UFC on Fox 8: Johnson vs Moraga is an upcoming card that will be held in Seattle, Washington on Saturday, July 27th. While it is not the most impressive fox card to date, there are a couple interesting match ups that could impact a couple divisions. The most intriguing of those match ups is of course Rory MacDonald vs Jake Ellenberger. The winner may very well be the next title contender. In the main event the flyweights Demetrious Johnson and John Moraga will fight for the title.
Melvin Guillard vs Mac Danzig
The first fight that looked attractive based on the odds is Guillard vs Danzig. Both fighters have more losses in their UFC career than they care to remember. What struck me is that the odds are even in this fight. Guillard, after losing 4 of 5, is probably fighting for his job. All four losses came against some of the best competition in the lightweight division. Danzig will have trouble with Guillard’s power. I expect Guillard’s boxing to be the difference in this bout, and I wouldn’t rule out a TKO.
However, at -120 (5Dimes) I would stick with Guillard getting the W.
Robbie Lawler vs Bobby Voelker
‘Ruthless’ Robbie Lawler will take on the hard-hitting Bobby Voelker on Saturday, and I expect this to be a war. Combined, these two have 32 knockouts. These two will test each others standup and the better man will be left standing. Lawler has faced much stiffer competition than Voelker and has the better chin. After knocking out Koscheck in his return to the UFC, I expect Lawler to take out Voelker in devastating fashion.
Take Lawler by TKO/KO at -105 (5Dimes).
Rory MacDonald vs Jake Ellenberger
In what is clearly the most interesting bout on the card, Ellenberger will step into the octagon with the ever-improving Rory MacDonald. Rory is coming off one of the most dominant victories we have seen in recent years, where he destroyed BJ Penn. Ellenberger, who recently KO’d Nate Marquardt in the first round, will be looking to settle down the hype that is around Rory. Ellenberger showed the power he possesses against Nate, and has shown it many times in the past. Rory, on the other hand, is a more technical fighter, and will look to pick apart Jake with his size and range.
Ellenberger is used to being the aggressor, but Rory will more than likely take this role as he has in the past. I expect Jake to swing for the fences when this happens, and I expect him to tire out. Rory will pick apart Jake towards the end of the fight and reassure everyone that he will be the top dog in the welterweight division.
Take Rory at -240 (5Dimes).
Demetrious Johnson vs John Moraga
Johnson may be the most athletic man in the division, and can set a pace like no other. John Moraga, is a very large flyweight fighter standing over 5’6. Johnson has faced bigger and better opponents. I expect Johnson to push the pace and use his speed to tire and pick apart Moraga. Johnson is the heavy favourite here for a reason, as he has faced much stiffer competition and has excelled while doing so. These two have one common opponent in John Dodson. Johnson got the W to retain his title, while Moraga lost a decision.
All things considered, take Johnson at -500 (5Dimes) in what most expect to be a one-sided affair.
Check out the official site for more on this UFC event.
Jake Ellenberger vs Rory MacDonald • Johnson vs Moraga • Lawler vs Voelker • UFC on Fox 8 • UFC Saturday July 27th