Each event, there will be a “guest predictor” who will offer their insight into the event and provide their predictions for each MMA bout.
For XFFC 18, Michael Hill has stepped in to provide his predictions and analysis for the 10 MMA bouts on the card.
Hill currently holds a record of 10-4-1, which includes three bouts while competing on season 16 of The Ultimate Fighter back in 2012. Hill is currently riding a two-fight win streak, and will step in the cage again at XFFC 19 for a welterweight title bout with Matt Krayco.
If you’re watching this event online, Hill will also be live in Penticton assisting with commentary for each bout on the card.
Here are Hill’s predictions for XFFC 18:
Matt Dwyer (10-4) vs Dominique Steele (17-10): Fight Preview
“My heart’s with Dwyer, but if I was to bet money, it would be on Steele. I hope Dwyer can put on a performance in front of his hometown fans, but I think Steele’s experience is going to be a lot to handle. I hate making picks like this; my heart’s with Dwyer, but my money’s on Steele.”
Prediction: Steele wins by split decision.
Chris Day (5-4) vs Tom O’Connor (7-1): Fight Preview
“This is an excellent fight for both guys, and especially the fans. Don’t let Day’s record or last performance fool you. When he’s firing on all cylinders, he’s a tough fight for anyone at any weight class. O’Connor is on fire right now with six finishes in his last seven fights, but I just can’t see him getting it done in front of Day’s family and friends. It’s Day’s night; don’t blink.”
Prediction: Day wins by submission in the second round.
Grayson Wells (3-2) vs Josh Heinz (4-1): Fight Preview
“Wells is looking for revenge after his last fight against Dustin Joynson. All of his friends are going to be sitting front row too, so he’s going to want to put on a show.”
Prediction: Wells wins by knockout or TKO in the first round.
Damian Johnston (3-1) vs Jared Feuring (1-1)
“Johnston’s just too much for Feuring to handle at this point of their careers.”
Prediction: Johnston wins by unanimous decision.
Steve MacDonald (1-0) vs Jeff Porter (4-5)
“MacDonald’s boxing is unreal, his hands are unreal, his footwork’s unreal, and he’s got power in both hands and both legs.”
Prediction: MacDonald wins by knockout in the first round.
Terrence Chan (3-1) vs Bojan Kladnjakovic (3-3)
“Kladnjakovic hasn’t seen the cage for awhile now, whereas Chan looks like the real deal and has been putting in the work.”
Prediction: Chan wins by submission in the first round.
Cleveland Bentley (1-3) vs Josh Kwiatkowski (0-0)
“I know Kwiatkowski works his ass off at Titan MMA, and I just see him outworking and pressuring Bentley.”
Prediction: Kwiatkowski wins by unanimous decision.
Blake Sigvaldason (0-1) vs Robert Nelson (0-5)
“I see Nelson getting it done simply because of his cage experience.”
Prediction: Nelson wins by unanimous decision.
Justin Doege (0-0) vs Justin Schmit (4-7)
“Doege is an animal, and will be a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division. Doege’s just going to be too big and too powerful for Schmit.”
Prediction: Doege wins by knockout in the first round.
Cuba Echegoyen (1-0) vs Dallas Knelsen (0-1)
“Echegoyen really puts in the time and the work, and that consistency in the gym is what will get his hand raised.”
Prediction: Echegoyen wins by TKO in the first round.
