UFC Fight Night 101: Derek Brunson vs. Robert Whittaker preview

The UFC's trip down under this weekend was set to feature a cracker of a main event with title contenders Luke Rockhold and Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza battling it out for a possible next shot at the UFC Middleweight title. However, as fate would have it, quite frequently this year I may add, that fight fell out and instead we have the next level of contenders in streaking Middleweights Derek Brunson and Robert Whittaker set to do battle in the main event.

The card features the full slate of local Aussie UFC talent in action including the likes of Jake Matthews, Kyle Noke and Daniel Kelly featured in there, but all eyes will be on the momentum train in Robert Whittaker who is riding a 5-fight win streak to his maiden spot on top of the billing.

He, however, is also going up against Derek Brunson, who is on a momentum train of his own, having won 7 of his 8 UFC fights. His last 4 wins have come via TKO in the first round, highlighting his extremely dangerous standup game that has caught up with his NCAA Division II wrestling credentials.

The fight set to take place in Melbourne, Australia, works in the favor of Whittaker, who has probably the best left hook in that division. Brunson has shown a tendency to rush in, in his attempt to finish off his opponents early, and would need to be careful when attempting that this time. However, if the fight does go to a decision, I expect Whittaker to get the nod.

However, I see this fight to end in a finish and while Robert may have the cleaner standup; Brunson has some size on him and should be able to take him down if he chooses to, and he has shown he has a very potent Ground & Pound game. I expect Brunson to finish off the hometown guy, somewhere around the third round.

Prediction : Derek Brunson via TKO in the 3rd round.

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