UFC On FX 2 – Thiago Alves vs Martin Kampmann
Strengths for Alves:
- Power Leg kicks – phenomenal leg kicks that are stronger than Kampmann’s, however, the output tends to fade in further rounds.
- Punching power – Has knocked out many with his hands
Strengths for Kampmann:
- Striking accuracy – Kampmann has excellent strike accuracy more like a boxer. He is not a KO artist with one big punch. He tends to have a high output of accurate strikes more like Nick Diaz. Kampmann has a very crisp technique though.
- Takedown defense – Kampmann has a good takedown defense and against Alves I don’t think he will have to worry about that too much as Alves likes to keep it standing.
This is a great matchup for national tv and I can see why UFC made it. They are both strikers with very different styles. Kampmann is ultra crisp that requires a number of strikes before he sets up a takedown, submission, etc. While Alves will use his weight and power to KO or TKO an opponent. Kampmann is known for his submissions as well, but against Alves its not likely happening. Alves is a Black Belt at jiu-jitsu and has been one for a long time. Alves also hasn’t been submitted in the octagon since his very first fight against Spencer Fisher. How that happened was most likely attributed Alves former cardio problem. However, that problem has been solved with both better training and better diet. Kampmann is no slouch at all, he is similar to Carlos Condit in so many ways with the height and length and crisp striking, but possesses agile submission game as well. There are two weaknesses I see in this fight. One Kampmann is susceptible to being knocked out and Alves is susceptible to coming in off weight.
UFC on FX: Alves vs Kampmann Prediction
Alves is favored slightly, its almost even at some sportsbooks at this point. Currently, 5dimes has Alves at -135. I think Alves is going to win. Kampmann is hard to finish, but Alves is on a mission and has improved tremendously. Kampmann has as well and its tough going against Kampmann as he is one of my favorite fighters to watch, but I think Alves’ power is going to be the difference in the fight. Plus Alves tends to push the pace more than Kampmann while again Kampmann sometimes plays the in and out game which in the eyes of the judges the aggressor gets advantage in the decision process. Slight edge to Alves.
This fight I think is going the distance with Alves dominating via ground and pound and power strikes. 30-27 decision.