The UFC returns to pay-per-view on Saturday night with UFC 210, and we have to admit, the card isn’t quite as attractive as some of the company’s most recent offerings. Although there is a marquee title fight in the main event between Daniel Cormier and Anthony “Rumble” Johnson, the rest of the card (especially the prelims) is seriously lacking star power. Not to say that those fights can’t be entertaining or exciting — of course they can. But they don’t do much to sell PPVs or attract the attention of mainstream sports media.
Despite the less-stacked card, the main event should be worth watching alone. Cormier and Johnson will have rematch for the light heavyweight title almost two years after their first fight, which Cormier won by submission. Adding to the intrigue is that the winner will almost certainly fight Jon Jones later this year, whose return to the UFC is pending this summer when his suspension ends.
We’re skipping the prelims entirely this time and jumping straight into the main card. So whether you like to put some money on the fights or just want to sound smart in front of your friends, here’s our breakdown and predictions of the five bouts on the UFC 210 main card.
Will Brooks (-260) vs. Charles Oliveira (+200)
Will Brooks is a relative newcomer to the UFC and Saturday marks his first appearance on a big numbered pay-per-view after going 1-1 on free television cards so far. The 30-year old bring a sparkling 19-2 record to the table, but was knocked out in his last fight. Oliveira’s, on the other hand, is less impressive. He’s 21-7 (with one no-contest) and has lost three of his last four fights, explaining why bookies have him pegged as a 2-1 underdog in this fight. However, more than half of his 21 victories have been by submission, making him a sneaky upset pick against the less experiences Brooks. We know that Brooks is the favorite for good reason, but we just can’t resist taking a chance here.
Prediction: Oliveira by Submission.
William Lucas, Inovafoto
