Friday's Final Word #12
UFC heads to Singapore | Usyk vs Dubois
Evening all
Thanks for your patience over the last few weeks!
I had some time away on holiday with my family so haven’t put out much content and although I did speak with plenty of you on social media during that time, it’s good to be back and we have got a decent weekend in store.
In boxing, my pound-for-pound #1 Oleksandr Usyk returns to take on Daniel Dubois and we will break it down later in this newsletter but for me…it’s one sided and for that reason, let’s give our attention to the UFC card in Singapore!
UFC Singapore
Firstly, the broadcast time for this one is perfect for us in the UK.
10am prelims // 1pm main card.
I don’t know about you but having a UFC card start on a Saturday morning is something that I could get used to and I think we could be treated to a few bangers here!
Starting at the top, it’s always good to see Max Holloway back and he continues to defy all logic by improving despite the crazy amount of miles on the clock.
‘Blessed’ has got 27 UFC fights under his belt and with majority of them at the highest level, we are all waiting for the moment that he starts to decline.
After a couple of defeats to Volkanovski, we thought we might have seen it but he bounced back and put manners on both Calvin Kattar and Arnold Allen to let everyone that he is still a big player at 145lb.
In truth, I think this fight is slightly easier than Kattar or Allen and that is no disrespect towards ‘The Korean Zombie’ but his style just plays perfectly into the hands of Holloway.
This plays out on the feet and in that world, Holloway is just so far ahead.
‘TKZ’ is so tough but if he stands in front of Holloway in the same way he did Volkanovski, he will get taken out this weekend.
The problem is, I don’t think he knows any other way.
As always, this will be competitive but Holloway just has too many tools and should come through inside the distance.
Official Pick: Max Holloway by KO/TKO
Support Cast
There are a few fights on the main card that deserve some attention.
In the co main, Anthony Smith and Ryan Spann run it back and although Smith made easy work of Spann in 2021, the results since mean this could be fairly competitive.
Since that win, Smith has lost two on the bounce and looked a shadow of his former self. Against Magomed Ankalaev, Smith struggled and was stopped after suffering a horrific looking leg injury and when he came back earlier this year against Johnny Walker, it was his legs that looked vulnerable as he was kicked almost into submission by Walker.
Smith’s inability to defend leg kicks will make him vulnerable again this weekend and it doesn’t take a genius to work out what tactics Spann will apply but he will have to overcome the demons of the first fight and he has never been a fighter with the strongest mental game.
Both of these men have flaws and that’s what makes the matchup so interesting. Despite all the red flags in recent performances, it is surprising to see Smith as an underdog just because of how easy he made it look vs Spann the first time.
It’s a fighter neither can afford to lose but with his back against the wall, I think Anthony Smith will have enough to go 2-0 against Ryan Spann.
Official Pick: Anthony Smith to win.
Another interesting fight on the main card is Giga Chikadze vs Alex Caceres at featherweight.
After entering the UFC in 2019, Chikadze put a run together that had people suggesting he was a future title contender but was humbled last year when he was brutally beaten up by Calvin Kattar.
It’s been eighteen months since that defeat, which gives you an idea of how brutual it was, but it would be harsh to just write Chikadze off after that.
Kattar is a very good fighter in his own right and if Chikadze has learnt from it, it could take his game to a new level.
I also think this is a good matchup for him to come back to.
Caceres is a bit of a veteran now but he has a habit of beating people who don’t show him enough respect.
He holds wins over Julian Erosa, Seung Woo Choi & Chase Hooper, all fighters who probably viewed him as a bit of a stepping stone…a mistake Chikadze CANNOT make this weekend.
I don’t expect any corners to be cut by the Georgian and if he has learned from his last defeat, I think he can navigate this matchup and get a victory on the cards.
Official Pick: Giga Chikadze by decision.
The fight that I am most looking forward to on the main card is Erin Blanchfield vs Taila Santos.
I have said before I think Blanchfield is a future world title holder but this is a serious test.
Santos, for me, beat Valentina Shevchenko last year and if she would have got that, her career would be looking a lot different right now.
This is an incredible clash of styles.
I think Santos holds big advantages on the feet but if Blanchfield gets hold of her, it could be a long night.
I don’t know if there is anyone in this division that will live with Blanchfield on the mat and at 24, she is just improving all the time here.
No pick for me in this one but what a matchup.
CAN’T WAIT.
A Fight To Keep An Eye On.
The fight to keep an eye on this week is Rinya Nakamura vs Fernie Garcia at bantamweight.
Nakamura is making a lot of noise and he could be something a bit special.
He won world gold while competing as a freestyle wrestler and his transition to MMA has been exceptional.
The wrestling base gives him a brilliant base but he has got genuine power in his hands too which makes him so dangerous.
Fernie Garcia is a product of The Contender series but is 0-2 since getting on the UFC roster.
He has been competitive in his two defeats but a win here could turn his career around and I expect him to come out firing.
Although this will play into the hands of Nakamura and that’s why I think we will POTN!
A great fight and the coming out party for a potential superstar!
Official Pick: Rinya Nakamura in round 1.
Heading to Poland
Usyk vs Dubois is a fight that has not really caught the imagination and I can understand why.
I have all the respect in the world for Daniel Dubois but he is not ready to be fighting at this level.
Usyk has shown in the past that he can cruise against boxers who shouldn’t be in the ring with him (Chisora) but no matter how I look at this one, I don’t see how Dubois wins.
I think I know his tactics.
March forward, target the body, hurt Usyk…take him out.
Simple, right?
Wrong.
No matter what people think of Anthony Joshua, he is a much better version of Daniel Dubois and I expect the fight to play out quite similar.
I expect Usyk to take his time, have a look and then put his foot on the peddle.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Dubois landed some shots early, but only if Usyk allows it.
As this progresses, I think Usyk takes over and takes Dubois out.
Joshua survived but I don’t think Dubois will.
Once this is done, hopefully we get the Fury fight…
Official Pick: Oleksandr Usyk in rounds 7-12.
Signing off…
Thanks again for the patience and the support, it means the world.
To the few of you that have decided to become paid subscribers, thank you so much.
Also, we have a sponsor coming on board in September which will take us to a whole new level.
Time to takeover!
Have a great weekend, all!