The third fight in the trilogy will take place Saturday October 19th in Houston, Texas and it will be an exciting one. UFC 166 is shaping up to be one of the best cards in recent times; from top to bottom it is stacked. We will finally figure out who is the baddest man on the planet.
Melendez vs Sanchez
Diego Sanchez will enter the octagon after a controversial win over Gomi. With a 3-3 record over his past 6 fights, there is definitely some pressure on Sanchez to perform. He will be taking on a motivated Gilbert Melendez. Melendez looked unstoppable before he faced Benson Henderson. In a close decision loss, which many thought Gil won, he is looking to get back on track towards another title shot. Gilbert will have a boxing advantage, and I think he will capitalize on Diego’s wild style. Sanchez is well versed in all areas, but his unorthodox style will get him caught in this fight. I see Melendez outboxing Diego to a three-round decision.
Take Melendez by decision at -150. (5Dimes)
Cormier vs Nelson
A battle of the heavyweights Daniel Cormier and Roy Nelson should be an exciting one. Both men have great power and excellent chins, so this bout should not be short of action. Cormier will want to impose his wrestling on Roy Nelson using his strength to mitigate Nelson’s powerful hands. This fight will begin on the feet as always, but Cormier will look to wear on Nelson and grind him out from on top. Cormier is and should be the clear favourite, but I think Roy Nelson could pull an upset here, and with the odds on Nelson by decision at +1850, it is hard not to play it. Nelson has shown he can compete with the best, and if Cormier is not on his game we may see an upset here.
Take Nelson by decision at +1850. (5Dimes)
Velasquez vs Dos Santos
The third and possibly final bout of the epic trilogy between Dos Santos and Velasquez will take place. In what some could classify as power vs striker, we may see the greatest heavyweight fight in history. The JDS supporters believe he is a harder hitter, which is hard to argue. They believe Cain does not have the chin to withstand a JDS bomb. Cain supporters know he is a beast and will go until the final bell rings. He also hits pretty hard himself, and a freak athlete, seemingly never getting tired.
The fight will start a lot like the 2nd one, with Cain attacking and constantly putting pressure. The main question in this fight will be Junior’s cardio. If he really was ill last fight, and that was affecting his performance, then we may see another knockout. I think Junior has worked on his TD defense and if Cain can not get him down, it will be a long night for Mr. Velasquez. I see a mid-round TKO from Junior in this fight.
At +240, take Dos Santos by TKO. (5Dimes)
Cain Velasquez vs Junior Dos Santos • Daneil Cormier • Diego Sanchez • Gilbert Melendez • Hector Lombard vs Nate Marquardt • Roy Nelson • UFC 166