UFC on ESPN: Kattar vs Ige Predictions

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What a wonderful world we live in. Three cards in a span of seven days, smushed together like a lovely peanut butter and jam sandwich. Make no mistake, this card is not the creme de la creme, and yes it is a bit of a catchup card, but it is refreshing to have a little pick-me-up mid week. So here we go, UFC on ESPN: Calvin Kattar vs Dan Ige.

Dan Ige vs Calvin Kattar

Dan Ige is undoubtedly coming off the biggest win of his career with a nod over Edson Barbosa, and he gets rewarded with a fight against Calvin Kattar. Now, I picked Ige against Barbosa because he's a pressure fighter and historically that just isn't Barbosa's bag, but against Kattar, I think this strategy will backfire.

Kattar is a slick in and out fighter, and has handled guys with more fire power than Ige just fine. I mean Kattar's last five fights go as follows; Stephens, Zabit, Lamas, Fishgold, and Moicano. He's been in with the big dogs and I'm not sure Ige can hang.

Prediction: Calvin Kattar, 3rd RD TKO

Ryan Benoit vs Tim Elliot

Tricky fight to call as neither man does a who lot wrong and both have shown flashes of brilliance while also showing their inconsistency. However, Elliot is in poor form as of late and Benoit's power might be enough to deter Elliot from being his aggressive self. I don't know, I guess if the gun is to my head I'll rock with Elliot but I'm not confident in the pick.

Prediction: Tim Elliott, Decision

Jimmie Rivera vs Cody Stamman

Another close one to call, as both have styles that are super similar, but I will say the difference in resumes is very telling. Rivera is one of the divisions elite, and has been a mainstay in the top 10 for a while now. Yes, he's lost to a lot of guys above him, but I trust that he'll rebound nicely after a competitive outing against the eventual champ in Petr Yan.

Sure, MMA math doesn't always add up, but I think Rivera will come in fired up.

Prediction: Jimmie Rivera, Decision

Molly McCann vs Talla Santos

After the faceoff, Molly earned this pick, just that classic British ruggedness I'm looking for. I'm going with the scouser.

Prediction: Molly McCann, Decision

Abdul Razzak Alhassan vs Mounir Lazzez

These past two years have seen the lowest of the lows and highest of the highs for Alhassan to say the absolute least, but in the octagon he's been nothing less than an absolute monster. He's had a long layoff, but I'm guessing he's ready for some long overdue stress relief in the shape of punching Mounir in the face. Look for the knockout streak to continue.

Prediction: Abdul Razzak Alhassan

Rest of the Card

Chimaev def Phillips

Murphy def Ramos

Bukauskas def Michailidis

Fishgold def Gordon

Belbita def Jojua

Shore def Phillips

2020 Predictions Record: 62 - 38