After last weekend’s hiatus, the octagon returns this weekend with a fight with significant implications for the featherweight division.
Our MMA nerds’ records are still neck and neck as we enter the weekend of UFC Fight Night 63.
Darragh “The Quizmaster” Murphy: 49-28
“Bourbon” Ben Kiely: 48-29
Chad Mendes (16-2) v Ricardo Lamas (15-3)
DM: If either of these men were awarded a title shot ahead of Conor McGregor, it would have been difficult to cry injustice because they are legitimate contenders in the 145lb division.
With two stellar wrestlers, fights seldom turn into a grappling match and I see this one being won and lost on the feet where I give Mendes the slight advantage.
If it wasn’t for that pesky Jose Aldo then Mendes would still hold an undefeated professional record and he truly is up there with the Frankie Edgars of this world. It will more than likely go the distance but won’t, for even a second, be boring. Mendes via decision.
BK: A great match up between two fighters who have been consistently improving with each fight in the UFC.
Both fighters fall under the umbrella term of this new wave of wrestler-strikers a la Frankie Edgar. Heavy hadns and elite wrestling but Mendes is just that little bit more explosive with his hands, which could prove to be the difference. Mendes via decision
Jorge Masvidal (28-8) v Al Iaquinta (11-3-1)
DM: Another fantastic fight, maybe not co-main event worthy but I’m excited for this. Both fighters are quite content to stand in the pocket and trade which could make for a short night for one of them.
If this does indeed remain on the feet then I don’t see a lot of areas in which Masvidal is superior. Iaquinta is faster, more powerful and employs better movement in my opinion so I can see him putting a halt to Masvidal’s three-fight winning streak with a quick finish. Iaquinta by TKO (round 1)
BK: This has the potential to be a bran burner. Both fighters are comfortable standing and banging and which means that the two could keep swinging for the fences until someone crumbles.
Iaquinta packs more power and has better footwork but Masvidal has a penchant for out-boxing opponents and getting the nod from the judges. Iaquinta’s more well-rounded and is more of an archetypal MMA fighter. Masvidal has less strings to his bow which might work against him. Iaquinta via decision
Michael Chiesa (11-2) v Mitch Clarke (11-2)
DM: If Lamas and Mendes weren’t in the main event then this would be my pick for FOTN. I’m anticipating a high-paced grappling match and truly hope that the judges don’t screw it up.
Both guys are wizards on the ground and there will be constant battling for position and sweeps. This one might come down to who is the grittier fighter and Chiesa fits the bill for my money. Chiesa via decision.
BK: This won’t be one for the causal fans. When two very similarly skilled fighters come up against each other like this, it makes it very difficult to choose between the two.
Grappling is what these two do best and there’s no reason to suspect why they won’t engage in a straight-up grappling tussle. Chiesa has a larger frame and has the strength advantage over Clarke.
Plus he has already vowed to “commit mass amounts of violence” and make Clarke regret asking for the bout. Who am I to say otherwise? Chiesa via decision
Julianna Pena (5-2) v Milana Dudieva (11-3)
DM: Julianna Pena might have the more recognisable name after winning TUF 18 but I’m in no doubt that Milana Dudieva is the better fighter for this match-up.
Pena will come out looking to put Dudieva on her back, only problem is that Dudieva is excellent off her back and constantly attacks with submissions. The Russian may not catch Pena in the first but when The Venezuelan Vixen begins to tire in the second and third, Dudieva will throw up those legs and secure an armbar or triangle. Dudieva via submission (round 3)
BK: I’m not sold on Dudieva. Sure she has a great record but she had a very lacklustre performance in her promotional debut.
The Russian has heavy hands and a great submission game but it is highly doubtful that she will be able to take down the much larger Pena and unleash her ground and pound. The Venezuelan Vixen should impose her superior size and wrestling acumen to control this fight and grind out the decision. Pena via decision
Clay Guida (31-15) v Robbie Peralta (18-5, 1NC)
DM: Clay Guida could be fighting an armed Cain Velasquez and I still couldn’t bring myself to pick against him. He’s too damn likable!
The fact that The Carpenter has changed up his training regiment and is just the wilier guy at featherweight, having been in the fight game since 2003.
His record may look lacklustre but in the last seven years he’s only been bested by elite-level fighters. He’s fitter, he’s more experienced, he’s god-damn Clay Guida. Guida by decision.
BK: This match-up should suit the carpenter down to the ground. He trumps Peralta in the wrestling department and has the superior cardio.
The only problem I envisage is that you never quite know what to expect from Guida. One minute he’s defeating Anthony Pettis, the next he’s getting choked out by Dennis Bermudez. Peralta’s no Bermudez though. Guida by submission (round 3)
Dustin Poirier (16-4) v Carlos Diego Ferreira (11-1)
DM: This is an amazing main card opener and I’m excited to see Dustin Poirier return to lightweight. This is a tricky one to pick just based on the fact that both lads are coming off losses and have faced significant lay-offs since.
I was leaning towards picking Poirier but it’s difficult to know what that devastating KO defeat to Conor McGregor did to him. And if he was dominated in the strength department at featherweight, I worry about him when up against a big lightweight like Ferreira. I’ll lean towards a close Ferreira decision after the Brazilian dominates the grappling department. Ferreira via decision
BK: After being knocked clean off by Conor McGregor, Poirier has picked up his head and reaffixed it to a new lightweight frame. The diamond got signed by the UFC for his stellar performances at 155 lbs on the regional scene and it will be interesting to see how he does at lightweight in the big leagues.
It’s a dangerous first bout back at 155 lb against Ferreira who looks like a bright prospect in the division. However, I back Poirier’s striking prowess to trump the Brazilian’s superior grappling. Poirier by TKO (round 1)
