UFC on Fox 15 – FTS Lowdown
This Saturday, the UFC return with UFC on Fox 15, easily the stand out event of April’s busy docket, and one of the best main cards the UFC has put on free TV in a long time.
Before we give you our main card picks, look at why you should care about each main card fight and tell you which fights from the undercard you need to keep an eye out for, here is the full card, complete with full details on how to watch in the UK; start times and network/TV channel.
Here are the FTS Teams Picks for each of the main card fight, complete with why you should care
Luke Rockhold vs Lyoto Machida
Jimbo & Don – Rockhold
PG – Machida
Jimbo/Don’s case for Rockhold; “this is gonna be a close fight. When two strikers of this calibre go up against each other anything can happen but we’re not expecting a finish . However, Rockhold has been on terrifying form as of late, and will most likely be the aggressor, which could be enough in such a close bout where the judges are likely to be involved. If Rockhold is patient, can stay inside and get Machida down on occasion then we can see him getting the decision.”
PG’s case for Machida – this is a very interesting match up. Rockhold is an absolute specimen and spectacular all round fighter whose stand up is quickly catching up with his grappling. Machida on the other hand, in my opinion has the best stand up in the UFC if not all of mixed martial arts. There are only a couple of fighters who stand out the way he does. Dominic Cruz and Demetrious Johnson come to mind. He is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Walter Broca. Broca in turn trained under Ricardo De La Riva who received his black belt from Carlson Gracie. In short Machida is a sound practitioner of BJJ and if Rockhold submits him then I would well and truly eat humble pie. This fight will be fought like so many of Machida’s fights at his pace and at his range. Machida to win via unanimous decision victory.
Why you should care – if you’re an MMA fan, you’re gonna watch this fight without us telling you too. It’s two of the most well rounded middleweights in the world, who are arguably the two best strikers in the Middleweight division, going at it to decide the number one contender. Amazing stand up battles don’t get better than this!
Ronaldo Souza vs Chris Camozzi
Unanimous for Souza
The case for Souza – I think we speak for just about every MMA fan in the world when I say that Souza is a certainty here. He is better everywhere, and VASTLY better on the ground. We’ve also seen this fight before – Souza won by submission in minutes. Fair play to Camozzi for stepping up but when a fighter is 1/33 (!!!) at the bookies to win, you know what’s up.
Why you should care – Jacare is an absolute beast, and there is something to be said for a good old fashioned squash match now and then! Don’t blink!
Unanimous for Swanson
The Case for Swanson; Swanson is coming off of a loss to Frankie Edgar but despite that setback has picked up some good wins recently, looking absolutely devastating in the process. Swanson has precision speed and footwork to match and is more than willing to trade. Holloway also has some good wins recently and is currently riding a 5 fight winning streak – getting better and better in every outing in the octagon. He too is willing to take a hit to give one. And that may prove to be his downfall. In a bout that we can’t see hitting the ground much, Swanson will likely have a power edge and whether Holloway’s chin can hold up is what we’ll find out! Holloway needs to pressure Swanson and stay on him to get the win, but we expect Swanson to handle that and outstrike the young ever improving Holloway en route to a victory.
Why you should care – two of the most exciting strikers in the UFC featherweight division are going to be in a cage at the same time – what’s not to like? Couple in the fact that both guys have shown to be incredibly durable with solid chins, this is an absolute contender for Fight Of The Night.
Paige Van Zant vs Felice Herrig
Jimbo & Don – Paige
PG – Herrig
Jimbo / Don’s case – although it is wise to be wary of picking younger fighters in the UFC, as experience counts for a lot in the Octagon, there are exceptions. Rising star VanZant is coming up against an experienced kick boxer in Herrig, whose submission game is also devloping nicely; VanZant’s key to winning is to close the distance and keep Herrig busy, wearing her down and overwhelming her with offence. Based on Van Zants last performance, an absolutely exceptional display of relentless offence, Paige should be able to get the win against veteran Herrig.
PG’s case for Herrig – contrary to the other guys, I can’t overlook the experience edge that Herrig has. She’ll be more skilled on the feet and will outstrike the young Van Zant, who has a lot of hype for someone who to this date is completely untested against even mid level opposition.
Why should you care?
So there you have it – the main card done. But what should you look out for on the undercard – here are our undercard fights we think it will definitely be of interest to look out for!
Diego Brandao v Jimy Hettes on the Fight Pass Prelims is a real sleeper of a fight and a great style match up between a buzzsaw striker in Brandao and a tactically astute grappler in Hettes. If Hettes can weather the inevitable storm, it might be a long night for Brandao, but if he can’t, there might be a bonus waiting for Brandao!
Jim Miller v Beneil Dariush closing out the BT Sport prelims. Have you ever seen a boring Jim Miller fight? Nah, neither have we!
