The UFC returns to Kansas City this evening for a massive bout between former champion Max Holloway and Englishman Arnold Allen. Holloway’s record speaks for itself; at one point argued to be the best featherweight of all time, Holloway is the only thing stopping Arnold Allen from his title shot. Tonight is unmissable for every UFC fan. In the co-main, MMA legend Edson Barboza takes on fan favourite Billy Quarantillo. See below how we think the fights go in our Holloway vs Allen predictions.
UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs Allen
Featherweight – Holloway vs Allen
Holloway seems to only lose to the elite. With Volkanovski, Poirier and McGregor being his last 3 losses. Enormous names. Other than these, Holloway has brought enormous performances. At one point arguably the greatest 145lber of all time, it is hard to pick against him.
Unless you’re picking against raging Englishman Arnold Allen. Allen is more experienced than people give him credit for, 10-0 in the UFC, and is incredible with his feet. Being great on the back foot against Holloway’s pressure is where I think Allen will shine the most. It’s time for him to prove why he belongs in the picture. A late Allen TKO or a decision for me. No English bias, of course
Staff picking Allen: Billy Darlington, Ella Earle, Lewis Glover
Staff picking Holloway: Kameron Cavanagh
Featherweight – Barboza vs Quarantillo
Barboza has been on and off for ages now. Back-to-back losses to Bryce Mitchell and Giga Chikadze are not losses to be ashamed of. His win over Burgos was very impressive considering where he is in his career. That being said, he is 3-7 in his last ten.
Billy might struggle with Barboza’s striking, but if he doesn’t, his power should carry him to the end. His bullying striking style is something I can see a 37-year-old Barboza struggling with. I have a feeling this is the last time we see him tonight.
Staff picking Barboza: Ella Earle
Staff picking Quarantillo: Billy Darlington, Kameron Cavanagh, Lewis Glover
Light Heavyweight – Jacoby vs Murzakanov
This is a great fight that is going rather unnoticed. Undefeated Murzakanov and his wrestling sambo are quintessential for the part of the world that he comes from. It has got him so far, but I am not sure if it takes him further.
Jacoby’s Thai style with his teeps allowing him to keep range will see this fight out. I feel like his wrestling defence combined with his pressure should prove too much for the Russian.
Staff picking Jacoby: Billy Darlington, Lewis Glover, Kameron Cavanagh
Staff picking Murzakanov: Ella Earle
Light Heavyweight – Tanner Boser vs Ion Cutelaba
Tanner Boser’s move to light heavyweight seems to be an intelligent one. Being leaner will help him as long as he keeps his power, and he did not seem to struggle with the cut.
Ion Cutelaba, famous for getting hit, faces a tough hitter moving down from the hardest-hitting division. I see Boser getting this done convincingly.
Staff picking Boser: Billy Darlington, Lewis Glover, Ella Earle, Kameron Cavanagh
Staff picking Cutelaba:
Bantamweight – Pedro Munhoz vs Chris Gutierrez
Munhoz’s recent record does not speak for his ability. His losses have come to all former champs, and a no contest to the number one contender. Tonight is his chance to prove he still belongs at the top.
Gutierrez’s kicks will take him far, and he is very explosive. If that explosiveness does not leave the ageing Munhoz asleep, then he could lose the decision. This is very close.
Staff picking Munhoz: Lewis Glover, Billy Darlington
Staff picking Gutierrez: Ella Earle, Kameron Cavanagh
Lightweight – Clay Guida vs Rafa Garcia
I love Clay Guida. A true legend of the game. He has always had that weird movement that everybody loves, it’s a shame that most fighters go out on losses. I have a feeling Guida will do the same.
Garcia has youth on his side, and that tends to work best against ageing fighters. I would love a Guida win for the sake of the sport. I just can’t see it.
Staff picking Guida: Lewis Glover
Staff picking Garcia: Billy Darlington, Kameron Cavanagh, Ella Earle
Holloway vs Allen Predictions
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
