ROUNDTABLE: Staff picks for Volkan Oezdemir vs. Anthony Smith

By MMATorch Staff

Jun 9, 2018; Chicago, IL, USA; Anthony Smith (blue gloves) defeats Rashad Evans (red gloves) during UFC 225 at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Who do you think will win Saturday’s Volkan Oezdemir vs. Anthony Smith fight?

Cole Henry, MMATorch Live Events Reporter

Anthony Smith has looked very good since moving up to the 205 division but he has mostly fought fighters who are well past their primes. Oezdemir will be his first real test. Both guys have mostly had success on the feet as of late so I suspect this fight will mostly be contested there. I like Smith but I think that Oezdemir catches him and puts him away in the late first or early second round.

Frank Hyden, Columnist – The Good the Bad and The Ugly

I think Oezdemir wins by TKO in the 2nd round. I do think it’ll be a violent finish and I’m going with my gut in picking Oezdemir. Smith could very easily win this fight as well but I favor Oezdemir a bit more.

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Michael Hiscoe, MMATorch Managing Editor

This is a big step up in competition for Anthony Smith. One thing that is to his benefit is that he’s been in the cage with some big names. Even if he was fighting over the hill fighters, I think those experiences will help with any nerves that can come from being in the main event. Volkan Oezdemir is coming back after breaking his nose over the summer. I would expect that injury to be fully healed and a non-factor here, but this is also a fist fight so it could come in to play. Look for this fight to go the distance and that Anthony Smith continues his momentum and squeaks out the win. I think Smith will stay on the outside and use his jab and kicks to keep Oezdemir at bay.


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