UFC Predictions: UFC 259: Jan Blachowicz vs. Israel Adesanya Predictions & Picks

#2 UFC Featherweight Title: Amanda Nunes vs. Megan Anderson

Can Megan Anderson shock the world when she faces Amanda Nunes this weekend?

Israel Adesanya could become an all-time great with a win in UFC 259’s main event, but the champion in the co-main event – Amanda Nunes – is already there.

The greatest female fighter in UFC and MMA history, Nunes is essentially the only fighter to ever hold and continually defend two UFC titles simultaneously.

This weekend sees ‘The Lioness’ make the second defense of the UFC Featherweight crown that she won from Cris Cyborg at UFC 232. And to tell the truth, in terms of style, this might be her trickiest fight yet.

Admittedly, this fight might well be coming too soon for Anderson. The native of Australia is still very much a developing fighter.

In fact, less than three years ago she was comfortably outgrappled by Holly Holm, who is a striker by trade. 2019 saw her being submitted by Felicia Spencer, who was in turn squashed by Nunes last year.

However, for the first time, ‘The Lioness’ might well be outgunned on the feet here. Nunes hits incredibly hard – as Cyborg found out – and can knock anyone out. But in this fight, she’s giving up 4” of height and 3.5” of reach to a lifelong kickboxer who is certainly capable of sniping at her from range.

And if you consider that well, every great fighter loses at some point, there’s every chance that Anderson pulls off what would be an all-time great UFC upset here.

However, it’s difficult to imagine it actually happening. Anderson has improved on the ground, but it’s doubtful that the Australian can do a lot against the ferocity of Nunes on the mat. And ‘The Lioness’ almost certainly has superior takedowns to Holm, who tripped Anderson multiple times with ease.

Anderson undoubtedly has a puncher’s chance here, but overall this sounds too much like a stylistically good match for Nunes.

The Pick: Nunes via first-round submission