Jose Aldo (-115) Vs Pedro Munhoz (-105)
When “The Lioness” Amanda Nunes came down with Corona UFC 265 went from a 2-title fight card to now just the Interim Heavyweight title up for grabs. With the GOAT out for tonight the UFC called upon future UFC Hall of Famer Jose Aldo (29-7) to headline the Co-main event as he continues to battle to find his way to a Bantamweight title shot. It’s hard to believe that Aldo is still only 34 years old because it he has been around for-ev-aaaa (Sandlot voice). This guy made his debut in 2008 before rattling off 15 straight wins as he became the undisputed king of the Featherweight division. Then came an Irishman named Conor McGregor who took his title in embarrassing fashion and we all know what happened next. Champ Champ Conor McGregor gets stripped of both belts (145 & 155) and made $100 Million fighting Floyd Mayweather, Max Holloway beats Aldo to become new featherweight king, defends against Aldo and beats him again in the rematch and that was just about a wrap for poor old Aldo in the MMA community’s eyes.
But Jose Aldo feels he stills has some miles on him and decided to go down to 135 pounds and take a crack at that title. This fight against Munhoz is everything for Aldo. If he loses this one I don’t see him getting another title shot and I think Aldo knows it. He is 1-2 as a Bantamweight and already lost to #1 contender and former champ Petr Yan. This fight is basically a pickem with slight odds going to Aldo. I like Pedro Munhoz (19-5,1 NC) though. He is a hungry fighter who loves to brawl and just keepd coming at you. Can Aldo keep pace with Munhoz? Or will he tire-out and get gassed by the constant pressure. We can all expect a hell of a fight either way but I like Munhoz here. Prediction– Munhoz 3rd Rd TKO
Michael Chiesa (-105) VS Vicente Luque (-120)
Another fight I think is going to be in the running for Fight of the Night is Chiesa and Luque. Two very exiciting fighters with alot of experience who love to scrap. After back to back submission losses in the 155 lb Lightweight division, Michael Chiesa (18-4) decided to stop killing himself to make weight every fight and move up to the 170 lb Welterweight division. And since making that decision he is 4-0 and beat some big names in Carlos Condit, Diego Sanchez, Rafael Dos Anos and most recently Neil Magney. I think we can all say the Welterweight experiment has worked out pretty good for Chiesa and now he’s looking to make another statement taking on Vicente Luque. Luque (20-7-1) has been a man on a mission lately going 9-1 in his last 10 fights and his only loss was a decision loss to Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson who is widelyt considered the most skilled fighter in the division. The “Silent Assassin” can do it all with the majority of his wins coming from on the feet but this Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt will be very comfortable on the ground if/when Chiesa manages to take him down. Both fighters are very skilled submission artists and can choke you out in multiple ways. This is gonna be an awesome fight but I feel Luque is gonna be too much for Chiesa. Prediction– Luque Submission/TKO