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- Edmen Shahbazyan ITD ...Hermansson should be heavily favored as in this match-up, especially considering the wrestling schooling that Brunson delivered to Shahbazyan last time out, but I simply can’t rule out the talented youngster. Hermansson is a personal favourite but fails to launch his jab out with consistency against heavy-handed fighters. Considering Shahbazyan’s accuracy and power punching preference, in addition to underrated knees/elbows in the clinch, Hermansson could easily be forced into a more tentative shell in the same manner that Cannonier, Santos and Vettori achieved. While Hermansson is a huge threat in the later rounds after Shahbazyan gasses, especially on the mat, Shahbazyan’s TDD should be strong enough to keep the fight standing during the early proceedings and allow enough time to find the Swede’s questionable chin.
- Ben Rothwell KO Round 1 ...Big Ben is a shadow of his former self, but the UFC veteran should have more than enough experience to overcome the surprisingly slick kickboxing of Chris Barnett. Rothwell has recently operated off a five-minute gas tank that melts opponents with volume, but he should be able to grapple Barnett’s big tiddies for the remainder of the fight. Barnett is a very fun fighter to watch, but his weak chin, tiny 5’9″ frame and lack of volume leave him with little chance to win in this his UFC debut.
- Claudio Silva -110...Despite his 38 years of age, Silva doesn’t have many miles on the body and proved last time out that he can maintain a decent pace for three rounds on the feet. Of course, Silva’s best work is to be found on the mat, and his ugly takedowns are often effective enough in working opponents to the mat. McGee possesses exceptional grappling defense, but will struggle to survive the early barrage from Silva. While McGee’s gas tank will see him rise during the later rounds, Silva should be able to unleash enough punishment in the opening proceedings to secure the scorecards.
- Bruno Silva KO ...Victor Rodriguez, a product of the very average Alaskan regional scene, has the athletic base from which he can build a career upon. Heavy-hands and a strong clinch game could find Rodriguez success as Silva loves to engage in the pocket, but the Brazilian’s durability and enhanced takedowns will lead to the eventual knockout IMO
- Joshua Culibao -250...UFC debut, Nuerdanbieke is an unknown entity as his fights are impressively difficult to find online. A physically imposing athlete, Nuerdanbieke’s defense seems solely limited to backwards movement, while his pawing offence will be easily read by Culibao. The Australian isn’t a plus athlete, but he is technically sound and I can see his counter straights finding the mark time and time again.
- David Dvorak sub ...On only a day’s notice, Juancamilo Ronderos steps up against the extremely well-rounded threat of David Dvorak. While Ronderos has crisp hands, he is extremely susceptible to being taken down, an area that Dvorak excels in but hasn’t needed to call upon in recent fights. On the mat or not, Dvorak’s educated striking will limit the risk of a heavy Ronderos shot and force the fight into the later rounds where Ronderos’ lack of conditioning/preparation should definitely show.
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[4-5 +6.91u]
- 2/2.38 69335402 Ricardo Ramos +119
- Rob Font ITD ...Garbrandt owns the fastest hands in the division, in addition to ridiculous knockout power, but his tendency to be dragged into phone booth brawls will continue to be his downfall. Sure, Garbrandt was able to control his emotions last time out against Raphael Assuncao, but the low volume affair allowed Garbrandt to mentally reset after each exchange and eventually set up his buzzer-beater knockout. Font enters Saturday night with a six-inch reach advantage and a ridiculously consistent jab. Garbrandt will have free access to chopping Font’s extended lead leg or snapping up a single, but No Love rarely calls upon his fantastic wrestling (to his detriment). Font’s chin will come under question, but he managed to eat a couple of Moraes’ head kicks that would have knocked out a mule. Font’s ability to drive through the gears over later rounds, and sneaking in heavy bodywork off his jab will see Font gain the upper hand by the championship rounds. Should be a banger!
- Carla Esparza ...There is a strong chance that Yan can overwhelm Esparza with a ridiculous volume on the outside, never allowing Esparza to close the distance and secure a takedown. Yan’s front-foot combinations are diverse and accurate, fashioned around her jab which she uses as a power shot. Yan can be flustered when forced to fight on the inside for considerable periods, often wheeling back in explosive bursts and showering opponents with check hooks. Without the power to dissuade Esparza, the former champion will be able to employ her unrelenting takedown game with limited risk. Moreover, while Yan excelled against Gadelha by using the cage to prop herself back to the feet, Esparza often brings the fight to the mat in the centre of the octagon. Having never really risked position in favour of strikes or submissions, Esparza only needs two takedowns to grind out two lay and pray rounds.
- Justin Tafa KO ...This isn’t the fun kind of sloppy Heavyweight brawl, but rather the sloppy bar-room fights more accustomed to the regional scene. Tafa has huge one-punch knockout power, but he has very little means of setting up his boxing. Vanderaa is a giant 6’4″ and uses his left hand to dictate the range in the early rounds. Sadly, Vanderaa throws stupidly explosive shots that have a clear impact on his gas tank and leave him exposed to big shots. Harry Hunsucker landed by simply dipping his chin and launching overhands – it probably only takes Tafa one shot to make it an early night.
- Felicia Spencer sub ...In a division almost devoid of competition, Spencer remains perhaps the best challenger to the FW title. Despite dropping 10 miserable rounds against Nunes and Cyborg, Spencer proved her durability/heart. The main issue with Spencer is if she cannot secure top position, she is forced to strike behind her woefully rigid boxing. While Dumont is a patient counter-puncher who will likely find decent success, Spencer has proven before she can wade through punishment to secure the takedown. On the mat, Spencer will break down Dumont with heavy ground and pound before snatching her neck.
- Ricardo Ramos sub ...It seems foolish to pick Ramos, an immature striker who lacks the wrestling to tap into his wonderful ground, as well as considering his move up to FW where he will lose his natural size advantage. Still, Ramos’ unorthodox shot selection and heavy power will make it difficult for Algeo to maintain his recently adopted stick and move style. Both men have struggled to wrestle in the UFC, but if Ramos’ crazy kickboxing can force Algeo into panic wrestling and taking the fight to the mat, the Brazilian may be able to exhibit the skills he has worked on at Team Alpha Male.
