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UFC 271: Adesanya vs Whittaker 2 – Preview and Staff Picks
Returning to Houston for the first time in 2022, UFC 271 is set to be one of the most important cards of the year.
In the main attraction, the much-anticipated title rematch Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker will finally go down. Also on the card, heavyweight bangers Derrick Lewis and Tai Tuivasa throw down in an explosive matchup. On top of the that, a 185lb title eliminator between Jared Cannonier and Derek Brunson takes the featured bout slot.
Some of our writers at VMTV – @jake-davis, @cauley-quilty, @matt-pritchard, @jamie-theodosi, @colin-shea, @aidan-murphy and @harry-elson – will also give their picks and predictions for the fights. Let’s take a closer look at this card!
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(c) Israel Adesanya (21-1) vs (#1) Robert Whittaker (24-5) – UFC middleweight championship bout
The two best middleweights in the world will finally run it back for the title at UFC 271.
Champion Iarael Adesanya’s run through the 185lb division has been nothing short of spectacular. Through his virtually unparalleled striking ability, he is deep in the process of eliminating the best contenders in the division. Coming into his fourth title defense, Adesanya has the mindset that he must lap the division before his business is done. ‘The Last Stylebender‘ is absolutely one of the best in the world, and is on the path to becoming an all-time middleweight great.
Looking to finally reclaim his title, ex-champ Robert Whittaker is coming into this weekend as a motivated man. The Aussie has gone on an extraordinary three-fight run since his loss to Adesanya, showing improvements in his game in each fight. Admitting the flaws in his original gameplan, Whittaker is ready to truly bring the fight to the champ this time around. ‘The Reaper‘ is determined to get the belt back at any cost. The question is – can he get it done this time around?
Jake’s pick: Robert Whittaker via decision
Cauley’s pick: (c) Israel Adesanya via decision
Matt’s pick: Robert Whittaker via decision
Jamie’s pick: (c) Israel Adesanya via decision
Colin’s pick: (c) Israel Adesanya via decision
Aidan’s pick: (c) Israel Adesanya via decision
Harry’s pick: (c) Israel Adesanya via decision
(#3) Derrick Lewis (26-8, 1 NC) vs (#11) Tai Tuivasa (14-3) – heavyweight bout
Two of heavyweight’s hardest hitters have been pitted to throw down in a titalating clash.
After his last win, Houston’s Derrick Lewis stands alone as the UFC’s top knockout artist. Where he may lack in technique or athleticism, Lewis surely makes up for it in one-hitter-quitter power. At 37 years old, it looks like ‘The Black Beast‘ may only have one title run left in him. Should he pick up the win on Saturday, the KO king may be back in line to challenge for the belt.
Since returning to the promotion in late 2020, Tai Tuivasa has set the UFC’s heavyweight division on fire. The fan-favourite Aussie is known not just for his shoeys, but for his devastating punching power. Riding a four-fight win-streak, it seems like the UFC brass think Tuivasa is ready for a major step-up in competition in Lewis. If ‘Bam Bam‘ can extend his streak, we may see a title opportunity for him later this year.
Jake’s pick: Derrick Lewis via KO (R2)
Cauley’s pick: Derrick Lewis via KO (R3)
Matt’s pick: Tai Tuivasa via KO (R2)
Jamie’s pick: Derrick Lewis via TKO (R1)
Colin’s pick: Derrick Lewis via KO (R1)
Aidan’s pick: Tai Tuivasa via KO (R2)
Harry’s pick: Derrick Lewis via KO (R1)
(#3) Jared Cannonier (14-5) vs (#4) Derek Brunson (23-7) – middleweight bout
A crack at the 185lb title is on the line when top contenders fight in the featured bout of UFC 271.
Having reinvented himself at middleweight, Jared Cannonier is on the path to finally capturing a belt. Despite dropping a fight to Robert Whittaker, Alaska’s finest still looks like a real title threat, possessing jaw-dropping power. Should he make it two-straight, Cannonier’s record at middleweight will be 5-1. 2022 could be the year of ‘The Killa Gorilla‘, if he gets off to a good start this weekend.
Looking for his sixth win in a row, perennial contender Derek Brunson has truly come into his own in recent times. The Strikeforce alum has improved his striking game, which has also helped him to implement his top-tier wrestling. A rematch with either of the men in the main event is on the cards for ‘Blonde‘ Brunson if he can get the win.
Jake’s pick: Jared Cannonier via KO (R3)
Cauley’s pick: Jared Cannonier via decision
Matt’s pick: Derek Brunson via decision
Jamie’s pick: Derek Brunson via decision
Colin’s pick: Jared Cannonier via KO (R3)
Aidan’s pick: Derek Brunson via decision
Harry’s pick: Derek Brunson via decision
Kyler Phillips (9-2) vs Marcelo Rojo (16-8) – bantamweight bout
A striker’s delight matchup between a pair of rising bantamweights will feature on the main card.
A former TUF and DWCS competitor, Kyler Phillips has plenty of momentum as he ascends the 135lb division. He remains one of the most promising and fan-friendly prospects at bantamweight, despite a controversial decision loss in his last outings. ‘Matrix‘ will undoubtedly try to set the Honda Center on fire come Saturday.
Opposing Phillips will be the Argentine finisher Marcelo Rojo. A veteran of Combate, Rojo has 10 confirmed stoppages in his 15 wins. He may have had a rocky Octagon debut against Charles Jourdain, but ‘Pitbull‘ is coming out to pick up another finish for his record at UFC 271.
Jake’s pick: Kyler Phillips via decision
Cauley’s pick: Marcelo Rojo via submission (R3)
Matt’s pick: Kyler Phillips via KO (R3)
Jamie’s pick: Kyler Phillips via TKO (R2)
Colin’s pick: Kyler Phillips via submission (R3)
Aidan’s pick: Kyler Phillips via decision
Harry’s pick: Kyler Phillips via decision
Bobby Green (28-12-1) vs Nasrat Haqparast (13-4) – lightweight bout
A fun stylistic clash between lightweight hopefuls is set to open up the pay-per-view card.
‘King‘ Bobby Green is one of the most beloved lightweights on the UFC roster. This is mainly due to his all-action style and inability to quit. Despite his veteran status, Green is still among the best fighters outside the top 15 at 155lbs. Coming off of a big KO win in November, he’s hoping to make it two in a row.
Though he amassed a 3-1 record upon his company debut, Germany’s Nasrat Haqparast has fallen on harder times. Dropping fights to Drew Dober and Dan Hooker has seen Haqparast’s proverbial ceiling drop. Despite that, the future still looks bright for the hard-hitting 26 year old. If he can get back on track this weekend, we could see Haqparast return to form.
Jake’s pick: Bobby Green via decision
Cauley’s pick: Nasrat Haqparast via decision
Matt’s pick: Nasrat Haqparast via decision
Jamie’s pick: Nasrat Haqparast via decision
Colin’s pick: Nasrat Haqparast via decision
Aidan’s pick: Bobby Green via TKO (R3)
Harry’s pick: Nasrat Haqparast via decision
Andrei Arlovski (32-20, 2 NC) vs Jared Vanderaa (12-6) – heavyweight bout
A former champion will look to hold his position in the division against a hopeful younggun in the featured prelim.
Many fans seem to count out the 43 year old Andrei Arlovski in today’s heavyweight landscape. However, the ex-champ is 5-2 in his last 7, only dropping fights to top-ten contenders. Arlovski’s hand speed has not diminished over time, and his defensive prowess has improved with age. Even if another title run is off the table, seeing ‘The Pitbull‘ still hanging with and beating the new generation is awe-inspiring,
Looking to cash in on a top 15 spot in 2022 is Jared Vanderaa. The DWCS signee has gone 1-2 since his TKO win against Harry Hunsucker to earn his contract. ‘The Mountain‘ is certainly not afraid of a scrap, however. An aggressive game-plan and utilising his physical attributes may be enough for Vanderaa to claim the win this weekend.
Jake’s pick: Andrei Arlovski via decision
Cauley’s pick: Jared Vanderaa via TKO (R2)
Matt’s pick: Andrei Arlovski via decision
Jamie’s pick: Andrei Arlovski via decision
Colin’s pick: Andrei Arlovski via decision
Aidan’s pick: Draw
Harry’s pick: Andrei Arlovski via decision
(#12) Roxanne Modaferri (25-20) vs (#15) Casey O’Neill (8-0) – flyweight bout
A surging Scottish prospect is hoping to steal the ranking from a scrappy retiring veteran at 125lbs.
This weekend will see the final fight of Roxanne Modaferri’s illustrious career. A former title challenger and 20 year veteran of the sport, she is one of the original pioneers of women’s MMA. Don’t be mistaken though. ‘The Happy Warrior‘ is planning on going out with a vintage performance, which would see her adding another name to extensive resume.
Perhaps the most talked-about prospect in women’s MMA right now, Casey O’Neill has caught the eye of fans around the world. The Scottish-Aussie’s mix of striking and grappling has seen her run through all three of her UFC opponents, notably Antonina Shevchenko. Should she get the win over a tough veteran like Modaferri, ‘King‘ Casey will continue to be all the rage at 125lbs this year.
Jake’s pick: Casey O’Neill via TKO (R3)
Cauley’s pick: Casey O’Neill via submission (R2)
Matt’s pick: Casey O’Neill via decision
Jamie’s pick: Casey O’Neill via TKO (R3)
Colin’s pick: Casey O’Neill via submission (R2)
Aidan’s pick: Roxanne Modaferri via submission (R2)
Harry’s pick: Casey O’Neill via submission (R1)
(#4) Alex Perez (24-6) vs (#9) Matt Schnell (15-5, 1 NC) – flyweight bout
A pair of flyweight contenders will be vying for a top spot at 125lbs on the prelims at UFC 271.
Though he’s been sidelined since his title challenge in November 2020, Alex Perez remains among the top 5 at flyweight. The DWCS alum has gone 6-2 in the UFC since his debut, only losing to Deiveson Figueiredo and Joseph Benavidez. Perez presents a challenge of furious striking, along with a dangerous submission game. A win will put this contender back on track for a second title shot.
A veteran of TUF, Matt ‘Danger‘ Schnell has been fighting the best at 125lbs and 135lbs since 2016. The karate black belt has proved himself capable for winning at the highest level, but has lacked consistent in recent times. Holding a size advantage and having been more active than Perez, perhaps Schnell will be able to crack the top 5 and put forth a case for a title shot.
Jake’s pick: Alex Perez via decision
Cauley’s pick: Alex Perez via decision
Matt’s pick: Alex Perez via KO (R3)
Jamie’s pick: Alex Perez via decision
Colin’s pick: Alex Perez via decision
Aidan’s pick: Matt Schnell via decision
Harry’s pick: Alex Perez via TKO (R3)
Alexander Hernandez (13-4) vs Renato Moicano (15-4-1) – lightweight bout
Two lightweight prospects are looking to reclaim their top 15 spots on the early prelims.
A bulldozing start to his UFC tenure had Alexander Hernandez tapped as a future champion. Unfortunately, the 29 year old has traded wins and losses since that. Hernandez still possesses a solid wrestling base and knockout power that make him a threat. If he can make up for the ground he’s lost in recent fights, this could be the year ‘The Great‘ reach his potential.
Since a string of losses at 145lbs, Brazil’s Renato Moicano has established himself as a dangerous force at lightweight. He has gone 2-1 at 155lbs since 2020, only losing to Rafael Fiziev in that span. Moicano has leaned into his grappling during his recent wins, which has produced positive results. If he can continue to do this in 2022, we can only assume that Moicano will be in the top 15.
Jake’s pick: Renato Moicano via submission (R2)
Cauley’s pick: Renato Moicano via decision
Matt’s pick: Alexander Hernandez via decision
Jamie’s pick: Renato Moicano via submission (R2)
Colin’s pick: Renato Moicano via decision
Aidan’s pick: Alexander Hernandez via TKO (R3)
Harry’s pick: Alexander Hernandez via KO (R2)
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That’s our breakdown and picks of UFC 271! Do you agree with our picks? Leave your own predictions and opinions in the comments!
After months of speculation, the UFC have confirmed that UFC 304 will be heading to Manchester’s brand-new Co-Op Live arena on Saturday July 27th.
No headliners have been announced, but the event is expected to feature a double-header with both Welterweight Champion Leon Edwards (22-3 1NC) and Interim Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall (14-3) defending their gold, with the latter going as far as announcing he would be on the card. The organisation have confirmed that the event will be taking place at US primetime, with prelims kicking off at 11pm BST and the main card at 3am BST.
This will be the UFC’s return to Manchester for the first time since UFC 204 in October 2016, which saw Michael Bisping (30-9) defend his Middleweight Championship against longtime rival Dan Henderson (32-15), with Gegard Mousasi (49-9) defeating Vitor Belfort (26-14) in the co-main event. Current champ Edwards was on the card too, defeating Albert Tumenov (25-4) on the prelims.
Aspinall is looking to follow in the footsteps of Bisping and become the second hometown fighter to defend their belt in the city, having been born in Salford, and living and training in the Greater Manchester area. The expectation is that he will fight Curtis Blaydes (18-4) in a rematch of their July 2022 bout in which he suffered a catastrophic knee injury just fifteen seconds into the fight.
There is somewhat more uncertainty in regards to Edwards’ opponent, with him being offered and accepting three names for UFC 300. The most likely outcome seems to be a rematch with the #2 ranked Welterweight Belal Muhammad (23-3 1NC), who has proven himself more than deserving of what is a long-awaited shot, having gone ten fights unbeaten, including a no contest with Edwards.
Signed for the card is a featherweight bout between London’s Nathaniel Wood (19-6) and Daniel Pineda (28-15), as reported by Al Zullino, with a fight between ranked featherweights Arnold Allen (19-3) and Giga Chikadze (15-3) also reportedly in the works.
This will be the first MMA event at Co-Op Live, which was due to open yesterday, but delayed at the eleventh hour due to power supply issues. The current expectation is for the arena to open on Saturday with a concert by The Black Keys. It will be the largest indoor arena in the UK with a capacity up to 23,500 for concerts but it is unknown what this figure will be for combat sports. The venue is located at Etihad Campus, just a five minute walk from Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium.
Tickets for the event will go on sale on June 7th. You can register your interest now here.
Multiple fights of significant importance will go down at ONE Fight Night 22: Sundell vs. Diachkova next week, and one of those is the featherweight MMA clash between Halil Amir and Akbar Abdullaev.
Both stars will bring an undefeated professional slate to Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Boxing Stadium at the Saturday, 4th May event, meaning someone’s 0 will have to go.
Sitting proudly at 10-0, Amir’s “No Mercy” moniker couldn’t be more fitting. The Turkish powerhouse has racked up three wins since making his debut in ONE Championship in 2022, with two of those coming by knockout.
Halil Amir kicked off his promotional tenure by steamrolling former World Title challenger Timofey Nastyukhin inside two rounds and followed that up by stopping the momentum of fellow rising talent Maurice Abevi via decision in April 2023.
“No Mercy’s” name was already on many fans’ minds after those back-to-back victories, but his next fight would solidify him as one to watch.
The 29-year-old returned at ONE Fight Night 16 last November and earned his quickest finish yet by knocking out Pakistani punisher Ahmed Mujtaba in the first round. Now undoubtedly knocking on the door of the featherweight MMA rankings, Amir will be looking to keep his hype train going against Abdullaev next Saturday.
However, that will be a lot easier said than done, considering the caliber of the Krygz star’s skill set. Abdullaev also boasts a 10-0 professional record, and he will be hunting his third straight finish in ONE Championship next month.
“Bakal” has yet to go the distance in his career, with nine knockouts and a submission comprising his slate so far.
Abdullaev debuted in ONE at ONE Fight Night 8 in March 2023, where he dispatched South Korean scrapper Oh Ho Taek inside the opening frame.
The 26-year-old striker returned four months later at ONE Fight Night 12 and handed Aaron Canarte the first loss of his career, ending the Ecuadorian’s streak of 10 wins with another first-round demolition job.
Their respective recent histories would suggest that Abdullaev will come out on top at ONE Fight Night 22, given that he easily held his own against a previously unbeaten star. But there is little doubt Amir’s stoic style will cause him problems, so their clash should be a firefight with the potential of stealing the show when it does down on 4th May.
“The Iron Man’s” next fight in ONE Championship is confirmed, and it’ll be under kickboxing rules.
For the first time since January 2023, ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon will lace up the big gloves for a battle with Denis Puric at ONE 167: Stamp vs. Zamboanga on Saturday, 8th June, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Impact Arena.
Rodtang last competed at ONE Friday Fights 34 in September, where he suffered his first promotional loss in ONE’s striking ranks in a Muay Thai super-fight with flyweight kickboxing king Superlek Kiatmoo9.
Fortunately for the legendary Thai, his gold wasn’t up for grabs that evening as Superlek missed weight. But the pair delivered an iconic clash that rocked the combat sports world nonetheless, with Rodtang missing out by unanimous decision.
“The Iron Man” has been sidelined with a hand injury since then, and he was forced to pull out of his highly anticipated match with Takeru Segawa in his backyard in Tokyo earlier this year as a result.
However, all looks well for him to return in June, and fans are excited to see Puric get the dream fight he’s always wanted.
“The Bosnian Menace” has been amassing momentum in ONE Championship recently.
After quashing Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat’s comeback in December 2023, he scored a dynamic victory over former #2-ranked flyweight Muay Thai contender Jacob Smith at last month’s ONE Fight Night 21 to usurp the Brit’s position.
All the while, Puric has been calling out Rodtang and claiming that he would face him in any discipline.
Now, he gets his wish, and it will be fascinating to see how his never-back-down approach fares against the aggression of “The Iron Man” at ONE 167 on 8th June.
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