UFC 297: Quick Picks and Prognostications

Arnold Allen vs Movsar Evloev UFC 297 Ceremonial Weigh-ins faceoff

Kicking off the principle card in Toronto is a improbable featherweight matchup between Arnold Allen and Movsar Evloev.

Regardless of not disagreeing with Evloev being favored on this spot, I think that Allen could possibly be a tough stylistic ask for the “Russian Frankie Edgar.”

Akin to the Edgar comparability above, Evloev is a relentless wrestle-boxer who might be troublesome to maintain up with whether or not the motion is on the ft or the ground. That stated, the dipping propensities that include stated type might run Evloev proper into the ability lanes of a southpaw like Allen.

Not solely have we but to see Evloev towards UFC-level southpaws, however the 29-year-old Russian’s aggressive type has put him in some extremely precarious submission positions all through his promotional tenure.

Couple that with Allen’s knockout energy and skill to stage comeback submissions, and I can’t assist however take a flier on the Englishman to attain a stunning club-and-sub over Evloev in spherical 3.

Chris Curtis vs Marc-Andre Barriault UFC 297 Ceremonial Weigh-ins faceoff

Filling out the principle card is a middleweight matchup between Chris Curtis and Marc-Andre Barriault.

Though I’m a fan of the relentless grind that Barriault brings to the desk, I can’t say that I disagree with the betting unfold above.

Barriualt’s putting has definitely improved since working with Henri Hooft at Kill Cliff FC, however the Canadian’s sport doesn’t seem like practically as constant towards southpaws, exhibiting blended outcomes towards UFC-level lefties at 1-1.

Not solely is Curtis an extremely expert southpaw, however his physique punching and uppercuts must also have some critical play given Barriualt’s reliance on a excessive guard.

Issues might get ugly if this struggle goes the space, however I’ll take Curtis to attain a considerably stunning stoppage in spherical 2.

Neil Magny vs Mike Malott UFC 297 Ceremonial Weigh-ins faceoff

Serving as an attention-grabbing providing at welterweight is a battle between Neil Magny and Mike Mallot.

Regardless of Magny being extremely tempting to take at these odds, I’ve a tough time supporting the UFC welterweight wins chief contemplating how he’s regarded throughout this latest stretch of his profession.

Furthermore, Mallot appears (and sounds) like somebody who can cross the vaunted “Magny check.”

Though Mallot hasn’t constantly proven the flexibility to leg kick like a Lorenz Larkin or cage corral like a Santiago Ponzinibbio, the previous Crew Alpha Male putting coach can competently kick and has proven strong energy and proprioception together with his arms.

Mallot additionally appears like an extremely clever and pragmatic fighter, so I wouldn’t be shocked if he’s effectively conscious of Magny’s capability to suck folks into draining clinch affairs.

Add in Mallot’s wonderful submission prowess, and I can’t assist however facet with him to discover a end by the second spherical.

Raquel Pennington vs Mayra Bueno Silva UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-in faceoff

The co-main occasion for UFC 297 incorporates a vacant title struggle at girls’s bantamweight between Raquel Pennington and Mayra Bueno Silva.

As acknowledged in my in-depth breakdown, I imagine that Pennington’s type – albeit underrated – might run her proper into the strengths of Silva.

Whether or not we’re speaking about Pennington’s propensity to reset within the clinch or the dipping tendencies from her wrestle-boxing type at vary, these traits have historically price her towards competent kickers and clinchers alike.

For that purpose, I’ll facet with Silva, who carries an underrated kicking sport at vary and is an debatable woodchipper within the clinch.

I’ve been excessive on Silva since Soar Avenue, so it might admittedly really feel good to see her get the belt this Saturday (no disrespect to Pennington, who I’ve additionally championed up to now).

Pennington definitely has the instruments to make this ugly, however I’ll decide Silva to attain a submission by spherical 4.

Sean Strickland vs Dricus Du Plessis UFC 297 ceremonial weigh-ins faceoff

The primary occasion in Toronto incorporates a middleweight title struggle between Sean Stickland and Dricus Du Plessis.

As acknowledged in my in-depth breakdown, seeing cash are available in on Du Plessis is one thing I forecasted on the outset of struggle week.

Regardless of possessing an extremely awkward sport that you could’t imagine is working, Du Plessis has confirmed to be one of the vital potent struggle finishers no matter division. From spastic blitzes on the ft to his prioritization of submissions over place, Du Plessis defies logic and is almost not possible to discourage.

Ought to he find yourself with the title this Saturday, then nobody needs to be shocked. That stated, I nonetheless discover myself siding with the sitting champion on this spot.

Stickland might not have essentially the most eye-catching type to talk of, however the American has historically had strong endurance and cardio whereas wielding a sport that’s, on the very least, constant. Coupled with the enhancements that we noticed come to fruition final yr (largely on account of his work with Eric Nicksick at Xtreme Couture), I can’t assist however decide Strickland to outlive the preliminary storms to be able to discover a stoppage within the latter rounds.