In the main event of UFC Rochester, Kevin Lee is moving up in weight to make his welterweight debut against former lightweight champ Rafael dos Anjos.
Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the fight.
They are split on this one. Here’s what they had to say.
BJPENN.com Fighter Picks: Kevin Lee vs Rafael dos Anjos.
Jon Fitch, Bellator welterweight: I don’t know, that is a tough one. Kevin Lee is athletic, he is tough. RDA has got a lot of ability. He may be on a downswing or going through some stuff, so I think Lee will win.
Jared Cannonier, UFC middleweight: I’m both of their fans. I love the way RDA carries himself, he is a humble dude. But I like Kevin Lee. RDA has been in there for a while, both have moved up from lightweight to welterweight. I think RDA has a better chance of winning, so RDA.
Renato Moicano, UFC featherweight: I think dos Anjos. They are both former lightweights. RDA has very good standup so I think he will be able to beat Lee, not sure how.
Zak Cummings, UFC middleweight: I’m excited for that fight. I’m going to say Kevin Lee. I think he grinds out a decision win. I can’t see him finishing him.
Kyle Nelson, UFC featherweight: I actually have been training with Kevin Lee down here in Vegas. This is his first time going to welterweight which is interesting. I’m not sure how big of a difference that will be for him, but he looks good in the training room so I am going to go with Kevin Lee.
Norman Parke, KSW welterweight: That is a tough one. I’m going with dos Anjos in this one. I know Lee will be better at welterweight in terms of cardio. But, I believe RDA’s experience will play a factor in this one.
Jeremy Kennedy, PFL featherweight: Kevin Lee is one of my training partners so I have to go with him. He is a killer in the gym. I’m excited for him in his new weight class. You will see that weight cut doesn’t impact him now. RDA is a perfect opponent for him.
Diego Ferreira, UFC lightweight: I think dos Anjos because he has been at 170 for a while. I think Lee will feel the weight at 170 too much so I am going dos Anjos.
Damien Brown, RIZIN FF lightweight: I think Kevin Lee just wrestles him. It seems like RDA has been beaten by wrestlers, and they are probably around the same size. If Lee uses his wrestling he will win, but RDA is dangerous.
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Fighters picking Kevin Lee: Jon Fitch, Zak Cummings, Kyle Nelson, Jeremy Kennedy, Damien Brown
Fighters picking Rafael dos Anjos: Jared Cannonier, Renato Moicano, Norman Parke, Diego Ferreira
Who do you think will win the fight between Kevin Lee and Rafael dos Anjos this Saturday? Let us know in the comments section.
This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 5/16/2019.