The number one contender in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s lightweight division will be determined when Nate Diaz faces Jim Miller at “UFC on Fox 3.” The event is scheduled for May 5, at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, NJ. Here are my predictions for the entire UFC on Fox 3 fight card:
Nate Diaz versus Jim Miller
Diaz earned a lot of respect in his UFC 141 bout against Donald Cerrone, putting on a boxing clinic against the dangerous striker. He’ll be in for a different type of fight when he faces Miller at UFC on Fox 3. Diaz will have a distinct advantage in the striking department, but he has historically struggled against tough wrestlers. However, Diaz is at his very best right now, and I expect him to walk away victorious. Diaz wins via decision.
Josh Koscheck versus Johny Hendricks
Hendricks shocked many MMA fans with his last performance against Jon Fitch, knocking him out 12 seconds into the fight. He’ll be up against another tough wrestler in Koscheck at UFC on Fox 3. Koscheck hasn’t been particularly impressive in his last two fights, and I personally feel he lost his last bout against Mike Pierce at UFC 143. I’m not sure he’ll be able to handle Hendricks’ heavy hands, but I do expect a competitive fight. Hendricks wins by TKO.
Rousimar Palhares versus Alan Belcher
Palhares is arguably the best BJJ specialist in the UFC, but Belcher is no slouch on the ground either, with 7 of his 17 wins coming via submission. Belcher will have a distinct advantage in the striking department, but I don’t think he’ll be able to keep the fight standing for long. Palhares will eventually secure a limb, and win his fourth consecutive fight inside the Octagon.
Pat Barry versus Lavar Johnson
Expect a standup war when these two meet inside the Octagon at UFC on Fox 3. Barry has a few more weapons in his arsenal, and that should be the difference maker in the fight. As long as he respects Johnson’s punching power, he should be able to walk away victorious. Barry wins via decision.
Undercard:
Michael Johnson defeats Tony Ferguson
John Dodson defeats Tim Elliott
John Hathaway defeats Pascal Krauss
John Lineker defeats Louis Gaudinot
Danny Castillo defeats John Cholish
Pablo Garza defeats Dennis Bermudez
Nick Denis defeats Roland Delorme
Mike Massenzio defeats Karlos Vemola
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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