UFC 216 Picks

Interim UFC Lightweight Championship: Kevin Lee (16-2) vs. Tony Ferguson (22-3)

Nolan Howell: Ferguson seems like the more dynamic fighter here and he has tested his skills against better fighters. While Lee may be quicker and have a more aesthetically pleasing grappling game, Ferguson’s power grappling and aggression have been equally effective throughout his career. It will be an uphill climb for Lee, who will have to gameplan against the aggression and pacing of Ferguson. It is ultimately hard to pick the underdog here given the step up. Tony Ferguson by unanimous decision.

Luke Irwin: Ferguson via R4 TKO.

UFC Flyweight Championship: Demetrious Johnson (c) (26-2-1) vs. Ray Borg (11-2)

Nolan: What more can be said here really? “Mighty Mouse” may be the best fighter in MMA and he is scraping the barrel of a bone-dry division. Borg can perform admirably, but that won’t be close to enough in the end. Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson by third-round submission.

Luke: Johnson via R1 Submission.

Heavyweight Bout: Derrick Lewis (18-5) vs. Fabricio Werdum (21-7-1)

Nolan: Werdum likely waits it out outside and picks Lewis apart with leg kicks and casual engagement until he can take him down or Lewis tires out. Fabricio Werdum by second-round submission.

Luke: Werdum via R2 Submission.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Kalinda Faria (18-5-1) vs. Mara Romero Borella (11-4)

Nolan: Faria seems to be the more experienced fighter. Kalindra Faria by unanimous decision.

Luke: Faria via UD.

Lightweight Bout: Beneil Dariush (14-3) vs. Evan Dunham (18-6)

Nolan: While Dunham could have a wrestling advantage to use, he is 35 and Dariush just excels where Dunham will want to take the fight. Beneil Dariush by unanimous decision.

Luke: Dariush via SD.

Bantamweight Bout: Cody Stamann (15-1) vs. Tom Duquesnoy (15-1)

Nolan: Stamann seems to be a regional grinder and Duquesnoy has seen his fair share of those. Duquesnoy should be much too polished at this stage. Tom Duquesnoy by second-round KO.

Luke: Duquesnoy via R1 Submission.

Lightweight Bout: Nik Lentz (27-8-2) vs. Will Brooks (19-3)

Nolan: While Brooks has been a disappointment in the UFC and Lentz has the skills to win ugly against anyone, Brooks has the higher ceiling. Will Brooks by unanimous decision.

Luke: Lentz via SD.

Lightweight Bout: Bobby Green (23-8) vs. Lando Vannata (9-2)

Nolan: Vannata should be able to use his kicks and unorthodox style to pick and choose his spots against the boxing of Green. Lando Vannata by unanimous decision.

Luke: Vannata via SD.

Women’s Strawweight Bout: Pearl Gonzalez (6-4) vs. Poliana Botelho (5-1)

Nolan: Botelho should pressure Gonzalez with the power advantage and walk her down into a finish after Gonzalez looked lackluster first time out. Poliana Botelho by first-round TKO.

Luke: Gonzalez via UD.