UFC on ESPN 4: dos Anjos vs. Edwards predictions
The UFC is in San Antonio this weekend as No. 4 welterweight Rafael dos Anjos (29-11-0) takes on the young Englishman No. 12 Leon Edwards (17-3-0) in the main event.
The bout is an excellent opportunity for Edwards to leapfrog into the top 5 rankings.
Kenai Andrews checks in with his thoughts on the main card.
MAIN CARD (9PM ET/6PM PT)
ANDREI ARLOVSKI (27-18-2) VS. BEN ROTHWELL (36-11-0)
Andrews: Arlovski at 40 is still active but has only gone (1-3-0, 1NC) since 2018. Rothwell is no spring chicken at 37 and is (0-2-0) since 2016. Have to go with “The Pitbull” to get the decision.
Andrews Prediction: Andrei Arlovski via UD
ALEXANDER HERNANDEZ (10-2-0) VS. FRANCISCO TRINALDO (23-6-0)
Andrews: I think Hernandez has learned from the Cerrone fight and will perform better. He needs to as though Trinaldo is now 40 and not as active as previously, he is still a dangerous opponent for him. Still, I think Hernandez will pull this one out.
Andrews Prediction: Alexander Hernandez via UD
JAMES VICK (13-3-0) VS. DAN HOOKER (17-8-0)
Andrews: Both guys are trying to rebound from tough losses. Vick’s chin has taken a beating, but so has Hooker’s gut. I will go with the hometown hero.
Andrews Prediction: James Vick via TKO
GREG HARDY (4-1-0) VS. JUAN ADAMS (5-1-0)
Andrews: It should be another Hardy knockout.
Andrews Prediction: Greg Hardy via TKO
ALEKSEI OLEINIK (57-12-1) VS. WALT HARRIS (12-7-1)
Andrews: Can Harris keep the clever Oleinik off him enough to use his strikes? Even at 42, Oleinik is still a dangerous opponent on the feet or the ground and I think he gets the fight to the ground and gets the tap.
Andrews Prediction: Aleksei Oleinik via TKO
MAIN EVENT
#4 RAFAEL DOS ANJOS (29-11-0) VS. #12 LEON EDWARDS (17-3-0)
Andrews: dos Anjos has looked good lately and has the striking and grappling that can give Edwards problems. Edwards has a good striking and grappling too, so who can enforce their game plan? I think the experience of RDA comes through.
Andrews Prediction: Rafael dos Anjos via UD
