by UFC 237 takes place this Saturday night from Brazil. The undercard is headlined by perhaps the final fight of BJ Penn’s career against Clay Guida. The main card is highlighted by Rose Namajunas vs Jessica Andrade for the Women’s Strawweight Championship.
Also on the PPV portion of the card will be Brazil fan favorites Jose Aldo, Anderson Silva, Thiago Alves and Little Nog. Here is our “Pick Six” for the night.
BJ Penn vs Clay Guida
One legend, and one gatekeeper collide on the undercard. Years ago, this would have been a main event, not this time however. Guida has 52 pro fights on his resume, with 25 in the UFC.
He fights as often as possible, winning some, losing some but always bringing a ton of energy with him along the way. BJ Penn has one victory in the last 10 years, that came back at UFC 123 in his trilogy bout against Matt Hughes.
He could have retired then and been a first ballot Hall of famer. He hasn’t won since and is currently 16-13-2 all time. If he doesn’t quit soon, he may end his career with a losing record.
Prediction – Guida by split decision
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs Ryan Spann
Little is known about Spann while Nogueira and his big brother have become legends in Brazil.
Prediction – Rogerio by knockout in the very first round
Thiago Alves vs Laureano Staropoli
The Pitbull Alves used to be one of the best in the welterweight game and seemed to have unlimited potential. The only problem, that was 11 years ago. Like BJ Penn, he defeated Matt Hughes in dominating fashion and has done little to nothing ever since.
Long layoffs have not helped the career of Alves who is 7–8 in his last 15 fights, spanning 10 plus years. Little to anything is really known abot his opponent Staropoli however, so I liked the Pitbulls chances here.
Prediction – Alves by decision
Jose Aldo vs Alexander Volkanovski
Volkanovski isn’t no joke, this guy can hit and hit hard. Aldo appears to be in the best shape of his career and this one has fight of the night written all over it. This very easily could have been the main event. Aldo, after two straight losses to Max Holloway has looked incredible with back to back KO wins over Jeremy Stephens and Renato Moicano.
Prediction – Volkanovski by KO in the 3rd round
Anderson Silva vs Jared Cannonier
There is no doubt Silva will go down as one of the greatest fighters of all time, if not the greatest of all time! The only problem is that he is way past his prime and has never looked the same since being knocked out cold by Chris Weidman in July of 2013. Jared Cannonier feels that he has something to prove and will be looking for a signature win.
Prediction – Silva by decision
Strawweight champion Rose Namajunas vs Jessica Andrade
This division is extremely weak, how does Andrade get another title shot?
Prediction – Namajunas by KO in the second round
