[C] Tyron Woodley (19-3-1) vs. #2 Kamaru Usman (14-1)
This is my most anticipated fight of the night. Every time I’ve seen Tyron Woodley’s face on social media, I’ve felt chills running down my spine. I don’t care what anyone says, Kamaru Usman has gotten under Woodley’s skin. He is confident and brash in his approach towards the champion. Everyone is confident that Woodley will dominate this fight, but I do not see it being THAT one sided. Usman is a freestyle fighter who can handle himself in any area of the game. He’s a former NCAA Division II wrestler who constantly pushes the pace. Woodley, on the other hand, is a former NCAA Division I wrestler who trains with Ben Askren on a day to day basis. “The Chosen One” brings a special type of knockout power to the octagon that should make any challenger weary of engaging with him. He has been very vocal about the fact that Usman doesn’t have him beat in any specific category. While that may be true, Woodley isn’t recognizing that Usman brings more physicality and strength to the table than anyone the champion has faced before. Usman’s frame is stockier than any of Woodley’s previous contenders. My worry for this fight is that Woodley is underestimating Usman’s power. However, Usman’s striking is very unpolished and it would be smarter for him to go for the takedown. When he tries to close the distance and put Woodley on his back is when he will enter Woodley’s danger zone. It may be competitive for a while, but Usman might just get knocked.
Prediction: Tyron Woodley via 3rd round KO