FTI Combat Sports prophecy: UFC 211

by Chris Asbrock

UFC 211: Miocic vs. Dos Santos 2
5/13/2017
6:00 P.M. EST (PPV starts at 10 P.M.)
UFC Fight Pass, FS1, Pay-per-view

This year has been one of intrigue for fight fans, especially with the “return” of GSP and now the rumors of a Chuck Liddell comeback. Tonight, the UFC invades Dallas for what should be a fantastic night of fights. This is the first of what should be many great fight cards in the upcoming weeks. Let’s take a look at this much anticipated fight card and the picks from myself and my FTI Combat Sports colleague, Jin Kim.

Henry Cejudo (10-2) vs Sergio Pettis (15-2)

This fight features two solid names and a hopeful title fight. Looking at this fight on paper, Cejudo should clearly come away with the win. Pettis is not one to write off. The pick is Cejudo via TKO in the second round.

Chris’ Pick: Cejudo
Jin’s Pick: Cejudo

Frankie Edgar (20-5-1) vs Yair Rodriguez (11-1)

Another fight with the same situation regarding the names and title implications. The winner of this fight will look to stake their claim in the title picture. This fight has the potential to be a fight of the night candidate. This fight could certainly go either way so don’t be stunned to see either fighter have their hand raised.

Chris’ Pick: Rodriguez
Jin’s Pick: Edgar

Demian Maia (24-6) vs Jorge Masvidal (32-11)

Both fighters are ranked in the top 5 in the division and will look to move up with a victory. Maia can quickly end a fight via submission, winning three of his last four via that route. On the other side, Masvidal has incredible knockout power, finishing his last two fights, over Donald Cerrone and Jake Ellenberger via TKO. With this fight featuring two contrasting styles, look for Maia to try and keep the fight on the ground.

Chris’ Pick: Maia
Jin’s Pick: Maia

Joanna Jedrzejczyk (C)(13-0) vs Jessica Andrade (16-5) for Women’s Strawweight title

Another title defense for Joanna champion against a fighter determined to dethrone the champ. Andrade lands over 6.8 significant strikes per minute and has the power to end the fight quickly. Even though Andrade possesses the power, Jedrzejczyk doesn’t absorb much damage. This is another fight where the opponent just isn’t at the level of the champion. Joanna has rolled through everyone she has faced and that does’t look to change here. The unanimous pick is for Joanna to win via TKO/KO.

Chris’ Pick: Jedrzejczyk
Jin’s Pick: Jedrzejczyk

Stipe Miocic (C)(16-2) vs Junior Dos Santos (18-4) for Heavyweight title

This is a rematch of their UFC on Fox 13 battle where JDS won via decision. Since that loss, Stipe has won four straight via TKO/KO,  including winning the championship over Fabricio Werdum at UFC 198. Miocic has had one title defense thus far, defeating Alistair Overeem. On the other side, since his victory over Stipe, JDS has not looked as impressive in his two fights. JDS was stopped by Overeem via TKO before rebounding with a decision win over Ben Rothwell. Both fighters can end it with a punch but Stipe averages almost a full two takedowns more than JDS. With that being the case, look for Stipe to avenge his loss to JDS and retain his title.

Chris’ Pick: Miocic
Jin’s Pick: Miocic

Marco Polo Reyes (8-3) vs James Vick (9-1)
Krzysztof Jotko (19-1) vs David Branch (20-3)
Chas Skelly (17-2) vs Jason Knight (19-2)
Eddie Alvarez (28-5) vs Dustin Poirier (21-5)

Chris Asbrock is a staff writer and analyst for FTI Sports and can be followed on Twitter Follow @iamchrisasbrock