UFC 247: Jones vs. Reyes - Predictions and Picks

#6 The Prelims: ESPN card

Trevin Giles headlines this weekend's prelims

Headlining Saturday’s prelim card is a Middleweight clash between Trevin Giles and Antonio Arroyo. Giles got off to a great start in his UFC career, knocking out two opponents, and he also has an impressive win over current Light-Heavyweight contender Ryan Spann. But losses – both by guillotine – to Zak Cummings and Gerald Meerschaert – have tempered expectations. Another grappler, Arroyo has plenty of submissions to his name, but he lost to Andre Muniz in his own UFC debut, and for me, his lack of athleticism could cost him here. I like Giles by TKO.

At Welterweight, veteran Alex Morono faces Kalinn Williams. A debutant, Williams is rare as he hasn’t fought on Dana White’s Contender Series. He’s on a 6-fight win streak, and looks like an explosive athlete – but he doesn’t have the experience of Morono, who has wins over the likes of Kenan Song and Max Griffin. I like Morono to grind out a decision here.

In a big Flyweight fight, Lauren Murphy faces Andrea Lee, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the winner handed a title shot next. Lee was edged out by Joanne Calderwood in her last fight, but she’s still an excellent – and marketable – fighter in all areas. Murphy is a hard-nosed veteran but she’s also a lesser athlete compared to Lee, which makes this a tricky one to pick. I’m going with Lee via a close decision but could be wrong.