Timothy Johnson (10-2-0) vs. Alexander Volkov (26-6-0): UFC Fight Night 99, November 19 UFC heavyweight standout Timothy Johnson has a fight booked, and it’s a doozy. Johnson will square off opposite former Bellator heavyweight champion Alexander Volkov in the promotion’s return to Ireland for UFC Belfast this November. Johnson most recently showcased some serious toughness, fighting through injury to earn a decision over Marcin Tybura to improve his UFC record to 2-1. Volkov left Bellator after two straight losses to Tony Johnson Jr and Cheick Kongo, but is currently riding a two-fight winning streak which included winning and defending the M-1 Global Heavyweight Championship. I wouldn’t be shocked to see Volkov open as the underdog simply because he has had issues with wrestlers and takedowns in the past. Mark Godbeer (11-2-0) vs. Justin Ledet (7-0-0, 1 NC); UFC Fight Night 99 In another heavyweight showcase, BAMMA standout Mark Godbeer makes his UFC debut against undefeated prospect Justin Ledet. Ledet was victorious in his UFC debut last month, earning a one-sided unanimous decision nod against Chase Sherman. Godbeer, on the other hand, has won three straight fights all via TKO to earn his UFC opportunity, although just like Volkov, his last loss was to Cheick Kongo in Bellator. I’d expect Ledet to open as a decent favorite here despite Godbeer fighting close to home. Cezar Ferreira (10-5-0) vs. Jack Hermansson (14-2-0); UFC Fight Night 100, November 19 Fresh off a big win in his UFC debut against Scott Askham, Jack Hermansson has been tasked with battling Cezar Ferreira for UFC Fight Night 100 in Brazil. Hermansson outstruck Askham en route to a solid decision victory. Meanwhile, Cezar Ferreira has turned things around, utilizing his top control and grappling to pick up two straight decision nods against Anthony Smith and Oluwale Bamgbose. I feel it will be a bit more difficult for Ferreira to get his grappling going against Hermansson so I expect the Swede will open as the favorite. Jamie Moyle (3-1-0) vs. Kailin Curran (4-3-0); UFC TUF 24 Finale, December 3 In a women’s strawweight bout, Ultimate Fighter season 23 veteran Jamie Moyle makes her UFC debut against Kailin Curran. Moyle was a quarterfinalist on season 23 of TUF, losing to Amanda Cooper via majority decision. She also lost her last pro bout at Invicta FC 14 a year ago. Curran was most recently defeated by Felice Herrig this past July via first round submission. This could be a do-or-die fight for both ladies. Curran will likely open as the favorite due to her advantage in overall UFC experience. Gian Villante (14-7-0) vs. Patrick Cummins (8-4-0); UFC Fight Night 102, December 9 It will be a battle of heavy-handed wrestlers in the light heavyweight division as Patrick Cummins takes on Gian Villante this December. Both men are coming off tough losses, with Villante losing a decision to Ilir Latifi this past March while Cummins was knocked out by Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC 198 in a fight he was actually looking pretty good in. Villante should look to open as the favorite due to his superior durability and overall striking, but Cummins could play spoiler if he can get his takedowns going.
