KOUNTERMOVE PREDICTIONS FOR OUR UFC 177 TOURNAMENT

Check out how to join our Kountermove “pick ‘em” tournament for UFC 177: Dillashaw vs. Barao II

Kingdom MMA brings you its third Kountermove tournament this weekend following a successful week of double header action, but for any newcomers who have a few questions, here is the essential information. Kountermove is simply a form of fantasy MMA, pick a team of fighters who you think will win and your chosen fighters are awarded points based on strikes, takedowns and rounds won etc.

You can join our Kountermove tournament for UFC 177: Dillashaw vs. Barao 2 with a chance to win $25 right here: http://www.kountermove.com/join/31528-kingdommmas-25-ufc-177-freeroll-on-ufc-177-dillashaw-vs-barao-2-T-free/

If you want to win a bit of money but you need some guidance then take a look at Kingdom MMA’s predictions, our ‘favourite five’ below, a few fighters who you may fancy picking.

1. T.J. Dillashaw ($5500) - Dillashaw (11-2) is jumping right back into action with the former UFC bantamweight champion Renan Barao (32-2-1NC), whom Dillashaw beat back in May at UFC 173, the victory for T.J. has been labelled by many as one of the greatest MMA upsets of all time so we can expect nothing but fireworks this time around.

Despite Barao’s former win-streak and numerous accolades, Dillashaw enters the rematch as the slight favourite following his dominating triumph in their first bout. Some believe that this will reignite Barao’s hunger, however the quick turnaround may prove too soon for Barao to form the correct game plan to get the belt back, and considering T.J.’s records for strikes in volume on the feet and ground, Kountermove players can expect nothing but the same and this will pick up a handsome points return from the American.

2. Danny Castillo ($4300) - T.J.’s Team Alpha Male training partner Castillo (17-6) faces off against TUF 13 winner Tony Ferguson (15-3) in the co-main event of the night. Danny ‘Last Call’ Castillo will be fueled by the memory of his most recent outing which resulted in a picture perfect KO victory over Charlie Brenneman, whilst El Cucuy is fresh off an equally impressive KO win against Katsunori Kikuno.

Although Ferguson’s only hiccup in his six UFC bouts was a decision loss to a top lightweight contender in Michael Johnson, you could argue that Tony hasn’t mixed it with the level of competition Castillo has. With notable wins over Ricardo Lamas, Dustin Poirier and Joe Stevenson for the Sacramento fighter, Castillo could bring too much power and experience to the table for his opponent, so we urge Kountermove members to consider Castillo, especially at a cut price.

3. Derek Brunson ($4800) - Headlining the Fox Sports 1 card is a middleweight bout between Derek Brunson (11-3) and Lorenz Larkin (14-3). The Monsoon arrives at the Sleep Train Arena this weekend with his UFC career in the balance after suffering two consecutive defeats, most recently a first round knockout at the hands of Costas Philippou. However Brunson himself has a point to prove after Yoel Romero gave him his first UFC loss.

Whilst Larkin is thought to be the superior striker, the advantage may prove to be minimal as Brunson’s collegiate wrestling experience could be the deciding factor. We expect the 3-time Division 2 All-American wrestler to push the pace early and grind out his opponent. Both fighters are priced the same by Kountermove, but we advise our readers to back Brunson.

4. Henry Cejudo ($5000) - Making his debut in the UFC’s flyweight division is Henry Cejudo, who in fact made history at the 2008 Beijing Olympics when he became the youngest wrestling gold medalist in the 55kg weight class, but after making his MMA debut in 2013, Cejudo has amassed to a perfect 6-0 run. His challenger comes in Scott Jorgensen (15-9), who recently snapped a three-fight losing streak with a win over Danny Martinez.

Jorgensen may come into the fight with a host of experience after consistently stepping into the octagon with the world’s best, but recent performances would suggest he his on the downside of his career and a younger, hungrier Olympic gold medallist in Cejudo could be the final straw for the UFC veteran, Kountermove players would do well to snap up Cejudo who could bring in a lot of points with his grappling skills.

5. Joe Soto ($5300) - Former Bellator featherweight champion Joe Soto (15-2) faces off against Anthony Birchak (11-1) in a bantamweight fight, both guys will be making their debuts in the UFC however Soto will kick off the prelims as the clear favourite for the majority of the MMA community.

The key for Birchak will be whether or not he can handle the storm that Soto threats, with an impressive 14 stoppages in his 15 career victories. Soto’s extensive wrestling background could prove to be the deciding factor and although neither man has suffered defeat since 2011, we feel Soto is by far the higher calibre fighter and a must for your Kountermove team.

So don’t forget to join in with UFC 177 in our exclusive Kountermove tournament: http://www.kountermove.com/join/31528-kingdommmas-25-ufc-177-freeroll-on-ufc-177-dillashaw-vs-barao-2-T-free/

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