Rosenthal League:
Daniel Galvan: 52-21, .712
Tim Hickey: 118-61, .659
Benjamin Kohn: 130-70, .650
Josh Hall: 146-85, .632
Nolan Howell: 168-99, .629
Winslow League:
Connor Dillon: 73-43, .629
Lucas Bourdon: 27-20, .574
Earl Montclair: 59-44, .573
Luke Irwin: 178-135, .569
TC Engel: 62-54, .534
Last Event Winner: Dan Galvan (5-4)
UFC Flyweight Championship: Demetrious Johnson (c) (18-2-1) vs. Joseph Benavidez (19-3)
Luke Irwin: The two best Flyweights in the world by a large, LAAARRRGEEE margain go at it again. There’s no doubt that under the tutelage of Duane Ludwig, Alpha Male have gone from wrestlers only, to striking dynamos, and Benavidez (and Mendes) are leading the pack on that. DJ is probably the quickest fighter in MMA, but he still eats a good number of good strikes. What seperates him is that, behind only Georges St. Pierre in my opinion (Nick Diaz #3), he has the best recovery rate in MMA after eating a good shot. In a five-round fight, the cream rises to the top. Benavidez will land a good one, and will take a round or two because of that, but over five rounds, DJ is just too fast, too conditioned, and he will not stop over the 25 minutes. Hopefully after this, DJ finally gets some P4P love. Johnson via UD.
Ben Kohn: Read the breakdown! Demetrious Johnson by Unanimous Decision.
Earl Montclair: Benavidez is stuck in this weird narrative that Demetrious is a guy who fights to eek out rounds and has no finishing instinct. This is the mentality of someone who is not prepared for this fight in this moment. DJ made John Moraga tap out in the 5th round of a fight he was dominating. Matt Hume is one of the best cornermen and coaches in the game and what is most important is that Johnson ACTUALLY LISTENS TO HIS CORNER. Johnson will be dominant. Demetrious Johnson, Unanimous Decision.
TC Engel: Joseph Benavidez has two nipple rings. Demetrious Johnson has less than two nipple rings. Demetrious Johnson has zero nipple rings. Johnson by UD.
Dan Galvan: Another razor-thin fight that I’ve gone back and forth on. If this goes the distance, I think Demetrious Johnson will be the one that gets his hand raised. His speed is just insane. It allows him to command the stand-up and score with unexpecting takedowns. With that being said, I think Benavidez will be able to catch Johnson with a hard punch and capitlize on it with a submission. Benavidez via 3rd Sub.
Nolan Howell: Who better than Mighty Mouse? Not many. His takedowns and striking are like watching a fight on fast forward. While Joseph Benavidez has definitely stepped his game up, I don’t think he has one-shot KO power like a Dodson. That’s ultimately who I see beating Mighty Mouse; a competent sprawl and brawler who has that one shot power. Expect Johnson to be too fast for Benavidez everywhere and he will dictate the pace of the fight. Benavidez should win a round or two, but the decision will be pretty clear. Johnson by unanimous decision.
Bantamweight Bout: Michael McDonald (16-2) vs. Urijah Faber (29-6)
Luke Irwin: This fight…this fight, you guys. From the second McDonald beat Pickett and this fight was rumored, I was beyond excited. I still am, and this fight has narrative for days. Title-fight Faber is plodding, cautious, and slow, non-title fight Faber is relentless, engaging, violent, and a constant threat. Michael McDonald is one of my favorite fighters in MMA and has been since his days in Tachi. If this fight was a year, two years, three years later, I think McDonald takes it, but Faber proved in his last couple fights what he’s still capable of, looking like old-school WEC Urijah, and I’m not going against that dude, especially at home. Faber via R3 submission.
Ben Kohn: While McDonald is a phenomenally talented young fighter, Faber is just too good at this point for him. Faber really is the best Bantamweight right now outside of Barao (and Cruz I guess). Too much too soon for McDonald right now. Urijah Faber by Unanimous Decision.
Earl Montclair: This is such a wonderful fight. Faber is still mind bogglingly good at this stage in his career and I think his constant pressure and HEAVY top game is going to cause Mayday to put himself in a bad spot and give Urijah his neck. Urijah Faber, Rear Naked Choke, Round 2.
TC Engel: One of the safest bets in MMA is Urijah Faber in non-title fights. Kids, listen closely: There is a reason I’m in dead last in Undercard Superstar staff picks. McDonald by vicious KO, round 1.
Dan Galvan: Even since the Supercast, I’ve gone back and forth on this fight. Faber has looked magnificent in his last few fights and hasn’t dropped a single step. McDonald is one the best bantamweights in the world, and he might not even be in his prime yet. I’ve got the feeling that Faber will want to keep it standing, and that may not be the best gameplan against McDonald. I think McDonald will be able to land more significant strikes and eek out a decision in what should be a fantastic fight. McDonald via UD.
Nolan Howell: I disagree with anyone saying Faber has lost a step. While he looked great against Alcantara, that was a favorable style clash for Faber. Against Jorgensen, a very sloppy striker who had fine-tuned his game, Faber was eating strikes from a much slower strike and wearing down. Essentially, I think it is time for Faber to take another step down after he gets his clock cleaned tonight. McDonald by first-round TKO.
Featherweight Bout: Chad Mendes (15-1) vs. Nik Lentz (24-5-2)
Luke Irwin: “Yeah, Mendes looks great, but ______ is a tough, tough motherfucker, I don’t think Mendes can finish him here”. This is the third time in a row I’ve heard this. First it was Elkins, then it was Guida, now it’ll be Lentz. I feel for The Carnie, he’s deserved a spot on a main card for some time, and now he gets it against quite possibly the fighter on the hottest streak in MMA. Mendes via R2 TKO.
Ben Kohn: What the hell is Sean Shelby thinking? He’s thinking Mendes can send Lentz out of possible contendership and he will. Mendes is better everywhere and will destroy Lentz.. Chad Mendes by KO Round 1.
Earl Montclair: TC once walked into a bathroom and saw 2 carnies having sexual intercourse on a baby changing station. My point is that, in this fight, another Carnie is going to take a pounding. Chad Mendes, Unanimous Decision.
TC Engel: Dammit Earl, that was going to be mine. Mendes by TKO, round 2.
Dan Galvan: I’m high on Nik Lentz, he’s turned into a tough customer at featherweight. But a fight against Chad Mendes is essentially a fight against the featherweight champion in a world where Jose Aldo doesn’t exist. Mendes via UD.
Nolan Howell: Everything Nik Lentz does, Chad Mendes is better at. That simple. Mendes by unanimous decision.
Lightweight Bout: Joe Lauzon (22-9) vs. Mac Danzig (21-11-1)
Luke Irwin: Neither fighter is exactly doing a damned thing to instill confidence. Michael Johnson was supposed to be Lauzon’s bounceback fight at home, and that turned into a nightmare. I hesitate to use the words “shot”, because that’s pretty final, but this isn’t exactly going to be Alvarado-Rios with two guys destined for bigger and better things. Danzig via SD.
Ben Kohn: I think Lauzon and Danzig will put on a fun grappling fight and I think Lauzon is the better grappler too. Joe Lauzon by Unanimous Decision.
Earl Montclair: Whoever wins this keeps somewhat afloat in the middle of the division. Whoever loses is pretty much toast. Kinda bummed this is on the FOX card but really….whatever. Mac Danzig, Unanimous Decision.
TC Engel: This is a make or break fight for these dudes. Whoever loses this loses their relevancy in the division, maybe forever. I’m really split on this fight, but I think being finished is better than being soundly dominated for three rounds, and I hope I’m right. Lauzon by armbar, round 2.
Dan Galvan: When things look down, Joe Lauzon tends to come out with an incredible first round finish that turns the tide of his career momentum. Lauzon via 1st KO/TKO.
Nolan Howell: I do worry about Creepy Joe, but Mac Danzig isn’t much better than him anywhere. This will be a fun scrap and I expect Lauzon to win another bonus with a nice submission. Lauzon by second-round submission.
Welterweight Bout: Court McGee (16-3) vs. Ryan LaFlare (9-0)
Luke Irwin: Court is really 16-3?? Jeeeeez. Gastelum would have been a nice little subplot with middleweight TUF winners, but McGee is still strong and has enough grit and sandpaper to bully LaFlare around. McGee via UD.
Ben Kohn: Uh so this is happening…Court will volume strike and avoid the takedowns I think. Court McGee by Unanimous Decision.
Earl Montclair: To say that this fight does absolutely nothing for me would be an insult to all the things in my life that have done absolutely nothing for me. Court McGee via Pit Elevated Unanimous Decision.
TC Engel: BOY OH BOY IS THIS EVER GOING TO BE MY PHONING DOMINO’S FOR A MEATZZA PIZZA AND CHEESY BREAD BREAK. McGee by UD.
Dan Galvan: No Contest.
Nolan Howell: McGee gets a lot of hate, but I enjoy his relentless style mixed with wrestling, boxing, and karate. He should be stylin’ and profilin’ on Ryan LaFlare. To be the man, you gotta beat the man, and LaFlare just doesn’t have what it takes. Woooooo, what a fight. McGee by unanimous decision.
Lightweight Bout: Danny Castillo (16-5) vs. Edson Barboza (12-1)
Luke Irwin: The idea of Castillo just running down Barboza and pound him out over three rounds is easy to see, but I believe Barboza is slippery enough and his striking is so pinpointed that I think he can catch Castillo before Danny can make it to the bell. Barboza via R2 KO.
Ben Kohn: Picking the underdog as Barboza still hasn’t proven himself to me. He needs to be able to beat a grinder like Castillo who can bully him and has serviceable hands. I don’t think he gets it done here though. Danny Castillo by Unanimous Decision.
Earl Montclair: Just knowing that Edson Barboza is soon going to step into the Octagon gets me stiffer than Terry Etim doing a tree log to the canvas. Here’s to hoping his TDD is up to snuff because Castillo needs to blanket his ass to survive this one. Edson Barboza, KO, Round 1.
TC Engel: I hate every Alpha Male fighter except Touchy Fili (explainable) and Danny Castillo (what the fuck, brain). I’m going to resist my inclination that this could be Barboza vs. Varner II here. Barboza by KO, round 1.
Dan Galvan: This is a tough match-up for Barboza. I think Castillo uses his wrestling to outpoint Barboza. Castillo via UD.
Nolan Howell: Not a fan of Castillo. Barboza isn’t as disadvantaged on the ground as most make him out to be. I expect him to quickly scramble out using the butterfly guard to keep in standing. There, it will be nasty for Castillo until Barboza mercy kills him with leg kicks or some flashy KO. Barboza by second-round TKO.
Lightweight Bout: Bobby Green (21-5) vs. Pat Healy (31-16)
Luke Irwin: I like Green and I’m glad he’s getting a step up, but Healy, as shocking it was that he was dominated in his last fight, is still too tough, too strong. Healy via UD.
Ben Kohn: Healy is just too big and strong and he is a fantastic grappler. I don’t think Green will avoid getting submitted when Miller couldn’t. Pat Healy by Submission Round 2.
Earl Montclair: Healy is going to get another chance to smoke Green. This time it wont cost him 6 figures to do so. Pat Healy, Submission, Round 3.
TC Engel: This is such a dumb fight to be happening ever. Healy by UD.
Dan Galvan: I like Bobby Green to pull off the upset here. Healy’s bizarre performance against Mizuto Hirota is still in my memory. Green via uD.
Nolan Howell: Love Bobby Green, but Pat Healy is a tough call for anyone. His absurdly gritty style should wear Green down. However, don’t discount what Green did to a solid wrestler in Volkmann. Still, logic and everything else points to Healy. Healy by unanimous decision.
Flyweight Bout: Scott Jorgensen (14-7) vs. Zach Makovsky (16-4)
Luke Irwin: Jorgensen has just been floundering for a while. Mostly due to the fact that he either gets matched up with elite fighters (Faber, Wineland, Barao) since coming to the UFC, or guys who are no longer on the roster (Stone, Curran, Albert). Makovsky represents a good middle ground, but Zach is riding a high wave of momentum, he just fought at Flyweight, so he’ll be ready to go and conditioned, and this is Jorgensen’s first fight at 125. Just have a good, good, feeling about Fun Size. Makovsky via UD.
Ben Kohn: Zach is finally getting his shot at the UFC and I am so happy for him. Zach is a really talented fighter who can strike and wrestle. He’s also faster than Jorgenson and I think he outstrikes him all night. Zach Makovsky by Unanimous Decision.
Earl Montclair: This is great because Scott is at Flyweight and Makovsky is in the UFC where he goddamn belongs. I feel sad that someone is going to lose here but I think short notice and a brutal opponent is going to do Makovsky in. Scott Jorgensen, Unanimous Decision.
TC Engel: Remember when this was Jorgensen vs. McCall and Jorgensen vs. Dodson? Those were times that I liked better. I don’t know why so many other staffers are so high on Makovsky to beat Scotty, but again, there’s a reason I’m in dead last here guys. Jorgensen by TKO, round 2.
Dan Galvan: It’s not secret that Zach Makovsky is a super talented grappler, the question is, will he able to get the fight to the ground? And I don’t think so. Jorgensen is a scrappy wrestler, and he makes up for his lack techinical proficiency on the feet with his powerful shots. I think Jorgensen should get the victory, although the combination of this being Jorgensen’s first time at a weight new division and Makovsky riding the momentum of a recent win worries me. I’ll still take Jorgensen. Jorgensen via UD.
Nolan Howell: Tough draw for Makovsky in his first UFC outing here. Jorgensen should be too much everywhere for him, unfortunately. The wrestling battle could be interesting and Makovsky is probably a litle more skilled in submissions. Jorgensen has an edge standing and in the wrestling and he should ultimately win this, but he won’t have an easy time. Jorgensen by unanimous decision.
Lightweight Bout: Cody McKenzie (14-3) vs. Sam Stout (19-9-1)
Luke Irwin: Do it, Stout. Do it. Stout via R1 TKO.
Ben Kohn: “Hands of Stone” finally gets another KO against a guy who should not be a UFC fighter. Sam Stout by KO Round 1.
Earl Montclair: This is silly, guys. Sam Stout, KO, Round 1.
TC Engel: #CONTRARIANTC McKenzie by vicious, barbaric KO, round 1.
Dan Galvan: It would be absolutely hilarious if Cody McKenzie submits Sam Stout with a guillotine choke, but I highly suspect that we will see that happen. Stout via 1st KO.
Nolan Howell: God, I hate Cody McKenzie. What a goon. Stout by first-round KO.
Lightweight Bout: Abel Trujillo (10-5) vs. Roger Bowling (11-4)
Luke Irwin: Roger Bowling in yet another rematch, but I think Trujillo is just too big and strong for someone like Bowling. Trujillo via R3 TKO.
Ben Kohn: I think Bowling gets the finish here as he was winning the fight and hurt Trujillo before that debacle by the finish. Roger Bowling by KO Round 2.
Earl Montclair: Hopefully Roger finishes the job from the last fight and puts down this woman beating low life. Roger Bowling, TKO, Round 2.
TC Engel: Trujilo is a piece of shit and whatever, but I like watching the dude fight. Sorry. Trujilo by KO, round 1.
Dan Galvan: I was down on Trujillo when he started his UFC career, but the progression he’s had leads me to pick him here. Trujillo via 2nd KO.
Nolan Howell: Abel Trujillo is kind of a shitty person, but he still has come along well in the UFC. With great takedown defense and some thunder in his strikes, he should be good enough to get past thr Roger Bowlings of the world. Trujillo by first-round TKO.
Flyweight Bout: Alptekin Ozkilic (8-1) vs. Darren Uyenoyama (8-4)
Luke Irwin: Shame, as Moraga would have been a funass fight, but this will be a good bounceback fight for Uyenoyama. There’s no shame in any flyweight getting his ass kicked by Benavidez these days, and Uyenoyama is good enough to fend off 80% of flyweights. Uyenoyama via R1 submission.
Ben Kohn: After getting destroyed by Benavidez, he deserves a softball. Darren’s grappling is sublime and I think he gets the tap here. Darren Uyenoyama by Submission Round 2.
Earl Montclair: Welp, yep. I was there when Darren get torched by Benavidez and while Alp is not anywhere near him, Uyennoyama just doesn’t do it for me. Alp Ozkilic, Unanimous Decision.
TC Engel: I don’t know who this other guy is, but his name is Alp, and I respect the shit out of that. ALP by UD.
Dan Galvan: Ozkilic is a solid flyweight prospect. Unfortunately, Uyenoyama is a tough match-up for him. The ground game of Uyenoyama is just too slick. Uyenoyama via 2nd Sub.
Nolan Howell: Unyenoyama by second-round submission.
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