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UFC 296 Preview: and Shocking Predictions

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UFC 296 preview and shocking predictions. Ringside Report MMA December 14, 2023. Hosted by Dave Simon and AJ D’Alesio.
 
Dave and AJ previewed UFC 296 and gave their parlay predictions for the event.
 
Dave and AJ previewed the Montreal Quintet jiu-jitsu show and discussed results from last weekend’s UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas.
Ufc 296 Preview Thumbnail
UFC 296 Preview thumbnail
Poster For The Montreal Quintet Jiu-Jitsu Tournament On Dec 15 2023
Poster for the Montreal Quintet Jiu-Jitsu Tournament on Dec 15 2023

Breakdown of Ringside Report MMA’s UFC 296 Preview Picks

Leon Edwards At The Ufc 296 Weigh In
Leon Edwards at the UFC 296 Weigh-In

Colby Covington vs. Leon Edwards

  • AJ D’Alesio: Praises Colby’s endurance and pressure-fighting style. Despite Colby being the underdog, AJ sees him as the likely winner due to his performance against Kamaru Usman in past fights.
  • Dave Simon: Challenges AJ’s opinion, pointing out that Colby is, in fact, the underdog according to oddsmakers. Dave’s stance remains unclear but he seems skeptical of AJ’s prediction.

Brandon Royval vs. Alexandre Pantoja

  • Dave Simon: Predicts Pantoja will win and retain the flyweight title, referencing Pantoja’s previous victory over Royval and his impressive performance against Brandon Moreno.

Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Stephen Thompson

  • Dave Simon: Believes Shavkat Rakhmonov will submit Stephen Thompson, highlighting Rakhmonov’s undefeated record and momentum.

Tony Ferguson vs. Paddy Pimblett

  • Dave Simon: Predicts Pimblett will win, citing the contrast between Tony Ferguson‘s losing streak and Pimblett’s winning streak. Dave questions UFC’s decision to match Ferguson with Pimblett, suggesting it’s to build Pimblett’s name.
  • AJ D’Alesio: Reflects on Ferguson’s past glory but expresses concern for his current form and believes Pimblett will win. AJ questions whether Ferguson should continue fighting, given his recent record.
2023 09 01 12 01 55
AJ D’Alesio is confident in his parlay picks

AJ’s Parlays

  • Prelim Parlay: Includes Muslim Salikhov, Dustin Jacoby, Casey O’Neil, Cody Garbrandt, and Bryce Mitchell.
  • Main Card Parlay: Focuses on upsets and includes Bryce Mitchell again, alongside other picks.

Dave’s Parlays

  • Three-Fight Parlay: Consists of Leon Edwards, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Paddy Pimblett. Dave expresses confidence in these picks and aims for a consistent winning streak for his audience.

Discussion Summary

  • AJ and Dave differ on several fighters in this UFC 296 preview, particularly on Colby Covington’s chances against Leon Edwards.
  • Dave emphasizes safer bets with higher probabilities of winning, while AJ leans towards more ambitious parlays with higher payouts but higher risks.
  • Both analysts express concern over Tony Ferguson’s continued career given his recent performance decline.
  • The discussion captures the unpredictability and nuanced opinions typical in MMA predictions.
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