SMUGGLING DUDS UFC FIGHT NIGHT 174 GAMBLING GUIDE

We here at Smuggling Dud tend to only do guides for the numbered UFC events, but as this is such a big card, headlined by a Brit, we thought ‘Go on then’. Why not head over to our Facebook page and let us know your own predictions?

Main Card (BT Sport 1)
Robert Whittaker vs. Darren Till (Middleweight)
Knowing the reason why Whittaker took time off from competing (it was reported he donated a bone marrow to his one year old daughter) makes it a little difficult to pick against him but we just think the time has come for Till to make another title run. It won’t be the easiest of fights, and as we know, Till is not unstoppable, and can be knocked out. If Till can maintain a decent level of distance, and turn this into a kick boxing match, he has a chance of taking this on points. He may even get the knockout.
WINNER: Till
METHOD: Decision

Maurício Rua vs. Antônio Rogério Nogueira (Light Heavyweight)
A real battle of the veterans here with two legit legends of the sport matched up against one another. These two actually fought way back in 2005 on Pride FC, and we cannot help but think the UFC has made this fight purely because both are ending to their careers. A real slugfest beckons but the reality is Shogun probably has just a little more in the tank. A shame for either as this fight should have taken place in front of a huge Brazilian crowd (it got moved), but regardless, Shogun wins, Little Nog retires and respect levels go through the roof.
WINNER: Rua
METHOD: KO/TKO

Fabrício Werdum vs. Alexander Gustafsson (Heavyweight)
After walking away from the sport in June of last year, ‘The Mauler’ returns at heavyweight to face a former champion in Fabricio Werdum. The Swede is a massive favourite so you might want to stick a little something on what would be the biggest upset of the card but the reality is Werdum, who has looked out of shape in his last few bouts, will get destroyed inside 2 rounds and begin to think about bringing the curtain down on an incredible career.
WINNER: Gustsafsson
METHOD: KO/TKO

Carla Esparza vs. Marina Rodriguez (Women's Strawweight)
One things for sure this one is going the distance so put whatever you want on that. Result wise, Esparza has come through for us in recent bouts with some sneaky close decisions but we think her luck runs out here.
WINNER: Rodriguez
METHOD: Decision

Paul Craig vs. Gadzhimurad Antigulov (Light Heavyweight)
Unless he goes head hunting early doors and is caught on the chin, this should be an easy night at the office for the Scottish submission specialist.
WINNER: Craig
METHOD: Submission

Alex Oliveira vs. Peter Sobotta (Welterweight)
Sobotta has not competed in MMA since getting sparked out against Leon Edwards back in March 2018. The 33 year old makes his return to the UFC once again, to face Brazilian scrapper ‘Cowboy’ Oliveira. Time out from the limelight will be a factor in this one and the only way we see Sobatta having a chance is to take him out early. Oliveira to use recent experience to tire his opponent out and win a clear points decision, possibly submission.
WINNER: Oliveira
METHOD: Decision

Khamzat Chimaev vs. Rhys McKee (Welterweight)
Cage Warriors stand out Rhys McKee was handed his UFC debut on less than a weeks’ notice. The young Irishman did not know whom he was fighting but he sure will once the octagon door closes. Chimaev screwed us over big time when he fought Welsh slugger John Phillips last weekend and absolutely destroyed him. We will not be making the same mistake again.
WINNER: Chimaev
METHOD: Submission

Preliminary Card (BT Sports 1)
Francisco Trinaldo vs. Jai Herbert (Lightweight)
Francisco Trinaldo has been around forever! The 41 year old made his UFC debut in 2012 and has been in the mix ever since. A real veteran of the sport who will never be a titleholder, but always comes to fight. He’s against some new UFC blood in the form of Jai Herbert, who granted hasn’t faced the level of opponent Trinaldo has, is a man who has been knocking people out for fun. If he can stop Trinaldo, a real statement will be made.
WINNER: Herbert
METHOD: KO/TKO

Nicolas Dalby vs. Jesse Ronson (Welterweight)
Dalby looked much better in his last performance and Jesse Ronson’s record does not fill us with much hope of him getting the win here.
WINNER: Dalby
METHOD: Decision

Tom Aspinall vs. Jake Collier (Heavyweight)
Yet another Brit making his debut, Tom Aspinall has every chance of getting his hand raised purely based on the fact this is at heavy weight and anything is possible. Expect Collier to out wrestle Wigan based Aspinall and look for an early submission.
WINNER: Collier
METHOD: Submission

Movsar Evloev vs. Mike Grundy (Featherweight)
Even against an undefeated Russian, we will be putting our faith in Darren Till’s teammate Mike Grundy.
WINNER: Grundy
METHOD: Decision

Tanner Boser vs. Raphael Pessoa (Heavyweight)
Should be a fun one to watch. If the odds are decent for a draw or the fight to the distance, either might be worth a shout.
WINNER: Boser
METHOD: Decision

Bethe Correia vs. Pannie Kianzad (Women's Bantamweight)
Brazilian Correia was on a bit of a skid but a decision win against up and coming fighter Sijara Eubanks in September 2019 saved her bacon. She faces a much younger opponent in Kianzad but to be honest, this one will end up being a boxing bout that goes the full 3 rounds. Flip a coin.
WINNER: Correia
METHOD: Decision

Ramazan Emeev vs. Niklas Stolze (Welterweight)
Can rising German star Stolze get a win on his UFC debut? We think so (unless you can still get octagon jitters without a crowd?)
WINNER: Stolze
METHOD: Decision

Nathaniel Wood vs. John Castaneda (Bantamweight)
Cage Warriors champion Nathaniel Wood got off to a great start in his UFC career - until veteran John Dodson dropped him in his last outing. The young Brit will be keen to get back to winning ways and should do what he does best against an opponent who brings an epic nickname to the table in ‘Sexy Mexi’.
WINNER: Wood
METHOD: Submission

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

SMUGGLING DUDS - HOME OF THE ORIGINAL STASH BOXERS