Former teammates Rashad Evans and Jon Jones will finally settle their differences, when the two meet inside the Octagon at UFC 145. The event is scheduled for April 21, at the Phillips Arena in Atlanta, GA. Here are my predictions for the entire UFC 145 fight card:
Jon Jones versus Rashad Evans
Jones’ takedown defense will be put to the test when he faces Evans at UFC 145. Evans is one of the best wrestlers in the UFC, and he has been able to dominate all of his prior opponents – with the exception of Lyoto Machida – with his grappling abilities. However, Jones is also a solid wrestler, and he should be able to get back to his feet or regain top position if the fight hits the canvas. With his long limbs and ever evolving striking, Jones should have a distinct advantage in the standup department, and that will be his key to victory. He’ll eventually catch Evans with a big shot, and finish him off with some brutal elbows. Jones wins via TKO.
Rory MacDonald versus Che Mills
Mills looked awesome in his UFC debut, but he’ll be in for a serious fight when he faces MacDonald on April 21. Simply put, MacDonald is the more experienced MMA fighter, with wins over tough veterans like Nate Diaz and Mike Pyle. MacDonald should be able to withstand Mills’ initial onslaught, and eventually finish the fight. MacDonald wins by submission.
Brendan Schaub versus Ben Rothwell
Schaub fell short in his last fight against Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, but he should be able to get back on track when he faces Ben Rothwell at UFC 145. Rothwell is actually the more experienced fighter, but I’m a little more impressed with Schaub’s performances inside the Octagon. Schaub wins by decision.
Miguel Torres versus Michael McDonald
This should be a very entertaining fight between two solid strikers at UFC 145. McDonald has a very bright future in the sport of MMA, but I’m not sure he’ll be able to hold his own against a well-tested former champion like Torres. Torres wins by submission.
Mark Hominick versus Eddie Yagin
Hominick was humiliated in his last fight against the “Korean Zombie,” but he should be able to bounce right back at UFC 145. Yagin is 0-1 in the UFC, and I wasn’t really impressed with his performance against Junior Assunção. Hominick wins via decision.
Mark Bocek versus John Alessio
Alessio will have his hands full when he faces Bocek at UFC 145. Bocek has a significant advantage in the grappling department, and Alessio has had a lot of problems against grapplers in the past. Bocek wins by submission.
Undercard:
Travis Browne defeats Chad Griggs
Stephen Thompson defeats Matt Brown
Anthony Njokuani defeats John Makdessi
Mac Danzig defeats Efrain Escudero
Chris Clements defeats Keith Wisniewski
Maximo Blanco defeats Marcus Brimage
David is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing practitioner who has watched and studied MMA for the past 9 years. Send him your questions @davidkingwriter.
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