Blockbuster? UFC 217 Title Fight Preview, Breakdown & Analysis

We are now just days away from what is without question the biggest UFC event of 2017 thus far, and although it may not be carrying the type of buzz it likely should be, UFC 217, which will take place this Saturday (Nov. 4, 2017) live on pay-per-view (PPV) from Madison Square Garden in New York City, boasts an incredible lineup of fights.

In the main event, Michael Bisping will look to make the second defense of his middleweight title in a clash against returning former longtime welterweight titleholder Georges St. Pierre. In the co-main event, former teammates turned bitter rivals Cody Garbrandt and TJ Dillashaw will do battle with Garbrandt’s bantamweight title hanging in the balance.

Also on the main card, dominant strawweight queen Joanna Jedrzejczyk will look to once again defend her 115-pound strap against surging contender Rose Namajunas.

Let’s take a deeper look at the three title fights that headline this weekend’s UFC 217:

Michael Bisping vs. Georges St. Pierre

Georges St. Pierre is without question one of the very best fighters of all-time, but he hasn’t competed in four years. He’ll also be competing at middleweight for the first time in his career at UFC 217, which is why there are many questions surrounding his highly anticipated return.

In regards to the striking department, both men are well versed on the feet. St. Pierre comes from a karate background, but he possesses one of the most lethal jabs in the history of MMA. Working with highly renowned boxing coach Freddie Roach, it’s expected that “Rush” has continued to improve his hands as well.

Michael Bisping, on the other hand, has continued to elevate his striking game over the years under the tutelage of Jason Parillo, and overall, he has the edge in this department.

As far as grappling goes, St. Pierre is without question the better wrestler. If St. Pierre can land the takedown, he’ll put himself in the best position to inflict damage. Given Bisping’s movement, size, and takedown defense skills, however, it’s unclear if “Rush” will be able to do so.

While St. Pierre will undoubtedly be the smaller man going up against Bisping, he may not be at too large of a strength disadvantage. Throughout his career, “Rush” has always been in top shape, as his conditioning and athleticism have consistently been some of his strongest assets. With that said, it’s unlikely that he’ll be able to wear down Bisping given “The Count’s” incredible cardio.

In the end, both men are world class fighters. However, I’m just not sure what to expect from St. Pierre, and although it feels a bit strange to pick against him, I’m going to side with the Brit.

Prediction: Michael Bisping def. Georges St. Pierre via Unanimous Decision

Cody Garbrandt vs. TJ Dillashaw

Not only do Cody Garbrandt and TJ Dillashaw represent two of the best bantamweights in the world, with both being in the primes of their respective careers, but they are also very similar fighters, which could be due to their years training together at Team Alpha Male.

On the feet, both men move well and have terrific footwork. Dillashaw changes stances more often than Garbrandt, but “No Love” certainly has the power advantage, although Dillashaw does indeed have finishing power of his own. I’d also argue that the former champion mixes it up more on the feet, while Garbrandt uses a more boxing-based style. “No Love” also uses high-level head movement, which was seen in his last fight against Dominick Cruz.

In terms of grappling, both men are strong wrestlers, although neither is necessarily known for his submissions.

To be honest, I won’t be surprised to see either man win this bout given how evenly matched I feel they are. Garbrandt’s power certainly gives him the ability to end the fight at any given time with one shot, but Dillashaw has only been knocked out once in his career, and that was in 2011.

Personally, I feel as if Dillashaw has continued to improve at a rapid rate over the last few years. This coupled with the fact that Garbrandt is coming off of what seemed to be a somewhat serious back injury lead me to side with the challenger.

Predicition: TJ Dillashaw def. Cody Garbrandt via Unanimous Decision

Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Rose Namajunas

Rose Namajunas is no stranger to UFC title fights.

In fact, her first official UFC bout was against Carla Esparza for the inaugural women’s strawweight title back in 2014. At that point, however, she was just 22 years old, and it may have been a bit too much too soon, as she was submitted in the third round of the bout.

Since then, she has won four of five and has improved immensely. The grappling department is her bread and butter, as three of those victories have come by way of submission, and her striking skillet has improved quite a bit as well.

Unfortunately, she’ll be going up against Joanna Jedrzejczyk this time around, and the Polish champion may just be the best female fighter on the planet.

Joanna Champion is a high-level striker, often using her Muay Thai background to pick apart opponents. Her blend of speed, power, and accuracy along with her her relentless pressure and combinations have made her a force to be reckoned with.

“Thug Rose” may have the advantage in the submission department, but I simply don’t see her being able to take Jedrzejczyk down given the fact that the champion’s takedown defense is second to none.

I’m not denying Namajunas’ improvements and accomplishments, but I just feel as if Jedrzejczyk is on another level.

Prediction: Joanna Jedrzejczyk def. Rose Namajunas via fourth-round TKO