The main event fell through last minute with the late removal of Ronny Markes, but WSOF soldiers on with middleweight champ David Branch competing at light heavyweight and the WSOF debut of ‘Phoenix Jones‘ (Ben Fodor). The card also features the return of crowd favorite Nick Newell.
What: WSOF 20: Branch vs. McElligott
Where: Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Conn.
When: Saturday, the five-fight preliminary card streams live on MMA Fighting at 7 p.m. ET and the four-fight main card goes live on NBC Sports at 9 p.m. ET.
David Branch vs. Jesse McElligott
I suppose anything is possible, but yeah, Branch.
Pick: Branch
Nick Newell vs. Joe Condon
Like every other fighter, Newell has his limits, which was exposed in great detail opposite Justin Gaethje. Condon, however, is very likely not the guy to showcase Newell’s shortcomings. He’s not the athlete Newell is, nor the wrestler, nor the guard player. I look to Newell to take him down, pass and submit and in fairly short order, too.
Pick: Newell
Ben Fodor vs. Emmanuel Walo
This is actually a very competitive fight. Walo can’t do much on the feet, but has great takedowns and smothering top control. Coincidentally, Fodor’s takedown defense is less than airtight. Fodor has fought in situations where he was on his back for the entire bout and still managed to win, so that’s certainly possible here, but this could end up being Walo’s night if he can find a way to slow down Fodor’s offense from the bottom. That’s not something he’s shown a lot of ability to properly do.
Pick: Fodor
Steve Mocco vs. Juilano Coutinho
Coutinho actually has some great ground skills. For a heavyweight, he has legitimate guard passing ability and strong ground and pound from mount. The problem is he’s not going to win a takedown battle opposite the former Olympian in Mocco (it’s unlikely, anyway). I’m also not saying Mocco is the quickest heavyweight on earth, but he’s much faster than Coutinho, whose offense is potent at times, but labored. I look for Mocco to do what he does here: get a takedown, score a stoppage victory from strikes thereafter.
Pick: Mocco
Lucas Montoya vs. Ozzy Dugulubgov
Dugulubgov should positively cruise here. He’s significantly stronger, a much better offensive wrestler than Montoya is defensive and while Montoya’s wild striking on the feet could be a problem if Dugulubgov gets careless, even there his patience should serve hi well. I’m not sure entirely how it ends, but I suspect it’s on the ground where Dugulubgov has the clear and unequivocal advantage.
Pick: Dugulubgov