UFC on FOX 19 may have undergone a transformation, but the event is still one to behold.
With fight cancellations left and right, UFC on FOX 19 is a card that looks entirely different than it did in it’s inception. Nevertheless, the show must go on and there are plenty of great fights to still be had on this jam packed card, so let’s get to it.
Light Heavyweights
Rashad Evans (19-4-1) vs. Glover Teixeira (24-4) The new main event of UFC on FOX 19 features a Light Heavyweight contest against two top ten contenders. Where Glover Teixeira is on a two fight win streak, Rashad Evans is looking to get back on track and get a much needed victory. Teixeira has some dynamite in his fist with a decent counter wrestling game. Before he was injured Evans had speed, power, and powerful takedowns and he’s going to need it in this fight. With five rounds to work and so many opportunities on the feet, the safe pick is Teixeira by TKO in the third round, but don’t be surprised if Evans is able to pull off a tactical game plan to net a decision.
Women’s Strawweights
Rose Namajunas (4-2) vs. Tecia Torres (7-0) The co-main event features two women’s Strawweights that are both on a hot streak. Pound for pound this may be the most important fight on the entire card as this is both a rematch and an indicator of who the next title challenger may be. Rose Namajunas has a great striking game, but she mixes all her other skills together so well that you’re likely to see her do everything in this bout. Tecia Torres is also well rounded, opting to take fights down or keep them standing depending on the opponent. But Torres won’t have the opportunity to exploit any of Namajunas’ weaknesses simply because Rose is just too difficult to deal with on the ground. Ever since losing to Carla Esparza, Namajunas has made it a mission to be not only dangerous on the feet but in all facets of the game. Torres may have won their first encounter, but Namajunas is a completely different beast since that loss. Look for Namajunas to frustrate Torres everywhere this fight goes to secure a unanimous decision victory.
Lightweights
Khabib Nurmagomedov (22-0) vs. Darrell Horcher (12-1) It was sad to see the original main event of UFC on FOX 19 get scrapped, nevertheless fans still have the opportunity to see Khabib Nurmagomedov in action against Darrell Horcher. The real drama of this fight is that Nurmagomedov is risking everything to take this bout with the newcomer Horcher. 
If Khabib wins it does little to raise his stock, but if he loses then all hopes of a title shot will disappear. Fortunately for the Russian, Horcher is an opponent somewhat tailor made for him; a striker with decent wrestling but nothing on the level of Nurmagomedov. Look for the undefeated Sambo specialist to outwork Horcher with a varied attack include powerful punches and relentless wrestling to nab a decision. Agree with the predictions? Who do you think will be victorious at UFC on FOX 19? Follow Generation Iron MMA on Facebook and Twitter. Also, be sure to share, like, and comment to show your support.
Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his Twitter and Facebook to keep up with his antics.
