5 bold predictions for UFC 273

#4. Dricus Du Plessis edges out Kelvin Gastelum

UFC Fight Night: Perez v Du Plessis

With Gastelum's original opponent, Nassourdine Imavov, being forced off of the UFC 273 card, things have shifted around. Here we have a relatively new, Driscus Du Plessis, making quite the step up in competition.

Although Gastelum is dealing with a slump in his career, he's still a top fighter. Regardless, Du Plessis, at 28-years-old, wasn't asking himself if he'd make it to the top of the division, but rather was curious on when he'd reach it. Although this could be too much too early, he's looked very impressive in his two UFC outings thus far.

In what could be a grueling battle to see who's moving up the ranks, the South African fighter has a good chance of taking Gastelum's spot and being a fresh new face in the middleweight division.

#3. And new featherweight champion...

UFC Fight Night: The Korean Zombie v Ige

Many aren't giving Chan Sung Jung much of a chance to dethrone the surging Alexander Volkanovski. This isn't unfair, as 'The Great' has taken out the two best featherweights in the world, along with some other marquee names in the division.

None of these fighters have a style similar to 'The Korean Zombie', however. As Jung has done some training in Arizona with Henry Cejudo, fans should expect to see some serious development from the Korean fighter as he makes his second grab at the featherweight title.

Volkanovski is coming off of his career best performance, this much is true. This should only drive Jung to train harder than ever, hence the work with Cejudo. Volkanovski, on the other hand, has every reason to be complacent in his preparation for this fight. We've seen it in defending champions many times before. Don't be surprised if the underdog steals the belt from the Australian champion.