Michael Chiesa and Kevin Lee will headline a special Sunday of fights in Oklahoma City, OK. Johny Hendricks will make his second appearance at middleweight when he faces off against Tim Boetsch, and Bj Penn returns to the Octagon against Dennis Siver. Let’s get to the predictions!
Michael Chiesa vs Kevin Lee
Both fighters have been on a tear recently. Chiesa has won three in a row and Lee has won four in a row. Both Lee and Chiesa favor grappling heavy attacks inside the cage. Lee has seven wins by submission and Chiesa has ten. But, Lee is the more explosive fighter. We have seen this in his past few wins. Lee will tag his opponent several times and then shoot in for a takedown when they least expect it. Chiesa has a more plodding style that doesn’t rely on athleticism. He looks to take his opponents to the mat and work his top game until he sees an opening. But, his striking leaves much to be desired. He moves at a slower pace and stands a little bit too upright for my liking. If Chiesa can get the fight to the mat, then he has a much greater chance of winning, but I don’t think that will happen. Lee is a good wrestler and he should be able to keep this fight on the feet and pick up the win.
Predicition: Kevin Lee wins via decision
Johny Hendricks vs Tim Boetsch
Johny Hendricks is looking to pick up his second win as a middleweight when he takes on Tim Boetsch. Hendricks defeated Hector Lombard by decision in his first fight at middleweight. Boetsch has had mixed results over his past few fights, and a win over Hendricks would be great for his career. Boetsch is an extremely tough opponent who has a ton of comeback victories. Hendricks has great wrestling, but usually chooses to strike because of the knockout power he has. Even though Hendricks has moved up a weight class, he still has that power in his hands. Boetsch just doesn’t have enough tools to defeat the former champ.
Prediction: Johny Hendricks wins via second round TKO
Felice Herrig vs Justine Kish
Justine Kish is a strawweight prospect who spent some time on The Ultimate Fighter, and made her UFC debut last year. She is undefeated, with a record of 6-0. Felice Herrig is an MMA veteran who has won her last two fights. Kish is still young in her MMA career, and Herrig looked excellent in her win over Alexa Grasso. Herrig should be able to put a pace on Kish that will make her wilt.
Prediction: Felice Herrig wins via unanimous decision
Joachim Christensen vs Dominick Reyes
Reyes is making his debut against the much more experienced Christensen. Reyes is undefeated in his career and is coming off of an impressive KO victory. He should be able to get past Christensen, who has gone 1-2 in his past three fights.
Prediction: Dominick Reyes wins via first round TKO
Alex Garcia vs Tim Means
Garcia is coming off of a KO win against Mike Pyle, while Means just lost to Alex Oliveria earlier this year. Garcia puts power into everything he does. Power takedowns, power punches, he goes one hundred percent at all times. Means is a veteran who has faced some very tough competition over the years. If Means can use his three-inch reach advantage and keep Garcia on the outside, he should be able to pick up a victory. Garcia needs to really get in Means’ face and mix in his strikes and takedowns and not stay at the end of Means’ reach.
Prediction: Tim Means wins via decision
BJ Penn vs Dennis Siver
Penn is returning to the Octagon after losing to Yair Rodriguez in his previous fight. Siver hasn’t fought in two years, and his last fight was a loss to Tatsuya Kawajiri in 2015. This fight really depends on Penn’s game plan. He has looked atrocious in his last few fights, and that has to do with the opponents he has faced, as well as his poor game planning. Siver is a much more suitable opponent for Penn than Yair Rodriguez was, but that doesn’t mean it will be an easy win. Siver is a tough striker with a vicious spinning back-kick. This is a winnable fight for Penn, and I hope he rides into the sunset afterwards.
Prediction: BJ Penn wins via decision
