The Armbar

Israel Adesanya (18-0-0) vs Yoel Romero (13-4-0)

It's finally here, a match up all UFC fans can get behind. Undefeated Champion Israel Adesanya vs the Soldier of God Yoel Romero.

It seems as if Yoel can never catch a break in his UFC career, all three of his UFC losses are quite controversial with a legitimate argument that Yoel should be (16-1) in his mma career. With that being said, despite coming off of two straight defeats, Yoel found his break. Romero has fought some of the best fighters in the world with impressive victories over Rockhold, Weidman, Souza, Machida, Kennedy, and Brunson. There aren't many fighters with a more impressive resume.

Israel always finds a way to get the job done. The Champ boasts an (18-0) mma record where he is (2-0) in UFC title fights, has 14 wins by KO/TKO and is a technical wizard on his feet. Izzy has victories over Whittaker, Gastelum, Brunson and Silva. He seems to consistently put on an amazing show; with his highlight reel knock out over Whittaker and his fight of the year bout with Gastelum. All the stats and accolades tell me that Izzy should remain the Champ on March 7th, but fighting is more than statistics.

You have to respect Izzy for taking this fight. As stated above, Yoel is coming off of two straight losses, both being highly controversial. Izzy could have waited for a Whittaker rematch or waited for Paula to get healthy, but he instead chose to fight the most dangerous contender in the weight class.

Prediction: Yoel remembers he is an Olympic wrestler and decides to capitalize on his grappling skills. Yoel pulls off the upset win to become the UFC middleweight champ.

Weili Zhang (20-1-0) vs Joanna Jedrzejczyk (16-3-0)

Zhang is coming off of a very impressive victory over Jessica Andrade where she won via first round TKO and became the UFC Women’s strawweight champion. Zhang is now (4-0) in her short UFC career and seems to get better every time she steps into the UFC octagon. Zhang has the biggest challenge of her career as she faces off against former champ and technical expert Joanna Jedrzejczyk.

Coming off a unanimous decision victory over Michelle Waterson, Joanna is looking to regain her belt and become the dominant fighter she was in the past. Joanna is absolutely one of the best female fighters to ever step into the octagon. After winning the belt in March 2015, Joanna rallied off five straight successful title defenses, beating fighters such as Andrade, Gadhela, and Penne. As of late, Joanna has slightly struggled, due to the stift competition she has faced. Joanna is (2-3) in her last five fights; all three losses were title fights. Joanna is as hungry as ever and is looking to regain her name of Joana Champ on 3/7/2020.

The biggest factor in this fight is the power difference between the two fighters. Joanna has arguably the best stand up technique of all women fighters but lacks the brute strength that Zhang displays. Zhang has the nation of China behind her and is looking unstoppable as of late. This has FOTN written all over it.
Prediction: Zhang overwhelms Joanna and scores a TKO victory

Beneil Dariush (17-4-1) vs Drakkar Klose (11-1-1)

This is a very interesting match up in the lightweight division against a savvy veterain and an up and comer. Both fighters are currently riding a three fight win streak and are looking to make a jump up in competition after this bout.

Klose is (5-1) in the UFC and is currently riding a three fight winning streak. His fight with Dariush will be the stiffest competition he has faced thus far in his career. All of Klose’ fights in the UFC have been decided by decision. This is a little concerning in this match up as Dariush has eight submission victories and three victories by KO/TKO.

The biggest factor in this fight is Dariush’s UFC experience. Dariush has been fighting the best competition in the world over the past seven years, compiling a record of (11-4-1). He has beaten fighters such as Jim Miller, Michael Johnson, James Vick, and Drew Dober. After evaluating Dariush’s career, it is pretty surprising how he seems to stay under the radar.

Prediction: Dariush gets the victory.

Neil Magny (21-7-0) vs Li Jingliang (17-5-0)

Magny makes his long awaited return after losing via KO to Santiago Ponzinibbio in November, 2018. Magny has had an impressive run in the UFC thus far; beating Carlos Condit, Johny Hendricks, Hector Lombard and Kelvin Gastelum. Magny is a creative striker that utilizes his long reach to his advantage. A win over Li should get Magny back into the welterweight rankings where he belongs. 

Li Jingliang is looking for his fourth consecutive victory at UFC 248. The China Top Team product has compiled an impressive UFC record of (9-3). Li is another fighter on this card that seems to be overlooked. Li has heavy hands and has seven KO victories to prove it.

Prediction: Magny returns to the win column.

Alex Oliveira (19-8-1, 2NC) vs Max Griffin (15-7-0)

This is a fan favorite match up against two UFC vets who love to stand and trade. Both fighters in this bout are looking for somewhat of a resurgence; Oliveira has suffered three straight defeats while Griffin has gone (1-3) in his last four bouts.

Oliveira has never shied away from a tough fight. Cowboy is a fighter that can truly finish the fight from any position. He has 12 victories via way of KO/TKO and 4 submission victories. Recently he has seemed to struggle against aggressive fighters who push the pace, recent bouts against Mike Perry and Gunnar Nelson are great examples of this. Max Griffin will be looking to exploit this struggle of Cowboy. Griffin loves to push the fights pace and take some necessary aggressive risks. Almost half of Griffin’s wins are via way of KO. 

Prediction: Griffin pushes the pace and earns the victory.