Tank Picks: UFC 177

The UFC heads west this Labor Day weekend UFC 177 Saturday in Sacramento, CA. The card is highlighted by the bantamweight title fight between champion T.J. Dillashaw (11-2) vs. Renan Barao "The Baron" (34-2). Saturdays main card will feature a WMMA match up when Brazilian Bethe Correia (8-0) takes on WMMA veteran and South Dakota native Shayna Baszler (15-8).

We caught up with a nine-time UFC vet to get his take on all of the main card match-ups. In addition to being a long time fan of the sport, Luigi Fioravanti has fought all over the world including Russia and Japan. Fioravanti (24-11) an MMA instructor at Finney's MMA will compete in an 8-man tournament at Battlegrounds MMA 5 in Oklahoma in October.

T.J. Dillashaw (11-2) vs. Renan Barao (34-2)

Both guys are tough and don't mind being on the inside. Dillashaw is well rounded and has a very strong wrestling and ground game. I thought T.J. looked very good in the first fight. Barao said he was sick and feels he will perform much better this fight. This is a tough one to call. Winner: Dillashaw

Tony Ferguson (16-3) vs. Danny Castillo (17-6)

I have to go with Ferguson. He has been on a tear lately. He think he will win by ko or tko possibly early in the fight. Winner: Ferguson

Bethe Correia (8-0) vs. Shayna Baszler (15-8)

Both women come into looking for a win. Correia wants to stay undefeated. Baszler has dropped three close fights in a row and needs a win bad. Correia is a strong striker and has a good Jui Jitsu game. Baszler is a submission specialist. I like the experience of Baszler. Winner: Baszler

Ramsey Nijem (10-4) vs. Carlos Diego Ferreira (10-0)

Nijem is a very good wrestler. He trains at The Pit and I always like guys that are at good gyms. I know Ferreira recently defeated Colton Smith. I don't know much about Ferreira. Winner: Nijem

Yancy Medeiros (9-2) vs. Damon Jackson (10-0)

The Tank and I didn't get to discuss this fight since Jackson was a late replacement. Medeiros has struggled his last three fights. Damon Jackson the Missouri Valley product is an exceptional wrestler/grappler and ascending. This one is on Debo but I like "The Leech". Winner: Jackson