UFC 283 staff picks and predictions: Burns to rebound against Magny?

It’s the primary UFC PPV of the 12 months and the primary UFC occasion of any type in Brazil since March 2020. The Brazilian followers are being handled to 2 title fights that includes their countrymen and loads of different alternatives to scream ‘Uh vai morrer’.

Past the title fights there are many intriguing match-ups. Some have divisional relevance (see Gilbert Burns vs. Neil Magny), whereas others are simply plain enjoyable (see something involving Gregory Rodrigues). We even have the ‘Shogun’ Rua retirement combat headlining the prelims.

The BE staffers have poured over the match-ups, stats and pictures (or have flipped a coin) to select who they suppose will win on the Jeunesse Enviornment in Rio on Saturday night time. You’ll be able to see the picks under, minus the title fights, that are befitting of their very personal article.

The workers is close to unanimous of their considering that Burns will rebound from his loss to Khamzat Chimaev to destroy Magny’s journey to Brazil. In terms of Shogun, we’re break up with half the workers considering he’ll exit on prime and the opposite fearing that his retirement might have come one combat too late.

Try the opposite picks under and don’t neglect so as to add yours within the remark!

Gilbert Burns vs. Neil Magny

Anton Tabuena: Burns has made huge strides to his sport that it’s exhausting to think about he ever began with a (world class) BJJ base, however he nonetheless will get method too wild and lacks a little bit of composure on the toes at instances. That may spell dangerous information if Burns can’t harm and end him early, as I can see the very underrated Magny making the most of openings along with his veteran poise — and attain. I believe this may very well be so much nearer than how oddsmakers have it now, however because it’s a bout that may conceivably go both method, I’m going with the stronger finisher. Gilbert Burns by TKO.

Zane Simon: These are simply the sorts of fights that Neil Magny doesn’t win. Sluggers, wrestlers, and lockdown BJJ grapplers have all given Magny matches at instances, and Burns is all three. Gilbert Burns by way of submission, spherical 2.

Victor Rodriguez: I don’t like Magny, I really like the man. He’s quirky and annoys opponents, and there’s simply one thing nice about watching different guys get flustered coping with him. However Burns closes distance successfully, lands bombs up shut, wrestles successfully and has a really elite grappling sport. And Magny could be loopy sufficient to tug one thing from his bag of methods to get the win, however I simply can’t envision what that may be. Will he have the chance to even get to prime place on the bottom, or to safe the clinch to punish Gilbert inside? Appears to be like iffy, and I can’t belief iffy in opposition to Gilbert Burns. Gilbert Burns by TKO.

Employees choosing Burns: Eddie, Bissell, Lewis, Anton, Dayne, Kristen, Stephie, Zane, VictorStaff choosing Magny: Chris

Jessica Andrade vs, Lauren Murphy

Anton Tabuena: Murphy is 39 and never precisely the quickest fighter, and I believe Andrade simply overwhelms her utterly together with her physicality. Jessica Andrade by TKO.

Zane Simon: If Murphy can cease Andrade from taking her down, I might see her having one thing like Angela Hill’s combat with Murphy, the place being robust and rugged in extended exchanges makes this combat surprisingly shut. If she will be able to’t cease Andrade from taking her down, then dangerous issues appear possible. Both method, although, I don’t belief Murphy to push sufficient of a tempo in opposition to this stage of highly effective athlete. Jessica Andrade by resolution.

Victor Rodriguez: Murphy’s completed a lot to enhance her method and her athleticism, but it surely finally might not be sufficient right here. She hustled exhausting in opposition to Miesha Tate to close down her wrestling and outworked Joanne Wooden within the hanging division. True, neither of them was of their prime, but it surely was the way in which she did it. Will that be sufficient in opposition to a wrecking ball that may combat good, take harm and push a punishing tempo? In all probability not. Gotta go along with the brisker more durable hitter with the velocity benefit and industrial-strength grappling. Jessica Andrade by submission.

Employees choosing Andrade: Bissell, Eddie, Chris, Lewis, Anton, Dayne, Kristen, Stephie, Zane, VictorStaff choosing Murphy:

Paul Craig vs. Johnny Walker

Anton Tabuena: If Walker can’t land huge very early, he’s getting outworked and Craig will make him look dangerous. I doubt the previous occurs along with his extra reserved — or ought to I say restricted — fashion recently too. Paul Craig by Submission.

Zane Simon: Actually needs to be Walker’s combat to tackle pure dimension and energy, but it surely looks like future that he’ll make no less than one absurdly unsuitable transfer. Simply the form of factor that Craig has created a profession out of pouncing on. My one actual worry right here is that Walker would possibly simply be too huge for Craig to submit off his again. He actually is a big LHW. However I’ll nonetheless go along with the man who I belief to indicate up with a set plan in thoughts. Paul Craig by way of submission, spherical 1.

Victor Rodriguez: God, what an unsightly mess. These two like to get sloppy, though Walker — and I actually have to provide SBGi a ton of credit score right here — has proven a good quantity of development and sorely-needed restraint. Craig can solely have so many performances the place he takes a ton of hits earlier than his opponent wears himself out or he turns the tables with a Hail Mary, and this newer (and maybe much less fan-friendly) model of Walker may need the required instruments and gameplan to close him down. Whereas it’s true we haven’t seen an entire lot of Walker’s grappling and Craig is a submission menace from in every single place, meh. I’m going with the rangier and extra affected person man. Johnny Walker by resolution.

Employees choosing Craig: Chris, Bissell, Lewis, Anton, Kristen, ZaneStaff choosing Walker: Eddie, Dayne, Stephie, Victor

Mauricio Rua vs. Ihor Poteria

Anton Tabuena: I’ll most likely be unsuitable, as a result of MMA is miserable and there aren’t any pleased endings, however I received’t decide in opposition to Shogun in his retirement combat. He’s a shell of himself, particularly along with his velocity and mobility, however energy is the final to go, and hopefully he in some way finds a solution to counter and land huge. Shogun Rua by brutal KO.

Zane Simon: Shogun hasn’t been the person he was early in his profession for what seems like a decade now, however recently it seems like he’s actually lacking any of the dynamic hand velocity that continued making him a menace these previous few years. With out that, and in opposition to a younger, huge, sturdy LHW with the whole lot to show, I can’t decide Rua. Not even for sentimentality’s sake. Ihor Poteria by way of TKO, spherical 1.

Victor Rodriguez: Shogun introduced his intent to retire, however the UFC insists on killing guys off on their method out for no motive. Was there no different extra aggressive match for them? Have they got to do that “younger slaughter the outdated“ gimmick each time? Nate Diaz caught a fortunate break and ended up going through Tony Ferguson to experience off into the sundown with a win. Shogun received’t have that luck. However very similar to Nate, I hope he pulls the win off as one thing of a center finger for reserving this morally atrocious bout. Sentimental outdated man decide incoming: Shogun Rua by knockout for outdated instances’ sake.

Employees choosing Rua: Chris, Lewis, Anton, Kristen, VictorStaff choosing Poteria: Bissell, Eddie, Dayne, Stephie, Zane

Gregory Rodrigues vs. Brunno Ferreira

Zane Simon: Ferreira clearly has a puncher’s probability. Rodrigues received’t keep away from a hearth combat with him, and he’s acquired the boldness and highly effective physique to make some issues occur if Rodrigues isn’t cautious. However he’s additionally giving up 5 inches of top, a bunch of attain, and technical acumen in every single place. Gregory Rodrigues by way of KO, spherical 2.

Victor Rodriguez: Apart from the present champ, Gregory is the one middleweight I’ve actually been tremendous excited to see transfer up within the UFC. Brunno’s robust, however his boxing doesn’t have the identical polish and he’s not as affected person on the bottom. Violent Obama by KO.

Employees choosing Rodrigues: Eddie, Chris, Anton, Dayne, Kristen, Stephie, Zane, VictorStaff choosing Ferreira: Bissell

Thiago Moises vs. Melquizael Costa

Zane Simon: Actually, this seems like a little bit of a lure combat for Moises, who’s all too pleased and keen to let opponents dictate vary and tempo and stress to him. Costa is a properly skilled motion fighter, with nice snap in his kicks and the flexibility to compete in every single place. If he can simply keep at distance and put out quantity, he would possibly simply chew Moises up. However, final time Costa fought on quick discover, he went with a clinch-heavy stalling fashion and misplaced out on wrestling and takedowns. That’s a sport Moises can repeat, together with some sharp counters alongside the way in which. Thiago Moises by way of resolution, however he’ll must thoughts himself all over.

Victor Rodriguez: (Flips a coin, stares at it, takes one other swig of whiskey) Positive, why the hell not? Thiago Moises by no matter.

Employees choosing Moises: Eddie, Chris, Bissell, Anton, Dayne, Kristen, Stephie, Zane, VictorStaff choosing Costa:

Gabriel Bonfim vs. Mounir Lazzez

Zane Simon: I suppose I’m a bit confused about what the massive upside right here on Bonfim is. He’s acquired a decently well-rounded fashion, however the largest part of his DWCS victory gave the impression to be his opponent leaping guillotine on him after tagging him up frequently in standup exchanges. Lazzez has his faults, however is a rather well composed, sniping striker. I’m ready to be stunned by Bonfim, he’s younger and undefeated. But when he can’t take Lazzez down early and infrequently, it looks like he’s gonna get picked aside right here. Mounir Lazzez by way of resolution.

Victor Rodriguez: Robust agree with Zane right here, Lazzez simply has extra indicators of being the higher developed expertise at this stage of their careers. Plus, he can do so much from just about anyplace. Can’t decide in opposition to that. Mounir Lazzez by TKO, spherical 3.

Employees choosing Bonfim: Eddie, Bissell, Anton, Dayne, Kristen, StephieStaff choosing Lazzez: Chris, Zane, Victor

Jailton Almeida vs. Shamil Abdurakhimov

Zane Simon: Looks as if Abdurakhimov’s sturdiness has taken successful recently, together with what footspeed he used to have. That leaves him in a fairly dangerous place in opposition to a wrestle-grappler like Almeida who can land some huge overhands too. Jailton Almeida by way of TKO, spherical 1.

Victor Rodriguez: Waitwaitwaitwaitwait… Shamil’s nonetheless within the UFC? After three straight losses, all finishes, all as a result of strikes? And he’s up in opposition to (checks notes) a man with a ton of finishes and most of them being rear bare chokes? Oh, the man can also be (squints exhausting) one of the crucial promising heavyweights and maybe the perfect submission specialist in that weight class since Werdum or Huge Nog? Fam… if there’s a hell — an actual and completely not metaphorical one — any individual’s going straight to hell for reserving this shit, I swear. Simply ship Shamil to a monastery in Cochabamba, it’s rather more humane than this. Jailton Almeida by (what else?) rear bare choke (duh).

Employees choosing Almeida: Eddie, Chris, Bissell, Anton, Dayne, Kristen, Stephie, Zane, VictorStaff choosing Abdurakhimov:

Terrance McKinney vs. Ismael Bonfim

Zane Simon: In contrast to his greater, youthful brother, there’s much more technically occurring that I like about Ismael Bonfim. He’s a very sharp puncher, with some respectable energy and a fantastic chin. He has one submission loss to his profession, practically a decade in the past to Renato Moicano, however in any other case has by no means been stopped. McKinney is certainly quicker and virtually definitely a greater wrestler, however even Sean Woodson was in a position to knock him out simply by making it to the second spherical after McKinney burned by his gasoline tank. Has McKinney actually modified or grown since? Thus far he’s nonetheless a man who wins within the first couple of minutes or falls to items. I’ll take Ismael Bonfim to outlive and decide up the third spherical TKO. Ismael Bonfim by way of TKO, spherical 3.

Victor Rodriguez: McKinney nonetheless has a knack for sensational finishes and Bonfim isn’t resistant to what he does properly. Terrance McKinney by submission.

Employees choosing McKinney: Eddie, Chris, Anton, Kristen, Stephie, VictorStaff choosing Bonfim: Bissell, Dayne, Zane

Warlley Alves vs. Nicholas Dalby

Zane Simon: I’d like to see Dalby win this, and if he doesn’t get completed, I believe he’ll very possible win the third spherical. The difficulty will possible come early on, since Alves is a brutally highly effective fighter, particularly early in bouts and Dalby simply… isn’t. May simply be the form of combat the place Alves wins spherical 1, Dalby spherical 3, and spherical 2 is a tossup. I’ll take Alves to win that combat since I believe he’ll be doing probably the most harm. Warlley Alves by resolution.

Victor Rodriguez: Dalby isn’t only a sluggish starter, he appears to stutter offensively and run out of choices in opposition to extra diversified strikers. Alves has a ton of energy, a bit extra polish on his boxing, and squeezed the decency out of Colby Covington’s neck. Dude has choices, and I’ve to respect that. Warlley Alves by TKO.

Employees choosing Alves: Eddie, Bissell, Anton, Dayne, Kristen, Stephie, Zane, VictorStaff choosing Dalby: Chris

Josiane Nunes vs. Zarah Fairn

Zane Simon: What the hell, she’s 6 inches taller, with 6 inches of attain, and Nunes couldn’t put Ramona Pasucal away. Zarah Fairn by resolution.

Victor Rodriguez: Tough. Neither is a very dangerous fighter, however neither is prepared for primetime. In any respect. You desire a featherweight division made in a rush? Congratulations, that is what you find yourself with. I’m so glad I don’t watch any of this dwell, how do you folks dwell with yourselves? Josiane Nunes by resolution, I suppose?

Employees choosing Nunes: Eddie, Chris, Bissell, Anton, Dayne, Kristen, Stephie, NunesStaff choosing Fairn: Zane

Luan Lacerda vs. Cody Stamann

Zane Simon: Appears like a fairly disrespectful reserving for Stamann who has been a transparent prime 20ish fighter within the UFC for a couple of years now. Lacerda has some legit expertise, highly effective kicks, and a powerful sub sport, however Stamann is a giant step up and a really robust fighter to wreck, a lot much less end. Cody Stamann by resolution.

Victor Rodriguez: So Stamann… I imply, what is that this reserving? Doesn’t appear final minute, they simply type of cobbled this collectively? Who did Lacerda piss off to get right here? No matter. Cody Stamann by resolution.

Employees choosing Larceda: ChrisStaff choosing Stamann: Eddie, Bissell, Anton, Dayne, Kristen, Stephie, Zane

Daniel Marcos vs. Saimon Oliveira

Zane Simon: Oliveira looks like he does a number of the identical stuff Marcos does, however with higher method and extra aggression. Saimon Oliveira by way of submission, spherical 1.

Victor Rodriguez: Don’t even keep in mind seeing both man within the UFC. That’s even funnier or extra tragic whenever you understand I did the Contender Collection preview scouting for each of those guys. Hell of an operation they’re working. Daniel Marcos by resolution.

Employees choosing Marcos: Chris, Bissell, VictorStaff choosing Oliveira: Eddie, Anton, Dayne, Kristen, Stephie, Zane

Dayne Fox ran the desk final week going an ideal 11-0 and placing himself first place within the standings. Let’s all have a good time that and ignore my terrible exhibiting in week one. Chomping at Dayne’s heels are final 12 months’s champ Zane, together with Stephie and Eddie who went 9-2. Eddie is one of some staffers who’re becoming a member of within the enjoyable this 12 months to make this probably the most aggressive workers picks season so far!

Concerning the creator: Tim Bissell is a author, editor and deputy web site supervisor for Bloody Elbow. He has coated fight sports activities since 2015. Tim covers information and occasions and has additionally written longform and investigative items. (full bio)