The UFC is in Norfolk, Virginia this weekend as No.8 featherweight Dustin Poirier (21-5-0, 1NC) takes on former lightweight champion Anthony Pettis (21-6-0) in the main event.
Kenai Andrews checks in with his thoughts on the main card.
MAIN CARD (10PM ET/7PM PT)
JOE LAUZON (27-14-0) VS. CLAY GUIDA (33-17-0)
Andrews: I’m not sure which Clay Guida will show up, but it should be the energetic one who lands enough strikes and takedowns to overcome Lauzon who will try to slow down the pace.
Andrews Prediction: Clay Guida via UD
#4 RAPHAEL ASSUNCAO (25-5-0) VS #13 MATTHEW LOPEZ (10-1-0)
Andrews: Lopez missed weight so this is now a catchweight affair. Lopez is five years younger, but the experience factor goes to Assuncao who will use that to get the decision.
Andrews Prediction: Raphael Assuncao via UD
NATE MARQUARDT (38-18-2) VS. CEZAR FERREIRA (12-6-0)
Andrews: Nate is still a threat at 38 years old, but I expect Ferreira to overcome that with some good solid shots to his aging chin.
Andrews Prediction: Cezar Ferreira via TKO
#12 JUNIOR ALBINI (14-2-0) VS. #13 ANDREI ARLOVSKI (25-15-0, 1NC)
Andrews: This may be the fight that knocks Arlovski out of the UFC and into retirement. Albini only needs a couple of of good strikes to get it done. Advantage Albini.
Andrews Prediction: Junior Albini via TKO
MATT BROWN (22-16-0) VS. DIEGO SANCHEZ (29-10-0)
Andrews: Brown is coming off three straight stoppage defeats and this is likely his last fight in the octagon at 36 years old. Sanchez is no spring chicken either but his knockout power and grappling should send the always game Brown into retirement.
Andrews Prediction: Diego Sanchez via TKO
MAIN EVENT
DUSTIN POIRIER (21-5-0, 1NC) VS. ANTHONY PETTIS (20-6-0)
Andrews: Pettis is only 30 years old, but his body is much older. He has that championship experience but I feel he been more predictable since losing the belt. Poirier should have the gameplan to take Pettis to the ground and he should get the narrow decision after taking some dangerous shots.
Andrews Prediction: Dustin Poirier via UD
