Predictions For UFC 205

When the near 20-year ban on Mixed Martial Arts was lifted in New York back in April, the UFC did not waste any time putting together an amazing fight card. It will mark the first time a UFC card will be featured in the historic Madison Square Garden.

Without a doubt, UFC 205 be one of the biggest events in MMA history.

Miesha Tate vs. Raquel Pennington

This is an interesting matchup since Tate was Pennington's coach on The Ultimate Fighter Season 18 where Pennington made it to the semi finals.

Tate's 5-fight winning streak was snapped in half when she was knocked out by Amanda Nunes in her first title defense back at UFC 200.

Tate holds wins over almost every top contender in the Bantamweight Division including Holly Holm, Sara McMann, and Jessica Eye. She is a top-notch wrestler, and has proved several times that she can take a beating and bounce back to win.

Pennington is currently riding a 3-fight win streak and is a well-rounded boxer with very fast hands. "Rocky" has found success in the Octagon against top opponents Jessica Andrade and Bethe Correia.

It will be a tough, gritty fight for both fighters. Tate is looking for redemption after being knocked out and has never been short on confidence. If Pennington can pull off a win over Tate, one of the best female fighters in the world, she can easily have her name thrown into title contention.

Prediction: Tate via Unanimous Decision

Kelvin Gastelum vs Donald Cerrone

"Cowboy" Cerrone was originally set to fight former Welterweight Champion Robbie Lawler. Unfortunately just three days after the fight was announced, Lawler was forced out so he could recover from a brutal knockout from current champ Tyron Woodley.

In true "Cowboy" fashion, Cerrone took the first fight offered to him against The Ultimate Fighter winner Kelvin Gastelum. Cerrone has won 11 out of his last 12 fights with 8 finishes.

Gastelum on the other hand, has had a bit of a roller coaster ride in the UFC winning 2 of his last 4 fights in the octagon. Gastelum has also has suffered several weight cutting issues since moving down from Middleweight to Welterweight, missing weight for two fights at 170 lbs.

However, Gastelum is a very well-rounded fighter who can take a lot of damage and come back strong. It will be interesting to see how he can handle Cerrone, who has finished his last three opponents in truly spectacular fashion.

Prediction: Cerrone via 3rd Round TKO

Chris Weidman vs Yoel Romero

Since losing the Middleweight belt to Luke Rockhold last December, we have not seen Chris Weidman in the octagon. The former Middleweight champion will be looking for redemption and he may find it in Yoel Romero.

These fighters are very similar. Both Weidman and Romero both have only lost once in their profession careers, and both have wins over several top 10 contenders in the Middleweight Division. Both are high-caliber wrestlers as well (Romero was an Olympic silver medalist, Chris Weidman was a former collegiate All-American Wrestler).

It will be interesting to see how these fighters will prepare mentally as well. Currently ranked as the #4 Middleweight in the world, if Romero can pull off a win, he will be put into instant title contention. Weidman is also looking to recapture the belt. After coming off a devastating loss to Rockhold, you can bet he will be more determined to win than ever.

Prediction: Romero via 3rd Round KO

Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs Karolina Kowalkiewicz

It's a battle of two undefeated Polish powerhouses. Reigning Strawweight Champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk has been absolutely dominant against her competition in the UFC.

The two fighters have already faced in an amateur bout back in 2012, with Jedrzejczyk submitting Kowalkiewicz in the second round. Both fighters have evolved immensely since then, so we should not expect to see a the same fight.

Jedrzejczyk's striking is some of the best in the UFC. Her speed and accuracy seems to be light years ahead of every opponent she has faced. Jedrzejczyk's striking differential is ranked #2 in all divisions of the UFC.

Kowalkiewicz however, has faced Joanna before and knows what to expect. Although she is a slow starter in the octagon, she has a strong clinch game and is very durable.

Prediction: Jedrzejczyk via 4th Round KO

Tyron Woodley vs Stephen Thompson 

This bout has all the makings to become Fight Of The Night. When Tyron Woodley captured the Welterweight belt from Robbie Lawler back in July, Stephen Thompson was the fight that fans instantly wanted to see.

Woodley, "The Chosen One", has always been an exciting fighter to watch. He is basically the embodiment of athleticism, speed, and knockout power. His overhand right is dangerous to all opponents and he also has a decent wrestling background.

"Wonderboy" Thompson on the other hand, comes from a karate background that is fairly rare to see in the UFC. His striking is explosive and, like Woodley's right hand, Thompson's kicks are his bread and butter. His striking is hard to predict because of his flashy technique and once he finds his range he is almost always able to land a flurry of strikes.

Prediction: Thompson via 3rd Round KO

Eddie Alvarez vs Conor McGregor

In addition to UFC 205 becoming the first UFC card to be held at Madison Square Garden, Conor McGregor could possibly make a little more history for himself. No athlete has ever consecutively held two UFC belts and with the Lightweight title on the line McGregor has a great chance at making that happen.

Prior to joining the UFC, Eddie Alvarez was known as the Underground King of MMA. In addition to his Welterweight Championship in the UFC, he has also held titles in promotions such as Reality Fighting, MFC, BogdogFIGHT, DREAM, and Bellator. Alvarez has a dangerous right hand, and is well-rounded in both striking and wrestling.

McGregor quite literally on the other hand, has a lightning-fast overhand left that is incredibly dangerous. McGregor also has an impressive seven-inch reach advantage over Alvarez.  With 6 of his 8 UFC victories coming by way of knockout, "The Notorious One" always puts on an exciting fight.

Prediction: McGregor via 1st Round KO