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-122 Zhang Weili (21-2: 10 KOs, 7 SUBs) -110 Rose Namajunas (10-4: 2 KOs, 5 SUBs)
An immediate rematch that will surely be a high-quality chess match between UFC strawweight champion Namajunas and Zhang, should be another chance for the MMA community to see just how special Namajunas is at her craft. People forget that Namajunas decided to challenge herself by agreeing to set her second title defense in the home country of her opponent at UFC 237. Tragically, that decision backfired, as Namajunas was hoisted in the air and viciously slammed on her head by Brazilian brawler Jessica Andrade. Fast forward to April of this year when Namajunas surprised everybody and cemented her legacy when she knocked out Zhang with a beautiful lead roundhouse kick that sent the crowd out of their seats. I think Namajunas will once again rise to the occasion and outwit and out-point her opponent in a title rematch. I think Zhang will be extremely tentative this time around and will show a higher level of respect to Namajunas’ offense. Expect this fight to be five hard-fought rounds.
Selection: Namajunas via Unanimous-Decision
-210 Justin Gaethje (22-3: 19 KOs, 1 SUB) vs. +165 Michael Chandler (22-6: 10 KOs, 7 SUBs)
Many times the term “people’s main event” gets thrown around by fans of MMA, but make no mistake that the Chandler vs. Gaethje fight is going to be pure violence. Chandler, a former Bellator MMA champion, has been on a roller coaster ride since his arrival to the UFC earlier this year; knocking out Hooker and getting knocked out by Oliveira. Now, he has no easy task in front of him as he’s facing former interim UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje who is motivated, hungry (hasn’t fought since UFC 254) and is the curtain jerker for his teammates Namajunas and Usman. I think Gaethje’s inactivity will be a blessing in disguise for one of MMA’s most violent fighters as he will be a rested locomotive coming straight for war. Strategically speaking, I think Gaethje sets the tone with his signature calf kicks that lead to Chandler taking unnecessary risks and exposing his chin.
Selection: Gaethje via 1st-Round Knockout
-210 Shane Burgos (13-3: 5 KOs, 5 SUBs) vs.+165 Billy Quarantillo (16-3: 7 KOs, 5 SUBs)
A potential candidate for fight of the night as New York natives fight not only for bragging rights, but for pecking order in one of the most talented divisions. On any given night, both of these men have the capability to bite down on their mouthpiece and slug it out. It seems impossible to think that this fight, in this slot on the card, has any chance to be a downer. Quarantillo has been on a fast track since his DWCS debut a few years ago, putting on entertaining performances one after another. But with that being said, I think Burgos has a higher ceiling and has been on this big stage before. I think the Bronx, NY native, Burgos, will put on a technical boxing clinic that gets him back in the win column.
Selection: Burgos via Decision
-180 Marlon Vera (19-7-1: 6 KOs, 8 SUBs) vs. +142 Frankie Edgar (24-9-1: 7 KOs, 4 SUBs)
A legend returns to the Mecca as former UFC lightweight and all-time great Frankie Edgar tries to add another feather in his cap. Edgar is facing Marlon Vera who is a man on a mission to prove that he is not a journeyman. Vera, a talented fighter himself, will be trying to use Edgar as a way to get back on track, but I don’t think Edgar allows it. Edgar is not facing a recent title challenger in Cory Sandhagen or a demolisher in the Korean Zombie again. Vera isn’t even in the same ballpark as those guys in terms of threat level. I think Edgar will hang out on the feet for as long as needed before he uses his signature frenetic pace to secure takedowns and win round after round to set the MSG crowd on fire one more time.
Selection: Edgar via Decision
-193 Bobby Green (27-12-1: 9 KOs, 8 SUBs) vs. +140 Al Iaquinta (14-6-1: 7 KOs, 1 SUB)
Another contender for fight of the night here, as fan-favorite Bobby Green squares off against New York native and former title challenger Al Iaquinta. I think this is easy pickings here. Iaquinta, who is the only fighter to take all-time great Khabib Nurmagomedov to a five-round decision, is looking to start a new chapter in his career at UFC 268. While Green is a fan-friendly fighter because of his lowered boxing guard and willingness to go strike for strike with his opponents, I think that Iaquinta possesses sharper boxing skills on top of his new level of focus. After two years away from the game, I think Iaquinta will truly shine on a big stage that puts him on track for bigger and brighter fight opportunities.
Selection: Iaquinta via Decision
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