These two fighters are no strangers to each other. Don’t be mistaken, it does not mean that they are friends that go way back. What it means is that the two fighters have constantly been on each other’s backs in media interviews leading up to this fight which is exactly what spices a fight up and sells it. Thanks to the obvious personal friction between the two fighters, the fight is highly anticipated amongst fans all over the globe.
Cruz has been alleging that Garbrandt has concussion problems while on the other hand, Garbrandt insists that Cruz makes such allegations simply because he is just worried about his own insecurities and is trying to divert attention this way.
Cruz comes into this fight on the back on an immaculate 13 – match winning streak and should therefore be heavily confident, despite Garbrandt’s remarks about his insecurities. The last time Cruz was defeated was way back in 2007 when he came up against Urijah Faber. Cruz did get an opportunity to set the record straight against Faber and he did just that when he beat Faber at UFC 199 back in July.
Garbrandt is also undefeated in his own right and should be equally as confident. He has, however, not come up against a fighter of Cruz’s caliber thus far and so we think that this fight will end with Cruz winning via unanimous decision.
Amanda Nunes Vs. Ronda Rousey
This illustrious fight is the main event of the night and all eyes will be on Ronda Rousey as she makes her return to the octagon for the first time since being shockingly defeated by Holly Holm.
Nunes is not going to take it lying down! Her last outing was a victory against Miesha Tate and Nunes has proved herself in the past by taking down renowned fighters such as Sara McMann and Valentina Shevchenko.
Having said that, we cannot foresee Rousey losing consecutive fights, especially considering her perfect record up until the loss to Holly Holm. Nunes will certainly make things as competitive as possible, but our pick is still Rousey and by technical knockout.
Author : Rory McGregor