The UFC welterweight title showdown between champion Robbie Lawler and challenger Carlos Condit will headline a stellar bill at UFC 195 in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday evening.
Lawler is coming into this one on the back of a thrilling defence of his crown at UFC 189 earlier in the year, when he stopped Rory MacDonald late on during an absorbing contest. It was a display that bodes well for another gripping tussle here, especially given Condit’s own penchant for being involved in exciting bouts.
Here’s a closer look at the main card for UFC 195, how the bookmakers are seeing things and an examination of how the two showpiece fights are likely to pan out on the night.
Odds accurate as of 2:45 p.m. GMT on Dec. 29. Full listings available on Oddschecker.
Robbie Lawler vs. Carlos Condit
This is a bout that has all the hallmarks of an early contender for 2016's fight of the year, as Lawler defends his welterweight crown against Condit.
Both of these men love to fight on the front foot, are always seeking to keep their opponent under pressure and can gain the upper hand with a wide variety of skills.
What’s likely to make this one even more entertaining is that both Lawler and Condit have extraordinarily strong chins, meaning it's a battle likely to go the distance.
Bleacher Report’s Mike Chiappetta has high expectations for the welterweight tussle:
Warrior-like qualities were evident in Lawler’s previous defence, when he was able to beat MacDonald in one of the greatest fights in UFC history.
Condit has lost three of his last five fights but seemed back to his best with a stoppage win over Thiago Alves in May. He’ll be keen to win this title outright for the first time, having been interim champion for a spell in 2012.
What we should expect from these two is plenty of striking, plenty of big hits and an all-out war to determine who takes home the strap. The UFC gave us a sneak preview of what's to come from Lawler’s perspective:
As the technically superior fighter, Condit will seek to utilise his agile footwork and striking accuracy in an attempt to take rounds. It’s a game plan he will need to stick to stringently, because if the fight descends into an anarchic one, the superior power of Lawler is likely to take over.
Condit has previously indulged in slugfests, though, and although his willingness to trade will make for an entertaining fight for the fans, its likely to aid Lawler in getting over the line at the end of a brutal five rounds.
Prediction: Lawler via decision
Stipe Miocic vs. Andrei Arlovski
In the co-main event, Stipe Miocic will be seeking to put an end to the brilliant run of former champion Andrei Arlovski in what should be a fine heavyweight showdown.
Since losing to Anthony Johnson in 2013, Arlovski has found his stride. He’s had six professional bouts since then, culminating in a very impressive win over Frank Mir at UFC 191. As FOX Sports: UFC noted in the build-up to the bout, the Belarusian has been getting some help from the very best in the business, too:
Miocic will feel he has enough to cope with his opponent, though. The American has been edging closer to a potential title shot against Fabricio Werdum throughout 2015 and will be keen to end the year on a high here. He’ll be hoping his wrestling skills will be too much for Arlovski to handle on the night.
As this exchange on social media proves in the build-up to the fight, it seems as though Miocic is in relaxed mood ahead of what is one of the most significant nights of his life:
Miocic will have to be at his very best if he’s to halt Arlovski’s winning run, but with a potential No. 1 contender status up for grabs with a win, the American will be determined to get the job done. Expect Miocic to edge a tight, tenacious showdown in what’ll be a strong appetiser to the evening’s main event.
Prediction: Miocic via decision
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