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411’s MMA Roundtable Preview – UFC 217: Bisping vs. St-Pierre
Georges St-Pierre
WELCOME:
Georges St-Pierre returns to action for the first time in four years at UFC 217 in Madison Square Garden! In the main event, St-Pierre challenges Michael Bisping for the middleweight championship! Before Bisping and St-Pierre meet, Cody Garbrandt defends his bantamweight title in a grudge match with former champion TJ Dillashaw! To complete the championship trifecta, Joanna Jedrzejczyk aims for her sixth consecutive strawweight title defense when he battles “Thug” Rose Namajunas! Plus, Wonderboy Thompson faces Jorge Masvidal, Johny Hendricks vs. Paulo Borrachinha, and more!
THE STAFF:
THE PRELIMINARY CARD:
First three bouts stream on UFC Fight Pass, while the rest air on Fox Sports 1.
Bantamweight Bout: Aiemann Zahabi vs. Ricardo Ramos
Jonathan Solomon: Aiemann Zahabi, Decision
Jeffrey Harris: Aiemann Zahabi, Decision
Robert Winfree: Aiemann Zahabi, Decision
Dan Plunkett: Zahabi, Decision
The staff picks Aiemann Zahabi, 4-0.
Light Heavyweight Bout: Ion Cutelaba vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
Jonathan Solomon: Michal Oleksiejczuk, TKO, Round 2
Jeffrey Harris: Ion Cutelaba, TKO, Round 1
Robert Winfree: Ion Cutelaba, TKO, Round 1
Dan Plunkett: Cutelaba, TKO, Round 2
The staff picks Ion Cutelaba, 3-1.
Heavyweight Bout: Oleksiy Oliynyk vs. Curtis Blaydes
Jonathan Solomon: Oleksiy Oliynyk, Submission, Round 2
Jeffrey Harris: Oleksiy Oliynyk, Submission, Round 3
Robert Winfree: Oleksiy Oliynyk, Submission, Round 1
Dan Plunkett: Olinyk, Submission, Round 1
The staff picks Oleksiy Olinyk, 4-0.
Welterweight Bout: Randy Brown vs. Mickey Gall
Jonathan Solomon: Mickey Gall, Submission, Round 2
Jeffrey Harris: Mickey Gall, Submission, Round 1
Robert Winfree: Mickey Gall, Decision
Dan Plunkett: Gall, Decision
The staff picks Mickey Gall, 4-0.
Light Heavyweight Bout: Ovince Saint Preux vs. Corey Anderson
Jonathan Solomon: Ovince St. Preux, Decision
Jeffrey Harris: Corey Anderson, Decision
Robert Winfree: Ovince Saint Preux, Decision
Dan Plunkett: Ovince Saint Preux, Decision
The staff picks Ovince Saint Preux, 3-1.
Heavyweight Bout: Walt Harris vs. Mark Godbeer
Jonathan Solomon: Walt Harris, TKO, Round 1
Jeffrey Harris: Walt Harris, Decision
Robert Winfree: Walt Harris, Decision
Dan Plunkett: Godbeer, Decision
Lightweight Bout: James Vick vs. Joseph Duffy
Jonathan Solomon: Joseph Duffy, Decision
Jeffrey Harris: James Vick, Decision
Robert Winfree: Joseph Duffy, Decision
Dan Plunkett: Vick, TKO, Round 2
The staff calls it down the middle, 2-2.
THE MAIN CARD:
Middleweight Bout: Johny Hendricks vs. Paulo Borrachinha
Jonathan Solomon: Johny Hendricks is 34-years-old and 1-4 since 2016, 1-1 since moving up to middleweight early this year to avoid weight cutting problems that plagued him in his final two fights at 170-pounds.We last saw him being knocked out with a head kick by Tim Boetsch in June and I have to figure this is his last shot to start a new title run. However, this match-up is going to be a rough one for Hendricks to succeed in. His opponent is 26-year-old Paulo Borrachinha with his 10-0 pro record and he’s known as a knockout artist (9 wins by KO/TKO). He has spent much of the past year trying to secure a fight with a “big name” UFC fighter ranging from Vitor Belfort to Derek Brunson, but he ends up with Hendricks. This is a fight to showcase the young Brazilian in what would be the biggest fight of his career. Hendricks has a chance at the upset here because Borrachinha fights very aggressively and he will certainly be looking to finish the former champion, so perhaps he can use that against him. I will expect to see the knockout at MSG and Paulo Borrachinha will move into a fight with either Thiago Santos or Vitor Belfort in 2018.
Winner: Paulo Borrachinha, TKO, Round 2
Jeffrey Harris: It definitely seems like the stage is being set for Johny Hendricks to walk away with another loss here. Borrachinha is the younger, undefeated prospect. He’s coming into the fight with two UFC knockouts. Meanwhile, Hendricks has been on a steep decline as of late. He missed weight yet again for his last fight against Tim Boetsch and got knocked out. Hendricks is still tough and might have a skill set that could give Borrachinha problems. However, I just think Hendricks has hit his peak as an MMA fighter, and even with his power and wrestling game, I’m not sure he will have enough to overcome Paul Borrachinha. Borrachinha gets the win here.
Winner: Paulo Borrachinha, TKO, Round 1
Robert Winfree: I’m not entirely sure how you could pick Johny Hendricks against anyone at this point, his only win in his last five fights was over Hector Lombard in an awful performance from both men. Hendricks is too predictable, and quite frankly I don’t think he cares about fighting anymore. On the other side we have a young and hungry Brazilian wrecking machine. Borrachinha is bigger, stronger, faster, and younger. If Hendricks tries really hard to wrestle his way to a decision he might win, but I think he still believes he’s got power despite all the contrary evidence. Borrachinha has documented power and I think he’s going to take Hendricks out.
Winner: Paulo Borrachinha, TKO, Round 1
Dan Plunkett: I knew as soon as UFC 167 ended that four years later, Georges St-Pierre and Johny Hendricks would bracket a pay-per-view from Madison Square Garden in a pair of middleweight bouts.
What a clash of career trajectories this is. Hendricks looked bad in his last fight and hasn’t looked good in years. Borrachinha is undefeated and has been slicing through opponents. Hendricks is certainly a step up for the Brazilian and a good test, but I think he’ll pass.
Winner: Borrachinha, TKO, Round 2
The staff picks Paulo Borrachinha, 4-0.
Welterweight Bout: Stephen Thompson vs. Jorge Masvidal
Jonathan Solomon: I love this fight, Wonderboy Thompson in his fight fight since the 50-minutes worth of battles with Tyron Woodley last November and earlier this year. With Woodley still planted as the best welterweight in the world, Thompson has to win at least two consecutive fights to make his claim to a third fight (the first was a draw, Woodley took the rematch). His fight test is Jorge Masvidal, the 14-year professional who is coming off a frustrating split decision loss to Demian Maia in the spring. Prior to that, he was on a three fight win streak including a TKO win against Cowboy Cerrone. The expectation is Thompson will play up the distance, keeping Masvidal at bay and picking away at him with jabs, kicks and an occasional aggressive combination. Jorge Masvidal wants a brawl, and likely is not worrying too much about Thompson showcasing wrestling and jiu-jitsu in this fight. Masvidal is the underdog in this fight, but if he can win, I would love to see him get the next title fight.
Winner: Jorge Masvidal, Decision
Jeffrey Harris: This is a very tough welterweight battle. Unfortunately for Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, I think he’s bit off more than he can chew for. His inability to let his feet go cost him big time on two separate occasions fighting Tyron Woodley for the welterweight title. Jorge Masvidal is a very dangerous and well-rounded opponent. He couldn’t get the job done against Demian Maia, but he’s fought and dominated quite well in two weight classes in the UFC. I was just really disappointed by Thompson’s killer instinct, especially in the rematch with Woodley where it looked more like a staring contest. Thompson might be the more technical striker here, but Masvidal is very aggressive and powerful. I see this being a lot like Thompson’s fight with Matt Brown, which was Thompson’s first loss in the UFC.
Winner: Jorge Masvidal, Decision
Robert Winfree: I’m really looking forward to this fight. Jorge Masvidal is really under appreciated, he’s really good pretty much everywhere the fight goes. His wrestling is good, his jiu jitsu has proven solid, and his striking game should be respected if not outright feared. Stephen Thompson is really good as well, he excels at distance and when he can goad you into walking into a counter. I can see Masvidal crowding Thompson and forcing the fight into a range where Masvidal excels, but I also think a lot of what he does plays into Thompson’s game. I’m more than prepared to be wrong about this and I’ve said before I’m done being surprised when Masvidal performs to his capabilities, I’m just leaning towards Thompson.
Winner: Stephen Thompson, Decision
Dan Plunkett: I really like this fight. Ultimately, I think Thompson will have success from the outside and best Masvidal in a close one.
Winner: Thompson, Decision
The staff calls it down the middle, 2-2.
UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship Bout: Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Rose Namajunas
Jonathan Solomon: When you think of the best female fighters in MMA history, the two names that shoot out most would be Ronda Rousey and Cyborg. Joanna Jedrzejczyk should be in that same conversation, even if she’s the smallest of them all at 115 pounds. She has proven to be dominant in her title defenses (five so far) and even if she doesn’t finish many of these fights, she absolutely dominates them for 25 minutes (her most recent four fights have each gone the decision). He boxing is unmatched and nobody can get her to the ground and keep her there. For Rose Namajunas to be that person, she will need to rock Joanna and get her to the ground or absolutely outclass her standing. The latter is not happening, and the former could. Joanna just turned 30 over the summer and although she’s fought professionally in various disciplines, she has shown no reason to believe her body will begin to break down now. She is in her physical prime and she will improve her record to 15-0 at Madison Square Garden.
Winner: Joanna Jedrzejczyk, TKO, Round 3
Jeffrey Harris: I think this is a good fight, and a tough fight for both women. Rose Namajunas has improved dramatically since coming into the UFC, and it’s hard to believe she’s only had nine pro fights, not counting the Ultimate Fighter. Namajunas might have the better overall grappling and submission game here, but Jedrzejczyk has some crazy good takedown defense. Her sprawl is exceptional as well. Joanna Champion tends to be a slow starter, so I think that might help Thug Rose steal a round, but overall, I’m expecting Joanna Jedrzejczyk to pick up another dominant win. I think she might even finish this one.
Winner: Joanna Jedrzejczyk, TKO, Round 4
Robert Winfree: I don’t want to sell Rose Namajunas short here, she’s a talented fighter who does well at distance and has good scrambling on the mat. I just don’t think she’s bringing a whole lot that Joanna can’t deal with. Joanna is excellent at distance, she moves incredibly well and is almost never there to be found for a counter strike after she’s tagged her opponent. Namajunas is a little soft to the body and has never had to fight five rounds, while I expect her to make a fight of this I just can’t pick against Joanna right now.
Winner: Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Decision
Dan Plunkett: I think Thug Rose has a real chance if she takes the fight to the ground, but on the feet I see Joanna Champion taking her apart. Either way, I see this being a very entertaining fight.
Winner: Joanna, Decision
The staff picks Joanna Jedrzejczyk, 4-0.
UFC Bantamweight Championship Bout: Cody Garbrandt vs. T.J. Dillashaw
Jonathan Solomon: This bantamweight fight has been in the works in some shape for years and is the fight I’m most looking forward to Saturday. There has been lots of bickering between the two, lots of talk about whom got the better of who when the pair trained together at Team Alpha Male and hearsay from Toms, Dicks and Harrys who may have been in Sacramento at the same time, too. None of that matters. Right now, Cody Garbrandt is the top bantamweight having been the first man in nearly a decade to beat Dominick Cruz. In their title fight in December, Garbrandt put on a display that was crazy in how effective his entire game was. Cruz had nothing for him when he usually has his opponents at a loss from being unable to mount any offense. Instead, it was Garbrandt who bounced around the cage, landed combinations at will and took the unanimous decision. Entering his first title defense, Garbrandt is 11-0 and this is just the 5th year of his pro MMA career, how much more he can improve is crazy to think about. T.J. Dillashaw is now 31-years-old and looking to regain the title he lost to Cruz almost two years ago. Since then, he has avenged one of his earlier losses to Raphael Assuncao and he dominated John Lineker last December. What’s wild about this match-up is to think we have never really seen two elite fighters like these two from the old Alpha Male gang square off in their prime.
Winner: Cody Garbrandt, Decision
Jeffrey Harris: The way these two match up, I simply like TJ Dillashaw here. However, I also think it could depend on how things pan out. You can’t tell me that Dillashaw hasn’t earned this title shot or Dillashaw was never good at all. Dillashaw has certainly proven his place as one of the best bantamweight fighters on the planet. Cody Garbrandt is a dangerous striker, but Dillashaw has also made major improvements to his standup games in recent years, compared to the time when he lost in his UFC debut and got knocked out by John Dodson at The Ultimate Fighter Finale. Dillashaw will utilize his wrestling and grappling to frustrate the more emotional Garbrandt. Dillashaw will fight the smarter fight and get the win.
Winner: TJ Dillashaw, Decision
Robert Winfree: I love this fight. I can’t wait to see how these two match up, there’s so many points of conflict that I want to see resolved. Cody is the harder and slightly more technical puncher while TJ is more diverse with his offense. Neither man is afraid of a fire fight, both switch stances and take angles expertly, both have cardio for days, both can wrestle though I think TJ has a slight edge in that area. I think the biggest difference in these two is defense, both are happy to trade but Garbrandt has shown slightly more discipline when it comes to pocket exchanges and knows how to avoid his opponents offense while delivering his own. Either man is more than capable of winning this but at the moment I’m leaning towards Garbrandt.
Winner: Cody Garbrandt, Decision
Dan Plunkett: I still can’t get over Garbrandt’s performance against Dominick Cruz last year, when he performed a level above the best bantamweight in history. If that guy shows up, if he’s uninhibited by the back issues that delayed the fight this summer, then he’s going to be really tough to beat.
Winner: Garbrandt, TKO, Round 3
The staff picks Cody Garbrandt, 3-1.
UFC Middleweight Championship Bout: Michael Bisping vs. Georges St-Pierre
Jonathan Solomon:UFC 205 was the UFC’s debut in New York City last November; who could have imagined since Conor McGregor beat Eddie Alvarez that night that fast forward to UFC 217 in November 2017 and Georges St. Pierre would return to MMA before McGregor has another MMA fight. One of the biggest stars in the history of MMA, the biggest Canadian star in the history of the sport, GSP is back and fighting as a middleweight for the first time and looking to earn the UFC championship from Michael Bisping. The first British UFC champion, Bisping is actually two years older than Georges and will look to defend his title for the second time. One concerning bit was talk in recent months from the champion talking about retirement and there’s a good chance this is his last fight whether he wins or loses. Typically, that’s a bad sign when a fight even thinks about retirement, let alone speak of it publicly. Bisping has been adamant that he’s so much bigger than Georges physically, that this is going to be a slaughter. Go back to 2008 (before he was knocked out by Dan Henderson) and the thought of Michael Bisping beating GSP would have been laughable, size difference or not. Georges has not fought professionally since November 2013 when he won a split decision against Johny Hendricks. Four years since then, can we expect a similar GSP who was a dominant wrestler with a crazy gas tank who could go 25-minutes and control the fight for most of it? Bisping has not fought a fighter like that GSP, period, but who knows whether Georges is better, worse or the same. There’s no doubt that Bisping is a tough as nails competitor, he’s only been knocked out twice in 37 fights (Henderson and Vitor Belfort) and submitted just once (Luke Rockhold; he avenged that loss by knocking Rockhold out). Typically, Bisping’s wrestling defense is strong and has helped him win many fights. However, his 2012 loss to Chael Sonnen (I thought he should have won that decision) and his 2014 loss to Tim Kennedy can be blamed on those fighters securing enough takedowns to earn points. This is to say that Bisping is not a guy who stuffs 100% of those attempts and I do not believe GSP will struggle to take the fight to the ground if he chooses. The one area I’d be concerned of is if Bisping can tag George early and often.
Winner: Georges St. Pierre, Submission, Round 4
Jeffrey Harris: Tough call. If this were several years ago, I’d probably pick Georges St-Pierre. There are so many intangible factors here that could affect the fight and might have no bearing on it at all. But it’s hard to discount Georges St-Pierre having a four-year layoff from the sport. Georges St-Pierre may have been criticized before his sabbatical from the sport from his overall wrestling game, but when he came into the sport, he came from a karate background. Not to mention, he had unrivaled quickness and some very dangerous boxing and kickboxing to boot. Michael Bisping worked and toiled for 10 long years in the UFC, but he did finally become champion. And while he has constantly avoided top match-ups since becoming champion, you can’t discount his accomplishments over the last 11 years of his UFC tenure. Bisping does have fairly decent takedown defense. He’s not a power striker, but he does have good MMA boxing. It might come back to bite me, but I’m picking Bisping.
Winner: Michael Bisping, Decision
Robert Winfree: I hate this fight. I hate that it’s tying up the middleweight title when the division is the best it’s ever been in the UFC. Logically I should pick Bisping, GSP is coming off of a four year layoff for crying out loud, but I’m picking the outcome that will amuse me the most. I hope GSP wins and immediately retires again.
Winner: Georges St. Pierre, Decision
Dan Plunkett: I’m excited for this fight. I talked about the match-up and St-Pierre’s chances in detail on Monday. In short, a victory for St-Pierre would be an incredible feat (even if many will underplay it because of how they view Bisping), but I see many more reasons to pick Bisping than reasons to pick St-Pierre.
Winner: Bisping, TKO, Round 5
The staff calls it a draw, 2-2.
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