UFC 271 is tomorrow night, and if you’re a fellow UFC fan like myself, then you are in for a real treat. The middleweight championship belt is on the line as Israel Adesanya looks to continue his reign as the champ. However, Robert Whittaker is out for revenge in one of the most anticipated rematches in the history of the middleweight division. The main card is stacked from top to bottom with plenty of fun matchups, including a fan favorite heavyweight co-main event, between Houston legend Derrick Lewis and rising star Tai Tuivasa. I am gonna break down each fight on the main card and give my honest predictions on who I think has the best chance of winning. 

Bobby Green (-145) Vs Nasrat Haqparasat (+125)

Kicking off the night, we have an exciting lightweight bout between Bobby Green and Nasrat Haqparasat. Bobby Green is currently coming off a first round knockout over former lightweight title challenger Al Iaqunita at UFC 268, while Nasrat Haqparasat is looking to rebound after a decision loss to Dan Hooker at UFC 266. In terms of skill set, both fighters are known to be exciting, stand-up fighters, with each possessing the power to turn the other one’s lights out. However, I am going to go with Booby Green as he is the more experienced fighter, given that he has been with the UFC since his debut in 2013. I believe that while Nasrat won’t be easy to knock out, Green has the right tools and enough tricks up his sleeve to be able to ease his way to victory.

Prediction: Bobby Green Unanimous Decision 

Alexander Hernandez (+140) Vs Renato Moicano (-160)

Next fight on the card, we have Alexander Hernandez up against Renato Moicano in the lightweight division. Hernandez, known for his explosive striking power, is coming off of a first round KO against Mike Breeden, while Moicano, known for his extensive submission skills, is coming off a rear naked choke win against Jai Herbert. This is a close fight to call, as Hernandez needs to keep this fight standing as knocking Moicano out is his best chance at winning. On the other hand, if Moicano can take Hernandez down, then he could be able to submit him. Seeing how Moicano has a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Hernandez only holds a brown belt, I feel that if Moicano plays it smart and is patient, he will be able to submit Hernandez.

Prediction: Renato Moicano Submission Round 2

Derrick Brunson (+145) Vs Jared Cannonier (-165)

Now things are getting interesting. Seeing how this fight will determine who will face the winner of Adesanya Vs Whittiker, there’s a lot at stake. Derrick Brunson is an elite wrestler, currently riding a 5 win streak, with notable wins over Kevin Holland and Darren Till. Ever since Jared Cannonier moved down to middleweight, he’s been a force to be reckoned with and his striking is unmatched compared to Brunsons. The only way I see Cannonier winning this fight is if he knocks Brunson out early, but I believe that Brunson’s wrestling skills are too good for Cannonier and I see him either getting a late submission or dominating him on the ground for a majority of the fight. 

Prediction: Derrick Brunson

Derrick Lewis (-170) Vs Tai Tuivasa (+150)

For the co-main event, we have ranked heavyweights Derrick Lewis Vs Tai Tuivasa battling it out. Lewis, who holds the most knockouts in UFC history with 13, is looking to make it 14 while Tuivasa is looking to climb up the heavyweight ranks and continue his 4 fight winning streak. Honestly, I could see this fight going either way, as both fighters have incredible knockout power. One thing is for sure, there is no way this fight goes to decision. I have to favor Lewis slightly as I feel that he is a more well rounded fighter than Tuivasa and I also feel that since Lewis is fighting in his hometown of Houston, he won’t want to let his fans down. 

Prediction: Lewis Round 1 KO

Israel Adesanya (-280) Vs Robert Whittaker (+225)

Finally, for the middleweight championship of the world, we have The Last Stylebender Adesanya vs The Reaper Whittaker. Adesanya is looking for his 4th title defense as the champ while Whittaker is back for revenge. The pair first fought at UFC 243 back in October of 2019, where Adesanya dominated Whittaker and knocked him out in the second round to take the belt. Since then, Whittaker has been on a tear, winning his next three fights to earn the opportunity to rematch Adesanya. I believe that Whittaker will be more patient this time and use more of his wrestling skills. However, Adesanya, who is on the verge of superstardom, has incredible takedown defense as well as unmatched striking and kickboxing skills. I love both of these fighters and I don’t want either one of them to lose. However, I feel that while both fighters are levels ahead of everyone else in their division, Israel Adesanya has slightly better striking than Whittaker which is why I am slightly edging him to win.

Prediction: Israel Adesanya Unanimous Decision 

Those are my picks for the UFC 271 main card. Tune in to the PPV card live on ESPN+ to witness another terrific night of Mixed Martial Arts.