FTI Combat Sports prophecy: UFC 214

Photo Credit: Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com

by Chris Asbrock

UFC 214: Cormier vs Jones 2
7/29/2017
6:30 P.M. EST (PPV Main card starts at 10 P.M.)
UFC Fight Pass, FXX, Pay-Per-View

There is no doubt and it is safe to say that this UFC 214 card, is the biggest fight card of the year. There is genuine hatred/dislike between Jon Jones and the champ, Daniel Cormier. The two have traded a few barbs on social media, setting this fight up. Add the fact there are three title fights on this card, the UFC has set themselves for a big fight night. With all eyes being on this card, in regards to the history of this fight falling apart before it happens, a successful and good fight will propel the UFC into the remainder of 2017. There is a possibility of seeing a Jon Jones/Brock Lesnar fight and Conor McGregor making a return to the octagon.

Let’s take a look at this much anticipated fight card and the fight winners with myself and my FTI Combat Sports colleague, Jin Kim.

Jimi Manuwa (17-2) vs Volkan Oezdemir (14-1)

This is a fantastic fight to open the pay-per-view portion of the card, featuring two fighters with a combined record of 31-3. Aside from these two coming into this fight on win streaks, both Manuwa and Oezdemir know a little something about finishing their opponent. Oezdemir has been great in is only two UFC fights, defeating Ovince St. Preux and knocking out Misha Cirkunov. This is Oezdemir’s third fight so far in 2017 and has stepped up the competition. On the other side, Manuwa comes into this fight on a two-fight win streak, including a second round knockout of Ovince St. Preux. Expect this to be a battle that will not go the distance as 27 of their combined 31 wins have come before a decision. Two of Manuwa’s last three wins have come before going to the judges, while Oezdemir has finished two of his last four opponents. This fight could go either way as both can easily take the win. You can certainly look for this fight to end, before it goes to the judges.

Chris’ Pick: Oezdemir
Jin’s Pick: Manuwa

Donald Cerrone (32-8) vs Robbie Lawler (27-11)

If you like violence, then this is the fight for you. Donald Cerrone and Robbie Lawler are two of the biggest names in this sport and are ones that fight fans love to watch. This is the first fight for Lawler since losing his welterweight title to Tyron Woodley. Both come into this fight after getting knocked out in their last fight. Both Lawler and Cerrone have won four of their last five fights, so this is a crucial fight for both. With both Lawler and Cerrone north of age 34, a loss for either could mean a quicker end to their career. Neither one will be cut with a loss, but a loss would make it very tough for them to get back into the title picture. This fight has some intrigue on how it plays out. If the fight goes to the ground, Cerrone is extremely dangerous and could end the fight with a quick submission. If they choose to stay standing, Lawler has the slight advantage based off his powerful striking. This has the potential to be the fight of the night as both have been involved in some violent battles. Just like the previous fight, this could go either way and wouldn’t be stunning to see either fighters hand being raised.

Chris’ Pick: Cerrone
Jin’s Pick: Lawler

Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino (17-1) vs Tonya Evinger (19-5) for vacant Women’s Featherweight title

On the surface, this fight does not appear to be close. Cyborg has rolled through most every opponent since 2005. Tonya Evinger is no slouch. She is the current Invicta FC women’s bantamweight champion, who did take this fight on short notice. Evinger is quite a talent who is extremely tough but could be a bit over her head in this fight. Cyborg is the complete package who can strike and wrestle. For Evinger to win this fight, she will have to take Cyborg to the ground, which is quite the tall task. Cyborg is much bigger and stronger than Evinger, which will be a big benefit if Evinger can pull off a takedown. Look for this fight to also end before going to the judges. The toughness of Evinger will be evident but the sheer power and precision of Cyborg will take over.

Chris’ Pick: Cyborg
Jin’s Pick: Cyborg

Tyron Woodley (C)(17-3-1) vs Demian Maia (25-6) for Welterweight title

The second of three title fights on the card sees an intriguing welterweight battle with Tyron Woodley making his third title defense. Woodley comes into this fight, unbeaten in his last five fights, including the draw against Stephen Thompson at UFC 205. On the other side, Maia enters this title fight winning his last seven fights. Ironically, Both Woodley and Maia’s last loss came at the hands of Rory MacDonald in 2014. This fight could go the distance with both men tactically battling each other. Maia will look to take down Woodley, but Woodley’s takedown defense is solid. If a takedown by Maia occurs, he could change the way this fight goes with his jiu-jitsu and wrestling. The power and speed of Woodley will be a main part of the fight but if Maia can manage to take down Woodley, the possibility of a title change is very real.

Chris’ Pick: Woodley
Jin’s Pick: Woodley

Daniel Cormier (C)(19-1) vs Jon Jones (22-1) for Light Heavyweight title

Finally. Finally, these two will meet again. It has been over two years since these two first battled it out at UFC 182, which saw Jones take the victory via unanimous decision. There is some serious dislike between these two and that played into the last fight as well. Cormier seemed to let his emotion get to him as the fight went on and while that wasn’t the reason he lost, it was a factor. It remains a serious question as to whether or not that is a factor in this fight as well. In their first battle, Jones was extremely impressive in his ability to take down the Olympic wrestler. Jones will also have the height and reach advantage so that will be a big factor in this fight as well. Cormier has grown in his striking game and will need that due to Jones’ incredible skill set.