Whatever happens come dawn on Sunday morning, UFC 182 will go down as one of the most memorable events in the promotions history thanks to the very tangible hatred between UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and undefeated challenger Daniel Cormier.
Our writers go head to head for the first time in 2015 looking to put together a run of correct predictions in the New Year. Their records thus far look like this.
Darragh “The Quizmaster” Murphy: 18-8
“Bourbon” Ben Kiely: 15-11
Jon Jones v Daniel Cormier
DM: The intrigue around what could happen tonight makes this fight one of the most anticipated in fight history. Daniel Cormier is a very real threat to Jon Jones’ flawless stint atop the UFC’s 205lb division.
He’s an undefeated competitor who’s one of, if not the, best wrestler to ever step foot inside the octagon and came fourth in the 2008 Olympics. His undefeated record is not to be sniffed at either, having seen off HEAVYWEIGHT contenders in Josh Barnett, Antonio Silva, Frank Mir and Roy Nelson before transitioning to 205 and dominating both Pat Cummins and Dan Henderson.
I think that Cormier has the more explosive power and, if he can get on the inside of Jones, then the Olympian can seriously test the champions’ chin. I don’t see Jones being able to stop Cormier’s shot over five rounds and I see Cormier dominating the grappling exchanges en route to a verrrry close decision. Cormier by decision.
BK: Cormier is a supremely gifted athlete but Jones is complete freak of nature, genetically engineered for the sport of MMA. One of the main reasons why Gustafsson gave Jones such a tough test was because of his reach. This is something Cormier simply doesn’t have.
What he does have, elite wrestling and explosive power, should make this fight competitive but I have faith that the P4P champ’s brilliance is going to see him through. Jones by decision
Donald Cerrone v Myles Jury
DM: This is a very tough fight to call as Myles Jury is an amazing young talent with all the potential in the world but Donald Cerrone is an absolute beast. I don’t see “Cowboy” becoming just another W on Jury’s undefeated record by any means. I would reckon that the first round is going to go the way of Jury whose movement will baffle Cerrone a bit before “Cowboy” figures it all out in the second and dominates the grittier striking. Cerrone via decision.
BK: Cerrone is a bundle of nerves going into this fight. No really, Cerrone couldn’t be more confident. If you’ve been keeping up to date with the UFC Embedded series, you’ll know what I mean. One could argue that this is indicative of him not taking Jury seriously, however, I just think that’s the type of dude he is. I’m a big fan of Jury and he’s a future contender for sure, but I think this might be too much, too soon for the Californian. Cerrone via TKO (Round 2)
Brad Tavares v Nate Marquardt
DM: Pretty much a coin-flip here based on the fact that Nate Marquardt is like 57. A Marquardt in 2006 easily takes this one as he is the more skilled competitor but, with youth being on the side of Tavares, this fight is a toss-up. Both fighters need a win if they are to make a run at the welterweight title and both have struggled to impress lately with Tavares coming off two losses and Marquardt winning just one of his last four. Having said that, you’d have to be a brave man to back against Nate Marquardt on any day and his ability to exploit the weaknesses of his opponent makes him my pick. Marquardt via submisson (Round 2).
BK: If it goes the distance, Tavares has the edge. If it doesn’t, Marquardt is more than likely going to take home the win. This is a difficult fight to call for all the wrong reasons. For the sake of the fans, I hope Marquardt gets the early finish. Marquardt via KO (Round 1)
Kyoji Horiguchi v Louis Gaudinot
DM: Finally a fight which I’m relatively confident in calling. With flyweight kingpin Demetrious Johnson running out of challengers, I think it’s just a matter of time before the 14-1 Kyoji Horiguchi gets the call-up for a title shot. He’s an unbelievable striker with rare finishing power in the 125lb weight division. Meanwhile Louis Gaudinot hasn’t managed a victory since his surprise win over John Lineker two and a half years ago. Gaudinot is tough but not tough enough to halt the momentum of Horiguchi. Horiguchi via TKO (Round 2).
BK: You’ve got to love a midget… eh I mean a flyweight who can finish fights. Gaudinot did look great in his last bout against Phil Harris, but it was against Phil Harris. Horiguchi is a completely different animal. Far more dangerous. Horiguchi via TKO (Round 1)
Hector Lombard v Josh Burkman
DM: Great, Josh Burkman’s back in the UFC. I liked him. Oh wait, he’s been matched up against WHO?? There’s fewer more dangerous re-introductions to the UFC welterweight division than the musclebound Cuban. Lombard quite simply has too much power for most men, Burkman included and I would be astounded if he doesn’t hand the TUF vet the first knockout loss of his career. Lombard via KO (Round 1).
BK: Nobody in the division wants to fight Lombard, and with good reason too. He’s an absolute monster. Tyron Woodley literally ran away from this fight and maybe Burkman should have done likewise. Ah well, at least he’s back in the UFC. Lombard via TKO (Round 1)
