GM Fight fans! and welcome to this weekends fight night forecast. This weekend we have a STACKED UFC 296 card with 2 belts on the line, and a Cage Warriors card in San Diego. so with our further ramble lets get into it 👊 

UFC 296
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿Leon Edwards vs Colby Covington🇺🇸 

In the highly anticipated main event of UFC 296, the welterweight title is on the line as the current champion, Leon Edwards (21-3), squares off against the formidable "Peoples Champion," Colby Covington (17-3). Edwards, in the prime form of his career, boasts victories over the previous long-term champion Kamaru Usman, securing two wins in their recent trilogy, including a stunning fifth-round head kick in a fight he was initially losing 👊 

Colby Covington, known for his suffocating wrestling style and relentless pressure, steps into the octagon after his last bout against Jorge Masvidal in March 2022. Despite claiming to have accepted every fight offered, Covington has faced difficulties in securing matchups.

Covington's wrestling prowess and exceptional cardio make him a formidable opponent, pressuring his adversaries for the entire duration of the fight. His striking style, reminiscent of Usman's, involves standing and exchanging blows with opponents while keeping them on edge with the constant threat of a takedown 🤼 

Leon Edwards, on the other hand, has showcased significant improvements in his grappling, even achieving the rare feat of taking down Kamaru Usman. In the trilogy with Usman, Edwards' defensive wrestling stood out, demonstrating his ability to thwart takedown attempts and utilize his elite striking to outclass his opponent.

In this clash of styles, Edwards is expected to fend off the majority of Covington's takedown attempts, allowing him to showcase his striking prowess. While Edwards faces the challenge of Covington's relentless pressure, the Crystal Ball from Cage Chronicle predicts that Edwards will retain his welterweight title, securing a knockout victory in the third round. 🔮

UFC 296
🇧🇷Alexandre Pantoja vs Brandon Royval🇺🇸 

In the co-main event of UFC 296, the flyweight title is on the line as the current champion, Alexandre Pantoja (26-5), faces the number 2 contender, Brandon Royval (15-6). Pantoja, after a journey through the crowded flyweight division, secured the belt with a win over Brandon Moreno in July, making this his first title defense. On the flip side, Royval, a relative newcomer to the UFC since 2020, suffered a loss to Pantoja in 2021 but rebounded with victories, earning him a shot at the title.

Royval's relentless pace poses a challenge for his opponents, especially in grappling exchanges. However, the question remains if he can maintain this intensity for a full 25-minute fight. With a striking advantage, utilizing his long reach for sharp punches and fast kicks, Royval aims to keep his opponents at a distance 👊 

Pantoja's strategy likely involves taking the fight to the ground, considering his success in their first encounter. While he showcased some striking prowess, Pantoja faded in the second round, emphasizing the importance of mixing striking and takedowns. The crystal ball predicts a challenging bout as Royval excels on the feet, but Pantoja's ground game may be the deciding factor 🤼 

In conclusion, the crystal ball foresees Alexandre Pantoja retaining his flyweight title with a third-round submission victory. 🔮 

UFC 296
🇰🇿Shavkat Rakhmonov vs Stephen Thompson🥋

n a highly anticipated welterweight clash at UFC 296, the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov (17-0) squares off against UFC veteran Stephen Thompson (17-6). Rakhmonov has been a wrecking force in the welterweight division, finishing all of his opponents, including notable names like Neil Magny and Geoff Neal. His aggressive style and versatile skill set make him a formidable force 🪨 

Thompson, often referred to as "Wonderboy," has defied age expectations at 40, showcasing his world-class striking, movement, and counter-punching abilities. Despite recent setbacks, he bounced back with a win against Kevin Holland in December. However, Thompson's vulnerability to takedowns may play a crucial role in this matchup.

To counter Rakhmonov's aggression, Thompson must rely on his elusive movement and frustrating style. If he can control the pace, avoid takedowns, and capitalize on openings, Thompson could sway the fight in his favor.

On the flip side, Rakhmonov, a relentless and massive welterweight, is likely to employ his punishing bodywork and grappling prowess. His strategy should involve herding Thompson towards the fence, setting up opportunities for takedowns, and exploiting his grappling advantage 🤼 

While Thompson wishes for a stand-up battle, Rakhmonov's best path to victory involves utilizing his grappling dominance. The crystal ball predicts a win for Shavkat Rakhmonov, foreseeing a second-round knockout. 🔮

CAGE WARRIORS 165
🇺🇸Roberto Hernandez vs Trevin Jones🇬🇺 

In the headlining bout of Cage Warriors 165 in San Diego, the spotlight is on a bantamweight clash between the title contender Roberto Hernandez (8-1) and former UFC fighter Trevin Jones (14-10). Roberto, known as 'Green Light,' enters the cage on an impressive eight-fight winning streak and aims to extend his success in the bantamweight division 👊 

Trevin Jones, hailing from New Orleans and currently based in Guam, brings a wealth of experience with six UFC appearances. Coming off a victory against local legend Wilson Reis, Jones is determined to make his mark in the competitive CW bantamweight division.

Both fighters are versatile and well-rounded bantamweights, showcasing their skills in two Cage Warriors Fight of the Year contenders. With their shared love for action-packed fights, fans can anticipate an exciting showdown.

The crystal ball's prediction for this matchup leans towards Roberto Hernandez securing the victory via decision. 🔮

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