UFC 217 main card preview: Michael Bisping's fairytale looks set to continue

Cody Garbrandt vs. TJ Dillashaw

One of MMA's fiercest rivalries comes to a head at MSG

During the build-up to UFC 217, Cody Garbrandt dubbed this fight as 'the real main event' of the evening, and it is easy to understand why. Garbrandt and Dillashaw are former Team Alpha Male teammates and training partners, however, the manner of Dillashaw's departure from the team has turned this into a real grudge match, which has captured the imagination of fight fans around the world.

Garbrandt is a proud member and the jewel in the crown of Urijah Faber's Team Alpha Male, and he will be fighting to defend the honour of his team and prove that Dillashaw was wrong to walk away when he did. Dillashaw, on the other hand, will be fighting to prove that he made the right decision to jump ship and defend his own honour after being named 'the snake in the grass' by those at Team Alpha Male.

Fights are always harder to call when emotions could get the better of either fighter as is the case with this match. On a purely technical basis, Dillashaw will be looking to use his superior wrestling ability to finish Garbrandt on the floor, whereas Garbrandt will be looking to stand up and utilise his impressive boxing skills that lead him to the Bantamweight title.

Prediction: Cody Garbrandt via Split Decision