The first PPV of the year approaches tonight as Glover Teixeira looks to regain his title against rising contender Jamahal Hill. History is also made as Deiveison Figueiredo attempts to his belt against Brandon Moreno in a first ever tetralogy. See here for our UFC 283: CSUK Staff Predictions
The prelims kick off at 1am on UFC Fight Pass and BT Sport, with the main card at 3am on BT Sport.
UFC 283
Light Heavyweight Title – Glover Teixeira vs Jamahal Hill
Glover Teixeira is the perfect example of aging like fine wine. Glover’s ability to still perform at the level he is at the age of 43 is nothing but inspiring. Consistently beating top contenders and taking the title from Blachowicz were events that really prove Glover’s tenacity. Despite his age, Glover continues to shine
Jamahal Hill was an interesting choice for the Light Heavyweight title. Whilst no doubt an elite fighter, it seems as if his experience does not seem enough for this event. The way I see this, Glover’s advantage on the ground significantly outweighs Hill’s advantage on the feet. Hill is currently 0-1 against the rest of the top 10 in the UFC. As always with this sport it is not out of the question for Hill to take the victory, but I think Glover’s experience should speak through his fists tonight.
Staff picking Teixeira: Billy Darlington, Ella Earle, Lewis Glover, Patrick McCorry
Staff picking Hill: Lewis Simpson, Ben Evans
Flyweight Title – Deiveison Figueiredo vs Brandon Moreno
Possibly the most equal fighters ever face off tonight for a first ever fourth bout in the UFC. One draw, one win each. At this point it can be down to rock paper scissors who wins, but I will try my best.
We have seen this so many times now that there is not much more to say. If it came down to close decisions each time I would undoubtedly pick Deiveison, but the fact that Moreno ran through him that easily in the second bout makes me doubt myself.
Nobody truly knows this time around. For one reason and one reason only I believe Deiveison takes it – without the point deduction in the first fight he’d be 2-1. But that’s it.
Staff picking Figueiredo: Billy Darlington, Lewis Simpson, Ben Evans, Lewis Glover
Staff picking Moreno: Patrick McCorry, Ella Earle
Welterweight – Gilbert Burns vs Neil Magny
The man with the most wins in UFC welterweight history faces an opportunity to fly up the rankings with a win against Gilbert Burns in his home turf tonight. Magny has the most decision wins in UFC history, the longest fight time in UFC welterweight history, and four performance of the night bonuses. His CV really speaks for itself, and those overlooking Magny are seriously underestimating him.
Yet, despite all of that, Gilbert Burns is on an absolute tear in the welterweight division. Burns understands himself he has not much time left to dilly dally, and knows if he steams through Magny a title fight might be around the corner. His fight of the year contender loss against Khamzat Chimaev does not give him justice for his abilities, and Gilbert’s BJJ is really some of the best in the division. His punching power will get him far but his BJJ is what I think will take him over the finish line.
Magny is not out of the question in this fight and he will realise the opportunity he has been given. But unfortunately for him, I can’t see Burns walking out of this home country fight without a win.
Staff picking Burns: Billy Darlington, Ella Earle, Lewis Simpson, Lewis Glover, Ben Evans,
Staff picking Magny: Patrick McCorry
Flyweight – Lauren Murphy vs Jessica Andrade
The unfinishable Lauren Murphy faces the finish machine Jessica Andrade tonight. In an act of fantastic matchmaking, we will quite literally see an unstoppable force meet an immovable object.
Lauren Murphy will be cautious and careful against Andrade. Everybody knows how powerful she is. And with that legendary standing arm triangle the other week, we all know her BJJ is up to scratch as well.
This fight is a matter of whether Murphy will be able to use her chin and her wrestling to out last Andrade, or whether Andrade will find a way to crack her and put her out completely. Unfortunately for Murphy I think the latter.
Staff picking Murphy:
Staff picking Andrade: Billy Darlington, Lewis Simpson, Ella Earle, Patrick McCorry, Lewis Glover, Ben Evans
Light Heavyweight – Paul Craig vs Johnny Walker
Paul Craig and his odd but successful as of late BJJ game faces Johnny Walker’s also odd striking game. Craig has been vocal about wanting to fight in London if he wins clean, with a match up against Anthony Smith in the midst.
Walker’s submission against Cutelaba got him back on track in the rankings but ultimately he is still 2-4 in his last 6. His inconsistency brings him trouble and I fear that his worry of the takedown will distract him and put his decision making off.
Our Paul Craig takes this one.
Staff picking Craig: Billy Darlington, Lewis Simpson, Ben Evans, Patrick McCorry, Lewis Glover, Ella Earle
Staff picking Walker:
UFC 283: CSUK Staff Predictions
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
