WSOF 12: Picks, Prognostications, & Odds

Main Card on NBC:

Luis Palomino (22-9) +140 vs. Lewis Gonzalez (9-0) -180

The grizzled "Baboon" has lived a fast MMA career. At only 32 years of age he has 31 professional fights and has competed everywhere. Luis has defeated the likes of "JZ" Cavalcante, "Krazy Horse," Daron Cruickshank, and Jorge Masvidal while gaining experience points against the likes of Yves Edwards, Luiz Firmino, and Pat Curran. Palomino is a striker by nature who needs to improve the takedown defense. 

The undefeated youngster (26) is coming off a win over veteran Antonio McKee which is his biggest win to date and is nearing the age of 45! "Lethal" is a California State High School wrestler who relies heavily upon the craft.

A classic styles match in which we usually side with the wrestler. In this rare instance, MMAFO just isn't sure Lewis is ready for Luis. Sure Gonzalez will get his share of takedowns, but this is nothing Palomino hasn't seen many times before and he has a wealth of knowledge and experience, not to mention some fists that have not just beaten, but stopped 55% of the men he has defeated. The vet may lose some moments on his back, but he'll make up the difference with blistering combinations to become the new WSOF Lightweight #1 contender.

Upset Pick WINNER-Luis Palomino by Decision

Cully Butterfield (13-3) +400 vs. Ronny Markes (14-3) -600

Markes fell out of the UFC after a skid against top fighters Yoel Romero and Thiago Santos, but he's a solid fighter. Markes also failed to make the Middleweight limit and is more suited to 205 at which he returns to at WSOF 12. Cully has but one shot and that is on the ground where he's not better than the Brazilian. Ronny takes this sooner rather than later and puts away Butterfield.

WINNER-Ronny Markes by Rd.1 TKO

Elvis Mutapcic (13-3) -210 vs. Kelvin Tiller (6-0) +160

Elvis is a midwest bruiser who just loves to crush opponents in a myriad of ways. However, he found out in his last fight against Jesse Taylor, the wrestling humbles men. Mutapcic spent the evening on his back and could do nothing about it.

The undefeated "Mama's Boy" rolled through Bellator and made the financial decision to try WSOF. Tiller has mainly won by submission which had to have put Elvis on notice for this training camp.

Oh, we crazy for this one Rick. It seems like Tiller has the game to defeat Elvis, but we're taking the gamble that Mutapcic addressed his ground deficiencies after that last embarrassing event, and will crush the kid before he gets going.

WINNER-Elvis Mutapcic by Rd.1 TKO

Brandon Hempleman (9-2) +115 vs. Alexis Vila (14-4) -155

Vila is a Cuban wrestling machine who fell in love with his hands in Bellator to his detriment. Brandon needs to run like the wind for if Alexis gets a hold of him, its trouble.

WINNER-Alexis Vila by Decision

Bryson Hansen (7-1) -210 vs. Matt Sayles (2-0) +160

What has MMAFO always said when you don't know who to pick and one guy is Hawaiian? Pick the Hawaiian. They're tough as shit.

WINNER-Bryson Hansen by Stuff & Things

Prelims on NBCSports.com:

Lucas Montoya (6-3) vs. Jimmy Spicuzza (5-1)
WINNER-Lucas Montoya

Danny Davis Jr. (9-8-1) vs. Jorge Lopez (11-4)
WINNER-Jorge Lopez

Adam Acquaviva (1-1) vs. Cody Maltais (0-0)
WINNER-Adam Acqaviva 

Soslan Abanokov (4-1) vs. Bryson Gutches (2-0)
WINNER-Bryson Gutches