UFC 191 Johnson vs. Dodson 2: Picks, Prognostications, & Odds + Weigh-In Updates

Main Card on PPV:

Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson  (22-2-1) -550 vs. John Dodson (17-6) +375 [Rematch]

Its bad blood at the tiniest level. "Mighty Mouse's" resume is insanity. 8 wins in a row. 4 of his last 5 by finish and when was the last time this guy lost a damn round? Prolly '13 when Mr. Dodson dropped him 3 times in the 1st and 2nd rounds of their initial meeting for the belt. 

The "Monchichi" has the best power at Flyweight. Dodson is nearly as quick at the champ and trains with the Jackson-Wink dudes who know how to prepare especially for rematches. John ran out of gas in the primary meeting which had to of been addressed by now. 

No champion in the UFC's history has been more active or willing to fight than Demetrious Johnson. Matt Hume's prize pupil has one of the most well rounded games in all of MMA if not the best. "MM" can simply do it all and will not stop, continually searching for the finish no matter how far ahead he is on the cards.

So who to pick? Well, MMAFO loathes the uber-annoying Dodson but we do fear the power he brings. And yet, how many times have we seen Dodder take a break in a fight, or just stop following the game plan set for him? His strength can be brought to bear in devastating fashion at any moment, but "Mighty Mouse" follows a plan perfectly and has far, far more ways to win than a single punch. Johnson having a chip on his shoulder coming into this doesn't hurt either. This time around, "Mighty Mouse" leaves no doubt and gets the stoppage in the "championship rounds" showing that never say die grit that made him the winner he is.
WINNER-Demetrious Johnson by Rd.4 Submission

Andrei Arlovski (24-10, 1) -160 vs. Frank Mir (18-9) +130

Can you imagine how important this fight would have been back '04 when both were hitting their primes? Fate struck Mir with a car as he was riding his motorcycle and who would have thunk it, some 9 years later the boys are past their primes, and yet, the MMA Gods have christened them and they are nearing title contention yet again! 

Franklin has risen from the dead to destroy Antonio Silva and Todd Duffee after a 4 fight losing streak. Honestly, MMAFO are Mir marks and have been fans since '02. We want the best for Frank yet despite the recent wins, we still believe its time to step away from this grueling game. Mir has done enough for a Hall of Fame entrance and has nothing left to prove.

The "Pit Bull" has won 4 bouts in a row, and 8 of his last 9 in one of the most improbable comebacks of all time. In 2011, Arlovski had suffered his 4th loss in a row and the world was clamoring for him to retire. MMA is a crazy game. The Jackson-Wink camp has revitalized Andrei who has always had power, but now also possesses good footwork and counter punching from that obliterating right hand.

Mir's boxing has improved greatly, but he's slow and has been (T)KO'd 7 times in his career! Both men have power but if Frank can't get Arlovski down to the mat, it's Andrei's night which is the most likely of scenario's.
WINNER-Andrei Arlovski by Rd.1 TKO

* Mir weighed in at a massive 266 lbs. which is not necessarily a good thing. The two men also took a "selfie" via Arlovski's camera on the stage which brought a grin to all.

Anthony Johnson (19-5) -550 vs. Jimi Manuwa (15-1) +375

"Rumble" comes into the bout with a ton of controversy after having yet another public altercation with a woman. Protests are planned for UFC 191 in his honor as Johnson has multiple accusations of domestic abuse. Anthony's actions toward women obviously demand true action be taken before this thing gets even worse. The UFC, is obviously indifferent to domestic abuse as seen in their track record.

MMAFO feels a bit sick trying to breakdown this fight but we know the UFC is going ahead with it anyway. With all the claims about Johnson's abusive past, and present, so we have decided to not analyze this fight but offer the website for victims of violence in hopes it will be seen by those who need it, and it will advertise the need of Zuffa to address this ongoing issue in a true way.

http://www.thehotline.org/ 

WINNER-The "Alleged" Beater

Jan Błachowicz (18-4) -155 vs. Corey Anderson (6-1) +125

"Beastin' 25/8" (we feel ridiculous every time we type that nickname) suffered his 1st pro loss last out to unpredictable Gian Villante by TKO. Corey is an acceptable striker but so, so green for the UFC 205ers.

The Polish fighter lost a decision to Jimi Manuwa because he wasn't prepared for a continual attack but his striking game is technical and strong. Jan has been doing this 6 years longer than Anderson who keeps getting thrown to the wolves. 
WINNER-Jan Blachowicz by Decision

Paige VanZant (5-1) -1600 vs. Alex Chambers (5-2) +800


PVZ has taken the MMA world, and young men's libido's by storm. Credit where credit is due, Paige is a dynamo who is one of the most aggressive fighters at any weight class or sex. "12 Gauge" overruns opponents pressing them against the fence before gaining the takedown and searching for subs. The relentless assault wears foes downs who then crumble under her beautiful frame.

"Astro Girl" isn't getting much love going into this, but the Aussie showed during a drubbing at the hands of Kailin Curran, that she's tough and intelligent under fire. Chambers kept her head and kept fighting until the appropriate moment arose and she locked up a sweet armbar for the victory.

With Paige's audacious attack, it wouldn't be crazy to see Alex repeat herself and catch the girl who is 15 years her junior in something sneaky. However, the percentages say that is unlikely and VanZant roughs her up not allowing for the final bell as her star continues to rise.
WINNER-Paige VanZant by Rd.3 Submission

Prelims on FOX Sports 1:

Ross Pearson (17-9) +300 vs. Paul Felder (10-1) -400

Banger's delight #2 

The "Irish Dragon" suffered his 1st professional loss just over a month ago. Felder is ready to get back on the horse with some crazy strong striking including some spinning shit, and he trains with beloved Renzo Gracie and his homies.

The "Real Deal" has traded wins and losses in recent years and though he has a diverse arsenal, he's gotten slower as time goes on and he's taken some rough beatings. Ross cuts and bruises easily but the dude has true heart.

Felder proved, if nothing less in his loss to Edson Barboza, that he's durable as hell. Pearson not so much. Paul gets a big finish and steps back into the Lightweight fray as a future star. MMAFO is high on this kid's talent and potential.
WINNER-Paul Felder by Rd.2 TKO

Francisco Rivera (12-4) +100 vs. John Lineker (25-7) -130

Banger's Delight #1

So the question is, will Lineker make weight? Yes we know this is at Bantamweight as punishment for continually missing the Flyweight limit, but we have zero faith in this cat. John has claimed rededication to the sport, yet again, and plans to make a go of things at his new weight. Anywho, "Hands of Stone," as you may have guessed, is a boxer with pretty damn good takedown defense.

"Cisco" is an underrated boxer with serious grit and determination and he's a fucking gangster! This guy is hard as hell and is gonna have weight and height on Johnny. Dude is old school tough. Rivera brings some solid leg kicks to the game and is steadily improving every time out. 

This is a very close matchup. Both guys are going to throw to kill which should be very fun to watch. Lineker has snuck in some ground work as of late but he's at a massive size disadvantage and he's an excuse maker. Still, we lean to the Brazilian who has true rocks for hands in a good scrap. Bet, as my boy Rok would say.
WINNER-John Lineker by Decision

* Holy mother of God, Lineker actually made weight!

Jessica Andrade (13-4) -210 vs. Raquel Pennington (5-5) +170 [Rematch]

"Rocky" Raquel doesn't have the most impressive record in the game but she's tough as nails and a solid boxer. Pennington hung tough with #1 contender Holly Holm and will have a big size advantage. 

"Bate Estaca" has the better all around game, a grappling game which her opponent doesn't possess, and she already beat the girl in '14. History repeats and Jessica wins on points yet again. She built like a lil' tank.
WINNER-Jessica Andrade by Decision

Clay Collard (14-6) -140 vs. Tiago dos Santos Silva (19-5-2, 1) +110


Ole "Cassius" returns with a 1-2 Zuffa record and fights out of The Pit Elevated squad. Clay is a very tough youngster who isn't going to stop the attack.

"Trator" is a Team Nogueira prospect who won 10 straight before getting KO'd in his last affair.

We're rather "eh" on both men so flip a coin.
Upset Pick WINNER-Tiago Silva by Decision

* Clay also needed to use the towel at the weigh-ins but made weight and looked spry.

Prelims on UFC Fight Pass:

Joe Riggs (40-16) +130 vs. Ron Stallings (13-7) -160

The 59 year old Riggs, wait... he's fucking 32!? Jesus Christ he's got 56 fights and he's 32? The wear and tear on this guy over the years MMA grinding have not been kind. Joe has lost both of his bouts since returning to the UFC and he shot himself in the goddamn thigh in 2014 which is always a plus. 

The "Choir Boy" snuck into the UFC as a last second replacement opponent for Uriah Hall. That didn't go well but he rebounded in his 2nd attempt via Decision. He's a decent scrapper and brings the fight.

Stallings should have this running away. This is likely to not only be Joe's last fight for Zuffa, but his last fight ever. Dude peaked 9 years ago and was never elite to begin with. Have we buried Riggs enough yet? 
WINNER-Ron Stallings by Rd.3 TKO

* Riggs had to use the towel, still missed weight at 187.5 lbs. and did not look healthy.

Joaquim Silva (7-0) +125 vs. Nazareno Malegarie (28-3) -155

"Netto BJJ" is undefeated without a single foe reaching the 2nd round but he's more accustomed to fighting at Welterweight. Don't let the nickname fool ya, he's a striker.

Nazareno is the true BJJ practitioner and the more well rounded fighter here. Malegarie has competed as low as Bantamweight so size will be a disadvantage. "El Tigre" has won 6 bouts in a row with only a single foe reaching the judges cards and has 15 taps on his resume.

Silva has more power, and if he can keep this standing, he should have a slight edge. Naz may have trouble getting this to the mat allowing Joaquim to earn a few more points.
WINNER-Joaquim Silva by Decision

UFC 191 Start Times
Main Card on Pay-Per-View: 10 p.m. ET /  7 p.m. PT
Prelims on FOX Sports 1: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
Prelims on UFC Fight Pass: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT