SMUGGLING DUDS UFC 250 GAMBLING GUIDE

It could be argued that at such a landmark number, the card isn’t as strong as you might expect but we still live in extraordinary times so we are once again, just happy to have MMA on our screens! Can the ‘Lioness’ finally be dethroned? Let us find out.

Main Card (BT Sport 1)
Amanda Nunes (c) vs. Felicia Spencer (Women's Featherweight)
There is no denying Nunes is the greatest female UFC champion of all time. Undefeated in 10 fights against some seriously talented opponents we just can’t see how Canadian star Spencer can win. It’s all good saying she must take Nunes down but she has never faced anyone that matches her in strength, not even Cyborg. Has the potential to go the distance and as our long term readers will know, UFC cards ALWAYS produce at least one big upset but Nunes takes this one.
WINNER: Nunes
METHOD: KO/TKO

Raphael Assunção vs. Cody Garbrandt (Bantamweight)
It feels like Assuncao has been around forever (that’s because he has!) and here he is once again, competing in a bout that’s should he win, will get him back on the title chase. He faces former champ Garbrandt who at one time looked untouchable. This is not the case anymore and some have even questioned his chin in recent bouts. Garbrandt must win or the UFC will have no choice but to release him, or certainly consider it. A recent change in camp for Garbrandt might be the fuel needed to reignite the fire.
WINNER: Garbrandt
METHOD: KO/TKO

Aljamain Sterling vs. Cory Sandhagen (Bantamweight)
Undefeated in the UFC, Sandhagen comes into this one as the slight favourite, and rightly so as he really has shown he deserves to be in the big league. Is he a future title contender? This fight will prove it. Sterling has been written off by a few pundits for this one but we think he might just scrape a victory. A draw isn’t a bad shout.
WINNER: Sterling
METHOD: Decision

Neil Magny vs. Anthony Rocco Martin (Welterweight)
A relatively tough one to call but as both looked impressive in their last bouts. This one really could go either way. Toss a coin.
WINNER: Magny
METHOD: Decision

Eddie Wineland vs. Sean O'Malley (Bantamweight)
The UFC haven’t hidden the fact that the number of people stepping up to accept a fight with O’ Malley was minimal. Fair play to Wineland but the reality is he’s up against someone experiencing immense confidence right now and could be a tough night at the office. Just like the main event, an upset will get you some good returns, but there is less chance in this one.
WINNER: O’ Malley
METHOD: KO/TKO

Preliminary Card (BT Sport 1)
Alex Caceres vs. Chase Hooper (Featherweight)
TUF star Caceres puts his gatekeeper cap on once again as he becomes the next stepping stone in the career of the UFC’s youngest fighter. At only 20 years old (yes 20!!!) the UFC will be keen to increase the marketing potential of such a young talent. He might not get the stoppage but should win easily.
WINNER: Hooper
METHOD: KO/TKO

Ian Heinisch vs. Gerald Meerschaert (Middleweight)
Both fighters have underperformed in previous bouts (Meerschaert won but looked sloppy) so it will be interesting to see how they come in to this one. Heinisch loves playing it safe with his wrestling but it has cost him with the judges. Can he get the nod here? Definitely leaves this one of the acca.
WINNER: Heinisch
METHOD: Decision

Cody Stamann vs. Brian Kelleher (Featherweight)
Although it was an easy night at the office, it is worth noting Kelleher fought on a UFC card less than a month ago! He’s up against a totally different style of fighter in ‘Mr Wonderful’ so we think the result might be different this time.
WINNER: Stamann
METHOD: Decision

Charles Byrd vs. Maki Pitolo (Middleweight)
Both products of DWCS (Dana White’s Contender Series) Byrd started his UFC career with a lot of promise but two back-to-back losses via knockout won’t have done his confidence any good. An obvious release from the UFC beckons if he can’t handle ‘Coconut Bombz’.
WINNER: Byrd
METHOD: Decision

Early Preliminary Card (UFC Fight Pass)
Jussier Formiga vs. Alex Perez (Flyweight)
Veteran Forminga is another fighter who has been in the UFC forever, but at 35 and an incredible record of 23-7-0 he is battle worn and won’t be too far away from retiring. A loss against a hungry Perez could see him bow out.
WINNER: Perez
METHOD: Submission

Alonzo Menifield vs. Devin Clark (Light Heavyweight)
We very much doubt there were many fighters on the UFC roster lining up to accept a bout with Menfield who will look to go an impressive 10-0.
WINNER: Menfield
METHOD: KO/TKO

Evan Dunham vs. Herbert Burns (Catchweight 150 lbs)
Having returned from retirement, Dunham was scheduled to face Michael Johnson on April 25 but scrapped events means he faces DWCS star but also seasoned MMA veteran Herbert Burns. Can’t help but think Dunham is taking a pay day here.
WINNER: Burns
METHOD: KO/TKO