UFC 155: LowKickMMA.com Staff dos Santos vs. Velasquez Predictions
Anton Gurevich: Looking down our staff predictions for UFC 155 main event, it seems as Junior dos Santos is a clear favorite against Cain Velasquez. Well, that’s a bit far from truth. Velasquez is a dangerous opponent, who will go out there to prove his worth as a fighter. Yet, just like my LowKickMMA colleagues, I believe JDS’ hands speed and overall MMA skills will be too much for Velasquez. But then again, don’t be surprised if Cain leaves the Octagon with the title he lost to dos Santos back at the inaugural UFC on FOX event back in 2011. My prediction is Junior dos Santos via TKO in the 4th. Velasquez is hard to finish, and will fight to the end.
Mike Drahota: This fight is definitely a great year ending main event. Nothing quite has the impact of a Heavyweight title fight, and both Junior dos Santos and Cain Velasquez are absolute destroyers. With that said, I think that the fight will last longer than the first meeting between the two. Cain should show up in better shape. But I still see JDS utilizing his trademark footwork, boxing, and takedown defense to earn an early TKO stoppage. JDS by TKO in the first here.
Daniel Cassidy: Just like last time round, this time I see Dos Santos leaving with the belt around his waist. With ferocious power and unmatched hand speed (at HW at least), Dos Santos is a force to be reckoned with. While I believe Velasquez deserves much props for his well-rounded skill set, to me at least, it seems no one can trouble the Brazilian, who remains exceptional calm and well composed throughout. While Overeem may not be as well rounded as the challenger, his skill set makes him a better match up for the Champ, and until then, I can’t see any way Velasquez takes the belt. My prediction is Junior Dos Santos via R2 TKO to retain the Heavyweight strap.
John Torres: I’m going with JDS over Cain. It just isn’t his time to lose yet. Dos Santos has yet to be taken down, to the point where he’s almost asking to be taken down so he can test his yet-to-be-seen submission game from his back. I think Cain will be more game for a standup fight this time around, but I see the result being the same. JDS will be tested, but I’m calling a 2nd round TKO by the champion followed by an immediate challenge of Alistair Overeem during the post-fight interview.
Evan Holober: Junior Dos Santos is the best heavyweight in the world. In my opinion, his take down defense is criminally underrated and his striking is the most deadly outside of anybody not named Anderson Silva. His strength leads directly in to the incredibly talented Cain’s weaknesses (defense against punches, soft chin). That will lead to a repeat of sorts in how the first fight ended. I see Cain getting a few take downs, and possibly keeping it close on the score cards, but a big shot followed up by some violence on the ground ending his night. If Cain’s shortcomings were a bit less pronounced I think he’d beat JDS, along with everybody else above 205 lbs in the world. However, that’s just not the reality of the situation. Junior Dos Santos TKO 3.
