If The Glove Fits, UFC 267 Predictions

Source: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

It's crazy to think that the last time Glover Teixeira got a shot at the 205 belt was almost a whole decade ago (my maths bad so I'm just rounding up), and Jan was just about to embark on the worse stretch of his career. However, here we are, a new decade and these guys look like new fighters. Geriatric's, an interim belt, the return of a big-time prospect, and a hangman puts his neck on the line. UFC 267 has it all, here we go!

Jan Blachowicz (C) vs Glover Teixeira

It's hard to believe, but these are the two premiere 205ers in the game today. I don't say that jokingly, these two guys have absolutely earned their stripes. Jan is coming off the biggest win of his career, and probably one that many didn't see coming, and in that fight against Izzy he showed just how gifted of a striker he is. He also showed that he has all the tools in the bag to beat a great fighter.

Glover on the other hand has looked dominant in his own right as of late. Winner of five straight, and conquering some of the biggest names in the division in that same stretch, I actually like his chances in this fight. If he can turn this into a slow grind, and mix in a few timely strikes, it could be enough to keep the Polish power at bay. It may be an unpopular prediction, but I think the Brazilian pulls off the upset.

Prediction: Glover Teixeira, Decision

Corey Sandhagen vs Petr Yan

The way the fans and experts alike have been treating this fight, I feel like everyone is in agreement that the winner of this can absolutely be called king of the 135 division. I know technically Aljo is champ...but is he? Is he really? Not after all that has gone down. I think Sandhagen's length could give Yan some trouble early on, but I think as the fight goes on, Yan will start to break the big man down.

This is a fight worthy of a title, and if Sandhagen play's his cards right he could walk out of the building with a belt around his waist. Ultimately, Sandhagen's best moments will come early, but as the fight moves into the championship rounds, I believe that's when Yan will begin to apply the pressure. Should be an awesome fight, and is one of the more unpredictable fights on the card.

Prediction: Petr Yan, Decision

Islam Makhachev vs Dan Hooker

I may get in shit for this, but if I'm a betting man I'm feeling a lot of the underdogs on this card. Hooker is the biggest underdog on the main card at +450, and that kinda leaves me salivating. I will say that he looked OVERWHELMED against Chandler, and even though Islam doesn't have that type of power, he does apply an insane amount of pressure on his opponents.

If Hooker can take it to Islam and get away from leaning on his back foot, he could cause Islam some problems. There is no part of me that believes that Islam will want to stand and bang with the hangman (he has too big of an advantage on the ground), but he's been known to try and test himself unnecessarily. If Dan can keep this fight moving I think he can shock the world. Big if though.

Prediction: Islam Makhachev, Decision (Hooker is a great flyer bet here though)

Marcin Tybura vs Alexander Volkov

Marcin has reeled off a sneaky awesome resume. He's doesn't have great standup, but he's got enough to get by and Volkov isn't exactly Ivan Drago in there. I think if Tybura can get on the inside and get this fight to the mat he can cruise his way to an easy win. However, at this weight class all it takes is one shot so he's got to be careful working his way in,

Prediction: Marcin Tybura, 2ND RD SUB

Khamzat Chimaev vs Jingliang Li

Jingliang is a monster. The dude's head alone looks like a cement brick and has a warrior's mentality, which are two things that can't be taught. He's a big step up for Chimaev, and despite how impressive Khamzat has looked in previous fights, a long bout with COVID has a lot of people questioning where he is at mentally. I think this will be a small bump in what will be a long road for Khamzat.

Prediction: Jiangliang Li, 2ND RD TKO (Li is another awesome flyer at +410)

Magomed Ankalaev vs Volkan Oezdemir

A classic "out with old, in with the new" type of fight. Now, in saying that, Oezdemir has had some big wins against some tough guys as of late, and has really only lost to the division's best. So it's not as though he's a fading lion at all. However, Ankalaev has been on a monster streak and is just a stud at this weight. Ankalaev can be too patient at times, and that could lead to openings for Oezdemir, but I think Magomed will weather the storm.

Prediction: Magomed Ankalaev, Decision

2021 Predictions Record: 134-83-3