The official card for UFC Fight Night 76 has taken a beating of its own this week, but Irish eyes can still smile as there’s still a local boy in the main event.
Patrick Holohan (12-1-1) will look for the crowd’s cheer against American Louis Smolka (9-1-0).
With a lot of big-name firepower gone from the card, the pressure is on the fighters to make this card memorable.
Welcome back to The Crossfire.
MMA Crossfire Expert Kenai Andrews weighs in with his thoughts on the official card.
NEIL “2TAP” SEERY (15-11-0) VS JON “THE HEAT” DELOS REYES (8-4-0)
Andrews: Seery will try to grind out Reyes while trying to avenge his last performance, which resulted in a loss. He is the favourite on paper, but Reyes has fought some tough flyweights, including top contender Horiguchi. I think Reyes will overcome Seery’s grinding style and pile up some striking points before taking the decision.
Andrews Prediction: Jon “The Heat” Delos Reyes via unanimous decision.
NICOLAS “SHARPSHOOTER” DALBY (14-0-0) VS DARREN TILL (13-0-0)
Andrews: An interesting battle of undefeated strikers, but the 22-year-old Till barely made 171. He’s still dangerous in the striking department but the 30-year-old Dalby should have the better gas tank to get the decision.
Andrews Prediction: Nicolas Dalby via unanimous decision.
NORMAN “STORMIN'” PARKE (21-4-1) VS REZA “MAD DOG” MADADI (13-3-0)
Andrews: Despite Parke’s weigh-in antics, he has a amped up Madadi who will be looking for takedowns and submissions. This guy made Michael Johnson tap in his last fight, while Parke has lost a couple of tough split-decisions. He will try to get Madadi off his game, but I think he tipped his hat at the weigh-ins.
Andrews Prediction: Reza “Mad Dog” Madadi via unanimous decision.
MAIN EVENT
PADDY “THE HOOLIGAN” HOLOHAN (12-1-1) VS LOUIS “DA LAST SAMURAI” SMOLKA (9-1-0)
Andrews: It was Smolka who surprised Neil Seery, so no one should take him lightly. His striking can neutralize Paddy’s grappling and he can pile up the points if Paddy lets him. Smolka made Neil Seery tire in his last fight, but I think Holohan will be ready to go the distance. If Holohan can get it to the ground, he will take the starch out of Smolka, while looking for submissions, which is what I expect him to do after playing Smolka’s game for a round.
Andrews Prediction: Paddy “The Hooligan” Holohan via submission.
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