Sean O’Malley Vs. Jose Quinonez
I believe this weekend we will see the start of a journey that will take ‘Sugar’ Sean O’Malley to the heights of the sport. Although it may seem funny to say that at the first fight back after a two-year layoff; I don’t feel these two years have been a layoff for Sugar. Sure, he hasn’t been under the lights in the Octagon but just take a look at the content he’s been putting out and you’ll see he hasn’t wasted these two years. Proof of that was made at a GRAPPLING event where Sugar held his own against legitimate black belts. We know all about his striking but his ground game is something to now be excited about.
I feel Jose Quinonez is a perfect opponent for Sugar to display his skillset against. After watching Jose against Nathaniel Wood in London last year; I feel it will be difficult to get a result against the lengthy and highly skilled O’Malley.
PREDICTION: Sugar 2nd round TKO
Zhang Weili Vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk
In my opinion, this is the most anticipated women’s MMA fight since Nunes stunned Cyborg. Weili’s performance against Jessica Andrade last August was sensational and showed her ability to finish the fight early. Joanna on the other hand usually picks off her opponent as the rounds go on using a variety of striking tools. Putting these two things together will surely bring an entertaining fight come UFC 248.
So how do I see this fight going? Well, I believe two scenarios are possible. One; Zhang comes out and lands heavy blows from the off; forcing Joanna to fight on the back foot. This would not be good for Joanna as she enjoys pushing the pace and forcing her pressure on her opponent. Two; Joanna manages to control the Octagon and back Weili up before slowly picking her apart using her well developed striking tools.
I’m aboard the Zhang Weili train and believe the first option will play out. I’m not sure Joanna has the power to put off Zhang from throwing heavy strikes. At the same time, Joanna will not come charging in and make the same mistake Andrade did so I do not see this one finishing in 42 seconds.
PREDICTION: Zhang Weili 3rd round TKO