Predicting The 3 Mega Fights Set For UFC 268
“IIITTTSSS TTTIIIMMMEEE!!!!!”-Bruce Buffer. UFC 268 is this Sunday and like UFC 267 a few days ago, the fight-card is stacked. Featuring two title fights and a blockbuster lightweight matchup, UFC 268 has huge implications on the current landscape of the UFC.
Justin Gaethje (22-3-0) vs. Michael Chandler (22-6-0)
This fight could possibly steal the show and ultimately decide who fights the winner of Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira for the lightweight championship. This fight is very interesting because it involves two fighters that are proficient in similar fighting styles. Both Gaethje and Chandler are excellent their feet and will push the tempo for all 15 minutes without hesitation. I see Gaethje having the slight upper hand in terms of boxing. Seeing that 19 of his 22 wins are via KO/TKO, Gaethje will need to keep the fight standing by continuously pressing Chandler and having excellent takedown defense. In terms of wrestling, Candler clearly has the advantage, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him attempt takedowns early and often. Chandler has also displayed knockout power throughout his career which he won’t be afraid to display if need be. With both fighters coming off a title-fight losses, I see it shaping out one of two ways. An absolute slugfest or Chandler will try to bring the fight to the mat with his wrestling.
Prediction: I first off want to say how I wish this fight was 5 rounds instead of 3. Nonetheless, I believe it will be a fight-of-the-year candidate. I see Gaethje winning this one by KO/TKO in the third round. I believe his boxing and cardio will eventually overwhelm Chandler. I see him being able to stuff most of Chandler’s takedowns forcing him to keep the fight standing resulting in Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje adding to his highlight reel.
Rose Namajunas (C) (11-4-0) vs. Zhang Weili (21-2-0)
After Namajunas caught Weili with a devastating front kick knocking her out in the first round at UFC 261 to become the new Women’s Strawweight Champion, we ultimately knew we were going to see a rematch. Since the first fight ended so quickly, we didn’t really get to see their different fighting styles collide. It’s difficult to Since I expect this fight to last much longer, we should see a heavy dose of Namajunas using her Brazilian jiu-jitsu and reach advantage to keep Weili guessing. What makes Rose so special is that she can end a fight at any moment. Her combination of strikes, kicks, and takedowns are a nightmare for any fighter to handle. Weili also has takedown ability but may find it difficult to control Namajunas on the ground. Weili has tremendous striking power and cardio which she showcased in one of the greatest UFC fights ever against Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 248. Weili will enter UFC 268 after having her first training camp take place in the US, with the help from former two-division champion Henry Cejudo.
Prediction: And still. I see Rose Namajunas successfully defending her Strawweight Championship. Rose has a larger arsenal of abilities which will ultimately be the deciding factor. Weili won’t make the same mistake she made in the first fight. I can see Weili pushing the pace early resulting in Namajunas reverting to her BJJ. Rose Namajunas by submission in the 4th round.
Kamaru Usman (C) (19-1-0) vs Colby Covington (16-2-0)
After their instant classic at UFC 245 in 2019, the rematch has finally arrived with even more animosity between the two fighters. Colby has repeatedly stated that he believes Usman has been avoiding the rematch with him because he poses the biggest threat to his title reign. Colby was able to land the most punches ever absorbed by Usman in a single fight. Covington is looking to reclaim his status as the best Welterweight in the division while Usman is looking to add to his legacy and 17-fight win streak. If last fight was any indication of what we should expect, expect a war. With both fighters known for their wrestling, not one takedown was attempted in their first fight. The main reason may be the fact that Usman has never been taken down in his UFC career and Covington has only been taken down once. Surprisingly, I think both fighters will attempt to wrestle in the early part of the fight. Especially from Covington. Though he is capable to stand with Usman and box for 5 rounds, I believe Usman has a slight power advantage. Covington is well aware of the Usmans power since he broke his jaw in the middle rounds of their first fight.
Prediction: I don’t see how Covington will be able to exchange punches with Usman for 25 minutes. Usman, the pound-for-pound #1 fighter in the world, may have the best cardio out of any UFC fighter and seems to get stronger and faster the longer the fight lasts. Similar to the first fight, I see Usman getting the victory by KO/TKO in the 5th round and moving on to face Leon Edwards.