We’ve talked a lot this week about CM Punk and his chances of picking up a UFC victory over the fellow inexperienced Mickey Gall. In reality no one knows exactly what’s going to happen in that fight, making a breakdown impossible. Besides, there’s bigger fish to fry as the main event features two heavy hitters in the heavyweight division. Stipe Miocic versus Alistair Overeem should be a damn good fight, one that’s most likely to produce a vicious knock out.
After taking advantage of Fabricio Werdum’s inexplicable bull rush that left him face down on the mat at UFC 198, Stipe Miocic is now sitting pretty as the UFC heavyweight champion. His approach to the game is primarily boxing based, though he does have some decent kicks in his arsenal. For the most part, many of his combinations begin off of the jab and his footwork is extremely sound. What he’ll have to do to win this fight is push Overeem backwards constantly. The Dutch kickboxer works best when he has space to methodically work his longer range kicks and brutal knees. Miocic can’t let Overeem get into a groove. The champion should be stalking from the opening bell in order to put Overeem into a defensive shell. Some takedown attempts against the cage should also be apart of the champions game. Even if he can’t complete the attempt, it’ll give the challenger something to think about.
Alistair Overeem had a pretty up and down start to his UFC career. Though he looked extremely impressive in vanquishing former champion Brock Lesnar, he quickly found himself suspended for elevated testosterone. Upon his return he was greeted with back to back knockout losses, one decision win, and another KO that had people wondering if Overeem was really the terrifying heavyweight we all thought he was. But his recent four fight winning streak has proven that Alistair has the ability to adapt. Gone are the days where he squares up right in front of opponents. Now we see an Overeem who uses lateral movement, as well as well placed kicks and punches to confound opponents. What Overeem will need to do is use his long range weapons to force the champion to move forward. Some inside low kicks and body kicks from the southpaw stance should keep Miocic guessing and if the champion gets frustrated and moves forward too aggressively, you can bet a straight left from Overeem will be waiting for him.
This is a pretty fun match up based purely on the fact that it’s a clash of striking styles: boxing vs kickboxing. With more tools in his toolbox expect Alistair Overeem to have the Ohio fans in tears as he knocks out Stipe Miocic in the third round.
Who do you think wins at UFC 203?
Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his Twitter and Facebook to keep up with his antics.
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