UFC 199 predictions: Can Rockhold and Cruz avoid the upset?
theScore's Alexander K. Lee gives you his predictions for all the main-card fights at UFC 199 in Inglewood, Calif. on June 4.
Middleweight Championship Bout
Luke Rockhold (5-1 UFC, 15-2) vs. Michael Bisping (18-7 UFC, 28-7)
While the revelation of a lingering knee injury has added intrigue to his first title defense, don't be too worried about Luke Rockhold. If the champ is healthy enough to fight, he's healthy enough to defeat Michael Bisping. Again.
Admittedly, Rockhold has put a lot of unnecessary pressure on himself by going all "Mystic Mac" and predicting a spectacular first-round knockout of Bisping. But whether the end comes in the first round or the last, it will come and it will be Rockhold standing tall.
Even if Bisping's in top form, he just doesn't have the power required to back Rockhold up. Once Rockhold is able to apply consistent pressure, he'll use his superior grappling to ground Bisping and win by TKO or submission.
THE PICK: Rockhold
Bantamweight Championship Bout
Dominick Cruz (4-0 UFC, 21-1) vs. Urijah Faber (9-4 UFC, 33-8)
Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber know each other so well, it's hard to imagine them surprising each other with anything. There's always the possibility that Cruz becomes possessed by the spirit of Wanderlei Silva and just starts winging haymakers at Faber, but don't bet on it.
Expect to see a master at work as Cruz dissects Faber for five rounds. "The Dominator" put on a fine performance in a close fight with T.J. Dillashaw to reclaim his bantamweight crown, and Faber is far less dynamic than Dillashaw even if he has comparable punching power.
As important as it is for the pair to settle the score with each holding a win over the other, there's a good chance this rivalry ends not with a bang, but a whimper.
THE PICK: Cruz
Featherweight Bout
Max Holloway (11-3 UFC, 15-3) vs. Ricardo Lamas (7-2 UFC, 16-4)
As long as Max Holloway can keep this fight standing, he'll have his way with Ricardo Lamas. There's no questioning Lamas' toughness, but he doesn't have the speed or athleticism to keep up with "Blessed."
Even more problematic for the grappling-minded Lamas is Holloway's excellent takedown defense. The 24-year-old is incredibly difficult to shoot on and even harder to hold onto when the action goes to the mat. This fight will come down to who's the better striker, and that's Holloway by a mile.
THE PICK: Holloway
Middleweight Bout
Dan Henderson (8-8 UFC, 31-14) vs. Hector Lombard (3-3 UFC, 34-5-1)
Hector Lombard is back at middleweight where the stamina issues that plagued him in his last fight at 170 pounds should be a thing of the past. The question is whether he'll come charging hard out of the gates or take his time measuring his opponent.
At 45-years-old, the latter approach would probably be more to Dan Henderson's liking, though his own gas tank must be questioned considering his age. He'll approach Lombard just like he has all of his recent opponents: Circle in the direction of his right hand and aim that "H-Bomb" at Lombard's face.
It's a safe bet that he'll land his signature punch at least once, which is all he'll need to turn the action in his favor.
THE PICK: Henderson
Lightweight Bout
Dustin Poirier (11-3 UFC, 19-4) vs. Bobby Green (4-1 UFC, 23-6)
This "Fight of the Night" sleeper candidate pits two of the lightweight division's most intriguing and occasionally frustrating competitors against one another. Dustin Poirier has been on the cusp of stardom at both 145 and 155 pounds only to fall short in key matches, while Bobby Green has a bad tendency to pay more attention to the judges and fans than his opponent.
Green's theatrics cost him in his last fight - a decision loss to Edson Barboza. If he plays around with Poirier, he can expect the same result. As much as Poirier's recklessness has cost him in the past, that mentality is exactly what will prevent him from getting caught up in Green's games. Poirier pushes forward for 15 and takes this one.
THE PICK: Poirier