For the first time in UFC history — the flyweights will headline a Pay-Per-View card, when champion Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson faces Ali Bagautinov for the title at UFC 174 in Vancouver, Canada tonight.
Johnson is currently on a five-fight win streak, while Bagautinov has won 11 straight. “Mighty Mouse” is the only UFC flyweight champion to date; and the Russian training out of Jackson’s camp will try to dethrone him.
Johnson will be the faster of the two, but Bagautinov is stronger and should have the advantage on the ground. This fight should go all five rounds which will favor the champ. Johnson by decision.
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In the co-main event, UFC welterweight contenders Rory MacDonald and Tyron Woodley will try to get one step closer to a title shot, as they battle for position in the welterweight division.
Both are coming off big victories, MacDonald defeated Demian Maia while Woodley was awarded a TKO when Carlos Condit hurt his knee and was unable to continue.
MacDonald and Woodley both come from wrestling backgrounds but have worked on their striking over the years, would should make for a fight on the feet or a wrestling match. MacDonald by decision.
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Andrei Arlovski makes his return to the UFC and will take on Brendan Schaub in heavyweight action. Arlovski has lost five times in his last twelve fights, while the younger Schaub has won two straight.
Arlovski should still have some fight left in the tank, and if Schaub is unable to get “Pitbull” to the ground, look for his night to end within the first two rounds. Arlovski by knockout.
Light heavyweights Ryan Bader and Rafael Cavalcante have both split their last two fights, both coming off wins, and tonight’s winner should be able to crack into the top ten with a win.
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Bader should be able to take the fight where he wants, keeping this one on the feet. Bader by knockout.
Fellow light heavyweights Ryan Jimmo and Ovince St. Preux should be a fun opening fight, with both fighters on the rise. Even though St. Preux has two more losses than Jimmo, he has finished three of his last four opponents and a fast start could end this fight quickly. St. Preux by submission.
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