Here are 3 Bold UFC Predictions for the Rest of 2017

In this article we’ll list a few bold UFC predictions that could take place later in the year, and what the odds are that they’ll actually happen.

It’s been an interesting year in the MMA world. New champions have already emerged, young contenders are climbing up the ranks, and grizzled veterans are competing for their shot at the championship.

A number of major fights have been scheduled for the future, although even the best MMA betting experts are having a tough time predicting how they will play out. Here we will list a few bold UFC predictions that may very well happen sometime later in the year.

Conor McGregor decides to retire

By almost all accounts, the much-anticipated boxing match between Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather will be taking place sometime in the 3rd quarter of 2017. If indeed the fight takes place, both men could make upwards of $100 million. Here we predict that Conor does in fact get the fight, and retired from combat sports immediately afterwards.

UFC Pound for Pound Rankings

• #1: Demetrious Johnson
• #2 Conor McGregor
• #3 Daniel Cormier
• #4 Jose Aldo
• #5 Stipe Miocic

Let’s be clear, this is not a bet on the McGregor vs. Mayweather fight itself. We at GamingZion agree with most online sportsbooks in the UK that list Conor as the massive underdog. He’s simply not a boxer, and most likely won’t have any answer for the skills of Mayweather.

The first of our bold UFC predictions is simply that Conor will retire after the fight, regardless of how it ends. He himself said early in his career that the goal was to “get rich and get out.” This is his opportunity to do so.

Michael Bisping keeps his belt through the entire year

This is certainly one of the more bold UFC predictions of 2017. Of all the current UFC champions, you could argue that Bisping is the one most likely to lose his belt. Nevertheless, we’re predicting that Mike holds onto his middleweight title through the entire year. Of course, there’s a caveat here.

The reason we’re making this prediction is because we feel Bisping won’t actually defend his title against the number one contender Yoel Romero, and will therefore remain champion. Michael was all set to face GSP this summer, but after that fight was canceled and Romero stepped in, Michael claimed his knee was injured.

This isn’t meant to be disrespectful towards “the count.” He’s a legend in this sport, and no one can blame him for waiting on the money fight vs. St. Pierre. Paddy Power lists Bisping as the massive underdog against Romero with odds of 12/5. We predict he waits for the GSP fight, wins, and remains champion heading into 2018.

Jon Jones fails another drug test

Jon “Bones” Jones might be the most polarizing figure in MMA history. He’s without a doubt one of the greatest fighters to ever compete, but his problems outside the cage have kept in on the sidelines during what is likely his athletic prime.

Jones will finally be eligible to return to the octagon this summer, and he’ll be taking on Daniel Cormier at UFC 214. At least that’s the plan. Our final bold UFC prediction is that Jones is once again forced to sit out due to another failed drug test.

If this UK gambling news breaks, what will it be for? Could it be cocaine again? A tainted sex pill? Jon is simply unreliable when it comes to getting the green light from USADA, and we’re guessing something shows up in his system once again. At the moment, Jon is the favorite to beat DC with odds of 2/5. DC’s odds to beat Jones are set at 15/8.

What did you think of our bold UFC predictions? Will any of them turn out correct? Tell us what you think in the comment section below, and make sure to head to Paddy Power for a full list of 2017 UFC betting odds.