Woodley vs Till
I've literally never seen footage of Till grappling. I have no idea if he trains with anyone worth training with for grappling. Woodley when he wants to will in fact put you down on your back, even if you fight backing up like Thompson. Till who will be coming forward, logistically will be much easier to put down. The danger, predictably, is that Till will connect with a big kick, or a big knee, but Woodley has won in dominating fashion and in atrociously boring fashion. The dude will fight literally WHATEVER type of fight necessary to win. It's hard to pick against that. That, and the fact that, as I hadn't realized, Woodley has faced a long row of southpaws ALREADY. I actually think Woodley takes Till down in rounds 2 and 3 and perhaps stops him in either round 3 and 4 via TKO and/or Till turtles to avoid punishment and gets pounded out.
Montano vs Schevchenko
Montano upset a lot of favorites to get this far. Unfortunately, that stops here. Schevchenko is literally a movie character brought to life. Schevchenko senses the chinks in the armor and punishes Montano and wins by stoppage in round 2 or 3.
Magomedsharipov vs Davis
Magomedsharipov is a tall order on a full fight camp. On late replacement? Maaaaaan. His creativity in the ring, his versatility, just all of it...is a daunting task. I think Magomedsharipov by convincing stoppage in a fight entertaining as long as it lasts, likely 1 round or 2 at best.
Andrade vs Kowalkiewicz
Kowalkiewicz is in that realm of beating virtually anyone but those who have the strap or are strap worthy skill-wise. Andrade as well has a tough style for the vast majority of those she faces. Will Kowalkiewicz wilt under the pressure of Andrade's heavy come forward style? I don't know. The level changes and mixing up of clinch and takedowns and bodylocks I think holds the answer as to who wins this one. I like Kowalkiewicz but I think the Muay Thai upright posture in the clinch will have her backed up against the cage and likely taken down in at least 2 out of 3 rounds of this fight. Andrade by grinding, arguably boring decision.
Esparza vs Suarez
Esparza because when she's on point, she's tough for all but the best of her division to beat.
Diego Sanchez vs Craig White
The "YESS!!!" guy is still getting after it. Hard not to be impressed. His timing and skills and mileage at this point have me concerned for his long term health and brain status TBH. I honestly can't pick a winner in this one as Sanchez is in that middle ground of can be beaten by a barrage of young, prime athletic condition aggression or utilize craftiness to win fights against guys over the course of 3-5 rounds.
Sterling vs Stamann
Minus a few hiccups, Sterling has his moments when he cleanly puts together all the skills in mixed martial arts. I've actually rolled with him at Renzos. His top pressure, passing, and submission awareness due to his home gym are all IMHO above average compared to other pro and amateur fighters with whom I've grappled with in class at Renzo's. Despite a wrong place at the wrong time knee to face moment that led to a loss, Sterling can and will win this fight and several after putting him toward a title shot.
Rivera vs Dodson
Man, Rivera. Talked a mountain of trash to Marlon Moraes then got starched via head kick and simultaneously lost his perfect record and a shot at the belt. Dodson...just couldn't beat Mighty Mouse. Dodson has the speed and unorthodox punches and timing to give most guys fits. He has been at times frustrated by guys who could peg him on his way in and out. I dunno if Rivera is that guy. Rivera punches in bunches both in the pocket and coming off the break. Will he tag Dodson as Dodson flees/makes his getaway after landing a pot shot? I dunno. Dodson's movement makes him very hard to take down, but if Lineker could beat Dodson, I'd say Rivera does as well. I'd consider Rivera a better and more active version of Lineker if nothing else. Rivera by decision.
Jim Miller vs Alex White
Miller's on the prelims. Man. A guy who's in his 30th UFC fight. What does that even mean? I had 5 amateur fights and the mileage on my body is there. I have Miller winning by submission.
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