UFC 269- GEEKS PREVIEW

Sean O’Malley vs Raulian Paiva

The Suga Show returns to the spotlight as he takes on Raulian Pava to kick off the main card for UFC 269. Stylistically, it seems to be a good matchup for O’Malley as he should have the size and speed advantage. Paiva is a former flyweight that found his way into the rankings at bantamweight after his last fight. He has since been removed which has caused a lot more shade to be thrown at O’Malley for his reputation of fighting “cans”. I am excited to see the skills on display in this one. Sean is one of the most electric performers in the UFC, and a sniper from the outside. Paiva’s best shot in this one is to make this a dirty, gritty fight. He has proven durability and a good all around skill set. It won’t be enough though in my opinion. Suga in 1. Prediction: O’Malley round 1 KO.

Dom Cruz vs Pedro Munhoz

Let’s take a moment to appreciate how truly electric UFC 269 is. When you have two legends like Cruz & Munhoz on the prelims, it’s going to be a good night for the company. This fight an interesting one stylistically. Cruz is going to bring the funk as he always does. Dom is a primary striker that uses an array of feints, takedowns and footwork. His gameplan is to fluster his opponent through chaotic movement. Many people believe he is the Bantamweight GOAT which tells you all you need to know about his resume. He will have his hands full with another respected veteran in Munhoz. “The Young Punisher” is a slick striker with very good jiu jitsu skills. His last time out he lost a close fight with Jose Aldo. A fight that is aging well for him as Aldo’s resurgence has him 1 win away from a title shot. The odds say this fight is a pick ‘em & I agree. For my money though, I’m going with the guy who has more paths to victory. Prediction: Dom Cruz by Decision

Tai Tuivasa vs Augusto Sakai

Don’t blink for this heavyweight banger. Anytime Tai Tuivasa steps in the octagon, it could be a short night for his opponent. The Aussie brings a surprisingly technical skillset to the octagon. He has a well rounded game of punches and kicks on the feet, and an adequate ground game he may need to turn to if Sakai has success early. Sakai will look to stay on the feet in this one, and I expect that’s where this fight will play out. Augusto uses punches in bunches to put a pace on opponents. A style most would not expect given his large frame. Both these guys are quality strikers which makes an exciting matchup for this heavyweight bout. A bout I see ending with a shoey. Prediction: Tuivasa KO round 2.

Cody Garbrandt vs Kai Kara-France

This is a huge fight on this card as it marks the first time Cody “No Love” Garbrandt drops down to the flyweight division. He was always known as one of the fastest fighters the bantamweight division had ever seen, and Saturday we find out where his speed stands in the fastest division on planet Earth, the flyweight division against a formidable opponent in Kai Kara-France. Cody has been chinned real good a few times and people do get nervous that the bigger cut will only deplete his ability to eat a shot even more. What I think though… Cody will be far too big, experienced, and bring too much wrestling top game to this dance for Kai to catch rounds. We will see! Don’t Blink! Cody KO Round 1.

Dustin Poirier VS Charles Oliviera

Talk about a tough fight to pick! Both these gladiators are blue-collared studs that come from humble beginnings and have had an absolute journey and a half. Let’s get to the matchup, both these guys began their ufc careers fighting at 145 pounds where they both didn’t have the greatest success. After moving up weight divisions Dustin is 12-2 and Charles is 12-3 which just means that since the move they only continuously improved. Don’t let round 1 of Chandler Charles get in your head too much, Mike is a monster in round 1, we all know that now after the Justin fight. I like Charles’ improvements on the feet and ability to get the fight to the mat on Saturday night. If gas is a factor Dustin is obviously a massive threat in later rounds, but I don’t think the diamond will shine under the pressure of a Charles Guillotine Choke in Round 3...