Jeremiah Wells vs Mike Mathetha – 170 pounds – Welterweight

Well, UFC 271 is choosing to begin with violence.

Mike “Blood Diamond” Mathetha has not only the new coolest UFC nickname, he also is going to have one of the most unique striking styles in the organization. The first of three City Kickboxing fighters to fight at 271, Blood Diamond has an extensive kickboxing background and will be hunting for the KO with his funky and flowing style.

His opponent – Jeremiah Wells, has some serious power. Like, that freaky death touch kind of power. I do think he will be more willing to mix it with takedowns up as well, which could give him an advantage.

But I am guessing we see violence

Jacob Malkoun vs AJ Dobson – 185 pounds – Middleweight

This is a fight where I have my eye specifically on one fighter. And that is AJ Dobson, the next potential world champion to come from Mark Colemans gym.

AJ fought like a madman on his DWCS series debut. But not in a bad way, he just was ultra aggressive chasing the finish. I have watched a lot of fights, and it was a very unique approach. I am really curious to see if he blitzes his opponent again!

But I am also really curious to see how good he actually is, because aside from his berserker fight style, he also looks to have some skills and physical attributes. I really hope he is good. Because if he is, we might have a new fan favourite on our hands, at least..

Carlos Ulberg vs Fabio Cherant – 205 pounds – Light Heavyweight

Carlos Ulberg is one of the guys on Izzy’s City Kickboxing team. So I am going to be curious to see how he does. He has a pretty solid kickboxing pedigree. And was in a wild fight with Kennedy Nzechukwu his last time out where it looked like he was moments from moving his record to 4-0.

Fabio Cherant is 0-2 in the UFC, losing both his fights in the 1st round. He has not yet proven himself to be UFC caliber, and will be a favourable stlye matchup for Carlos Ulberg..

Anthony Hernandez vs Renato Moicano – 155 pounds – Lightweight

Anthony Hernandez recently made headlines complaining about his placement on this card! Anthony claimed him and his opponent, Renato Moicano, are two of the most well known names on this card, and they should be further up the card!

And I don’t disagree – but, they have both traded wins and losses in their last 4. Losing to those supposed “main card” fighters. Both these guys need this win to get back to those higher profile matchups.

Derrick Lewis vs Tia Tuivasa – 265 pounds – Heavyweight

This big boys!

This fight features the hometown boy, Derrick Lewis returning home looking for redemption against the “shoey” specialist Tai Tuivasa. Yes, drinking beer from a shoe is Tai Tuivasa’s specialty as a UFC fighter. The UFC featured more beer drinking highlights than they did KO highlights! It is kind of ridiculous.

But aside from how these fighters choose to enjoy their beverages – they will both be looking for the KO.

The strategy in this fight will be pretty simple. Get the KO. That’s it.

if you do not know, now you do know