Our UFC 286 predictions are here. Get ready fight fans, because UFC 286 is set to take over London tomorrow night with a stacked card that promises to be an absolute thriller. In the main event, defending champion Leon Edwards will face off against former champ Kamaru Usman in their highly-anticipated trilogy bout. These two are currently tied at 1-1, with Usman winning the first fight by a convincing decision back in 2015, and Edwards stunning the world with one of the biggest comebacks in UFC history by knocking out Usman with a head kick in their last bout.
If that’s not enough to get you excited, the co-main event promises to be just as thrilling with a fight of the year contender between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev. These two are both known for their explosive fighting styles, so expect nothing but non-stop action from the opening bell.
UFC 286 Predictions
Welterweight title – Edwards vs Usman
A fight that most forget is a trilogy bout, the two fighters are at an even 1-1 coming into the fight. Usman’s control of the last fight was convincing and dominant, bar the first round which he got outgrappled.
The man who’s never been taken down or knocked out had both happen to him in the same fight. The last fight was at a level of altitude Leon was not used to. Leon knows how to deal with Usman now, and he will have his blueprint ready. Being in London, Leon will have the crowd behind him to drive him. I can see this working in his favour, and for him to stuff the takedowns and cruise to a victory. And still.
Staff picking Edwards: Billy Darlington, Kameron Cavanagh, Dan Evans, Chris Simpson, Robbie Miller, Lewis Glover
Staff picking Usman: Ella Earle
Lightweight – Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev
A new face has entered the lightweight ranks, and Fiziev comes with the resume to prove his worth. His striking is very clean, with his time in Thailand showing in his technique. The hype is there for a reason.
Justin Gaethje is a veteran at this point. He only fights the best. This is the first time in a while that lightweight has opened up the top 5 to somebody else, and Gaethje is the perfect test. He beats the best and loses to only the better. That being said, styles make fights. I get Poirier vs Gaethje vibes for this fight. He simply gets hit too much. I can see a late finish for Rafael Fiziev.
Staff picking Gaethje: Ella Earle, Robbie Miller, Chris Simpson
Staff picking Fiziev: Billy Darlington, Kameron Cavanagh, Dan Evans,
Welterweight – Gunnar Nelson vs Bryan Barbarena
I am not sure why this is on the main card but alas it is, with BJJ phenom Gunnar Nelson taking on powerful vet Barbarena. There isn’t much to this fight, except Barbarena is taking it on relatively short notice.
Barbarena is strong, but other than that Nelson’s funky striking and convincing BJJ should prove to be too much for the vet. I have an early submission for Nelson.
Staff picking Nelson: Billy Darlington, Kameron Cavanagh, Dan Evans, Chris Simpson, Robbie Miller, Lewis Glover, Ella Earle
Staff picking Barbarena:
Flyweight – Jennifer Maia vs Casey O’Neill
Casey O’Neill faces a big step up in competition this weekend. The Australian-Scottish flyweight has been a rising contender for a while, but her biggest test will surely be tomorrow.
Jennifer Maia seems to struggle against strikers, and facing a young 25 year old contender is not something that she should be taking lightly. Her grappling is top notch, and she absolutely has a chance. It just seems to me that it is Casey’s time to shine, and tomorrow she shall do so. I have a Casey O’Neill decision.
Staff picking Maia:
Staff picking O’Neill: Billy Darlington, Kameron Cavanagh, Dan Evans, Chris Simpson, Robbie Miller, Lewis Glover, Ella Earle
Middlweight – Marvin Vettori vs Roman Dolidze
A fight that could easily headline a fight night, Vettori vs Dolidze has not been garnering the attention I think it deserves. This is a great fight.
Vettori is a cardio machine, and knows how to take a fight into the depths when needed. His striking has improved loads and has very underrated wrestling. Roman Dolidze is a bit of a knockout machine, and his power is usually what takes him to his wins. Unfortunately for Dolidze, Vettori has a pretty solid chin, and good enough wrestling to counter the striking threat. I think he takes this to an ugly decision.
Staff picking Vettori: Billy Darlington, Kameron Cavanagh, Chris Simpson,
Staff picking Dolidze: Dan Evans, Robbie Miller, Ella Earle
What do you think of our UFC 286 predictions?
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
