Penick's Take
UFC 184 PREVIEW: Penick's main card breakdown and fight picks
Feb 28, 2015 - 10:30:47 AM UFC 184 PREVIEW: Penick's main card breakdown and fight picks

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

UFC 184 hits pay-per-view tonight with a decidedly less intriguing card than it had a month ago, but nevertheless, one of the UFC's must-watch Champions is still fighting in the main event. While the brevity of Ronda Rousey's title defenses may not be intriguing to some, the way she continues to take out her competition is still fascinating to watch. Here's what's on tap for tonight's main card!

Ronda Rousey vs. Cat Zingano (UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship)

Ronda Rousey's last two fights showcased her improved striking game, and it seems she's getting even better in that aspect of her attack. Obviously her judo game is a strength that no one's been able to match to this point, but when she's getting just as dangerous on the feet, that makes things all the more difficult for those trying to dethrone her.

Cat Zingano is gutsy as all hell, and extremely hard to put away. Her problem is that she's a slow starter who sometimes allows her opponents to get an early edge on her before she really kicks herself into gear. She was able to come back against both Miesha Tate and Amanda Nunes, but it could be very bad for her if she lets Rousey get out ahead quickly.

Rousey is masterful at taking advantage of what's given to her on the fly in a fight, and oftentimes it leads to her finding an arm. She can hit that armbar from a number of angles, and it's up to Zingano to show that her jiu jitsu game can counter what Rousey brings to the table.

On the feet, Zingano's got a very good clinch game, and she utilizes her knees to great effect. Unfortunately, getting locked up in a clinch with Rousey is a one way ticket to get thrown onto your back. As far as strict striking is concerned, Rousey's defense isn't great at this point, but she's shown some good power herself as that part has improved, and she's fast as well.

Zingano may very well be a challenge tonight to what Rousey does well, but Rousey's a challenge Zingano's never faced herself. It's really hard to see this ending any differently than any of Rousey's previous fights.

PREDICTION: Rousey by armbar in the first round


Holly Holm vs. Raquel Pennington (Women's Bantamweight)

Holm is making her debut with a lot of expectations, and there's every reason to believe she's going to live up to them. Pennington's a scrapper with a good chin, but heart only gets you so far.

Pennington might have an edge in the grappling game, but she's far from a ground wizard, and is better herself on the feet. Holm's coming in as a boxer who has taken a liking to kicking people in the head as well, and her striking game is significantly better than her opponent here. Pennington's not going to make it easy for Holm here, but this should still be a win for the newcomer.

PREDICTION: Holm by TKO in the third round


Jake Ellenberger vs. Josh Koscheck (Welterweight)

Two former top ten welterweights square off having lost three in a row each to elite level competition. Ellenberger's been more active as of late, with Koscheck returning from a 15-month hiatus.

It's hard to judge what we're going to see in this fight. Ellenberger's looked bad in his last three fights; he was timid against Rory MacDonald, got overwhelmed late against Robbie Lawler, and then got steamrolled by Kelvin Gastelum. Koscheck didn't really fare any better in his last three, dropping a decision to Johny Hendricks in a fairly dull fight before getting stopped in the first round by Lawler and Tyron Woodley.

This is a fight Koscheck can win, because he's been rested up and took the time off for himself more than anything. Still, Ellenberger has power in his strikes, and Koscheck's chin isn't all that trust-worthy. I wouldn't be confident in either fighter, though, and it's a bit of a coin flip given how each has performed recently.

PREDICTION: Ellenberger by TKO in the second round


Alan Jouban vs. Richard Walsh (Welterweight)

Walsh lost an ugly fight to Kiichi Kunimoto his last time out, while Jouban lost a fairly competitive fight with Warlley Alves. Jouban's the more talented of the two, with some serious power in his hands. Walsh is durable, but not really all that great in any one area of the game. It's sad that this one's on the main card.

PREDICTION: Jouban by TKO in the third round


Tony Ferguson vs. Gleison Tibau (Lightweight)

Tibau's a consummate grinder, and has been fairly consistent throughout his lengthy UFC career. However, he tends to falter against better, more talented fighters, and that's what he's facing in Ferguson.

The Ultimate Fighter 13 winner has been on a very good run since returning from a long layoff, and he's stopped three of his last four opponents during that winning streak. He's faster than Tibau, has good power in his hands, has a good submission game, and most importantly has the instincts to know when to go for the kill.

Speed is the biggest factor here, and if Ferguson can avoid the grinding style that Tibau is most successful with, he'll get in his strikes, he'll do his damage, and he'll find his opening. If he performs as he's capable he'll have a chance for a signature win here.

PREDICTION: Ferguson by TKO in the second round