Rest? What's Rest? UFC 256 Predictions

Source: UFC.com

I was skeptical about how financially successful UFC 255 would be with the Flyweights trying to prove their worth. And after scouring the internet (aka a 1-page google search), I found absolutely no info worth sharing here. However, it must have been good enough to give the 125ers another go at running the show because here we are just a few short weeks later, and Deiveson is putting his title on the line once again.

Say what you will about the Flyweights in terms of drawing power, but they are currently as hot as they've ever been. With CCC still chatting away, and Garbrandt licking his chops to a shot (once healthy), the division seems to finally have some relevance. This card also gets a boost over 255 for the simple fact that it's absolutely loaded. Anytime Tony Ferguson gets to fight you know it's going to be a good time.

Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Brandon Moreno

At this point, I think it's fair to stop underestimating just how dominant Figueiredo is going to be. Moreno seems to be a nice fellow and pretty good fighter, but I believe Deiveson is going to be following in the footsteps of his UFC predecessors at 125. He's just so fucking good. The power he possesses for his size is insane, and as we saw in his last fight, his grappling is on another level as well.

Moreno is a live underdog to bet on if you're looking for the upset, he's tough, skilled, and is down to scrap, but I think Deiveson is just better everywhere. I don't think it'll be as quick as Deiveson's last title defence, but I wouldn't be surprised if he looks just as impressive. Maybe I'm underestimating how good Moreno is, but I'm willing to go all-in on the champ at his expense.

Prediction: Deiveson Figueiredo, 3RD RD TKO

Tony Ferguson vs. Charles Oliveira

This is it! This is the fight Oliveira has been waiting for as he finally gets a crack at one of the big boys. I can't stress enough how huge of a step up in talent this is for Charles, Ferguson may be coming off a beating, but I'm willing to bet that that would only spark El Cucuy to come back even stronger. But the fact remains that Oliveira is coming off the biggest win of his career, and Ferguson is coming off of his worst, not to mention he is now 37 years old.

Father time is undefeated, but if there's anyone who can defy all logic, it would be Ferguson. If this fight isn't the leading candidate for Fight of the Night, I'll be shocked. Have those sunglasses ready because this fight is going to be electric (that pun doesn't work, does it?).

Prediction: Tony Ferguson, Decision

Mackenzie Dern vs. Virna Jandiroba

Two very high-level BJJ savants here, so that probably means we are going to see a kickboxing match (that's usually how it goes, right?). Listen, as much as I think Dern is wild standing, she does have some pop in her punches, and I think that that could favour her in a fight where two average strikers faceoff. Who knows, maybe these two try and challenge each other on the mat (I hope that's the case), but in any event, I'll lean towards Dern.

Prediction: Mackenzie Dern, Decision

Kevin Holland vs. Ronaldo Souza

Look, I love Kevin Holland's game. Unlike a lot of people, 2020 has been very good for Holland's growth, but he may have bitten off more than he can chew when it comes to Jacare. This fight can go one of two ways; Holland can stay on the outside and pick the old vert apart, or Souza can do what he does best and drag Holland into the deep end of the pond. I don't see a version of this fight where Holland isn't going to have to use either his sub or takedown defence, and that's where the real answers will come.

If Holland can sub out Jacare's subs and takedowns, then I think he could be in line for a very nice victory. However, he hasn't faced anyone as close to as good as Souza is on the ground, and the last time he fought someone who preferred to grapple (Brendan Allen), he lost via choke. As a fan, I'm cheering for Holland, but as a half-assed journalist, I'm worried there are too many cons going against him. But it's 2020, and anything can happen!

Prediction: Jacare Souza, 2ND RD SUB

Junior dos Santos vs. Ciryl Gane

Very close fight to call this one is. On one hand, you have the future HOFer in JDS, and on the other, you have a dude with a tremendous amount of upside. The thing about Gane that a lot of Heavyweights don't have is the conditioning to throw as much as he does. He may not possess the power of a Ngannou or Rozenstruik, but he can string together an endless amount of high octane combinations like few can at this weight.

You can't count out Dos Santos, and it isn't like Gane isn't there to be hit, but you really have to wonder what JDS is fighting for at this point in his glorious career. The Frenchmen is a tad raw, but he is hungry, and I'll take hunger over old age any day...

Prediction: Ciryl Gane, 2ND RD TKO

Rest of the Card

Pineda def Swanson

Moicano def Fiziev

Torres def Hughes

Tucker def Quarantillo

Hooper def Barrett

2020 Predictions Record: 194-123-4