UFC 332: Silva vs. Wang Preview and Predictions

Favors Smith’s athleticism, wrestling and knockout power against Whitehead; doubts Whitehead can defend Smith’s takedowns or withstand his shots. Notes Smith looked more ordinary against Price.

Favors Wint’s speed and footwork against an Armand he considers uncomfortable striking and unconvincing in wrestling. Expects Wint to be able to beat him wherever the fight takes place.

Expects Hernandez’s power and comfort on the feet to capitalize on dos Anjos’s accumulated wear. Thinks Hernandez has improved since returning to lightweight.

Expects Naurdiev’s speed, athleticism and wider striking arsenal to outland Vettori, whose recent performances he distrusts. Vettori’s durability leads him to a decision pick.

Expects Nolan’s speed and power to overwhelm McGee if he defends the takedowns. Doubts McGee can control him as effectively as Hassanov did, but dislikes Nolan’s price.

Thinks Pinas’s footwork, ability to close distance and wider striking variety will let him track down Pulyaev and land his knockout power.

Favors Rodriguez’s momentum, pressure and grappling against a Coria he thinks recently struggled with pressure and wrestling. Is confident in Rodriguez winning, while less certain about a finish.

Favors Walker’s reach, speed and varied kicks and knees against Parkin’s slower pressure style. Picks a decision while acknowledging that the fight could become sloppy and end early.

Expects Soldic’s forward pressure and left hook to produce the knockout, while recognizing Williams’s danger in a striking fight. Dislikes Soldic’s price and worries about his defensive responsibility and reliance on the same hook.

Expects Ribovics’s pressure, cardio, striking technique and body work to overwhelm Green, who he thought absorbed too much damage against McKinney. Acknowledges Ribovics’s defensive lapses.

Picks Gautier to catch Kopylov despite respecting Kopylov’s durability, kicks and willingness to pressure. Calls it a very low-confidence pick after nearly talking himself out of it.

Expects Talbott’s improved takedown defense, physical size and high-volume knees and kicks to overwhelm a Figueiredo he sees as declining on the feet.

Favors Silva’s volume, body kicks and speed, though he respects Wang’s power and thinks her size could trouble Silva. Expects a striking fight and a decision, with more finishing or grappling upside on Wang’s side.