UFC 246 Predictions for McGregor vs Cerrone, Holm vs Pennington and More

It's the first UFC event of the new year, and what a way to kick off 2020! Of course, the main focus of the fight is going to be Conor McGregor's return to the ring against Donald Cerrone. The rest of the card is excellent, though, with Holly Holm fighting in the co-main, Aleksei Oleinik fighting for the 72nd time in his career, and Maycee Barber gaining even more hype in the women's flyweight ranks. Time for some 12uppercut predictions!

Women's Bantamweight: Holly Holm vs. Raquel Pennington

Holly Holm hasn't fought since July, after a crushing knockout loss to Amanda Nunes. I expect Holly to come out with a fire like we've never seen before from her. Raquel Pennington has lost two of her last three fights, and I expect Holm to use this fight to springboard back in to title contention.

12UPPERCUT'S PREDICTION: Holly Holm by decision.

Heavyweight: Aleksei Oleinik vs. Maurice Greene

It's honestly incredible that 42-year-old Aleksei Oleinik is still fighting, and even more incredible that he is fighting in one of the most taxing weight divisions in the world. Maurice Greene will be looking for a big win against a big name in the sport, after coming off a first-round loss to Sergei Pavlovich in October. Oleinik has been knocked out twice in a row, and this one may finally be his last fight.

12UPPERCUT'S PREDICTION: Greene by stoppage.

Women's Strawweight: Claudia Gadelha vs. Alexa Grasso

Gadelha has gone the distance in seven of her last eight fights, with the exception ending by submission. Grasso has gone the distance in eight of her last 10 appearances. Expect this one to go the distance as well, with a slight edge favored to Gadelha, who has never been finished.

12UPPERCUT'S PREDICTION: Gadelha by decision.

Lightweight: Anthony Pettis vs. Diego Ferreira

This is easily a contender for fight of the night. Diego Ferreira is on a five-fight win streak and hasn't tasted defeat since 2015. "Showtime" is coming off a high-profile loss to Nate Diaz in August, and will be looking to right the ship and be considered a top-ranked lightweight contender. Ferreira will be too much, though. Expect him to add to his impressive 16-2 record.

12UPPERCUT'S PREDICTION: Ferreira by decision.

Featured Prelim: Maycee Barber vs. Roxanne Modafferi

Women's flyweight phenom Maycee Barber is the hottest prospect in the women's fight game we've seen in quite a while, and at just 21 years old, has the world at her feet. Modafferi will prove tough, but not enough to blemish Barber's unbeaten record.

12UPPERCUT'S PREDICTION: Barber by stoppage.

Featured Early Prelim: Justin Ledet vs. Aleksa Camur

Justin Ledet surely wants to be known as more than the guy who lost to Johnny Walker. Look for a quick finish in this fight against a slight favorite.

12UPPERCUT'S PREDICTION: Ledet by stoppage.

Welterweight Main Event: Conor McGregor vs. Donald Cerrone

It is the fight that everyone has been waiting for, ever since Conor first hinted at wanting to fight "Cowboy" nearly a year ago. The question on everyone's mind will be plain and direct: can Conor be effective at 170 pounds? For all of the talent in the world that the Notorious may possess, a jump up to that weight may still be too much for him. Donald Cerrone is no slouch and possess insane knockout power, particularly with his legs. This will be an ugly fight for Conor fans to watch.

12UPPERCUT PREDICTION: Donald Cerrone by stoppage.