The main event for UFC 184 featuring women’s bantamweight champion “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey and Cat Zingano has the makings of a competitive and spirited scrap. That’s not anything we’re used to saying about a Rousey bout, but Zingano‘s strength, skill and determination creates some level of doubt about the feature bout.
In my preview, I picked Rousey to win, but I don’t expect it to be easy. There should be some tense moments during stand-up encounters, but ultimately the fight will go to the ground, and that’s where the Rowdy one is still unmatched.
The reason this fight will be the most thrilling in Rousey‘s career is because of Zingano‘s ability to handle herself on the ground. The first time this battle spills to the mat, Rousey won’t have her way quite as quickly as she does in other bouts.
The champion will ultimately get the submission victory; but on the way, Rousey and Zingano will paint a masterpiece that wins both women a bonus for Fight of the Night.
As the winner of an excellent scrap, Rousey is also my pick for one of the Performance of the Night bonuses. On Thursday, Rousey said she needed to win on Saturday night to afford pricey tickets to see Floyd Mayweather Jr. take on Manny Pacquiao on May 2, per TMZ.
After her bonus haul, Rousey should be able to buy a ticket and some beverages for the “Fight of the Century.”
Ellenberger Will Claim the other POTN
When Jake “The Juggernaut” Ellenberger and Josh “Kos” Koscheck collide, someone is going to get knocked out. My bet is that Ellenberger will be the one standing when this one is over. Both men are on three-fight losing streaks, but Koscheck is also dealing with a layoff. He hasn’t fought since Nov. 2013.
To add to the troubling situation, Koscheck is coming off two vicious KO defeats that would lead you to believe he’ll be more susceptible to another such setback. Kos is 37 years old, and Ellenberger is still one of the heaviest handed fighters in the welterweight division.
Per Mike Bohn of MMA Junkie, Ellenberger says he thinks Koscheck might just be looking for a paycheck in this one. Kos denied those allegations saying:
“That’s his opinion, but I don’t need the UFC money to make it. I have several businesses set up. What kind of opportunity is it to come back and get your face beat in just for a paycheck? That’s not me.”
Whatever the case, it all adds up to a losing formula for Koscheck and a platform for Ellenberger to shine with a highlight-reel KO. This one might not get out of the first round. If it doesn’t, it could be a fast $50,000 for the Juggernaut.
Follow Brian Mazique on Twitter. I dig boxing and MMA.
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