Fights Tomorrow That Definitely Make Owning ESPN+ Worth It
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After an amazing event like UFC 275, it’s an energizing feeling to see a Fight Night card following that carries the energy for the fans. It would be an understatement to try to preach just how stacked the card that matchmakers have put together truly is; but there are definitely some fights that should stand out for a various number of reasons.
Kattar vs Emmett:
The main event is hyped up for a reason. Here we have two very exciting strikers battling for what is essentially the next shot at the title–if not close to.
Calvin Kattar scored a dominant decision victory over rising contender Giga Chikadze, who prior to their bout was riding a 9 fight win streak. This is even more impressive considering he had taken a year layoff after a tough loss against next title challenger Max Holloway.
Josh Emmett is riding an amazing win streak himself, boasting four victories with each consisting of a knockout or knockdown.
Emmett is a very powerful striker, with a right hand that has the ability to put anyone on their ass at any given moment, and after his KO loss to Stephens, he seems to have gotten even faster with his hands which combine with a deceptive countering ability. Although Calvin does not have nearly as much power as Emmett, his variety in his strikes, and his crisp boxing, lead by a stinging jab, positional awareness, and good fundamentals.
The fight might seem even on paper to both fans, and although Calvin seems to be the much better and more technical striker of the two, to count out the neutralizer that is Emmett’s right would be a terrible mistake.
I see this fight going the distance, with an edge to Kattar. 48-47.
HOLLAND VS MEANS:
Kevin Holland is always an exciting fighter to watch live. Although not nearly as hyped up as he used to be, his style and fan-favorite personality leaves viewers wanting to see more of the Trailblazer, and his opponent is a veteran of the sport.
On paper, this seems like a layup fight to Holland. Tim Means is not nearly as fast as he used to be, and his striking just isn’t there at the level it needs to be. That’s okay, however, because he has found promise in the ways of grappling, using clinch control to set up takedowns.
The big issue lies in getting the fight to the mat. While Holland’s TDD isn’t great, there isn’t a high percentage chance that Means can keep it to the mat. Means has also shown to be very hittable nowadays.
While his chin isn’t gone yet, Holland still has the power and the speed to put him away.
If I were a betting man, and sadly I am, I would predict a later finish for the Trailblazer, continually finding shots until he finds the chin and puts Means out.
BUCKLEY VS DURAEV:
Joaquin Buckley is no stranger to drawing attention to himself. Whether it is in the octagon, putting on exciting finishes, or it’s outside the cage with beef against other fighters, New Mansa finds a way to keep the eyes on him.
But this fight isn’t just about Buckley. No, this fight is interesting due to the relationship the two have shared. Duraev and Buckley are former training partners who now find themselves locked in an octagon tomorrow to advance to the next stage of their career.
On paper, this fight is simple. A heavy handed striker versus an offensive grappler.
If Duraev can get the fight to the mat, victory is sure to follow as Buckley’s defensive grappling isn’t on par to deal with the chain wrestling and submission game of Duraev. However, Duraev has a tendency to cover up and try to survive barrages if he gets pressured. With the power of Buckley, I don’t know how long he’ll be able to survive. However, his striking offense is solid enough to be able to trade and look for the takedown.
I’d lean Duraev in this fight. Though he should avoid trying to trade for extended periods, his grappling makes him dangerous if Buckley isn’t able to get back up.
YANEZ VS GRAVELY:
Adrian Yanez is an exciting prospect who loves to brawl, and Kelley is more than happy to oblige.
Both of these fighters boast finishes over Randy Costa as well.
Yanez loves to stand and throw. He’ll crack your liver with all his might, he’ll throw powerful combos, and he’ll always look to plant his feet and bang.
Kelley is just as aggressive however, and will continue moving forward. He has a granite chin, an immense will to walk forward and throw back, and an effective grappling game which he uses to drain his opponents.
Yanez is definitely the more athletic fighter and better equipped to deal with the striking department. That, and his recent win over Davey Grant, who seems to be a better version of Kelley, leads me to believe he’ll adjust accordingly and get the decision victory.
GURAM VS DAMIR:
Guram has made a headline for himself going into this fight. Although he has only had one fight with the organization, the opponent he faced and the spectacle he put on has fans itching to watch this fight; and the organization is more than happy to put him together with another capable opponent.
Guram leans very much on a Dutch kickboxing style. Fast, aggressive, and powerful. His kicks are his best weapon, and boy does he throw them with ferocity. Compared to his opponent, he has a better striking arsenal.
However, Damir is no stranger to the striking exchange. He isn’t easy to hit laterally, and his head movement makes landing a clean shot down the middle very difficult. However, he isn’t nearly as aggressive as Duram, patiently waiting to land or get the takedown so he can essentially dominate his opponent.
If Damir can bide his time, and try to chip Guram back against the cage, we can see his clinch game take over and eventually whittle him down to the mat. However, he cannot allow Guram to establish the striking, as he will only be allowing Guram to lead the exchanges and fight his fight.
I’d lean Damir decision but I wouldn’t count Guram out.
Although there are a lot of other fights that I would like to cover, the fights listed and discussed are definitely the most exciting fights on the card.
What do you think? How do you think these fights will go? Also, are there any other fights that you believe are worth watching?
Let me know on Twitter or in the comments below!
