Just when you think MMAFO is gone, the greatest sport on Earth drags us back in. As it was for everyone in the world, 2020 was a disaster for MMAFO but it's a new year, and the same old us. The way the UFC disrespects the sport and it's warriors bothers us to no end, but we also can't deny that UFC 257 has that "big fight feel" and we were quite surprised how much we really missed it. Despite Dana "Tomato" White doing everything in his power to ruin the legitimacy of MMA, we still love the core of the sport, and we cannot deny this card is stacked with interesting bouts! So, worries and reservations aside, let's pretend it's the old days and enjoy some elite level MMA! Oh, and ignore the loudmouth bald guy and go ahead and pirate this event. He can't do shit.
Main Card PPV (9:00pm/CT):
Dustin Poirier (156) +230 vs. Conor McGregor (155) -300 [Rematch]
It has been six and a half years since these two men met and everything has changed.
Since their initial meeting, Conor has been to the top of the mountain and back down again in spectacular fashion going 6-2.
For his part, Dustin has gone 10-2-1 even gaining the Interim Lightweight Championship.
Both men fell to Khabib Nurmagomedov and now are trying to become elite enough to entice back the retired "Eagle," or get their name on the poster to fight for the likely vacant belt.
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Though "Diamond" has improved in every facet, he cannot stop himself from being lured into a fire fight removing him from a proper game plan, and that, and the enormous spotlight, is when "Mac" truly shines. For all of the things Conor has done in his personal life and outside of the cage, he has become an embarrassing pariah, but all of that fades away during the time in the Octagon.
McGregor will prolly starch Poirier in similar fashion to their first meeting. Let's just hope the "Notorious" one can find a proper way to atone for all of his questionable actions.
WiNNER-Conor McGregor by Rd.2 TKO
Dan Hooker (156) -138 vs. Michael Chandler (156) +132
We have become fans of New Zealand's "Hangman" in the last couple of years. At first we admit, we thought him to be a better than average Lightweight but not a title contender. But the dude just works, improves, and does it all with a great attitude of someone enjoying the journey the right way.
The City Kickboxer is long, can finish with strikes or subs, and has heart/durability for days.
Chandler is finally making the long awaited UFC debut after a stellar career and multiple championships under the Bellator banner. The Mizzou alum is a great wrestler, but let's be honest, he hasn't used it much in recent times instead opting for a kill-or-be-killed striking approach that though exciting to watch, is still dangerous as hell.
As much as we're rooting for "Hangman," this is a rough matchup for him. Chandler can out-gas him, has more power, and an explosiveness that tends to wear on Hooker. Mike should find success in his debut and it is so much more important to him than to Dan.
Upset Pick WiNNER-Michael Chandler by Decision
Joanne Calderwood (126) -115 vs. Jessica Eye (126) +105
There is nobody sweeter than "Bad MoFo JoJo" and nobody dumber than "Evil Eye." Seriously, read Jessica's social media. It's a treasure trove of stupidity.
Anywho, "Dr. Kneevil" made the classic MMA fighter mistake not waiting for her already promised title shot, and instead of waiting for the champ to be healthy, Joanne took a bout in-between and of course, lost. It happens so often you'd think the MMA world would catch on, but we digress. The time is now for the Syndicate MMA student (now 34) to make that title run.
Quite honestly, is Calderwood can't beat the inconsistent and overrated Eye, she doesn't deserve another title shot. Luckily for us Joanne "fannes," Jessica isn't that good and in a likely kickboxing bout, "JoJo" should at the very least, win two rounds. It should also help that Calderwood has a strong dislike for the mouthy Jessica.
WiNNER-Joanne Calderwood by Decision
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Amanda Ribas (116) -305 vs. Marina Rodriguez (116) +275
MMAFO is making the call right now, Amanda Ribas will be a star! The 27 year old Brazilian is charming, talented in the cage, and a stunner. Ribas is on the come up while we've seen as far as Rodriguez will ascend.
The night belongs to Amanda as does our hearts.
WiNNER-Amanda Ribas by Decision
Makhmud Muradov (186) -140 vs. Andrew Sanchez (186) +130
WiNNER-Makmud Muradov
Prelims on ESPN (7:00pm/CT):
What a debacle to get this bout to come together. Ottman Azaitar was supposed to face Frevola, but The UFC President informed BT Sport. “He (Ottman) and his team cut off their wristbands, gave them to somebody else outside the bubble, I don’t know how they even did it. That guy taped them, showed up with a bag, went into a room, shimmied across four balconies, went into his room, dropped the bag off, changed his clothes, and then left. When security tried to stop him, he wouldn’t stop. It’s bad. He’s gone, he’s no longer a UFC fighter.”
So Azaitar has lost his job under bizarre circumstances and meanwhile, Nasrat Haqparast was slotted to face Tsarukyan but Haqparast missed weight and was bounced from the card allowing the two true professionals to meet giving us...
Matt Frevola (155.5) +515 vs. Arman Tsarukyan (157) -680
WiNNER-Arman Tsarukyan
Brad Tavares (185.5) -115 vs. Antonio Carlos Junior (185) +105
MMAFO has never understood the fascination with Tavares. He's an average fighter, with some decent standup, not much power, and in his last 10 bouts he has gone 5-5 which is about right. Brad hasn't evolved at all and just kind of meanders along.
"Cara de Sapato" seemed to be the dark horse of the diviosn as he quickly rose through the ranks, but now the ATT fighter has lost back to back bouts because his stand up skills just aren't that good. Sure, if Antonio can get you to the ground you are in serious trouble, but he just isn't enough of a threat standing to create some fear to open up takedowns.
We like "Shoe Face" who has finishing skills and we are just not interested in Tavares anymore.
Upset Pick WiNNER-Antonio Carlos Junior by Decision
Sara McMann (135) -125 vs. Julianna Pena (136) +115
The Team Alpha FeMale fighter returned last January after having a baby (congratulations) and got back in the win column.
Julianna returned last October after having a baby (congratulations) but tapped to "The Iron Lady."
It's a Mom-off!
McMann is a wrestling machine who hasn't shown diminishing skills though she is now 40. "The Venezuelan Vixon" is very talented, kind of an idiot, and still trains with universally despised Sikjitsu camp because she never wants to see her full potential.
WiNNER-
Khalil Roundtree (206) -325 vs. Marcin Prachnio (205) +295
So "The War Horse" loses to Ion Cutelaba last year and suddenly he's dropped to the bottom of the card and Prachnio is sacrificed? What is happening here and why does the UFC hate Marcin?
Roundtree will roundly defeat Prachnio.
WiNNER-Khalil Roundtree by Rd.1 TKO
Prelims on ESPN+ (6:00pm/CT):
Nik Lentz (150) +495 vs. Movsar Evloev (150) -590
Speaking of sacrificial lambs, Lentz is being fed to Evloev. Best of luck there "Carney."
WiNNER-Movsar Evloev by Decision
Amir Albazi (126) +100 vs. Zhalgas Zhumagulov (126) -110
We're just going to be honest here and admit we have no idea who these guys are.
Upset Pick WiNNER-Amir Albazi by Decision
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