UFC 184: Rousey vs. Zingano Preview and Fight Predictions
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UFC 184 I Feb 28, 2015 I 10PM/7PM ETPT I Los Angeles, California
UFC 184 was supposed to be headlined by Weidman vs. Belfort for the middleweight title. They would've finally clashed after long delays caused by injuries and failed drug tests, but alas, the fight has been postponed yet again, due to another injury sustained by Weidman. Instead, the original co-main event, Rousey vs. Zingano will now headline the pay-per-view card. Hit the jump for more.
Ronda Rousey will look to continue her dominance as an undefeated bantamweight champion by fighting against an undefeated and dangerous challenger on Kat Zingano. They were originally set to face each other for the title before, until Zingano was forced out after suffering an injury. Now both healthy, there's nothing left to stop the inevitable collision of these two top fighters.
The new co-main event will now be headlined by Pennington vs. Holm. This will mark the first UFC appearance of the former boxing champion and undefeated MMA fighter, Holly Holm. Tapped as the next, true title contender, Holm will look to prove that the hype train is indeed real. I suspect that if Holm wins this fight, she will become the next number one contender to challenge Rousey for the belt.
Main Card Predictions
Women's Bantamweight Title Fight
C Ronda "Rowdy" Rousey (10-0-0) vs. #1 Kat "Alpha" Zingano (9-0-0)
Winner: Rousey via 1st round submission
Zingano posts a credible threat with her superb stand up but Rousey is excellent in getting close to her opponent and that's when she utilizes her judo prowess as a set up for a slick submission.
Women's Bantamweight
#12 Raquel "Rocky" Pennington (5-5-0) vs. #13 Holly "The Preacher's" Holm (7-0-0)
Winner: Holm via 3nd round TKO
Pennington is a tough chick but lacks the technique. However, Holm may start slow due to the fact that a lot is riding on this fight, her first under the UFC banner. Ultimately, she'll get comfortable and utilize her boxing and string up good combos to stop Pennington.
Welterweight
#11 Jake "The Juggernaut" Ellenberger (29-9-0) vs. Josh Koscheck (19-8-0)
Winner: Koscheck via 2nd round TKO
Koscheck took a long extended break, and that might give him the advantage. He's fresh and fully recovered. In contrast, Ellenberger's confidence has dipped after failing to win in big fights and that will give Koscheck the chance to capitalize and overwhelm him to get the W.
Welterweight
Alan "Brahma" Jouban (10-3-0) vs. Richard "Filthy" Walsh (8-3-0)
Winner: Walsh via decision
Walsh will try to keep this fight on the ground as long as he can keep it there with ground and pound. Unless Jouban catches him with a punch, it'll be a long night for him.
Lightweight
Tony "El Cucuy" Ferguson (18-3-0) vs. Gleison Tibau (40-10-0)
Winner: Tibau via decision
The Ultimate Fighter winner, Ferguson has great striking techniques which can possibly stop Tibau. Accepting the fight on a short notice as a replacement, Tibau is in the top 3 with the most wins in the UFC, just behind Anderson Silva. Clearly, he has the experience and toppled with a strong stand up, this could be the one to watch.
Check back after the event for complete results.
UFC 184 I Feb 28, 2015 I 10PM/7PM ETPT I Los Angeles, California
