Magic Eight Ball: Bold Predictions for UFC 195

In every way, shape, and form, 2015 was the best year in UFC history, and the numbers don’t lie.

From monumental divisional shifts to encouraging championship upsets, we were reminded that mixed martial arts (MMA) is as unpredictable as its ever been.

Now, on the doorstep of a new year, we catch ourselves pondering other unthinkable acts of violence and gold crown heists that 2016 has in store for the combat world. Luckily, we don’t have to wait too long for the first taste of a new main course.

But what can happen? What will happen?

With resolutions in check and expectations set high, here are three bold predictions for UFC 195 this Saturday in Las Vegas.

Dustin Poirier will defeat Joe Duffy:

Joe Duffy is carrying a lot of hype with him to the Octagon at UFC 195, and deservedly so.

As the last man to defeat UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor, countless eyes were locked in on the Irishman before he even made his promotional debut back at UFC 185. Possessing the natural ability to finish fights is only going to further increase his perceived potential moving forward.

But waiting across the cage from Duffy this weekend will be Dustin Poirier, a man who knows all too well what it’s like to fight McGregor on the grand stage. While Poirier remains a featherweight defector searching for his own success at the 155-pound level, the 26-year-old has simply looked like a different animal since making the jump to lightweight.

His strikes are landing harder and quicker, his movement is more precise, and his confidence has never looked more defined, even after getting pushed out of the 145-pound weight class by a loudmouth bully.

With all of that said, especially since Duffy is being looked at as a fairly overwhelming favorite to knock Poirier off and continue his ascension towards the top 15, people can not sleep on “The Diamond.” Duffy’s striking has looked downright blistering of late, but so has Poirier’s.

And considering Poirier is one of the toughest guys to submit, which just so happens to be Duffy’s bread and butter, the up-and-comer may find himself in a whirlwind come UFC 195.

Stipe Miocic will KO Andrei Arlovski:

The belief that Andrei Arlovski can fight his way back to a UFC title shot is certainly overwhelming, but it’s going to be extremely tough for the veteran to escape UFC 195 intact.

Arlovski’s opponent, Stipe Miocic, is arguably the most athletic name on the heavyweight roster. With a worthy background in wrestling and baseball, the Ohioan often maneuvers like a 205-pound fighter light on his feet. This has helped Miocic capture victories over more plodding opponents like hard hitters Mark Hunt and Roy Nelson.

While Arlovski’s power, technique, and speed will certainly pose a threat come fight night, Miocic is a former Golden Gloves champion who can stand and bang with anyone in the division (just ask Junior dos Santos). If he can dismantle the bamboo chin of Hunt, he can certainly knockout out “The Pit Bull.”

One of Miocic’s biggest advantages heading into this fight is that he not only likes to throw in volume, but he’s physically built to do so. With good combinations, forward movement, and quick hands, the 33-year-old has landed 379 significant strikes over his last five bouts (which includes a first-round, eight punch knockout of Fabio Maldonado back in 2014). Arlovski is equally dangerous from all angles, but he is not even in the same department as Miocic when it comes to bulk striking.

That difference in offensive output will eventually weigh on the Belarusian, leaving him open for big shots later in the fight.

Carlos Condit will decision Robbie Lawler:

Robbie Lawler’s evolution and resurgence in the sport has been nothing short of legendary.

His appetite for destruction remains as potent as ever, feeding his ability to ward off some of the very best fighters in the sport today en route to claiming, and defending, the UFC welterweight throne. Needless to say, Lawler’s hard work and willingness to adapt has fueled his success.

But there comes a time when one fighter is just a little more hungry than another. While Lawler is the type of fighter to never quit inside of the Octagon, Carlos Condit is just as likely to sit in the pocket, absorb damage, and do whatever it takes to capture victory.

The two ultra-popular welterweights will meet for the 170-pound strap this weekend at UFC 195, in what many pundits consider a likely reboot to that of UFC 189’s Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald.

That said, despite a freak ACL blowout that technically resulted in a TKO loss to Tyron Woodley back at UFC 171, Condit has never been knocked out in his entire career. Not to mention the experiences he gained from fighting Georges St-Pierre and Nick Diaz in their prime.

With two of the best chins in all of MMA, comparable fighting styles, and eager hearts, it’s going to be extremely tough for either fighter to secure a finish at UFC 195. Condit is certainly more likely to sink in a wild submission from the bottom or while against the cage, but “Ruthless” hasn’t been submitted since 2011 at the hands of Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza.

In all likelihood, this fights goes a blistering five rounds, offering little time to rest or recover. And in a fight that will feature volume striking, wild exchanges, in-and-out pressure, and slippery scrambles, “The Natural Born Killer” is too well-rounded to sleep on.