UFC Fight Night 74 Predictions
Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira:
Mike Drahota:
Utilizing seemingly newfound knockout power, Holloway has absolutely been on fire since losing a decision to Conor McGregor at UFC Fight Night 26 back in August 2013. But Oliveira has quietly been on quite the streak of his own, winning four straight with three different submissions mixed in. His Muay Thai has been progressing well, but I don’t see ‘do Bronx’ looking to strike with ‘Blessed’ here, however.
The dazzling mat technician will look to get him to the mat and wrap him up in a fight-ending choke, but Holloway maintains excellent takedown defense. I see him utilizing excellent angles on the feet to stay out of the way of Oliveira’s grappling range before landing some crisp combinations on the feet to end it. Holloway via TKO (punches) in round three.
Rory Kernaghan:
Much of the hype surrounding UFC Fight Night 74 has been centered on Max Holloway, as the promotion sees a bright future for the Hawaiian star, as do I. Charles Oliveira is a clinical finisher with some seriously high-level MMA submission skills, but I don’t think he has the wit to take out Holloway on his streak. Unbeaten in his last six, Holloway’s striking has looked world-class, and I feel he’ll dispatch ‘Do Bronx’ in under a round. Look for a big combo of punches for the TKO win in round one for Holloway.
Mike Henken:
This is a very intriguing battle between two young rising 145-pounders. Charles Oliveira is a wizard on the mat, possessing slick submission skills. The Brazilian is also no easy outing on the feet, as he uses devastating knees and Muay Thai skills in his attack. Max Holloway, although very young, is a very experienced fighter, and he’s actually won six-straight. A tough and gritty Hawaiian, I expect Holloway to use his well-rounded skillset to get the better of Oliveira. If he can stay out of submissions, I see Holloway taking this one via third round TKO.
Neil Magny vs. Erick Silva:
Mike Drahota:
This has all the makings of a “Fight of the Night”-winning co-main event, as Magny is undoubtedly motivated by his submission loss to Demian Maia at August 1’s UFC 190, while Silva is always known for putting on extremely exciting fights win or lose. The quick turnaround could affect Magny here, but he’s appeared to stay in great shape and simply got caught by a world-class BJJ expert after winning seven straight.
While obviously not on the same as Maia, Silva is a talented and dangerous BJJ black belt who has a wide array of unique and dangerous techniques. Much like his country Oliveira, he’ll need to get inside Magny’s striking range and get the fight to the ground to attempt a submission. ‘Indio’ may have some solid stand-up of his own, but Magny should hold a distinct boxing edge thanks to his range and technical precision. I believe he’ll use that expertise to pick Silva apart, stuffing his takedown attempts and gradually wearing him down over the course of three rounds. Magny by unanimous decision.
Rory Kernaghan:
A welterweight co-main event between Erick Silva and Neil Magny poses some interesting questions. Demian Maia recently knocked Magny off his impressive win streak, and Erick Silva has been the yo-yo of the division for a while now. This should be very exciting for fans, and I think it’ll be the reach and determination of Magny that wins the day. I also imagine this bout will take place mainly on the feet. Magny by decision.
Mike Henken:
Neil Magny was riding quite a lengthy win streak heading into his bout with Demian Maia at UFC 190, yet he suffered a submission loss and is now stepping into the Octagon less than a month later with an extremely tough challenge in front of him in Erick Silva. Magny has solid range and could look to pick apart Silva from the outside, but I expect the vicious Silva to get inside here, land big kicks, and get the better of Magny. I see this fight playing out on the feet, where I believe that the Brazilian will have the advantage. Silva by unanimous decision. Click here if you would like to bet on this fight
