UFC Fight Night 80 and The Ultimate Fighter 22 FInale took place on back-to-back nights leading up to UFC 194. Both cards were filled with impactful fights and a few of the sport’s biggest stars. Let’s take a look at what went down leading up to the biggest card of the year. Make sure to check out the UFC 194 recap on BookMaker UFC articles as well.
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FRANKIE EDGAR CEMENTS NO. 1 CONTENDER STATUS
While many expected Edgar to win - he was favored at -170 - nobody expected him to TKO a contender like Mendes in the first round. Known more for his volume than power, Edgar popped Mendes with a short hook that floored Mendes for the stoppage.
Had Edgar merely edged out Mendes, it would have hurt his chances to face the winner of McGregor-Aldo. But such an impressive victory cannot be ignored. It’d be borderline criminal to deny him a shot now.
PAIGE’S HYPE TRAIN GOES OFF THE RAILS
If Dana White had his way, Paige VanZant would have crushed Rose Namajunas and justified all the hype and promotion behind the blonde bombshell. But VanZant’s pretty face was bruised, bloodied and battered by an ultra-aggressive Rose Namajunas for five rounds before Paige submitted to a rear-naked choke.
Namajunas came through as a +155 underdog, scoring a nice payday for gamblers who had faith in her. More importantly, “Thug” Rose might have fought her way into a title shot. Although Claudia Gadelha is next in line for champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk, one could make an argument for Namajunas to face the winner of that matchup. At the very least, she should find herself in a title eliminator.
SAGE’S HYPE TRAIN GAINS MOMENTUM
The UFC’s other Great Blonde Hope, 19-year old Sage Northcutt, overcame a brief struggle against Cody Pfister to notch a dominant victory. Northcutt was grounded for a few minutes in the first when Pfister was able to take down the prospect and keep him there, but Northcutt blasted out from the bottom and secured a guillotine in the early second.
No surprises here, as Northcutt was a -1300 favorite going into the bout. The uber-prospect isn’t ready for a top-10 opponent yet, but it’s time for the UFC to start testing the young stud.
TONY FERGUSON HAS ARRIVED
In one of the most action-packed bouts of the year, Tony Ferguson and Edson Barboza busted each other up with lightning quick hands and feet for the better part of two rounds. It was Ferguson’s aggression and creativity that stole the show and earned him a submission victory with a second-round brabo choke.
Now the owner of seven straight wins, Ferguson has nothing left to prove at 155. Although he’s not exactly a well-known fighter, his consistent violence and raw power make him a threat to anyone in the division. And that includes whoever emerges as the champion of the dos Anjos-Cerrone title fight in early January. Ferguson should have next.
HOW TO BET
Access live betting lines at BookMaker Sportsbook and start wagering now. With our live betting options, you can also wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. UFC on FOX 17 takes place Saturday, December 19, 2015 at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. The main card will be televised on FOX starting 8 pm. ET following the FOX Sports 1 prelims starting at 5 p.m. ET.
