Francis Carmont is just hours away from making his UFC debut against Chris Camozzi.
Carmont has been fighting professionally since 2004 and has finally made his way into the big leagues, due to the five-fight winning streak he has compiled over the past few years.
Camozzi has been re-signed by the UFC, after being released earlier this year following a loss to Kyle Noke. His current UFC record is 2-1.
Making the cut to middleweight for the first time, former light heavyweight Carmont’s cardio is a big question mark in this fight.
If Camozzi can push a solid pace and take the fight into the later rounds, there is a good chance he will tire Carmont out.
However, Camozzi will need to be careful in the early goings of the fight. Carmont is a very aggressive fighter and often finishes his fights early.
Expect Carmont to come out with guns blazing, eager to impress in his UFC debut, and gas himself out.
Camozzi will be in trouble early, but whether the storm, and take advantage once Carmont begins to fade.
I see Camozzi snagging a submission early on in the third-round, but would not be surprised to see Carmont win with an early TKO—Carmont has solid ground and pound and swarms when he senses an opponent is hurt.
This fight is likely riding on whether or not Camozzi can keep his composure in the first round and make it a war of attrition.
I think he’ll be able to do it.
Final Prediction: Chris Camozzi defeats Francis Carmont via third-round submission.
Bleacher Report’s Andrew Barr