UFC Provides Another Great FREE Event – Bobby Picks Winners

I've said for a long time that some of the best UFC events I've seen have been the free ones. That could once again be the case with Sunday night's fights on Fox Sports 1.

I know the pay per views are generally stacked with the biggest names in the sport, but many times those events seem to disappoint. Maybe it's because those big name, ranked fighters are afraid to lose what they have. I dunno. Sunday's event features a lot of names you would normally see on a PPV. It's a really strong card. Let's hope it doesn't disappoint.

Here's a look at the fights and my predictions.

Ross Pearson vs. Francisco Trinaldo

The first fight of the main card features two MMA veterans. If you look at Pearson's last six fights, they go win, loss, win, loss, win, loss. So if that trend continues, Pearson should lose.

Prediction: I actually see Pearson winning this fight by decision.

Travis Browne vs. Matt Mitrione

Next we turn to the heavyweights, and two guys that always put on a good fight...two guys that are always looking to finish. Travis Browne is coming off a TKO loss, only the third loss of his career, and he's definitely looking to climb the heavyweight ranks. Matt Mitrione, who trains in Indianapolis by the way, has hinted that he may retire after this fight. He's a former NFL player that has been in some battles over the years.

My prediction: Mitrione could certainly end this fight with one well-place left hand, but I don't think that will happen. I don't think there's any way this fight goes the distance. I see Travis Browne winning by TKO/stoppage.

Anthony Pettis vs. Eddie Alvarez

Two lightweight studs are up next. Anthony Pettis is the former lightweight champ and, for year, Eddie Alvarez was considered the best lightweight NOT in the UFC. The winner of this fight could definitely end up with the next title shot. This should be a great fight! Pettis has shown that he can be beaten by good wrestling. Will Alvarez test that or will he stand and bang with one of the most dynamic strikers in the division? That will be interesting to see.

My prediction: My gut tells me that this fight will go the distance, and that Alvarez will win the decision.

T.J. Dillashaw (C) vs. Dominick Cruz

Now to the main event...for the UFC Bantamweight belt. The champ vs. the former champ. Dominick Cruz hasn't lost a fight since 2007, and he only lost the belt because he was sidelined by injuries. Cruz returned in 2014, after a 3-year hiatus, and won in dominating fashion...only to get injured again.

Some folks think Dillashaw's fight to win the belt was kind of a fluke. He wasn't supposed to beat Renan Barao. Well he proved it was NOT a fluke when he totally dominated Barao in their rematch.

Both of these guys are amazing athletes that can fight at a relentless pace. I just wonder if Cruz's body can handle another title run. I also wonder how Dillashaw will handle fighting his toughest opponent in years.

My prediction: My heart wants Cruz to win and get his belt back, but my brain is telling me that Dillashaw is a young stud that won't be stopped. I think I'm gonna go with my heart on this one and say that Dominick Cruz will pull out a decision victory.