battle it out in a rematch as Diego Ferreira (17-2) takes on Beneil Dariush (19-4-1).

The two of these men originally fought back at UFC 179 in 2014. That night, Dariush was able to pickup the unanimous decision. Dariush will carry a five-fight win streak into UFC Vegas 18.

It’s not just that Dariush has won five in a row, but it’s the fact that he’s finished four of those fights that’s been impressive. Dariush is one of the most underrated lightweights in the UFC.

The division is so stacked that people often forget about him. However, he’s banging on the door of the top ten and he has a good matchup in front of him to get him through that door. However, Diego Ferreira is not the same guy he was almost seven years ago when they first fought.

Like Dariush, Ferreira will also carry a win streak into UFC Vegas 18. However, Ferreira has won six in a row. Ferreira’s first career loss came against Dariush. After that fight, he was knocked out by Dustin Poirier. However, he hasn’t lost since then.

The win streak that Ferreira is on has been incredibly impressive. He’s defeated the likes of Anthony Pettis, Rustam Khabilov, and Mairbek Taisumov. Ferreira is so much better than he was when they first fought, but has he closed the gap enough since UFC 179?

UFC Vegas 18 Prediction

The odds for this lightweight matchup at UFC Vegas 18 are essentially a toss-up and for good reasons. Both of these lightweight contenders are carrying in a ton of momentum and both are incredibly talented.

When looking at the two of them, I believe that Dariush has more advantages. Ferreira has looked sensational in his last few fights, however, I’m not sure he has the striking style to beat Beneil Dariush.

Dariush is very good with striking from range and he carries a ton of power in his hands. Ferreira is more of a volume guy and he’s very square when he closes the distance which could be a problem against a guy like Beneil Dariush.

Another problem Ferreira is going to have is in the grappling. We’ve seen his pressure-like style chained together with his grappling frustrate opponents. However, that’s not going to be as effective in a fight against the better grappler in Dariush.

When these two meet at UFC Vegas 18. I see Dariush getting his hand raised. Overall, he’s the better striker and he showed in the first fight that he can out-grapple Ferreira. I believe he will still hold those advantages and I actually believe we will see a fifth straight Dariush finish tomorrow night.

Prediction: Beneil Dariush by TKO – Round 3

UFC Vegas 18 Preview: Alexandre Pantoja – Manel Kape

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In all honesty, the one fight that I’m looking forward to the most at UFC Vegas 18 is this matchup. This is a massive flyweight fight between Alexandre Pantoja (22-5) and Manel Kape (15-4). Kape will be making his highly anticipated debut with the UFC.

Manel Kape officially arrives tomorrow after signing with the UFC last year. While many in the fight world were excited about the signing of Michael Chandler, Manel Kape was another massive signing for the promotion in 2020 that didn’t garner as much attention.

The UFC gave Kape the same treatment that they did Chandler. Kape’s first real appearance for the promotion was being the backup for the title fight back at UFC 256. The former RIZIN champion is riding a three-fight winning streak into his debut.

Kape is going to have his hands full with his first opponent. Alexandre Pantoja is a very dangerous contender at 125 pounds. Outside of the champion, he might have the most power in the division.

If you count Pantoja’s stint on The Ultimate Fighter, Pantoja holds two victories over top contender, Brandon Moreno. He went toe-to-toe with Deiveson Figueiredo and tagged the champion multiple times in their fight. He’s earned his ranking inside the UFC‘s top five.

UFC Vegas 18 Prediction

This matchup is going to be so much fun. These are two of the most powerful guys at 125 pounds and neither man has ever been finished by strikes. While both have incredible power, I don’t know if that stat changes at UFC Vegas 18.

Manel Kape has incredible footwork and very good boxing. Pantoja has incredible all around striking and he possesses very good skills on the ground. For the most part, I think we are going to see a standup war between these two flyweights.

I’m torn on this one to be honest. We’ve seen Pantoja perform at a high level against UFC competition whereas Kape is somewhat unproven. However, I really like the footwork and pure boxing skills of Manel Kape in this matchup. Call me a believer of the hype, but I think Kape gets it done in a war tomorrow.

Prediction: Manel Kape by Unanimous Decision

UFC Vegas 18 Preview: Clay Guida – Michael Johnson

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Tomorrow night at UFC Vegas 18, we will get to see a fun one in the lightweight division. Veterans, Clay Guida (35-20) and Michael Johnson (19-16) will battle it out on the main card. For Michael Johnson, he’s fighting for his UFC career tomorrow night.

When you look at Michael Johnson’s career in the UFC, it really makes you scratch your head. When you look at the highpoints, he’s defeated guys like Tony Ferguson, Dustin Poirier, and Edson Barboza.

However, he also has four losing streaks in the UFC that range from two to three fights. Currently, he’s on a three-fight losing streak and he was finished in two of those. Johnson has beaten some of the best guys in the world, but he’s also lost to people he should’ve easily beat.

With losing three in a row, he could be cut from the UFC should he lose tomorrow night. He’s got a tough test in front of him in The Carpenter. Clay Guida has been with the UFC since 2006. He’s always been a very good fighter, but never an elite fighter.

Guida has some great wins in the promotion like defeating Nate Diaz, Anthony Pettis, and Rafael Dos Anjos. However, every time he came close to a title shot, he lost. Guida has lost two in a row leading into tomorrow night.

UFC Vegas 18 Prediction

When you look at this matchup at UFC Vegas 18 on paper, Michael Johnson should win this fight. He’s got the better striking, he’s got very good hand speed with pop and he has good grappling skills. Overall, he just is more skilled than Clay Guida.

Those skills are why he has some of the big wins that he has in the UFC. However, with Michael Johnson, you don’t always get the best version of him. Sometimes he sits back a little too much and let’s the action pass him by.

Clay Guida is a tornado who’s going to constantly be moving and throwing. His activity level is always extremely high which could pay off here. For Guida to pickup the win tomorrow, he’s going to have to outwork Johnson. He needs to push Johnson at a high pace and score points while doing so.

If Guida is able to keep the pace high and avoid power shots, he should get the decision. However, if the best version of Michael Johnson shows up, he will win tomorrow. With his career on the line at UFC Vegas 18, I think we get a good version of Michael Johnson and I believe he’ll get the win here.

Prediction: Michael Johnson by Unanimous Decision

UFC Vegas 18 Preview: Alexander Volkov – Alistair Overeem

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Alexander Volkov, UFC

In the main event of UFC Vegas 18, we will see a big heavyweight clash. Top six contenders go head-to-head as Alexander Volkov (32-8) takes on The Demolition Man, Alistair Overeem (47-18, 1 NC).

Overeem started his MMA career back in 1999. He’s fought all over the world and captured multiple world titles in his career. However, the UFC heavyweight title has always evaded Alistair Overeem. At 40 years old, Overeem is currently on his final run to the heavyweight title.

Overeem came over to the UFC back in 2011 as the Strikeforce heavyweight champion. He defeated Brock Lesnar and that set him up for a title fight. However, a positive drug test got him suspended and he lost that opportunity.

Overeem wouldn’t have his chance at the title until 2016 when he took on Stipe Miocic. The fight started well for Overeem who dropped Miocic, but ultimately he ended up getting knocked out in the first. He hasn’t been able to get back since, but he’s 4-1 in his last five and is riding momentum.

Alexander Volkov came over to the UFC back in 2017. He started out 3-0 and that included a win over former heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum. Volkov was seconds away from a fourth straight win and a title shot, but was the victim of a last second knockout from Derrick Lewis.

Since that loss at UFC 229, Volkov has gone 2-1. He’s still one of the top contenders in the heavyweight division and if he’s able to beat Overeem tomorrow night, he’ll only be a win or two away from a UFC title shot.

UFC Vegas 18 Prediction

The main event tomorrow is going to be so fascinating to watch. While Overeem is a former world champion kick-boxer, I would actually give the distance striking advantage to Alexander Volkov in this matchup.

Volkov’s striking in his last fight at UFC 254 looked sensational. Meanwhile, Overeem’s striking in recent years has lost a step. Instead, Overeem has leaned a lot more on his grappling which really showed in his last win against Augusto Sakai.

If this fight is a striking match from range, I think Volkov is going to get the win. However, I’m expecting Overeem to use a lot of clinch work in this win. For Overeem to win, he’s got to mix it up throughout. Chain his striking together with takedown attempts and the clinch.

One big weapon Overeem can use at UFC Vegas 18 is his knees. Overeem has some of the best knees in the business from the clinch. I wouldn’t be shocked by either man winning, but I think the multi-dimensional attack from Overeem will get it done over five rounds.

Prediction: Alistair Overeem by Unanimous Decision 

UFC Vegas 18 Preview: Frankie Edgar – Cory Sandhagen

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Frankie Edgar

Tomorrow night in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 18, we will see a massive fight for the bantamweight division. Former lightweight champion, Frankie Edgar (24-8-1), will be taking on top contender, Cory Sandhagen (13-2).

The former UFC champion made his bantamweight debut back in August. Despite being a champion at 155 pounds and a top contender at 145 pounds, Edgar appears to be right at home at 135 pounds.

Edgar took on Pedro Munhoz back in August and the fight was fantastic. It was razor close, but ultimately the former UFC champion got his hand raised that night. That win has led him to this spot against Cory Sandhagen.

Sandhagen found himself in a title eliminator back at UFC 250. That night he took on Aljamain Sterling and the winner was going to get a title shot. Sandhagen was the favorite in many eyes but was destroyed by Sterling.

The Sandman bounced back and knocked out Marlon Moraes on Fight Island to get back on track. Now, at UFC Vegas 18, Sandhagen is looking to reestablish himself as the top contender at 135 pounds.

UFC Vegas 18 Prediction

Over the past few weeks, I’ve gone back and forth on this UFC Vegas 18 prediction. When you look at the two men on paper, you’d have to favor Sandhagen. He’s got great striking, he’s got great jiu jitsu, he’s lengthier, and he’s younger.

However, Frankie Edgar always has this unseen advantage. The toughness and never say die attitude of the former UFC champion cannot be measured by typical tale of the tape stats. He’s just got a bit of an it factor about him.

For Sandhagen to get it done tomorrow, I believe he needs to keep this fight at range. Yes, he’s very good on the ground, however, his key to this fight is going to be using his striking from range. Sandhagen needs to have a kick heavy attack tomorrow night.

Edgar on the other hand needs to get this fight close. The former UFC champion needs this fight to stay within his range and look for him to utilize the clinch and some of his wrestling tomorrow. I would also expect a very high output from the former champion which will be key.

I love both of these contenders and I think either would make for a great challenger. While I would lean towards Sandhagen for all the things you see on paper, I just have this weird feeling Edgar gets it done. I think the fight will be at his pace and his activity will be enough to squeak out a decision. Call me crazy.

Prediction: Frankie Edgar by Split Decision