The UFC returns to Philadelphia on Saturday for the second full card on ESPN. Dana White and UFC matchmakers aren’t rolling out the most recognizable names for UFC on ESPN 2, and that’s OK. Even casual fans should be treated to a great night of fights.
Since February's UFC on ESPN 1 (which ended with a 26-second main event between Francis Ngannou and Cain Velasquez) -- cable ESPN also aired prelims for UFC 235 on March 2 -- UFC has extended its deal with Disney to seven years. That removes the pressure for UFC to cater to casual MMA fans by slotting big names on every event. Instead, UFC has taken the approach of putting on great fights that have low chances of disappointing any fight fan. UFC on ESPN 2 is a prime example of that philosophy.
Edson Barboza (20-6) vs. Justin Gaethje (19-2), lightweight
Not an ounce of trash talk surrounding this fight. But don't let the two fighters' laid-back personas fool you: These guys are killers in the cage. Barboza, a 33-year-old Brazilian, and Gaethje, a 30-year-old American, each are coming off victories by brutal KO that ended two-fight losing streaks. Only one can keep the momentum going in this can't-miss main event.
Prediction: Barboza, via third-round knockout
David Branch (22-5) vs. Jack Hermansson (18-4), middleweight
This fight comes down to which version of Branch we are going to see: the world-beating Harlem native who could not care less about that man standing across from him or the over-cautious fighter prone to a crucial mistake? Hermansson is looking to take his place in the rankings with a showcase win on ESPN. Hermansson could sneak out a scrappy decision, but Branch should be able to ride the local crowd's energy and use his boxing to pick apart Hermansson at a distance with combinations.
Prediction: Branch, via decision
Josh Emmett (13-2) vs. Michael Johnson (19-13), featherweight
The definition of a scrap. Emmett is ranked higher (No. 10), and is looking to brush off his controversial loss to Jeremy Stephens following a 13-month layoff. Johnson brings a fury that can draw his opponent into a stand-and-trade battle of wills. Emmett may be at his technical peak, but when the lights are bright and leather’s being thrown around, throw the game plan out of the window. If Johnson is able to make it a slugfest, he has the ability to outwork Emmett on the feet with elite speed and pressure.
Prediction: Johnson, via decision
Karolina Kowalkiewicz (12-3) vs. Michelle Waterson (16-6), strawweight
Kowalkiewicz is trying to position herself for another shot at UFC gold while Waterson wants that elusive first crack at a title. Kowalkiewicz has three losses in her past five, most recently a devastating knockout at the hands of strawweight No. 1 contender Jessica Andrade at UFC 228. But she's been in against elite fighters and holds a victory over current champion Rose Namajunas. Waterson, who trains with Jon Jones' “Jackson-Wink” fight team out of Albuquerque, hasn’t been able to live up to her potential. It could be that competing at 115 pounds isn’t the best weight for her; she was a champion at 105 pounds for Invicta. But UFC doesn't seem inclined to add another women’s weight class, leaving Waterson to compete against bigger women. Kowalkiewicz will try to win this on points.
Prediction: Kowalkiewicz, via decision
Desmond Green (21-8) vs. Ross Pearson (20-15), lightweight
Pearson, a British veteran of 25 UFC fights, is trying to prove he has enough left in the tank at 34 years old. He will be facing a tough and durable opponent in Green, who possesses high-level wrestling skills along with non-stop movement. Pearson needs to neutralize the younger and faster Green to land a huge counter strike. Maybe a few years ago, Green would’ve been overzealous and would’ve run into a big counter, but the New York native has built a lot of experience since he debuted in the UFC nearly two years ago. Not this time.
Prediction: Green, via decision
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