This title fight is possibly the best possible MMA match-up in UFC history. Both Chris Cyborg and Tonya Evinger have maintained good records over the last few years. Let’s begin with Cyborg. Following Ronda Rousey’s departure, she reclaimed her MMA title and has sharpened her game, which includes her power to KO opponents. Apart from her reputation as a slugger she also poses a threat to all her opponents who are often taken down just for that reason. Cyborg is on a winning streak, 18 of them in a row, and this could continue although Evinger is potentially the one who could end that run.
Evinger had an amazing run in the Invicta FC and after three straight wins she took the bantamweight title against Irene Aldana (knockout) and held on to it for two years. Both Cyborg and Evinger enter the cage with winning streaks so this is likely to be a close contest. Cyborg at 145 pounds does hold an advantage against Evinger at 135 pounds. She is an efficient striker and what is noteworthy is the fact that she landed 66 percent of her strikes in two UFC bouts. Evinger on the other hand is good from the clinch and is known to score with trips. She also has a long reach.
That said, Cyborg still has an upper hand in the clinch given her physical strength and the ability to peel off, step back and unload a few serious punches. While Evinger is a fighter, Cyborg can still bag another title and win by TKO.
Tyron Woodley. vs. Demian Maia
The UFC 214 welterweight is another interesting fight to watch and places a couple of wagers. Demian Maia has a great chance of claiming this UFC title. Let’s say he a bit unfortunate for being put into difficult fights by the UFC, which his fans believe is an attempt to get him out of the title race. However, he has managed to pack in a few wins over stiff competition. This time around the stiff competition comes from Tyron Woodley.
Woodley is known for his knockout power but earlier did not manage to pull in a winning streak. His losses to Jake Shields, Rory MacDonald and Nate Marquardt are something he hadn’t been able to completely brush off. However, he did win by a KO against Robbie Lawler at UFC 201 in June 2016 and then retained it at UFC 205 and 209 against Stephen Thompson. This is definitely a confidence booster and has him labeled as the best 170-pound opponent. Woodley could have this one in the bag by unanimous decision.
Author : Rory McGregor
