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UFC 271 Undercard: The main event for this Saturday’s UFC card is an epic matchup of rival fighters that are bound to put on an epic performance for fans, but before that historic fight happens, here’s my breakdown of five of the biggest undercard fights.
-195 Derrick Lewis (26-8: 21 KOs, 1 SUB) vs. +155 Tai Tuivasa (14-3: 12 KOs)
Two knockout kings collide this weekend in UFC 271’s co-main event and barring a highly-unlikely let down from both sides, there will be fireworks! Derrick Lewis, who rebounded from his interim title loss in August by KO’ing Chris Daukaus in December, is looking to ride that momentum by taking a short-turnaround fight against the streaking Tai Tuivasa. The Australian Tuivasa is on fire as he’s on an unbelievable four-fight win streak all coming via the KO! Wow. It’s such beautiful matchmaking as it counters the main event’s more well-rounded striking matchup, but nobody is gonna look away from these two locomotives heading towards each other full-throttle. It’s such a coin flip, but I like Lewis to finally get the big win in his hometown of Houston by using his reach advantage along with just a tad bit more weapons.
Selection: Lewis wins via 1st-Round Knockout
-190 Jared Cannonier (14-5: 9 KOs, 2 SUBs) vs. +150 Derek Brunson (23-7: 12 KOs, 4 SUBs)
Another fantastic fight on a great card matches up two middleweights eyeing that title shot opportunity. A great performance by the winner here is crucial to assure a title shot especially with the middleweight strap on the line in the main event. While Cannonier has a very good all-around game, Derek Brunson has become red hot since his UFC 230 loss to Adesanya. Blonde Brunson has mixed up takedowns perfectly into his game and has exposed the division’s lack of counter-wrestling. Since Cannonier cut down from heavyweight then light-heavyweight then finally to 185-pounds he is 4-1 with his only loss coming at the hands of former champion Robert Whittaker. I got Brunson to make his claim at UFC gold by not being too playful on the feet and bringing the fight into his wheelhouse on the floor.
Selection: Brunson wins via Decision
-150 Bobby Green (28-12-1: 10 KOs, 8 SUBs) vs. +120 Nasrat Haqparast (13-4: 9 KOs)
Green vs. Haqparast is a very fan-friendly fight as both of these men believe in their boxing ability and are absolutely unafraid of standing in the pocket and trading blows. While Haqparast is finding his footing in the deep lightweight division, Green is a longtime vet who’s in a really nice groove and would like to continue climbing the ladder with a big performance on Saturday. This is a big test for Haqparast on many fronts, but I think his stubbornness to keep the fight standing will eventually pay off tenfold for the young fighter, just not against Green. I got the veteran Bobby Green to not chase a bloodbath but not shy away from it either.
Selection: Green wins via Decision
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-400 Alex Perez (24-6: 5 KOs, 7 SUBs) vs. +290 Matt Schnell (15-6: 2 KOs, 8 SUBs)
Hard to pick against Perez here. He has all the tools to eventually be the UFC flyweight champion. Unfortunately, he bit off more than he could chew in his fight against Division Figueiredo and hasn’t fought since November 2020. I have no doubt that Perez has taken that time to reset and refocus and Schnell will see the best version of the former title challenger. I expect Perez to thrive wherever the fight goes. He has a major advantage in the striking department and it’s likely he will cause big damage with his vicious leg kicks. Should be a high-paced showcase for Perez.
Selection: Perez wins via Decision
-185 Renato Moicano (15-4-1: 8 SUBs) vs. +145 Alexander Hernandez (13-4: 6 KOs, 2 SUBs)
This fight is a gut check for Moicano and Hernandez. They are in-betweeners, as they’ve beaten the lower-ranked fighters they’ve faced but can’t seem to handle the bigger challenges. I’m confident in saying that this fight will be gritty and the winner will show not only a high level of skills, but an immense amount of heart to rip away the win from their opponent. I expect Hernandez to be the hungrier dog in this fight and sprint through the finish line. It would be wise - like Bruson against Cannonier - for Hernandez to enforce his wrestling and pressure rather than let his ego lead him into a kickboxing match similar to his fight against “Cowboy” Cerrone. All signs point to a more mature and level-headed Hernandez and this victory will be a great way to kick off his 2022 campaign.
Selection: Hernandez wins via Decision
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