Michael Bisping — UFC 329 predictions
Picks scorecard
5 of 8 decided picks correct
- Michael Bisping: Called 19 of 33 resolved picks
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Pick Damian Pinas · to win
Result Damian Pinas by KO/TKO, R1 Hit
All analysts: 15 picks — 10 Pinas · 5 Almeida
Backs Pinas because he sees the matchup playing into the younger knockout puncher's hands. He respects Almeida's Glory kickboxing background, but thinks Pinas' first-round UFC knockout form and upside make him the side.
“I don't think Almeida gets the job done here.”
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Pick Wang Cong · to win
Result Wang Cong by Dec, R3 Hit
All analysts: 15 picks — 4 Cortez · 11 Wang
Takes Wang Cong because he expects her striking to be too much for Cortez if the fight plays out on the feet. He notes Cortez is experienced, but frames Wang's kickboxing pedigree, rebound form and Team Alpha Male work as enough to get it done.
“Wang Cong is just going to be too much.”
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Pick Luke Riley · Decision
Result Luke Riley by KO/TKO, R1 Hit
All analysts: 16 picks — 15 Riley · 1 Kamaka III
Expects a mostly striking fight and sides with Riley's boxing, Thai boxing, footwork, rhythm and youth. He respects Kamaka's experience and UFC return, but thinks Riley has the cleaner tools to win rounds.
“Luke Riley gets the job done, but it will be via a decision.”
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Pick Cody Garbrandt · to win
Result Adrian Yanez by KO/TKO, R1 Miss
All analysts: 13 picks — 1 Garbrandt · 12 Yanez
Starts by acknowledging Yanez's boxing could fit the matchup, then talks himself into Garbrandt because of the level he has fought at, his wrestling, power and will. He also reads Yanez's recent rough stretch as a possible confidence issue.
“I'm going with Cody Garbrandt.”
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Pick Gable Steveson · to win
Result Gable Steveson by KO/TKO, R1 Hit
All analysts: 14 picks — 14 Steveson · 0 Ellison
Makes Steveson a clear pick because of his Olympic wrestling base, heavyweight athleticism, speed, power and elite coaching setup. He sees Ellison's limited UFC sample as a bad setup against a prospect he believes could be fast-tracked.
“that is the potential that he has. Of course, he wins.”
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Pick Robert Whittaker · Decision
Result Robert Whittaker by KO/TKO, R3 Hit
All analysts: 15 picks — 1 Krylov · 14 Whittaker
Takes Whittaker to win his light-heavyweight move, citing his speed, footwork, well-rounded game and power at 205. He warns Krylov is experienced, dangerous and versatile, so he expects a tough fight rather than a walkover.
“Robert Whittaker gets the job done.”
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Pick Lone’er Kavanagh · Decision
Result Brandon Royval by Sub, R3 Miss
All analysts: 15 picks — 1 Royval · 14 Kavanagh
Backs Kavanagh's speed, hand speed and kick entries as special enough to beat an experienced contender. He respects Royval's toughness and warns Kavanagh must keep his hands up, but still sees the promoted prospect winning on points.
“Lone'er Kavanagh gets the job done via decision.”
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Pick Cory Sandhagen · Decision
Result Mario Bautista by Dec, R3 Miss
All analysts: 17 picks — 10 Sandhagen · 7 Bautista
Calls it a tough matchup, but sides with Sandhagen's reach, range, footwork and fight IQ. He thinks Bautista is underappreciated and well-rounded, yet expects Sandhagen to solve enough of the puzzle to win a decision.
“I'm going with Cory Sandhagen for a decision victory.”