Before the main card is underway, fans will be able to catch the preliminary card on FUEL TV. One of the bouts featured on the undercard is a heavyweight matchup featuring Mike Russow and John-Olav Einemo.
Einemo will make his return to the UFC after undergoing a contract dispute with his former management, Golden Glory, that saw “The Viking” released from the company.
Now set to make his return, Einemo will meet Russow in a heavyweight bout that is sure to keep fans entertained. Holding a black belt in Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu, Einemo has earned the last five of his six wins via submission, so should the bout hit the ground, it is more than likely he’ll be comfortable off of his back.
Russow isn’t afraid to test his striking against anyone in the heavyweight division. Russow is perhaps best known for his knockout victory over Todd Duffee at UFC 114 that saw the Chicago native on the losing end of the fight until he scored the knockout with just a few minutes before the end of the bout.
Currently riding a three-fight winning streak, Russow will look to continue his ascension up the heavyweight division by getting the win over a veteran like Einemo.
Although Russow is heading into his bout with a lot of momentum, Einemo holds a lot of experience, and he’ll also enjoy a eight-inch reach advantage.
Russow has shown to battle through adversity. However, Einemo’s size and striking is not something Russow will want to endure for a majority of the bout. He will look to take the fight to the ground, where he holds the advantage in submissions and grappling.
Einemo might want to approach his opponent with more caution than his last bout with Dave Herman, which saw him on the receiving end of a knockout at UFC 131.
While it is possible Russow can weather the storm early on, it isn’t likely he can absorb punishment on the feet against a caliber fighter like Einemo.
Prediction: Jon Olav Einemo via third round TKO.
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