UFC Welterweight bout: Diego Sanchez vs. Martin Kampmann
Odds: (+105 Sanchez /-135 Kampmann )
Betting Pick: Kampmann
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In the main event of the evening, former Ultimate Fighter winner Diego “Nightmare” Sanchez, recently returned to Welterweight, faces an extremely stiff challenge in the form of well-rounded Danish standout Martin Kampmann. Sanchez seemed to fit more naturally at 155, but after mixed results moved back up to Welterweight. Kampmann is one of the top guys in the division, though, so unless Diego wants some more mixed results he is going to need a stellar performance.
Martin Kampmann is one of the best-rounded fighters in the Welterweight division. He has very effective striking and excellent submissions, not to mention very underrated wrestling. Originally a Middleweight, Kampmann dropped down after being knocked out by Nate Marquardt. He has proven even more effective at 170 pounds, with a dynamic offensive skillset that few in the division have an answer for. He can be knocked out, but fortunately for him Sanchez doesn’t have the striking prowess to take advantage of that fact.
Sanchez, a long-time veteran who dominated his way through the original Ultimate Fighter, is recently back up to 170 pounds after a stint at Lightweight that didn’t go as swimmingly as he had hoped. Sanchez is a skilled wrestler and grappler with great cardio and a very aggressive style that is hard to deal with. His submissions are pretty good also. The big problem with Sanchez’s game is his awkward and largely ineffective boxing. His technique is sloppy, he doesn’t have much punching power, and he keeps his chin up in the air.
I don’t think Sanchez is going to find the going at welterweight any easier than he did last time around, especially against Kampmann. Kampmann is a vastly superior striker, and his wrestling is about the same as Sanchez’s but he is substantially bigger and stronger. Kampmann also has better submissions. Sanchez is a tough guy who is hard to finish, so he should stick around for the duration, but Kampmann should control this fight in every way and earn a lopsided decision win.
Prediction: Martin “The Hitman” Kampmann via Unanimous Decision.
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