The Curious Case of the Flyweights, UFC 255 Predictions
- Robbie Cameron
- Nov 21, 2020
- 3 min read
Source: UFC
Well, here we are, the second-last PPV of the year for the UFC and barring some miracle I don't anticipate this one will be breaking any records for buys. It's interesting isn't it? Even when you had arguably the P4P best fighter in the world (Mighty Mouse) as champ, the 125 division had problems gaining traction. Same could be said when you had one of the UFC's bigger name's on top as well (Cejudo). The division is a great side but it never works as the main.
I feel like invested watchers enjoy the division, but there's something about these guys that just don't resonate with the wider audience. They're fast, they're exciting, they bring the heat every time but no one wants to watch or em, or rather, no one wants to PAY to watch em. I feel like if Shevchenko was the headline people would be more receptive to this card for some reason, but hey, to each their own. This should be a great night of fights regardless!
Deiveson Figueiredo vs Alex Perez
First things first, Deiveson's power at this weight is a hack, it's devastating. You add the fact that he's efficient and you have a guy who could be the champ for a long, long time. Yes, this fight was originally built around Garbrandt, but to be honest, I'd favour Figs in that fight too. However, with Perez across the octagon it's whole other story. Not only is he the favourite, but I would absolutely be shocked if Perez walked away with the strap.
If Perez can get off those crazy calf kicks then maybe, just maybe he can slow down the Figs train. Again, I would be shocked if that happened. This lies the single biggest problem with this main event, if Perez wins literally no one will care he's champ, and if Deiveson wins he is expected to so it's really a lose-lose for the UFC. As fast paced as this fight will be, the outcome is ironically boring either way. The curious case of the Flyweights folks, get used to it.
Prediction: Deiveson Figueiredo, 2nd RD TKO
Ooof, another fight that seems to be so lopsided it's almost not worthy of watching unless you like seeing fights that are borderline squash matches. We've seen upsets in the fight game before, but Shevchenko is just so overly superior compared to the rest of the weight class it's almost like we're just waiting until the next Nunes fight comes along. Until then, I don't see Shevchenko losing....ever.
Prediction: Valentina Shevchenko, 3rd RD TKO
Mike Perry vs Tim Means
Perry has always been one of the more polarizing fighters on the UFC roster, but his last string of run-ins with the law is very concerning. I enjoy Perry as personality and a fighter, but it's hard to watch what's going with him from an outsider's perspective. I mean, the guy missed weight by 5 pounds, that's just straight up inexcusable. But sadly, he's probably the biggest star on the card and given that this PPV is going to struggle to sell, there was no chance the organization was going to pull him from the fight.
I feel like Means is too much for Perry to handle skill wise, but Perry is one of the bigger hitters in the division so anything can happen. If Perry looks like he did against Gall this should be an easy night for Means. It'll be interesting to see what Perry's gameplan is going into this one.
Prediction: Tim Means, Decision
Cynthia Calvillo vs Katlyn Chookagian
This could be the best fight of the night if these ladies approach this tilt the right way. Calvillo has started to work on her stand up and is more willing to engage, and KC has been more of volume striker since her loss to Shevchenko, so we could see a back and forth affair on the feet. However, if both choose to try and work their clinch/wrestling game then this could be a slow burn of a fight. Pending the game plan from both sides, this could be interesting.
Prediction: Cynthia Calvillo, Decision
Paul Craig vs Mauricio Rua
At this point, I don't expect much from Rua. It feels like we've been pushing him out of the fight game ever since his lost to OSP, but here he is in 2020, and once again everyone is doubting him. Although Rua is a legend, you can't deny their first fight ended in a draw because of Craig's mistakes, rather than Rua's positive actions. I just can't see the Scotsman making those mistakes again, and if does he deserves to lose.
Prediction: Paul Craig, Decision
Rest of the Card
Royval def Moreno
Buckley def Wright
Shevchenko def Lipski
Rodriguez def Dalby
Jouban def Gooden
Daukaus def Stoltzfus
Cosce def Palatnikov
2020 Predictions Record: 175-112-4
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