UFC 272: Covington vs Masvidal Main Card Predictions
Another major UFC event has arrived, and once again, the main card has enormous potential. All five fights feature some of the biggest names in the sport, including the main event that is sure to entertain UFC fans everywhere.
This article will dig into all six fights on the main card, along with my predictions for each fight.
Serghei Spivac (-190) vs. Greg Hardy (+160)
The first fight of the main card, former NFL player Greg Hardy looks to get back in the win column after two straight UFC losses. In his most recent defeat, he would be knocked out a minute into the first round against Tai Tuivasa.
The “Polar Bear” Serghei Spivac is also coming off a knockout loss in September 2021 and is looking to creep into the top fifteen of the heavyweight division with a win against Hardy. Spivac currently sits at 13-3 however he has yet to fight any notable, ranked fighter.
This should be an exciting fight, but I believe it will go the distance. While Greg Hardy is the more prominent name, he has struggled considerably in the Octagon since the end of 2020, and I do not think he gets back on track here.
Prediction: Serghei Spivac by split decision
Kevin Holland (-320) vs. Alex Oliveira (+250)
In the next fight, Alex Olivera is fighting for his UFC career against fourteenth-ranked Kevin Holland. Oliveira is a loser of three straight fights, and the 34-year-old is beginning to show his age in the octagon.
On the other end, Kevin Holland has also had a fall from grace, destroying his own title chances after losses to Martin Vettori and Derek Brunson. A fight against Oliveira should put him back on track and possibly provide momentum for one more push at the belt.
I do not think this fight will be particularly close regardless of Oliveira’s need to win here. This may only last one round.
Prediction: Holland by KO/TKO
Edson Barboza (+145) vs. Bryce Mitchell (-165)
A high riser in the featherweight ranks, 13-1, Bryce Mitchell looks to crack the top ten in his division’s rankings with a win against Edson Barboza. Since joining the UFC, Mitchell is undefeated and will take on his first ranked opponent this Saturday.
Barboza, 36, is the tenth ranked fighter in the division and is looking to rebound after being knocked out by Giga Chikadze back in August.
Despite Bryce Mitchell’s hype, I think an upset is possible here. Barboza is by far the best fighter Mitchell has ever squared off against, and the Brazilian’s power and Jiu-Jitsu should be enough to take the victory.
Prediction: Barboza by unanimous decision
Rafael Dos Anjos (-165) vs Renato Moicano (+145)
Before the main event, sixth ranked lightweight Rafael Dos Anjos takes on submission specialist Renato Moicano in a catchweight bout. Dos Anjos is coming off a victory against Paul Felder and is looking to break into the top five of the lightweight division with a win.
Moicano has not lost a fight since 2020 and is looking to extend his win streak as an underdog here. Moicano is one of the best wrestlers in all of MMA, as all his wins inside the distance have come by way of submission.
I think another upset is in order here, as Dos Anjos will get into trouble if this fight gets taken to the ground. Outside of his win against Paul Felder, Dos Anjos has struggled inside the octagon recently, and it is at risk of continuing against Renato Moicano.
Prediction: Moicano by submission
Colby Covington (-320) vs. Jorge Masvidal (+250)
The night’s main event, former teammates Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal, are set to duke it out in a fight that seems to have personal ramifications. It is no secret that these two fighters hate each other, and both are known for putting on shows in the octagon.
Jorge Masvidal has the power to knock his opponent out at any given moment, but I do not anticipate the Miami native to have much success against the number one ranked Covington. Despite the name “Chaos,” Colby Covington is a very calculated and intelligent fighter, as he has given champion Kamaru Usman some of the toughest fights in his career.
Overall, I expect Covington to win inside the distance, likely catching Masvidal on a hook, similar to how Usman finished the fighter.
Prediction: Covington by KO
