UFC Vegas 16: Hermansson vs Vettori Predictions

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Back to business for the Ultimate Fighting Championship as last week they played second fiddle to the return of Mike Tyson, and what a weird event that was. It's always refreshing to watch a little bit of a freak show once in a while, but I'm glad the pro's take back the spotlight tonight. Thanks to COVID, three fights were eliminated from this card last minute, the headliner also got shuffled around as well. Regardless, predictions!

Jack Hermansson vs Marvin Vettori

Originally scheduled to fight Jacare, Vettori must be licking his chops at the chance of fighting a top-5 opponent. Not that beating Jacare isn't something to ride home about, it just isn't 2015 anymore, so I imagine he'll be amped up a little more than he already is. However, this is a big step up for the Italian. Other than losing a split-decision to Izzy a few years back he's lacking that signature win/fight. A win here would be massive.

But I do have to say Hermansson has been criminally underrated for quite some time now. Admittedly, I have taken part of of the underrating of this young man, but I refuse to do so now! Jack is rangely, awkward, but most importantly he's fucking good everywhere. Vettori doesn't have the explosiveness that a Cannonier or Santos does so I would expect this one to come down to skill. Hermansson for the win.

Prediction: Jack Hermansson, 3rd RD SUB

Jamahal Hill vs Ovince Saint Preux

I think Hill has a lot of potential but I think this matchup is coming far too early for someone with his experience. He's gifted, but he has a knack for keeping his chin straight up and doesn't move his head as much as you'd like to see. Against a guy like OSP, even if he did come in overweight, that just sounds like a bad formula. Saint Preux is still a competitive guy at 205, and quite frankly Hill just hasn't shown me enough to think he can pull off the upset.

Prediction: OSP, 2nd RD SUB

Gabriel Benitez vs Justin Jaynes

This is a fun fight. Benitez is better all-around, but you cannot deny the power Jaynes has. If this fight makes it past the 1st I'd favour Benitez. But Jaynes always seems to find a way to hit his target, and usually when he lands the fight ends.

Prediction: Justin Jaynes, 1st RD TKO

John Allan Arte vs Roman Dolidze

Dolidze has massive power and is an underrated grappler. In literally every single one his fights he either takes his opponent down and controls them, or knocks them clean out. In my opinion he has a big future and he builds on his stellar debut here.

Prediction: Roman Dolidze, 2nd RD TKO

Jordan Leavitt vs Matt Wiman

For some reason when I heard Wiman was fighting I thought it was a mistake, but clearly it isn't and the loooooooong time UFC vet is taking on The Monkey King. Leavitt has a slick ground game and he'll probably lean on it to pull this one out. He doesn't have much in terms of stand-up, but something tells me Wiman doesn't either at this stage of his career. The age gap is big, but so is the experience gap. I'll side with the youngster.

Prediction: Jordan Leavitt, 2nd RD SUB

Jake Collier vs Gian Villante

Listen, both guys physically just aren't what they used to be, and even looking back on what they used to be they weren't all that impressive. Just hope this one's somewhat entertaining.

Prediction: Gian Villante, 1st RD TKO

Rest of the Card

Smola def Quinonez

Topuria def Jackson

2020 Predictions Record: 190-119-4