UFC 218: Holloway vs Aldo 2 (Preview & Predictions)

Preliminary Card (UFC Fight Pass)

#1 Abdul Razak Alhassan vs Sabah Homasi

Abdul Razak Alhassan (Right) always goes for the KO

Alhassan is a dangerous KO artist, and although he is yet to prove that finishing power against elite opposition, he’s likely to win this fight.

Homasi is a great athlete, but his fighting skills remain somewhat rudimentary. His striking defence, in particular, isn’t up to mark, and that in turn spells doom against someone like Alhassan.

Expect Alhassan to gauge his timing and distance in the first round, before countering a Homasi jab with an overhand in Round 2 for the TKO win.

Prediction: Abdul Razak Alhassan def. Sabah Homasi via TKO

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#2 Jeremy Kimball vs Dominic Reyes

Reyes is a considerably powerful striker and an excellent finisher.

On the other hand, Kimball doesn’t possess the best striking defence in the game, nor does he have enough judgment to take this fight to the mat. Reyes is likely to time him and rock Kimball on the feet.

Kimball is tough though, and fans can expect Reyes to follow up a stunned Kimball with several ground strikes before the referee calls for the finish.

Prediction: Dominic Reyes def. Jeremy Kimball via TKO

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#3 Justin Willis vs Allen Crowder

Willis is the better fighter in this matchup, and when that Octagon door slams shut, it’ll show.

Crowder is tough as nails, but Willis possesses better striking, grappling and distance management than his foe. Willis is likely to take this fight to the mat, before transitioning into a submission for the finish.

Prediction: Justin Willis def. Allen Crowder via Submission

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#4 Amanda Cooper vs Angela Magana

Cooper is the better striker by miles in this matchup, and irrespective of Magana’s loopy hooks, Cooper can very well finish this bout if she pushes the pace.

Regardless, Cooper doesn’t have great grappling, and resultantly Magana can survive 3 rounds if she turns this into a grappling-heavy affair. Look for Cooper to outwork Magana in a tactical fight.

Prediction: Amanda Cooper def. Angela Magana via Decision