SACRAMENTO, CA, December 13, 2013 – The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to network television this Saturday night with UFC on FOX 9 emanating from the Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, CA.
UFC on FOX 9 will feature a flyweight title bout between champion Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson and top contender Joseph Benavidez. The UFC on FOX 9 main card also features former bantamweight champion Urijah Faber along with another top contender in Chad Mendes.
Check out our UFC on FOX 9 Preview and Predictions for every fight on tap for this Saturay night.
UFC on Fox 9 – Main Card Predictions (FOX)
125 lbs.: (C) Demetrious Johnson (18-2-1) vs. Joseph Benavidez (19-3)
Demetrious Johnson has been dominant since winning the belt at UFC 152. He’s beaten everyone he’s faced including the top four guys the UFC has thrown him at lightweight. Meanwhile Joseph Benavidez is on a three-fight winning streak of his own and looking to unseat “Mighty Mouse” for the right to be called the world’s best 125 lbs. fighter.
This bout should look a lot like their first one with the champion looking to utilize his speed and agility advantage while Benavidez will look to land power shots in order to slow his opponent down. Both will look to mix in takedowns and groundwork whenever possible to gain the edge and score but it should be another close bout reminiscent of their first fight.
Prediction: Demetrious Johnson over Joseph Benavidez by split decision
135 lbs.: Urijah Faber (29-6) vs. Michael McDonald (16-2)
In one of the more intriguing fights of the evening, hometown favorite Urijah Faber will look to defend his place in the bantamweight pecking order against young upstart Michael McDonald. A longtime kickboxer, McDonald may have the edge on the feet, at least definitely on the outside, but should Urijah get in, he should be able to score with close-distance strikes and takedowns. The former champ will want to show everyone he’s still competitive at the top of this division and should do just that on Saturday night.
Prediction: Urijah Faber over Michael McDonald by unanimous decision
145 lbs.: Chad Mendes (15-1) vs. Nik Lentz (24-5-2)
Chad Mendes is the best featherweight fighter in the world not named Jose Aldo, while Nick Lentz is making his case and has put up three straight wins since dropping from lightweight. The issue for him however is that “Money” Mendes is a terrible matchup and better in every area.
Prediction: Chad Mendes over Nik Lentz by unanimous decision
155 lbs.: Joe Lauzon (22-6) vs. Mac Danzig (22-11-1)
Loser leaves town? Both these longtime vets have lost two in a row so this fight is a “must-win” for both. Joe Lauzon has numerous FOTN efforts under his belt and should also have the finishing edge on his opponent in this one. Our guess is that if it’s his fight to win then Mac gets sent packing.
Prediction: Joe Lauzon over Mac Danzig by TKO, ROUND 3
UFC on Fox 9 – Preliminary Card Predictions (FOX Sports 1)
170 lbs.: Court McGee (18-3) vs. Ryan LaFlare (9-0)
Former TUF winner Court McGee takes on relative newcomer Ryan LaFlare in this one. Both have a wrestling background but McGee has proven he has some solid technical boxing as well. LaFlare is also taking this fight on short notice in his UFC debut so that could work against his favor.
Prediction: Court McGee over Ryan LaFlare by unanimous decision
155 lbs.: Edson Barboza (16-5) vs. Danny Castillo (12-1)
A ferocious striker, Edson Barboza has yet to truly cash in on his UFC potential but he gets another chance at a building block here versus veteran opponent Danny Castillo. The stronger of the two, Danny will be trying his hardest to get this fight to the ground but Barboza is without a doubt the more dangerous knockout fighter of the two.
Prediction: Edson Barboza over Danny Castillo by TKO, ROUND 3
155 lbs.: Bobby Green (21-5) vs. Pat Healy (31-16)
Pat Healy hasn’t had much luck in the UFC with zero official wins so far but he’s hoping to turn that around against fellow Strikeforce alum Bobby Green. A gritty vet, Healy should be able to swing momentum his way in this one but we wouldn’t be surprised with a win going the other way either.
Prediction: Pat Healy over Bobby Green by split decision
125 lbs.: Scott Jorgensen (14-7) vs. Zach Makovsky (16-4) – Jorgensen via submission
In a battle of former collegiate wrestlers, Former Bellator champion Zach Makovsky takes on WEC/UFC vet Scott Jorgensen. “Fun Size” Makovsky is a serviceable fighter but Jorgensen has a ton of experience and swings with bad intentions.
Prediction: Scott Jorgensen over Zach Makovsky by TKO, ROUND 3
155 lbs.: Sam Stout (19-9-1) vs. Cody McKenzie (14-3)
Is this a classic striker vs. grappler matchup? That’s what it seems to be with Sam Stout’s kickboxing versus Cody McKenzie’s chokes. Stout should be able to control distance well in this one and not allow Cody too many chances to get close.
Prediction: Sam Stout over Cody McKenzie by unanimous decision
155 lbs.: Abel Trujillo (10-5) vs. Roger Bowling (11-4)
Finally these two get a chance to settle things conclusively after their first bout went to a no-contest at UFC Fight Night 27. Abel was winning the first time around so it should be more of the same here, minus the incorrect ref stoppage.
Prediction: Abel Trujillo over Roger Bowling by TKO, ROUND 2
UFC on Fox 9 – Preliminary Card Predictions (Facebook)
125 lbs.: Darren Uyenoyama (8-4) vs. Alptekin Ozkilic (8-1)
Alp Ozkilic is coming off of a win and Antonio Baneulos, at Legacy FC, is heading into his UFC debut against Darren Uyenoyama. Darren should be the stronger grappler on the ground but the question is if it ever gets there. Alp’s Greco-Roman skills will make that really hard to accomplish, plus he hits way harder. It should be the Turk’s fight to win in his first UFC bout.
Prediction: Alp Ozkilic over Darren Uyenoyama by TKO, ROUND 2
