UFC 221: Rockhold vs. Romero (Preview & Predictions)

#Preliminary Card (UFC Fight Pass)

#1 Ross Pearson vs. Mizuto Hirota

Ross Pearson looks to put on a show at UFC 221

Ross Pearson still possesses considerable pop in his punches and truly understands how to bets utilize his boxing skills inside the Octagon.

While the veteran MMA slugger may be struggling against the divisional elite today, against someone like Hirota, Pearson could very well let his hands go without much fear of being countered hard. Pearson is likely to catch Hirota with alternating left-right hooks inside the pocket; finishing the fight with a few follow-up strikes.

Result: Ross Pearson def. Mizuto Hirota via TKO

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#2 Teruto Ishihara vs. Jose Alberto Quinonez

Ishihara seems to have stagnated as of late, as in most fights where he finds himself unable to KO his opponents, he loses track of time as well as his game-plan.

Regardless, against Quinonez, one can expect Ishihara to come out all guns blazing and likely finish this one in the very first round. Ishihara is likely to catch Quinonez with a cross at long range and stalk the latter; tagging him at will until the referee steps in to stop the fight.

Result: Teruto Ishihara def. Jose Alberto Quinonez via TKO

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#3 Luke Jumeau vs Daichi Abe

Luke Jumeau is a very underrated grappler, who also seems to be making steady improvements in his striking game.

Jumeau is likely to start off cautious and maintain a slow rhythm to his striking game. Regardless, he could time a reactive takedown as Abe tends to get aggressive when the action is seemingly slow.

From there onwards, it’s Jumeau’s world, as he will look to choke Abe out, or utilize constant ground and pound, to create an opening to lock in a submission.

Result: Luke Jumeau def. Daichi Abe via Submission