The UFC 256 co-main event is being labeled as the people’s main event. Top seven lightweights go to war as Tony Ferguson (25-4) looks to bounce back against Charles Oliveira (29-8, 1 NC).
Ferguson is coming off of his first loss since 2012 at UFC 256. Back in May of this year in the promotion’s first event back after the pandemic shutdown, Ferguson fought Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title.
Originally, Ferguson was supposed to face Khabib Nurmagomedov, but that fight was cancelled because Khabib couldn’t travel. Gaethje stepped in and was able to finish Tony Ferguson in the fifth round of their fight.
El Cucuy was truly the boogey man of the UFC‘s lightweight division over the last eight years. He’s creative style that combines slick ground transitions and crisp striking is difficult for any lightweight to deal with. Despite the loss, he’s still one of the very best in the world.
Standing across from Ferguson will be “do Bronx”, Charles Oliveira. Oliveira is on an incredible run that is almost unheard of. He’s won seven fights in a row leading to UFC 256. However, the more impressive aspect is that he’s finished all seven of those fights.
Oliveira has been really putting everything together over the last three years. He’s finally been living up to his potential inside the octagon. Talent was never the question for Oliveira, it was all about execution when the lights are at their brightest.
UFC 256 Prediction
Words cannot describe how excited I am for this matchup at UFC 256. I’m right with the fans in saying that this is a main event to me. The only thing disappointing is that I wish this was a five round fight instead of three.
Both of these guys are good wherever the fight goes. Oliveira and Ferguson both possess incredible skills on the ground. Slick submissions with very creative transitions. Honestly, I might give the pure jiu jitsu advantage to Oliveira, but the scrambling advantage to Ferguson.
On the feet, Oliveira has looked very sharp in his last few outings. However, I lean slightly towards Ferguson in the striking specifically his boxing. I think this is such a fantastic matchup, but there’s one thing that has me leaning one way.
El Cucuy has been there and he’s done that. The former interim UFC lightweight champion has defeated some of the very best in the world. I think in this fight, Ferguson is going to be able to do what he needs to for the win. I expect a war, but in the end, I’m riding with El Cucuy.
Prediction: Tony Ferguson by Unanimous Decision