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STRONG: Main card thoughts and predictions for UFC Fight Night 46
Jul 18, 2014 - 5:40:35 PM STRONG: Main card thoughts and predictions for UFC Fight Night 46

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By: Tom Strong, MMATorch UK Contributor

Only one more day to go before the UFC returns to Dublin, Ireland, for Fight Night 46. As was the demand for just the weigh ins, 5000 tickets were allocated and all have been snapped up. this will give you some indication of how big the event will be on its return.

The Irish fans have waited five years for the UFC to return, and it's going to be fireworks with fan favourite Conor McGregor heading up the main event against another exciting fighter in Diego Brandao.

Looking ahead towards tomorrow night, here's my picks and predictions for the night's main card.


Conor McGregor (14-2) vs. Diego Brandao (18-9)

After nearly a year out due to an ACL injury, Conor McGregor returns to action, and what better place to return than his hometown in front of a roaring Irish crowd. McGregor was originally scheduled to fight Cole Miller in Dublin, though a thumb injury forced Miller from the card. Diego Brandao has stepped up to the plate in what I think will be a more entertaining fight for the fans. Brandao, like McGregor, enjoys a stand up battle, which will be music to the fan's ears.

Though this should be an entertaining fight, I feel Cole Miller would've posed a lot more questions for McGregor than Brandao will. We haven't yet seen any UFC fighter attempt to take the Irishman down, where both of his losses have come via submission. It's a question I'd like to see answered, to see how McGregor deals with it. I'm not so sure Brandao will be the fighter to ask these questions!

If the fight is to stay standing I have to give the advantage to McGregor, he has a very awkward style that will give Brandao nightmares if he isn't on his game. That being said, Brandao isn't a slouch on his feet, he carries knockout power, though the reach advantage McGregor has could be key to this fight.

It seems the book makers have also bought into the hype, making him a massive favourite at -450, whilst the more experienced challenger is a +325 underdog. Though I don't agree with these odds, I'm certainly favouring the Irishman to get the job done.

Can Brandao last five rounds with someone like McGregor?

The battle for Brandao to make weight was his biggest challenge today. As he came in on weight, the upset wouldn't be a massive surprise. McGregor might have to weather an early storm before getting the job done.

A good win here for Conor McGregor and the "hype' about him would certainly become real.

Prediction: Conor McGregor RD 3 TKO


Gunnar Nelson (12-0-1) vs. Zak Cummings (17-3)

I was somewhat surprised this welterweight bout is the co-main event in Dublin. That aside, this could be a lopsided fight. Gunnar Nelson quietly gets on with his business, but don't be fooled by his laid back demeanor, he's a top fighter within the welterweight division. He can grapple with the very best, has underrated striking, and is a beast on the ground. Cummings is a decent fighter, though just not on the same level as Nelson.

If you're a betting fan, this is one to stay well clear off. Nelson -450 Cummings +325.

Prediction: Nelson RD 2 Sub.


Brad Pickett (24-8) vs. Ian McCall (12-4-1)

I feel the UFC have missed a trick here not putting this fight on as the co-main event. Especially with possible title implications on the line for the winner, and the prospect of this being the possibly one of the most entertaining fights of the night. We finally get to see this fight after McCall had to withdraw from their scheduled bout in London, where Brad Pickett made his flyweight debut.

Instead, Pickett had a change of opponent, facing and defeating Neil Serry via unanimous decision on his flyweight debut.

Though not one of his finest performances on the night, he got the job done. Pickett will be eager to put that behind him and put on a show here, as he wants to put his name forward as the top challenger for the winner of Demetrious Johnson vs. Chris Cariaso in August. Ahead of him, though, is a very stern test in Ian McCall.

McCall has been out of action for a year since his last win. Beating Iliarde Santos via unanimous decision in August 2013, snapping his two fight losing streak, and gaining his first win in three fights after his controversial draw to now Flyweight Champion Johnson.

I'm struggling to pick a winner here. As an Englishman and a massive Pickett fan, my heart is drawing me towards him. Though my head says McCall has the style to turn this ugly and eek out a win.

Pickett will have fight more clever than he did against Seery where he got caught numerous times. His wrestling, and timing those take downs from McCall, could be vital to overcoming 'Uncle Creepy.'

The odds have Ian McCall -175, Brad Pickett +145. I like the odds on Pickett, and this being his second time making the 125 lb limit, I'm sure he will be better prepared.

Prediction: Brad Pickett RD 2 KO


Norman Parke (19-2-1) vs. Naoyuki Kotani (33-10-7):

Norman Parke probably isn't getting the praise he deserves, with Irishman McGregor taking all the plaudits. This could be the night Parke makes a name for myself. I've been very impressed with Northern Ireland's Parke since he competed and won the TUF 'Smashes' series, beating Colin Fletcher in the final to be crowned the winner.

He has a well rounded style and was unlucky in his last bout, where he was deducted a point for holding onto Leonardo Santos shorts. This lead to the fight being called as a draw.

Parke is now undefeated in ten fights dating back to 2010, with one draw thrown in. He faces the experienced Naoyuki Kotani. Having fifty fights behind him, and twenty-five wins coming the way of submission, Parke will have to show all his skills to keep Kotani off him and prevent the submission coming his way.

Kotani last fought in the UFC back in 2007, at UFC 75 in London. Kotani faced Dennis Siver where he lost via second round TKO. This was also the last time he fought outside of Japan. Like Parke, Kotani is undefeated since 2010, riding a thirteen fight win streak.

I'm predicting Parke to be too well rounded for Kotani, though the much less experienced Parke will get the job done and break Kotani's winning streak.

Prediction: Norman Parke UD.


Follow me on twitter @MMATorchTom for live play by play tweets as the action unfolds tomorrow!