UFC 200
Meisha Tate vs. Amanda Nunes
This is an interesting matchup for Tate’s first title defense. I was pretty much ready to call Tate’s last win a fluke, with no chance of defending the title against Holly Holm or Ronda again. This matchup, however, should be a bit of a confidence booster. While Nunes is a good striker, Meisha Tate has better striking, and far better grappling. While Nunes tends to fade a bit in later rounds, Tate has a lot of heart to keep fighting.
Meisha Tate via submission, round 4/5
Brock Lesnar vs. Mark Hunt
For Brock Lesnar to decide to make his comeback at UFC 200, there must be money in it for him, and a matchup he believes favors him. Mark Hunt might just be that kind of a matchup. If the fight stays standing roound after round, I’d have to favor Hunt. However, if/when Lesnar can take things to the ground, he has several ways of winning. He has much better grappling than Hunt, and his best asset is ground and pound. I am positive this fight will not go the distance.
Brock Lesnar via TKO, round 3
Daniel Cormier vs. Anderson Silva
It is nice to see Cormier still on the card, and against a well known fighter like Silva. But honestly, how long has it been since Silva won a fight? 2012? Add to that factor the fact that Silva just had surgery several months ago, and we have a recipe for disaster. If Cormier keeps the fight standing, I expect a fairly quick victory
Cormier via TKO, round 2
Jose Aldo vs. Frankie Edgar
This will prove to be a very close, difficult fight for both. Though different styles, neither fighter has a clear advantage at standup, while Edgar may be better on the ground. With such a close matchup, it will certainly go to a decision, where I favor Edgar.
Frankie Edgar via decision
Cain Velasquez vs. Travis Browne
Velasquez was once consider to be, without a doubt, one of the best heavyweights of all time, before injury after injury diminished that. Travis Browne is a very athletic fighter, but can still be inconsistent in fights. With an injury free Velasquez, Browne could be in trouble.
Cain Velasquez via decision
