T.J. Dillashaw vs. Renan Barao
While I understand why they gave Renan Barao an instant rematch, what in that first fight made it seem like he even has a chance at beating Dillashaw? From the outset, Dillashaw lit up Barao until he ultimately finished him. It was not close. It was not a lucky punch. No, it was a fight where one person dominated the other. The title shot should have went to Rafael Assuncao who has a win over the current champion. Regardless of how hard he trained, Dillashaw is going in with even more confidence and hunger to prove himself which means another stoppage win for the Alpha Male fighter at UFC 177.
Tony Ferguson vs. Danny Castillo
Danny Castillo is a good fighter, but he always seems to have those issues where he meets up with someone who can control him. Michael Johnson and Edson Barboza did not allow Castillo to dictate the pace in the fight which is what Ferguson needs to do to win this fight. Ferguson has a high finishing rate with only one of his five wins coming by way of decision. As long as he holds the pressure up Ferguson should be able finish this fight earning himself an even bigger fight.
Bethe Correia vs. Shayna Baszler
Correia is a one woman army against the Four Horseman which is headed up by women’s champion Ronda Rousey. The only thing that is going to hinder Baszler in this fight is she has not shown any of her skills. She was billed as a favorite to win the season of TUF, but ultimately fell to a relative newcomer in the sport. Correia has the ability to finish this fight on the feet which will happen easier if Baszler decides to stand. Correia will win another decision though.
Lorenz Larkin vs. Derek Brunson
Larkin had a ton of heat for him coming into the UFC, but the worst thing that happened is it seemed that heat got to his own head. That is why he sits a 1-3 in the promotion when he has the ability to beat the likes of Brad Tavares, Francis Carmont and Costas Philippou. Brunson on the other hand came in hungry which lead to his wins over Chris Leben and his close fight with top contender Yoel Romero. As long as Larkin has gotten his head out of the clouds he should be looking for his second win in the UFC by decision.
Scott Jorgensen vs. Henry Cejudo
Lets face it, Jorgensen is not the fighter that he used to be, but he is still a good litmus test for up and coming fighters. That is what Cejudo needs if he can make weight. He has all the skills to be a top contender or even challenge for the belt, but he has to become consistent in every aspect of fighting. If he can get back Jorgensen that will show a lot about his ability. Cejudo should pick up his first decision win in the Octagon.