Catchweight (195 lbs) bout:Robbie Lawler vs. Renato Sobral
Odds: (+140 Sobral / -170 Lawler )
In the main event, two high caliber UFC veterans will meet in an exciting catchweight bout, as Renato “Babalu” Sobral moves down to 195 to face “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler. Babalu is skilled and well-rounded, while Lawler is one of the most prolific punchers in Strikeforce, so this should be a very interesting fight.
Renato “Babalu” Sobral is a very dangerous fighter who has some boxing skill that he uses to complement his excellent wrestling and submissions. Even though he is a pretty decent striker, he is going to have to take this fight to the ground, because Lawler has much better technique and power on the feet. On the ground though, he should be able to work Lawler over with strikes and probably submit him, so it’s clear that his game plan is going to have to be to take Lawler down.
Robbie Lawler may be one dimensional, but that one dimension is excellent. He doesn’t have very much in the way of a ground game, although his wrestling is pretty good, but his boxing is fast, accurate, and extremely powerful. There is no question that, if he can keep this fight standing, he will knock Babalu out. Whether he can pull that off, though, is another matter entirely.
Ultimately, I think Sobral takes this one. Lawler is going to land some shots, but Babalu’s standup and chin are good enough that he will be able to set up his takedowns. On the ground he is more than good enough to control the fight, bust Lawler up, and eventually submit him. Babalu by submission.
Prediction: Renato “Babalu” Sobral via second round submission.
- Bet on the UnderDog Babalu @ +140 for the Win.
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