With the weigh-ins complete and the card ready to rock for UFC 225, Sin City Sports Mockery UFC writer Corey Roveri gives you his picks and analysis heading into Saturday night’s tilt in Chicago.
[C] Robert Whittaker (20-4) vs. [#1] Yoel Romero (13-2)
What more could you ask for from a main event title fight? “The Reaper” holds the belt and has a win against Romero under it. Romero is a vicious striker with 85 percent of his wins coming by way of knockout. Make no mistake, these are both great fighters, and Romero has something to prove, but at what point does Whittaker’s youth come into play? Will Romero lose steam as a result of his elder statesman-ship? Whittaker fights at a rather torrential pace, and I expect to see him finish this fight. PICK: Whittaker by TKO
[#1] Rafael Dos Anjos (28-9) vs. [#4] Colby Covington (13-1)
I give the edge to dos Anjos here. Honestly, Covington’s brain is going in too many different directions at the moment. His spat with Joe Rogan continues to heat up, and recently Covington was interviewed on “The Jim and Sam Show” with a few less than flattering stories of his former college roommate, Jon Jones, and his PED use. I’m no fighter, but if I was, I’d like to think I’d spend my time preparing for Rafael instead of mouthing off at Rogan or Jones. Covington does take opponents down with a 54 percent success rate, but on the other side dos Anjos has plenty of experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and also has proven his ability to pass guard and move to ground and pound or submit his opponents. PICK: Rafael dos Anjos by submission
Holly Holm (11-4) vs. Megan Anderson (8-2)
Holm is on the comeback trail, or at least she’s trying to be. Megan Anderson is making her UFC debut after being an Invicta FC champion. Anderson was slated to defend her featherweight championship before signing with UFC to fight Holly Holm. Holm has struggled as of late and is 1-4 in her last five fights since defeating Ronda Rousey. At 6’0” Anderson is listed at four inches taller than Holm and will enjoy a 2.5” reach advantage. Anderson is an accomplished fighter and has a good opportunity to beat the former champion and secure her first win in the UFC. PICK: Megan Anderson by decision
[#9] Andrei Arlovski (27-15, 1 NC) vs. [#12] Tai Tuivasa (9-0)
Heavyweight strikers? What could go wrong? Experience and strength versus aggressive striking and power here. There have been calls for Arlovski to retire a couple different times throughout his career. Expect Tuivasa to come out swinging for the fences, expect Arlovski to try to stay on the outside, and out of the way early. Given Arlovski’s historical streakiness, and his suspect jaw, I have Tuivasa winning by knockout. PICK: Tai Tuivasa by TKO
CM Punk (0-1) vs Mike Jackson (0-1)
This is certainly one of the most intriguing fights on the card. You may recognize CM Punk as the two-time WWE champion (so he’s wrestled, kinda). Punk and Jackson are both 0-1 inside the octagon, they have also both lost to Mickey Gall. According to BloodyElbow.com, CM Punk openly admitted he didn’t train during the UFC 225 open workouts, partially due to severe anxiety. I’m not sure that bodes well for a fighter getting ready to enter the octagon. Although neither fighter has a plethora of octagon experience, I expect Mike Jones to take advantage of Punk’s anxiety, and earn his first UFC victory in this one. PICK: Mike Jackson by TKO
