SMUGGLING DUDS UFC 225 GAMBLING GUIDE

We pretty much smashed it in our last guide so let’s see if we can do it again as the UFC invades Oz once again with what should be an epic night of fights!

MAIN CARD
Robert Whittaker (C) Vs Yoel Romero (MW)
An untreated staph infection in his stomach meant the champ has spent the best part of a year in recovery, but seems to be match fit again. He’s going to need to be in this rematch as Romero seems more confident than ever. Romero, at 41 years of age continues to look fitter and stronger than most in the division. Rematches rarely go the same way as the first, but Whitaker’s strengths are his ability to maintain composure at all times and adapt to the way a fight is going. For this reason we feel the result will be the same.
WINNER: Whittaker
METHOD: Decision

Rafael Do Anjos Vs Colby Colvington (WW)
Colvington is quickly becoming one of the most comical fighters on the UFC roster.....out of choice. His out antics have gained serious online hits as he continues to have beef with pretty much everyone, whether they be in his weight category or not. That said he does have some of the best wrestling in the welterweight division and will probably win this one via superior grappling.
WINNER: Colvington
METHOD: Decision

Holly Holm Vs Megan Anderson (FW)
Having racked up a 4-fight win streak, and being made the undisputed Invicta FC champion, Megan Anderson gets an invite in to the UFC. Can she handle the pressure of not only the bright lights of the UFC but also the cardio of one the most seasoned female fighters in combat sports history? It’s a tough task.
WINNER: Holm
METHOD: Decision

Andre Arlovski Vs Tai Tuivisa (HW)
MMA veteran Andre Arlovski has surprised us all by once again coming back from the verge of retirement to win his last two UFC bouts - against opponents many felt he would struggle against. There’s definitely still life in the old dog yet (Pitbull to be precise) but his win streak ends against Tuivisa, one of Australia’s hottest prospects, who has finished every single person on his record. If you’ve got money to burn, bet big.
WINNER: Tuivisa
METHOD: KO/TKO

CM Punk Vs Mike Jackson (WW)
Punk (or Phil as he is known outside of the WWE) has, on paper, been given an easier task in the form of Mike Jackson. Punk looked terrified in his debut against Micky Gall and if he doesn’t come in to this fight with a different mentality he’ll get beaten again. Win or lose expect the former pro wrestling superstar to get slated by arm chair fans. Both fighters are pretty average MMA frightens so this has the chance to go either way this one.
WINNER: Jackson
METHOD: Decision

PRELIM CARD (Fox Sports 1)
Alistair Overeem Vs Curtis Blaydes (HW)
Overeem suffered a horrendous knockout in his last outing so will be looking to show fans that he is still one of the best strikers in the heavyweight division. Blaydes however, will be doing everything in his power to not let this happen. Unless he catches his opponent early, expect to see Overeem on his back for the majority of this one.
WINNER: Blaydes
METHOD: Decision

Claudia Gadelha Vs Carla Esparza (STRAW)
Gadelha had arguably her toughest test against fellow Brazilan Jessica Andrade coming up short in a very bloody battle. Will she be more cautious against Esparza? Both Gadelha and Esparza have experienced life at the top of the division (Esparza briefly held the belt) and the winner of this one will no doubt be fast tracked to another crack at the title. The bookies will have Gadelha as the favourite but we’ll go with the upset.
WINNER: Esparza
METHOD: Decision

Ricardo Lamas Vs Mersad Bektic (FW)
An interesting matchup with two fighters still very much at the top of their game. Lamas suffered a devastating knockout in his last appearance so just like Overeem, will be looking to bounce back and make a statement. Bektic is the real deal however so it’s not going to be easy. We’ll go against the bookies once again.
WINNER: Lamas
METHOD: KO/TKO

Rashad Coulter Vs Chris De La Rocha (HW)
Two heavyweights that have clearly struggled to cope with the the step up in competition that the UFC brings. Neither brings much to the table so this one will be a case of who runs out of gas first!
WINNER: Coulter
METHOD: KO/TKO

PRELIM CARD (UFC Fight Pass)
Rashad Evans Vs Anthony Smith (MW)
The former TUF winner and UFC champion has been given a lifeline by the UFC having lost four on the bounce. If he doesn’t win here the fans will surely see him leave his gloves in the middle of the octagon. To be honest, we’d love to witness an upset but just can’t see it happening. The younger, hungrier lion will take out the seasoned veteran.
WINNER: Smith
METHOD: KO/TKO

Joseph Benavidez Vs Sergio Pettis (FLY)
Pettis is a fighter that has yet to live up to any sort of hype or reach the heights his brother did. Can’t see anything less than Benavidez taking home a clear points victory.
WINNER: Benavidez
METHOD: Decision

Clay Guida Vs Charles Olivera (LW)
At one point not so long ago this match up could be a main event! Two veterans that seem to have been in the UFC forever will go toe-to-toe and show fans who wants it most. Guida has been around long enough to know how to grind out the win here.
WINNER: Guida
METHOD: Decision

Mike Santiago Vs Dan Ige (FW)
Both fighters are products of Dana White’s Contender Series but have yet to secure a victory under the UFC banner. A very tough one to call but we think Santiago makes his way back to the domestic scene after this.
WINNER: Ige
METHOD: Decision