In Oklahoma City tonight, Michael Chiesa and Kevin Lee will try to prove who is the better lightweight contender in a main event that features two completely different people in terms of lifestyles.
Chiesa is the common man that inspires people through his work more so than his attire. A guy who keeps it simple in all facets of his appearance, from fashion to trash talk, “Maverick” does his talking in the Octagon. Ever since submitting Al Iaquinta in The Ultimate Fighter Finale years ago, Chiesa has been a top prospect in the division who threatens anybody with his submission abilities. A title fight may be hard to come by right now, especially with current Lightweight Champion Conor McGregor scheduled to fight Floyd Mayweather in a superfight. But that shouldn’t worry Chiesa, who is one of the guys waiting in line when “Notorious” is back.
Enter Kevin Lee. Lee has jumped onto the scene and even more so with mainstream fans after the UFC’s summer press conference, as he and Chiesa exchanged words and eventually fists. Since then, Lee has been enjoying the spotlight that the moment created for him. A bigger spotlight will await the brash Lee if he can defeat Chiesa. Unlike Chiesa, Lee is very outgoing in his talk and apparel. Walking around and looking like a million bucks while doing so is what Lee is known for when he’s not finishing his opponents.
With this exciting main event and some fun fights on the main card, let’s get to my picks for tonight.
BJ Penn vs. Dennis Siver- Penn and Siver doing battle is a cool sight to see. For one, Penn is a legend and Siver is a bruiser that makes for a fun fight. Number two, these two can match up against each other and not worry anybody when they match against a top prospect. This is a better setting for Penn to win and I think he does tonight.
Winner: Penn via First-Round Submission
Tim Means vs Alex Garcia- Garcia is awfully dangerous and will be tonight for Means. Means is tough and will be able to get through all three rounds, but Garcia will have his way with Means.
Winner: Garcia via Unanimous Decision
Joachim Christensen vs. Dominick Reyes- Reyes will be making his UFC debut, which is usually a night where you see some early jitters. This will be a different case, as Reyes finishes off Christensen late.
Winner: Reyes via Third-Round Knockout
Felice Herrig vs. Justine Kish- Two women who fight in a jam-packed Strawweight division are looking to get a win in a battle to work up the rankings. Herrig will get the victory with a finish, getting her into the top ten of the division.
Winner: Herrig via Second-Round Submission
Tim Boetsch vs. Johny Hendricks- As good as Hendricks is, missing weight always sways me from picking a fighter. Cardio will be become a factor in this fight, and with a heavy-handed Boetsch staring across from Hendricks, it could be lights out for “Big Rigg”.
Winner: Boetsch via Third-Round TKO
Michael Chiesa vs. Kevin Lee- This is a tough fight to pick, as both men are really lethal in their grappling and can finish anyone in the blink of an eye. I think that Chiesa will be more collected in this fight and his ability to keep his composure will help him finish Lee in the middle of this fight.
Winner: Chiesa via Third-Round Submission
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