Middleweight bout: Michael Bisping vs. Dan Miller
Odds: (-180 Bisping /+150 Miller )
In the semi-main event, tough Brit Michael “The Count” Bisping will take on Dan Miller in what should be a very competitive Welterweight matchup. Both men are coming off decision losses, and Miller has dropped two bouts in a row, so this is a must-win for both guys, which adds an extra layer of anticipation.
Michael Bisping, who is beloved in England for his success and widely loathed in America for his attitude, is nonetheless a very skilled fighter with underrated jiu jitsu and very good boxing and muay thai. While he lacks the kind of explosive power some other top strikers have, his technique is excellent and he can pile it on guys with rapid fire blows, both boxing and in the clinch. His ground game is underrated, but there is little question that he can’t hang with Miller, who is extremely proficient, in the grappling game, so he is going to need to show great takedown defense and crisp punching to take this.
Dan Miller, one of the famous fighting Miller Brothers, is really excellent on the ground. His standup is coming along, but he will not win a striking match against Bisping, so he is going to have to try to outwrestle him and make him work off his back. If he can execute that strategy, he has a very good chance of controlling Bisping on the ground or even submitting him, because his jiu-jitsu is a lot better.
I think Miller is a great pick in this one. Bisping is clearly the better striker, but his lack of one-punch power gives Miller a lot of breathing room to set up takedowns and try to control the fight on the ground. Bisping’s wrestling is not horrible, but Miller has the edge, and I think he should be able to do enough to earn a decision here. Considering that he will likely be an underdog when the odds are posted, Miller is a great choice, in my opinion.
Prediction: Dan Miller via unanimous decision.
- Bet on Miller @ +130 for the Win.
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