TUF Nations Finale LowKick Staff Predictions

Michael Bisping vs. Tim Kennedy:

Mike Drahota: While I definitely like this match-up on paper, it’s one that’s largely fueled by trash talk, and those kind of bouts have failed to deliver in a big way recently. After defeating Roger Gracie and Rafael Natal in his only two Octagon bouts, No. 8 Kennedy certainly talked his way into a fight just above his pay grade. He may or may not be fighting the best version of Bisping, as retina surgery and the subsequent long layoff leave a few question marks about where he’s at. Still, I think “the Count” is beyond motivated to shut “The Sniper’s” big mouth, and will use his famous kickboxing to rule the day. Bisping via unanimous decision.

Rory Kernaghan: Michael Bisping and Tim Kennedy will finally square off and settle their beef once and for all. In terms of technique and work rate, I’d put Bisping miles ahead of Kennedy. Contrarily, Ranger Tim has the advantage in the power department. This is not news to ‘The Count,’ and he trains for almost every fight with a power disadvantage.  Dan Henderson and Vitor Belfort put Bisping’s lights out, but I don’t think Kennedy will. Look for a convincing decision win from Bisping in his return from injury.

Brian Cox: A master at sticking to a gameplan, Bisping possesses the ability to negate Kennedy’s KO opportunities. Bisping is also very hard to take down and even harder to keep down. He knows that Kennedy will be coming forward looking to land the big shot and if that doesn’t work, he’ll attempt to move the fight to the ground. Bisping is going to be more than ready for the strategy. Concordantly, I think “The Count” will seek to keep Kennedy at bay with jabs, circling off and staying away from the cage. If Kennedy can cut the cage off and land the big shot – the way Dan Henderson did at UFC 100 – then he’ll probably win. However, if Bisping can execute his strategy of picking Kennedy apart, he should be able to pull out the victory. I believe “The Count’s” technical skills and dogged determination will see him through to victory; winner by way of unanimous decision, Michael Bisping.

Buster Evans: Tim Kennedy is an extremely gifted fighter and I think he will have a lot of success in the UFC, but in my opinion this is a huge mismatch and will be an easy fight for Michael Bisping. The Brit has been out of action for a while now; however, he is still unquestionably one of the best middleweights in the world. Striking, grappling, it doesn’t matter; “The Count” has Kennedy’s number anywhere the fight takes place. Expect a dominant performance where Bisping picks up a TKO in the third.

Patrick Cote vs. Kyle Noke:

Mike Drahota: This is a fairly odd pairing in my opinion, as neither Cote nor Noke has been extremely impressive in UFC as of late. Both will return from extremely long layoffs, with Cote last fighting at UFC 158 and Noke all the way back at UFC 152 in 2012. That could make for an unpredictable match-up here, but overall I see “The Predator’s” hometown advantage helping him here. Noke’s a tough Aussie to be sure, so I don’t think he will be knocked out. Cote via unanimous decision.

Rory Kernaghan: Patrick ‘The Predator’ Cote is currently 2-1 since rejoining the UFC, and I think he is a bad match up for the Aussie Kyle Noke. ‘KO’ is a good fighter no doubt, but I expect an early whooping from the heavy-handed Canadian to bring home the win. Cote has a good chin as does Noke, and I see this fight taking place on the feet. I just have a feeling that Cote will get a first round knockout win.

Brian Cox: Patrick Cote has power in his hands; however, he’s not the most technical of fighters and telegraphs a lot of his punches. “The Predator” likes to brawl and he’s able to get away with it because of his resilient chin. Cote likes to stand and trade, and isn’t a real threat on the ground. For his part, Noke is a similar type of fighter, but more well rounded. Where Cote might not seek a gameplan that involves taking “KO” down, Noke might. I believe the fight is a toss-up. Both fighters are eerily similar in styles, age, number of fights, and types of losses and wins. However, I’ll give the nod to Cote thanks to his power, but Noke the advantage in grappling and options for winning. I’m going to roll the dice and say that Cote’s desire for a win in his hometown will spur him on to victory. As such, I’m picking Pat Cote by way of second round TKO.

Buster Evans: Patrick Cote is a gifted striker, who looked solid in his welterweight debut against Bobby Voelker, and I expect his second fight in the 170-pound weight class to have similar results. Kyle Noke is an extremely tough fighter who won’t be easy to beat but Cote should be able to take the decision win.

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