DANIEL CORMIER VS STIPE MIOCIC 2

I expect this rematch to be just as good as their first fight. Quick reminder, DC knocked out Stipe in the first round from the clinch with a short hook.
Despite Stipe starting off the fight well and having success, I found his approach and disregard for DC’s abilities quite shocking. I expected a much more drawn out affair. Looking at the amount of time Stipe had to prepare for DC then engaging with him in his areas of expertise makes me hesitant to pick him.
In short, I find DC’s perfect heavyweight run and game plan dedication outweighs Stipe’s vulnerabilities and bizarre tactics.
Pick: Daniel Cormier defeats Stipe Miocic via KO. Round 1.

ANTHONY PETTIS VS NATE DIAZ

Incredible match up that should have happened long ago. I’m most excited for this bout than any other on the card.
Pettis will likely stay on the outside, feint and setup his counter offense. I see Pettis switching stances, looking for the head kick while working the legs of Diaz. Drawbacks would be the amount of damage Pettis has taken in recent fights, the win-loss run he’s been on, and perhaps conditioning at welterweight. On the flip side, Anthony’s style is a tough match up for Diaz.
I see Nate starting like he always does, walking forward and lobbing a jab. He’ll take his time in the first round to read Anthony Pettis.
After losing the first round, I expect Diaz to pick up the pace, finding a home for his punches, occasionally checking leg kicks but ultimately eating them to land counter shots. Yes, remember Diaz is primarily a counter striker.
His path to victory is constant pressure and volume until Pettis collapses, falling victim to TKO, submission or decision loss. The drawback is that Nate hasn’t fought for three years and the kicks of Pettis can really play a huge factor in this bout.
Ultimately, I see Pettis sticking on the outside attacking the leg and circling out. Expect the unexpected because we are talking about Showtime.
Pick: Anthony Pettis defeats Nate Diaz via split decision.

• Yoel Romero defeats Paulo Costa via third round stoppage
• Derek Brunson defeats Ian Heinisch via TBA
• Gabriel Benitez vs Sodiq Yusuff TBA