UFC 248 Predictions for Adesanya vs Romero, Zhang vs Joanna and More

After two excellent pay-per-view cards to start the 2020 fight season, the UFC is hoping to keep the momentum going with UFC 248 on Saturday at the T-Mobile arena. With the Middleweight title on the line, and the women's Strawweight title up for grabs on the same night, it should be a spectacle for even the most casual fight fan. Add to that Sean O'Malley's return, and the always entertaining Alex Oliveira, and the entertainment factor should be off the chain. Time for some 12uppercut predictions!

Welterweight: Alex Oliveira vs. Max Griffin

This fight has the potential to get very nasty. A very late addition after the cancelation of Derek Brunson's bout, Max Griffin and Alex Oliveira are not on amicable terms. Oliveira is still seen in a negative light after a domestic violence investigation back in May of 2019, and Max Griffin has eagerly stated his desire to destroy Oliveira inside the octagon. That doesn't take away from the fact that Oliveira possesses scary power, as 12 of his 19 professional wins have been finished by knockout. Still, with a fight on short notice, and Oliveira's style not suited to go the distance anyway, I would expect Max Griffin to pull out a statement win.

12uppercut's pick: Max Griffin by stoppage.

Welterweight: Neil Magny vs. Li Jingliang

That was the last time we saw Neil Magny in the octagon: lights out and flat on his face. After a long 16-month absence, Magny will return to take on the dangerous Li Jingliang. Jingliang is coming off a knockout win over Elizeu Zaleski Dos Santos back in August, and has won seven of last eight (five by KO/TKO). I don't see any way Jingliang loses this fight, and Magny will need something special to pull out a win. Also "The Leech" is one of the coolest fight names going right now, so let's hope it rises to prominence.

12uppercut's pick: Jingliang by stoppage.

Lightweight: Beneil Dariush vs. Drakkar Klose

If you have never heard of these fighters before, now would certainly be a good time to take notice. Beneil Dariush is a submission specialist who is sure to be a threat for the coming years in the Lightweight division. Drakkar Klose, in addition to having one of the most unique names in the UFC, has one of the best gas tanks in the organization. Klose has won five of his first six fights in the UFC, all by decision, and is a cause of frustration for every opponent he faces. This fight is fascinating, with two different style coming to a head. It's a tough fight to call, but the slight edge is given to the KO artist with the ability to finish the fight at any moment.

12uppercut's pick: Dariush by submission.

Women's Strawweight: Weili Zhang vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk

This may be the most hyped women's fight in quite awhile. These are two women who know their way around the octagon, with no discernible weakness in each fighter's game. One thing that most fight fans can be sure of: it would be a genuine shock if the fight lasts past the first few rounds. The stare-down finally produced the bad blood that we've been craving, and Joanna is eager to regain her crown after losing to Rose Namajunas in April of 2018. Weili Zhang claimed the belt after an emphatic victory in her home country of China in August, and the disrespect surrounding her is crazy. She isn't 20-1 without reason, and I think she sleeps Joanna with a huge overhand right.

12uppercut's pick: Zhang by stoppage.

Middleweight: Yoel Romero vs. Israel Adesanya

Without a doubt, the Fight of the Night bonus will be awarded to both Yoel Romero and Israel Adesanya. Adesanya, forever the entertainer, somehow has his eccentric personality cloud the fact that he is an immensely talented fighter deserving of all the accolades. He has the potential to take over as the UFC's most marketable fighter. Standing in his way is the ageless wonder that is Yoel Romero. At age 42, he shows no signs of slowing down, and his impressive physical fitness has contributed to his ability to seemingly knock out an opponent at will. That will certainly catch the eye of Adesanya's camp, and the first couple rounds may be cagey and conservative. However, it is impossible to see this fight going the full distance. While it is easy to be swayed by Romero's scary finishing ability, Adesanya has passed every test so far. This fight will be no different.

12uppercut's pick: Adesanya by stoppage.

Featured Prelim: Sean O'Malley vs. José Alberto Quiñónez

For the first time in 18 months, and after his legendary win with a broken foot, we will see Sean O'Malley in the octagon. The Irishman had all the momentum in the world before a controversial positive drug test derailed his career path. Now having to build his fight career back up, O'Malley will be anxious to make his mark again. Even though his opponent, former Ultimate Fighter contestant José Alberto Quiñónez, will be trying to prevent O'Malley using him as a stepping stone, the result almost seems inevitable.

12uppercut's pick: O'Malley by stoppage.

Featured Early Prelim: Giga Chikadze vs. Jamall Emmers

With only three fights to choose from on the early card, this is the pick of the bunch between two slick Featherweights. Emmers is making his UFC debut after a win via arm triangle choke in January, and Chikadze is coming off a contentious split-decision victory over Brandon Davis back in September. With Emmers carrying more of the momentum, and fighting for the second time in three months, he will win his debut.

12uppercut's pick: Emmers by stoppage.