TUF Nations Weigh-in Highlights and Main Card Predictions, See Video
Chad Laprise at the TUF Nations weigh in
With all five fights on the main card official, it’s time to share how I see each fight going down and make some predictions. It is going to be a historic night for mixed martial arts in Canada as not one, but two winners will be named the first ever Canadian Ultimate Fighters. It could also be a historic night for Chatham-Kent, as one of them might indeed come from this region.
Here is my breakdown and predictions for the TUF Nations Finale main card;
Dustin Poirier vs. Akira Corassani – featherweight
I’m calling this fight a mismatch for Poirier, but if the weigh-ins were any indication, there will be fireworks in this one. The two pushed each other and nearly started to brawl on the stage today and I hope Corassani can come close to backing it up. Poirier is the #6 ranked featherweight in the world and brings a lethal and complete game in a chiselled, lanky frame. He should be able to use his reach to dictate this fight and ultimately get the submission finish.
Poirier by submission
Chad Laprise vs. Olivier Aubin-Mercier – welterweight finals
This is the big fight that we have been wanting for Chad for a long time and make no mistake; Aubin-Mercier is the toughest opponent Chad has faced to date. Laprise has more tools at his disposal, but Aubin-Mercier is masterful at his one big tool, grappling. I see it going down with Chad stuffing the take downs well enough to frustrate Olivier and force him out of his comfort zone.
Next, the big right hand will find the mark and get Chad a TKO finish.
Laprise by TKO
Elias Theodorou vs. Sheldon Westcott – middleweight finals
This is a very tough fight to call but I have learned over the years of watching Elias Theodorou fight to never count him out of any fight. He knows exactly what he can and can’t do inside the cage and he uses his strengths of grinding and kicking masterfully to get the win. Not only has the Mississauga fighter won all of his fights but I have barely seen a mark on his face after they are done. Westcott is a bit of a different beast then what Elias is used to with his aggression and relentless ability to get a hold of your neck. The wild card with Westcott is his health, and he will need to be one hundred percent if he is going to beat The Spartan.
Theodorou by decision
Patrick Cote vs. Kyle Noke – welterweight
The coaches stared daggers through each other at the weigh-ins today and there is some serious heat behind this fight. Cote coached all four fighters in the finals and I’m sure Noke will be looking for redemption in this fight. Cote has the power punching advantage but in my opinion, Noke has a more rounded game and can definitely put Cote in trouble if the fight goes to the ground. I hope Cote does not go in looking for the one big shot because that is the only way he will be sure not to get it.
Cote by KO
Michael Bisping vs. Tim Kennedy – middleweight
Every lead up to a Bisping fight has entertaining banter and trash talk but The Count is particularly perturbed at the U.S. Special Forces Sergeant. Kennedy is ranked #8 in the world with is power kicks and push forward game. Bisping is only interested in fighting for the title and is coming off a long layoff with serious eye issues stemming from a detached retina injury suffered last year. There is a chance that Kennedy will knock the Brit out, but I don’t think it will happen, and Bisping will inflict cumulative damage with his accurate hands on his way to a decision win.
Bisping by decision
See video of the weigh ins: