Tag: UFC predictions

UFC On FOX 20 Predictons: Will Holm Get Back In The Title Hunt?

Holly Holm vs. Valentina Shevchenko: Mike Drahota: This bout presents an ultra-interesting match-up of two of the women’s bantamweight division’s best strikers, and certainly its most decorated. Coming off her upset loss to Miesha Tate at UFC 196, boxing champion Holm has everything to lose, while Muay Thai champion Shevchenko has nothing to lose. “Bullet”

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Holly Holm vs. Valentina Shevchenko:

Mike Drahota:

This bout presents an ultra-interesting match-up of two of the women’s bantamweight division’s best strikers, and certainly its most decorated. Coming off her upset loss to Miesha Tate at UFC 196, boxing champion Holm has everything to lose, while Muay Thai champion Shevchenko has nothing to lose. “Bullet” is by far the lesser-known fighter, and her last fight was a loss to current champion Amanda Nunes, also at UFC 196. But that doesn’t tell the whole story, as Shevchenko had “The Lioness” on the ropes when the third round ended.

Regardless, this main event promises to be a power-packed striking affair, with both looking to stay one step ahead of their opponent on the feet. Holm should prevail if it stays at range, and it’s tough to decipher just who has the power advantage in this one. If it goes to the cinch, it should favor Shevchenko, and Holm’s highly suspect ground game could be tested if ‘Bullet’ decides to surprise her with a few takedowns. Holm simply needs this win though to get back into the title picture, and I think she stays largely on the outside to outscore Shevchenko. It’s a vanilla pick, but I’m going with Holm by unanimous decision.

Rory Kernaghan:

Holly Holm will be looking to bounce back from the brutal loss to Miesha Tate at UFC 195, and there won’t be a better time to do it after ‘Cupcake’ got dethroned at UFC 200. For Shevchenko, it’s about defeating a huge name in the former UFC champion and women’s boxing great, but a hill I feel will be far too steep to climb. ‘The Preacher’s Daughter’ just has too much in the bag, and I see a unanimous decision on the cards for Holm.

Mike Henken:

Shevchenko is without question one of the best strikers in the bantamweight division as she holds a professional kickboxing record of 58-3. That success has transferred nicely over to MMA, where she currently stands at 14-2 after her recent a loss to reigning champion Nunes. Holm also has a decorated striking background as a multi-time former boxing champion and is coming off of a loss to Tate, but I simply feel as if she has the more well-rounded mixed martial arts skillset in this bout. I also feel as if her experience and motivation to recapture the title will play a part here. Holm by third-round TKO.

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Edson Barboza vs. Gilbert Melendez:

Mike Drahota:

A pivotal co-main event for both Melendez and Barboza’s careers, both men will have several question marks heading into this bout. For former Strikeforce champ Melendez, it’s how he returns from a yearlong layoff due to a drug-related suspension following two losses to Eddie Alvarez and Anthony Pettis. For Barboza, it’s whether or not he can finally win a big fight against an elite fighter in a critical spot.

The Brazilian Muay Thai artist looked nothing less than surgical during his UFC 197 win over Pettis, but he’s also faded in big spots against the likes of Tony Ferguson, Donald Cerrone, and Michael Johnson. Barboza will need to rise to the occasion here and pick Melendez’ less refined striking apart from range, fending off the inevitable takedown attempts that will come his way. Melendez has the heart and power to put any lightweight away on a good night, but I feel his layoff may affect his performance against such a dynamic striker here. My pick is Barboza by decision.

Rory Kernaghan:

Melendez vs. Barboza is a great fight – two feisty lightweights who always show up for war, but an interesting contrast in styles. Barboza likes to keep the range long to whip in powerful kicks, but ‘El Nino’ wants to bring the fight to your front door with his gritty phone booth style. It’s more about who will be able to implement their gameplan and keep the fight within their chosen range. It’s a bit of a coin toss really, and you know how Melendez is going to fight, but Barboza has proven to be cagey in some big fights. I’m gonna go with my gut and call it Melendez by decision.

Mike Henken:

Melendez is a tough and gritty fighter with a wealth of championship level experience, but he’s also coming off of a lengthy layoff after being suspended due to a failed drug test. Barboza, on the other hand, has looked excellent as of late, winning two of his last three, and coming off of a victory over former champion Pettis. I feel as if “Junior’s” lethal striking game will lead him to victory here. Barboza by unanimous decision.

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UFC Fight Night 89 Predictions

Stephen Thompson vs. Rory MacDonald: Mike Drahota: I’ve truly gone back and forth many times on this bout, and I still can’t seem to come out with a clear-cut prediction because we’ll legitimately witness one of the closest-matched welterweight bouts in UFC history tonight, at least on paper. There’s no denying “Wonderboy’s” momentum as of

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Stephen Thompson vs. Rory MacDonald:

Mike Drahota:

I’ve truly gone back and forth many times on this bout, and I still can’t seem to come out with a clear-cut prediction because we’ll legitimately witness one of the closest-matched welterweight bouts in UFC history tonight, at least on paper. There’s no denying “Wonderboy’s” momentum as of late, and his recent highlight reel knockouts of Johny Hendricks and Jake Ellenberger have him in the conversation of being the best striker in all of MMA. MacDonald is obviously a perennial elite-level contender, and nearly had the belt just last July. Questions remain from that fateful five-round war with champion Robbie Lawler, however, and MacDonald could come back hungrier or as a fighter with a piece missing.

Regardless, the only time anyone has had success against Thompson in the Octagon was in his second UFC bout against grinder Matt Brown in 2012, who neutralized “Wonderboy’s” kicks and punches by out-wrestling him at a grueling pace. MacDonald certainly has the wrestling and grappling games to do that, but Thompson’s takedown defense seems to have improved greatly since then. MacDonald had brutally damaging strikes in close against Lawler, and if he can close the distance on Thompson to nullify his flashy kicks and combos at range, the bout will turn in his favor. While that’s wholly not an unlikely outcome, I do believe Thompson is on his way to a UFC title shot. He’ll face adversity against MacDonald, but ultimately I believe his unique, precise striking game will get him the win. “Wonderboy” wins a unanimous decision.

Rory Kernaghan:

There are many interesting questions surrounding tonight’s main event, one that is perhaps most pertinent is how the brutal war against Robbie Lawler has changed Rory MacDonald. Also, will Stephen Thompson be able to use his flashy techniques against a fellow technical artist? It’s a tough one to call in many respects, but if MacDonald is on point, which I fully expect him to be, I don’t think ‘Wonderboy’ will have the space to pull off his wonderful kicking displays. Look for the Canadian MacDonald to close the gap straight away, and utilize his hard elbows in the clinch. Much like we saw at UFC 189, ‘The Canadian Psycho’ has wonderfully precise clinch work, and very nearly finished ‘Ruthless’ on a number of occasions. He also has the advantage on the ground in my mind, making his array of options far more significant than that of Thompson’s. Submission for MacDonald in round three. Bank it.

Mike Henken:

I’m a huge fan of this fight, as it truly pits the top two fighters in a division aside from the champion against one another. Stylistically, this fight is relatively easy to break down, in my opinion. MacDonald will hold the wrestling and grappling advantage while Thompson will hold the striking advantage. The key factor here, however, is “Wonderboy’s” improved takedown defense, and his highly superior striking. It’s also hard to tell how MacDonald will look coming off of a five-round war with the champion. I see “Wonderboy” keeping it on the feet, and using his exquisite movement, and unorthodox angles to get the job done. Thompson by third round TKO.

 

Donald Cerrone vs. Patrick Cote:

Mike Drahota:

UFC Ottawa’s co-main event is also an interesting one, as it’s obviously No. 4-ranked Cerrone who brings the heat and fanfare as a popular fighter only six months removed from a title shot. But Cote has been quietly effective as of late as well, and his only recent loss was to headliner Stephen Thompson. “The Predator” has won six out of his last seven in a late-career resurgence, and after for contending for the UFC title at middleweight and fighting at light heavyweight, he should have a noticeable size advantage on usual lightweight Cerrone. While “Cowboy” will be the faster man and the more technical fighter on the ground, he may be biting off more than he can chew here. I’m going against the grain. and picking Cote by second round TKO.

Rory Kernaghan:

Donald Cerrone is taking on Patrick Cote in a welterweight tilt for the evening’s co-main event, and this was a relatively easy pick for me. ‘The Predator’ has some good power and has looked vastly improved in wins over Ben Saunders and Josh Burkman, but the difference in class between those opponents and ‘Cowboy’ is clear. I think Cerrone goes to the leg kicks for the duration of this bout, mixing it up nicely with his Muay Thai striking arsenal to the head and gut, and truthfully I don’t think there will be much coming in return. It’s not exactly a technical pick, I feel Cerrone will bludgeon Cote for three rounds and take home a unanimous decision.  

Mike Henken:

Cote will obviously have the size advantage here, but I’m not sure how big of a factor that will be, as I simply feel as if Cerrone is the better fighter. Cote will likely look to use his clinch game and wrestling skills to overpower “Cowboy”, but I feel as if Cerrone’s underrated ground game, speed, and conditioning will lead him to victory. Cerrone by second round submission.

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UFC 199 Predictions: Will An Upset Happen In Southern Cali?

Luke Rockhold vs. Michael Bisping: Mike Drahota: I think Rockhold is fully deserving of a pot near the top of the pound-for-pound ranks with five straight finishes over top quality opponents, and I also believes the lopsided betting odds in tis one are justified. That’s obviously not a unique school of though, however, as mostly

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Luke Rockhold vs. Michael Bisping:

Mike Drahota:

I think Rockhold is fully deserving of a pot near the top of the pound-for-pound ranks with five straight finishes over top quality opponents, and I also believes the lopsided betting odds in tis one are justified. That’s obviously not a unique school of though, however, as mostly everyone (if not everyone) is picking the bigger, younger, and more well-rounded challenger to send the seasoned “Count” back to England with another finish loss on his record. It’s certainly doesn’t hurt that Rockhold finished Bisping somewhat easily in their first meeting back at UFC Fight Night 55 in late 2014.

True, the Brit is coming off three straight wins highlighted by his decision victory over Anderson Silva, but as “Rocky” said, “The Sider” isn’t on his level right now – or ever. To prove that true, Rockhold will need to build a record-setting streak of title defenses, and that begins with a second stoppage over Bisping tonight. “The Count” no doubt possesses some of the best volume striking, cardio, toughness, and heart at 185 pounds, but I don’t like his chances standing or especially if it goes to the ground, where Rockhold finished former champion Chris Weidman in his last bout. To beat Rockhold, you have to get in his face and knock him out. While he has the pressuring style, Bisping doesn’t have the necessary power in my eyes. I have to pick Rockhold by first round submission.

Rory Kernaghan:

UFC middleweight champion Rockhold has some of the nastiest kicks in the game today. He used them very effectively in the first with Michael Bisping in late 2014, and although ‘The Count’ looked a lot better vs. Anderson Silva, I unfortunately can’t see how he overcomes the power and effective range of ‘Rocky.’ There will be a lot of heart needed to overcome the physical disadvantages for Bisping, and I wouldn’t write him off completely, but I would place money on Rockhold if I were a betting man. He’s fresher, trains with a very elite team of champions, has the size, power, reach and weight advantage. Rockhold by submission round three.

Mike Henken:

As much as I’d like to see the longtime veteran in Bisping finally acquire the UFC middleweight title, I just don’t see him getting past Rockhold here. The champion got the better of “The Count” the first time around, and Bisping had a full camp heading into that bout as opposed to the two weeks he had to prepare this time. The Brit has indeed won three straight since losing to Rockhold, but I believe that the champion has too many tools to win here. His lengthy southpaw striking and brutal kicks could provide Bisping with problems on the feet, and his elite-level submission skills make him a threat on the ground as well. Rockhold by third round knockout.

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Dominick Cruz vs. Urijah Faber:

Mike Drahota:

The former and current 135-pound king – and many say the best bantamweight ever – miraculously returned to form after an almost four-year spat with serious leg injuries to take the belt from former champ (and Faber protégé) TJ Dillashaw, so now his rivalry with “The California Kid” both continues and ends tonight. “The Dominator” beat the previous consensus No. 1 bantamweight, albeit by split decision, in his last fight, while Faber has appeared to be slowly fading over his last three fights, where he beat mid-level fighters Frankie Saenz and Alex Caceres while losing to Frankie Edgar. Faber does own a previous win over Cruz, but that was back in 2007 when “The Dominator” was 21, and it remains his only loss. It’s a trendy and simple pick, but I have to think the champ used his peerless footwork and otherworldly ability to avoid getting hit to cruise to a win here. Cruz by unanimous decision.

Rory Kernaghan:

Cruz looks to make the first defense in his second reign as UFC bantamweight champion, and he does so against a man who’s had some tough hands during his UFC run. Faber has been there and done it, but never made it to a UFC title, and I don’t think tonight will be the night. ‘The Dominator’ just has footwork that’s out of this world, and although ‘The California Kid’ looks jacked in recent training photos, it’s going to take so much more than that. An interesting fact for you, TJ Dillashaw only connected with 26% of his standing strikes against Cruz. Will Faber step up and take Cruz out? I’d actually like to see it, but again I have to go with my gut instead of my nuts; Cruz by decision.

Mike Henken:

I see this bout playing out as many of Cruz’s bouts do. Faber has always had a well-rounded skillset featuring powerful punching, established takedowns, and slick submissions. With that being said, Cruz’s footwork and movement makes him a master of not getting hit, and his wrestling usually allows him to dictate the pace of the fight. I see the champion picking apart Faber from the outside and essentially outpointing him. Cruz by unanimous decision.

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UFC Fight Night 88 Predictions: A New Contender Will Emerge

Thomas Almeida vs. Cody Garbrandt: Mike Drahota: I found it a bit surprising that the UFC was willing to book two of the suddenly booming bantamweight division’s up-and-coming talents against one another so soon, but they are most certainly two of the most exciting strikers at 135 pounds, so that dynamic should be a recipe

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Thomas Almeida vs. Cody Garbrandt:

Mike Drahota:

I found it a bit surprising that the UFC was willing to book two of the suddenly booming bantamweight division’s up-and-coming talents against one another so soon, but they are most certainly two of the most exciting strikers at 135 pounds, so that dynamic should be a recipe for Memorial Day fireworks in Las Vegas. I believe it will become a slugfest rather rapidly thanks in no small part to the bad blood spoken in the media and from the fight week hotel confrontation between Garbrandt and Almeida’s team, so this is going to come down to Almeida’s Muay Thai and Garbrandt’s boxing. While the undefeated Brazilian sensation did get caught by veteran Brad Pickett at UFC 189 last July, I believe he simply has more ways to win with elbows, kicks, and knees while also having more experience (even if it is against “cab drivers” like “No Love” said). It should be a back-and-forth fight, and Garbrandt could obviously catch him with a big shot that ends the bout, but I’m going with Almeida by third-round TKO.

Rory Kernaghan:

Thomas Almeida comes in to this fight undefeated at 21-0, off the back of three straight knockouts from four UFC wins, and possibly the toughest fight of his career against Brad Pickett. This is where the difference will be made against the harsh striker Cody Garbrandt, because aside from experience and having dug to the limit more times, there’s not really much to separate these two. I also feel that ‘Terminator’ has a little more variety in his attacks than ‘No Love,’ although Garbrandt’s patented Team Alpha Male style footwork is a sight to behold. Expect a war, won by Almeida by TKO in round three.

Mike Henken:

I have to say that I’m extremely excited for this scrap, as two of the division’s best undefeated rising contenders will do battle to prove who truly belongs in the title discussion. The 24-year-old Garbrandt has established himself as a legitimate fighter with great speed and strong knockout power as shown in his last bout, but he’ll be facing off with a scary, scary man in Almeida. The Brazilian packs a 21-0 professional record with an impressive 16 knockouts. I just feel as if his arsenal will be too much for “No Love.” Almeida by third round knockout.

Renan Barao vs. Jeremy Stephens:

Mike Drahota:

On paper this is an incredibly tough test in a move up a weight class for formerly dominant bantamweight champion Barao, who hasn’t looked anything close to his once-cowering form since TJ Dillashaw shockingly dethroned him in devastating fashion at UFC 173 two years ago. Although Stephens has shown bouts of inconsistency mixed with bouts of brilliance, his last loss to Max Holloway came to a potential future title contender at featherweight. Barao has obviously yet to attain that after admitting the cut down to 15 pounds was simply too much anymore, and this fight could be a rude awakening for him. Stephens is a power-punching brawler with great takedown defense, and Barao has exhibited a concerning tendency to stand still and eat punches later. Up at 145 against a knockout specialist by the highly experienced Stephens, I don’t believe that will end well for him. Stephens stops Barao by TKO in the first round.

Rory Kernaghan:

Former champion Barao faces frequent underdog Stephens in a battle of heavy hitters. The former bantamweight champion has a tough debut at featherweight against Stephens, who has a habit of knocking people silly when it’s against the odds. Where this fight is won is anyone’s guess, mine is that Barao is getting upset here. I think Stephens clips ‘Baron’ early on and continue the run of bad luck befalling the Brazilian Nova Uniao camp. Jeremy Stephens upsets the former champion by one-punch knockout in round one.

Mike Henken:

The former bantamweight champion Barao will be moving up to his new home at 145 pounds for the first time, and he won’t be given a tune-up fight in any way. Stephens is a very experienced and gritty veteran who possesses brutal knockout power and a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt. However, I feel as if “The Baron’s” combination of championship caliber Muay Thai and submission skills will get the job done. I also think the easier weight cut will play a factor here. Barao by unanimous decision.

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UFC 198 Predictions

Fabricio Werdum vs. Stipe Miocic: Mike Drahota: This is an intriguing heavyweight title bout to be sure, and the first non-interim title affair not featuring Cain Velasquez to be contested in the weight class since Junior dos Santos beat Frank Mir in 2012. The champ Werdum has looked nothing but flawless in his return to

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  1. Fabricio Werdum vs. Stipe Miocic:

Mike Drahota:

This is an intriguing heavyweight title bout to be sure, and the first non-interim title affair not featuring Cain Velasquez to be contested in the weight class since Junior dos Santos beat Frank Mir in 2012. The champ Werdum has looked nothing but flawless in his return to the UFC that same year, winning six straight bouts with a perfect mix of two knockouts, two submissions, and two decision wins. Miocic has looked similarly dominant recently, although over a smaller sample size, with his two consecutive TKOs over Mark Hunt an Andrei Arlovski. The proud Ohio native will go into hostile territory at the Arena de Baixada tonight, but I think his hand speed and boxing prowess couple with his NCAA wrestling skills will score the upset. Miocic gets it done by fourth round TKO.

Rory Kernaghan:

The heavyweight battle between Werdum and Miocic is an interesting pairing, featuring a greatly improved striker in ‘Vai Cavalo’ and a technical boxer in Stipe. For Werdum, it’s all going to be about where this fight takes place, and although he’s vastly advanced his stand-up, I don’t feel like it’s the best place to hang around against Miocic. Yes he survived the onslaught from the likes of Cain Velasquez and Mark Hunt, but heavyweight is a dangerous place to roll the dice. Will he get this one to the ground? If the champion does, the fight is pretty much over. For that reason, I can’t see Miocic being able to grind this one out. Werdum by submission round three.

Mike Henken:

In my opinion, Miocic represents a very tough challenge for defending champion Werdum. The Croatian has shown high-level boxing skills coupled with brutal knockout power in which he backs up with a strong wrestling background. That along with his speed and conditioning makes him a legitimate threat to anyone in the heavyweight division. However, I feel as if Werdum’s improved striking will keep him in it on the feet before he reverts to his world-class grappling skills to end the bout in front of his homeland. Werdum by fourth round submission.

MMA: UFC 187-Weidman vs Belfort

Jacare Souza vs. Vitor Belfort:

Mike Drahota:

I think this pivotal middleweight co-main event may not be getting enough attention amidst all of the massive, buzz-worthy UFC 198 hype. While each of these aging Brazilian vets is still near the top of the game, they both have several question marks as well. Both will probably get a title shot with an impressive win; with Belfort having the pre-installed bad blood with Luke Rockhold if he wins at UFC 199. However, Souza looked incredibly sluggish in his last bout, a split decision loss to Yoel Romero, and Belfort has seemingly made his way into huge fights by knocking out past-prime legend Dan Henderson in recent years. Regardless, the story should be the same as always for “The Phenom”; if he can rush Jacare and blast him early, the fight will be his. But that’s a tough thing to do, and I believe Souza will be able to weather the storm to use his legendary ground game to dominate Belfort as a few other truly elite fighters have done before. Jacare Souza by first round submission.

Rory Kernaghan:

Vitor Belfort represents one of the very few old-school fighters who remain active in 2016, and he’ll be facing a very tall order in Jacare Souza. His junior and by far in much better shape, Souza is quite the scary prospect for any fighter, let alone one who’s by far past his prime by now. The one-punch threat is about all I can imagine Belfort having offer Jacare, and much like his UFC 187 fight with Chris Weidman, I don’t think that will be enough. I see Souza handling this one with ease, choking Belfort in the first round.

Mike Henken:

Personally, I see this playing out similar to how Belfort’s title fight with Chris Weidman did. “The Phenom,” an explosive finisher, came out guns blazing, and landed a few hard shots on Weidman before he was taken down and finished. I see Belfort once again coming out looking for the finish and he may even tag Souza, but I believe Jacare will drag the fight to the mat where his grappling skills will be the superior. Jacare by first round submission.

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UFC Rotterdam Predictions: Will Anyone’s Chin Hold Up?

Alistair Overeem vs. Andrei Arlovski: Mike Drahota: Obviously Overeem had to headline any card for the UFC’s Netherlands debut, and they couldn’t have booked him against a fighter more likely to produce a fan-pleasing slugfest in Rotterdam. Both fighters have enjoyed career resurgences as of late, but it’s “The Demolition Man” who brings more momentum

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Alistair Overeem vs. Andrei Arlovski:

Mike Drahota:

Obviously Overeem had to headline any card for the UFC’s Netherlands debut, and they couldn’t have booked him against a fighter more likely to produce a fan-pleasing slugfest in Rotterdam. Both fighters have enjoyed career resurgences as of late, but it’s “The Demolition Man” who brings more momentum into the bout with his three straight wins, as Arlovski lost his most recent bout to current title challenger Stipe Miocic at UFC 191.

At ages 35 and 37 respectively and possessing 92 total MMA bouts between them, Overeem and Arlovski aren’t young in terms of fighting years, but nearly the entire UFC heavyweight division is in a similar state. They do have an concerning 17 knockout losses between them, however, so there’s little doubt that this one will end before it approaches the cards. I might have said Arlovski held the edge when he was on his win streak and Overeem was getting knocked out, but the Dutch kickboxer seems to have righted the ship after losing some weight and fighting smarter under the tutelage of Greg Jackson.

Any punch could end this fight, of course, but I’m going with Alistair Overeem by first round knockout.

Rory Kernaghan:

Andrei Arlovski and Alistair Overeem are similar in many ways, having both proved to be huge knockout threats in the heavyweight area. But they have both been subject to some very nasty knockouts themselves. Without sounding too cliché, I’m willing to bet the winner is the one who’s chin can hold up the longest. ‘The Pitbull’ recently got starched by Miocic, and I’m also willing to bet that ‘The Demolition Man’ is packing more heat than the Croatian-American. For Arlovski, facing an accomplished K-1 kickboxer with highly dangerous knees and kicks, he’ll need to put forth the best performance of his career in the striking department. Unfortunately, as much of an Arlovski fan as I am, I don’t see this happening. Overeem is too big and strong, and simply has too much to offer Arlovski in the stand-up. ‘Reem’ for the KO round one.

Mike Henken:

This is a very interesting fight in my opinion. Overeem has been riding a hot streak as of late, winning three consecutive bouts with two of those victories coming by way of T/KO. Arlovski, on the other hand, is coming off of a brutal stoppage loss. Both men are very powerful strikers with finishing ability, and I feel as if the fight will play out on the feet. IF it does, I think Overeem’s decorated kickboxing background will just be too much for the “Pitbull”. Overeem by second round knockout.

Stefan Struve vs. Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva:

Mike Drahota:

This bout is a must-win for both of these veteran heavyweights, and it’s also a bout of two more powerful sluggers with questionable chins; a poor man’s version of the UFC Rotterdam main event if you will.

Silva has seemingly been content to rush in and let his opponent hit him in the face to see if he can land some shots of his own, and that strategy has resulted in him losing four of his last six bouts by knockout. Struve hasn’t fared much better, losing three out of his last four, including two by knockout. It’s close, but I feel as this bout will get heated early, and the younger heavyweight will be buoyed enough by his hometown crowd to find the Brazilian giant’s massive chin. Struve with another first round knockout.

Rory Kernaghan:

Stefan Struve and Antonio ‘Bigfoot’ Silva are huge guys that like to strike, and it’s once again a case of a Dutch kickboxer with more than just raw power to offer in the co-main event. Both fighters have some chops in the ground game, but I don’t see this fight taking place on the mat, and again we have an example of ‘chinny’ heavyweights throwing down. So who will emerge victorious? I have to point out that Silva has looked quite ‘different’ since TRT went out the window, but I have a feeling he also may be over the lull in his recent record, and I’m picking him for the win tonight. I like Struve, but I feel his jaw is not made for heavyweight, and this fight won’t make it to the judges. ‘Bigfoot’ with a jaw-smashing KO in round two.

Mike Henken:

Struve and Silva have both struggled quite a bit as of late, as both have lost three out of their last four. The height and reach advantage for Struve should be a key in this fight, but one can’t forget about “Bigfoot’s” devastating knockout power. In the end, I feel as if Struve will use his range and pick Silva apart with the Dutch faithful behind him. Expect a third round TKO from Struve.

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