UFC 289 Tips and Predictions

Dateline Vancouver, Canada!!!

UFC is making a grand return to Canada after nearly four years with UFC 289 which marks a historic 32nd UFC event in the Great White North.

The event presents a stacked main card with a much-anticipated title fight and a potential no.1 contender clash in the 155-pound division which may steal the show.

We are excited to break down these MMA fights and make our best bets for the week, so let’s get into it!!

Amanda Nunes vs Irene Aldana

The Women's Bantamweight, Featherweight, and Pound-for-pound number 1 fighter in the world, Amanda Nunes is back to prove why her legacy will withstand the test of time.

Fighting out of the blue corner is one tough contender, Irene Aldana who is riding the Mexican wave and is here to upset the odds to emerge as the 4th current Mexican Champion.

Amanda Nunes is taking risks toward the end of her career, and this is another legacy-defining fight that will cement her at Mount Rushmore.

Amanda "The Lioness" Nunes is still regarded as one of the best fighters to ever step foot in the Octagon regardless of gender.

She was riding a 12-fight win streak and looked unbeatable in her wins against fellow elites like Valentina Shevchenko, Cris Cyborg, and Holly Holm.

Her throne was safe until it was challenged by one tough Juliana Pena who upset the odds and rejuvenated the division until the champ regained it with style points.

Amanda Nunes is the true definition of a mixed martial artist as she is very well-rounded and has relied on every aspect of the game in her 17-fight UFC career.

Amanda is often remembered for her highlight knockouts but her 57% takedown accuracy will be key in this matchup against a competent striker like Aldana.

Irene Aldana earned the respect of fight fans by stepping up to face the most accomplished female fighter on a 6-week notice when Juliana Pena dropped out to injury.

Many believe Aldana earned her stripes by knocking out tough contenders like Ketlen Vieira, Yana Kunitskaya, and Macy Chiasson.

Aldana is a skilled boxer with an impressive takedown defense which has given her success in her 11-fight UFC career.

Aldana's 81% takedown defence is the key in this matchup as Nunes will mix in the takedowns if she does not find success on the feet early.

Amanda Nunes has been dominant in her career, but she has lost her title recently and her recent opponents at Featherweight lacked experience.

Aldana brings a unique puzzle to the party with her durability, accurate boxing, and wrestling defence. Contrary to the odds, we think this will be a competitive fight for as long as it lasts.

Best Bets

First up is an explosive Featherweight bout between Dan Ige and Nate Landwehr.

This one is expected to be a competitive and fun fight that the fans are excited to see.

Landwehr is stepping up in competition against a tough Dan Ige who has faced good competition and never been finished.

Considering this is a 3-round fight, we think it will be close and the durability of both men will be on showcase, so we’ll pick this one to extend beyond 12 and a half minutes.

Next up is the people’s main event which is our co-main event between former Champion Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush.

Both fighters are great grapplers, so we feel this fight will majorly play out on the feet for as long as it lasts.

We think Oliveira has more pathways to win here given his finishing credentials on the feet and mat.

Ultimately, we think Oliveira is the better fighter here and if he sticks to his pressuring style, he should get the job done.

Our final pick comes on our main event between Amanda Nunes and Irene Aldana.

Nunes has the championship experience in this matchup, but the contenders are giving the champions troubles lately.

Aldana will give Nunes issues on the feet and can avoid some grappling exchanges initially.

We think Nunes will remain patient and Aldana will display her durability which will extend this fight into the championship rounds, so that’s our pick.

Selection: Over 2.5 (Asian Total, Dan Ige vs Nate Landwehr) @1.85

Selection: Charles Oliveira (Winner) @2.26

Selection: Over 2.5 (Asian Total, Amanda Nunes vs Irene Aldana) @1.75

Selection: Parlay all Selections @7.32