UFC 189 Predictions will tell you who we think will win all big matches this weekend including the big title fights. Do you agree with our predictions?
UFC 189 Predictions: Main Event
Chad Mendes vs. Conor McGregor
A lot of people have been waiting for Conor to face a wrestler since they think that is the style to beat him. Obviously, Jose Aldo posed a threat on the ground and standing but Mendes is a second best option outside of Frankie Edgar. The problem with Mendes is while he has striking and power he is at a drastic reach difference. With eight inches of reach difference, McGregor is going to have a big advantage standing since he knows how to fight long anyway. This means that Mendes will have to get it to the ground which he will have success with but will still get out struck in this fight by McGregor. He will lose another close decision victory.
UFC 189 Predictions: Co-Main Event
Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald
Lawler and MacDonald have fought once before, and the outcome was pretty clear with Lawler winning two round to one. Also, it is important to note that Lawler won the third round and was becoming stronger. Since then MacDonald has won three fights none of which show him to have improved his technique that much and has not even fought a full five rounds. Lawler has gone 3-1 with three of this being a full five rounds and him winning the majority of the later rounds. MacDonald is not any better of a wrestler than Johnny Hendricks nor is he any better striker than Lawler. Look for it to be even in the early going but for Lawler to win by TKO in the fourth after MacDonald tires.
UFC 189 Predictions: Undercard
Dennis Bermudez vs. Jeremy Stephens
Bermudez seemed to be on a streak but than ran into he fist of Ricardo Lamas which showed that he has a propensity to leave himself open to strikes and if you do that with Stephens then you will go to sleep. Bermudez is a good fighter but Stephens has the wrestling to stop his takedowns and the power to drop him. Bermudez will have to fight fast and furious to get him off the fight which he will do to capture a close decision win.
Gunnar Nelson vs. Brandon Thatch
Nelson has the grappling to put almost anyone out while Thatch has the striking to take out almost anyone. The difference being that anyone and almost anyone is a big difference. Thatch was submitted by a 155 pounder in Benson Henderson and now he will be facing a much larger grappler in Nelson who will takes this fight to the ground and finish by the end of the first round.
Matt Brown vs. Tim Means
Brown and Means are both tough and gritty fighters. Neither have been TKOd in a combined over sixty fights. In over 35 wins, they have a combined 28 knockouts. This most likely means that they will have a very action packed fight that may not end before the final bell. Brown could finish this fight if he took it to the ground but that is generally out of the question. Brown should be able to push harder than Means and take a decision victory over him.