Canelo Vs Crawford/UFC Noche
A Huge Combat Sports Weekend with a Tribute to Mexican Athletes Worldwide
There are two massive fight cards this weekend that will not overlap, featuring UFC and boxing events. The biggest fight in recent memory takes the spotlight and closes the night when Crawford goes into enemy territory to face the face of boxing, Canelo. Right before that event, there is the annual tribute to Mexican fighters at UFC Noche, headlined by featherweight finishers Lopes and Silva. Below, we’ll cover the key fights of the night:
Crawford vs. Canelo — The biggest fight that can be made in the sport today will take place this Saturday. Canelo hasn't faced someone with as much boxing skill since his last loss in May 2022 when he fought Bivol. Canelo will be the bigger and most likely the stronger man in the ring, but he will also be noticeably slower. Crawford is yet to lose in his career, and I honestly pick him to win because I think he will outwork Canelo and tire him out. The only way I see Crawford losing is if he can't absorb Canelo's power.
Lopes vs. Silva — This fight is a little bigger for Silva than for Lopes. If Silva wins in spectacular fashion, his next fight will likely be for a title. If Lopes wins, he probably still needs another win, as his last loss came in a title fight. I don't see this fight going to the final bell. If Lopes gets Silva to the ground in crazy scrambles, as he often does, Silva could submit him.
Walsh vs. Vargas Jr. — Dana White's "Golden Boy" takes on his stiffest competition to date, Vargas Jr., who is willing and able to win and even stop Walsh in this fight. This shows that Dana White is serious about making this a competitive matchup.
Suarez vs. Lemos — This fight will be crucial in determining who gets the next shot at the title or a chance to fight for an interim belt while the division stalls. Lemos is the better striker with more power, which is why I don't understand such a large opening line for this fight. It should be a fun, high-level women's fight that fans don't see often.
Christian Mbilli vs. Lester Martinez — Expect a high-volume slugfest. This could be the fight of the night; win or lose, I think both of these fighters will be world champions someday. A great fight for casual fans who want to see action and violence.
Fighters to Watch:
- Rob Font
- Alexander Hernandez
- Santiago Luna
- Sedriques Dumas
- Alice Pereira
- Steven Nelson
Predictions & Picks:
- Crawford to win
- Vargas Jr. to win
- S. Dumas ML +200
- A. Pereira ML -150
- S. Luna ML -135
- A. Hernandez by finish
