UFC on Fox 8 Staff Predictions
Jake Ellenberger vs. Rory MacDonald:
Mike Drahota: On paper, this is one of the best fights the ultra-talented UFC Welterweight division can put together. Both fighters are well-rounded and present great standup games, marking the distinct possibility for an entertaining war. The x-factor here, to me, has to be the odd lead up to the fight where Ellenberger talked a ton of awkward trash and MacDonald just kind of said, “whatever.” It seems like Ellenberger is trying to very hard to get inside the younger MacDonald’s head, but he may have gotten inside his own. ‘The Juggernaut’s” gas tank may be his only downfall, so I’ll have to go with MacDonald via unanimous decision.
Rory Kernaghan: Ellenberger vs. MacDonald is a very interesting fight, and not just because of the trash talk. Both guys are heavy hitting animals, who have also been finished by strikes. I expect a tentative first round, followed by a bloodbath in round two. After some back and forth I expect to see Ellenberger knock the fade off of Rory Mac via a huge left hook. Ellenberger by KO in round two, winning FOTN and KOTN.
Brian Cox: This is a fight that could see either or opponent face down on the canvas. I think the question in this fight will be, can Ellenberger connect with his power and will his wrestling prove effective? I think for Jake to win this fight he has to push MacDonald into the “phone-booth” and beat him up. MacDonald on the other hand is more technical (everywhere) and is like an automaton in the cage. I believe that Rory will have the skills to stay-away from Jake’s power and will nullify his wrestling and will end-up picking Jake apart. MacDonald Round 3 TKO.
Demetrious Johnson vs. John Moraga:
Mike Drahota: I can’t remember a UFC title fight that’s gone under the radar more than this bout, as the flyweight division is still struggling to gain footing with casual MMA fans. That said, the division has a great champion in Demetrious Johnson, who’s a great athlete and technician. His opponent John Moraga is a tough brawler from Arizona, but I don’t see anything other than a ‘Mighty Mouse’ unanimous decision win here.
Rory Kernaghan: Demetrious Johnson is a future great in the UFC, in my opinion. He will face, in John Moraga, a very tough and dynamic opponent, but not one that he can’t handle. I expect Might Mouse to use his speed and agility to outpoint Moraga en route to a UD victory.
Brian Cox: Both fighters are talented and fast. Both fighters can fight everywhere and neither are overwhelming finishers. I think this will be go the distance and end by decision. In light of that, I have to go with Johnson. He truly is a “Mighty Mouse” and as he has never been KO’d or submitted, I don’t see him losing a decision to Moraga. Johnson will probably get on his bike and run around him all night, out pointing his opponent. Johnson by unanimous decision.
