UFC 218: Holloway vs Aldo 2 (Preview & Predictions)
UFC 218 is here and despite an injury to Frankie Edgar causing a big-time change to the main event, this card is as stacked as it gets.
One of the greatest MMA Featherweights of all time Jose Aldo steps in on short-notice to try and avenge a brutal knockout loss he suffered to reigning 145-pound king Max ‘Blessed’ Holloway.
Furthermore, the co-headliner for this event will see a potential number-1 contender matchup for a shot at the UFC Heavyweight Championship go down as Alistair Overeem tries to derail the Francis Ngannou hype train.
Additionally, the card features several other top-notch matchups. So, without further ado, here are the predictions & preview for UFC 218: Holloway vs Aldo 2:
Indian fans can watch UFC 218 from 8:30 am on Sunday, December 3rd, Live & Exclusive on SONY ESPN & SONY ESPN HD.
Main Card
#1 Max Holloway vs Jose Aldo
Max Holloway is on a roll, and has a ton of upside, especially considering the fact that this young athlete is yet to even hit his prime.
Holloway obliterated Aldo in their first match, and this fight is likely to go along the same lines. One ought to note that Aldo has worked tremendously on his boxing game after getting slept by Conor McGregor in a matter of seconds.
Aldo has a better jab than Holloway, but the latter is the fresher of the two and puts together better boxing combinations on the feet. Aldo may have his moments in this rematch, however, Holloway is likely to take over a couple of minutes in; outworking Aldo with a frenetic pace and dismantling him for a TKO victory.
The reason this fight will see a TKO finish rather than a Submission is that despite being severely dazed in his last match against Holloway, Aldo still exhibited great awareness on the mat. Irrespective of Aldo’s excellent grappling skills, this fight is Holloway’s for the taking.
Prediction: Max Holloway def. Jose Aldo via TKO
#2 Alistair Overeem vs Francis Ngannou
Overeem is the proven product of the two, however, with experience comes a ton of bodily wear-and-tear as well.
Overeem has taken a ton of damage over the course of his long and storied career. On the other hand, Ngannou is fresh as a daisy, and come fight night, this key distinction will show.
Both fighters have great striking and grappling skills, however, Ngannou is yet to be thoroughly tested in his career. This fight will be his biggest test to date, and Ngannou is likely to win this owing to the fact that he carries otherworldly KO power in both hands as well as possesses a solid chin. Ngannou connects on ‘Reem at boxing range and sleeps him in Round 1.
Prediction: Francis Ngannou def. Alistair Overeem via KO