Smoothie King Center
New Orleans
Main Card on FOX Sports 1:
Tim Boetsch (18-8) -210 vs. Dan Henderson (30-13) +170
The legend of "Hendo" has been fading as of late, but the 44 year old has yet to hang up the gloves. Dan has lost 5 of his last 6 (!) since '13 and completely relies upon that powerful "H-Bomb" and a formerly granite chin that has now come under suspicion.
The "Barbarian" hasn't been setting the MMA world on fire either as he has lost 4 of his last 6 but is ten years "Hendo's" junior. Tim is quite strong for any division but is very slow though speed isn't exactly what his opponent is known for either. Boetsch needs to get in close and can sneak in a trip takedown when its least expected.
The possibility of this being a 25 minute fight is terrifying. Two of the slowest men in the UFC today leisurely banging into each other with extended periods of rest is likely. And yet, with the evident degradation of "Hendo's" chin and entire game for that matter, the "Barbarian" should put him away before we hear the final bell.
WINNER-Tim Boetsch by Rd.3 TKO
We've found Rothwell to be overrated since his IFL days and not much has changed. Ben is a glacially slow Heavyweight who has power, but his striking isn't really impressive though he does have power. Let us not forget that he is also a TRT cheater who makes mental mistakes in the cage.
Mitrione is coming into his own as one of the most athletic Heavy's. Matt is one of the few in the division that has cardio and he brings nice leg kicks and movement in his game that should pose problems for slow Ben. Matt has craaazy KO power as he's shown in his 8 knockouts in the UFC.
We just don't feel like Ben really poses much of a threat though Matt seems to think so as he stated in his interview on the MMA Hour earlier this week. A "Meathead" who is respectful and taking his opponent seriously is a dangerous thing indeed. Mitrione is smarter than he is given credit and should out angle, out work, and just plain out fight ole Rothwell in spades who fades as the fight progresses.
WINNER-Matt Mitrione by Decision
Dustin Poirier (17-4) -185 vs. Yancy Medeiros (11-2) +150
"Diamond" looked reborn in April when he returned to 55's without the draining weight cut to the Feathers. The ATT fighter is excellent anywhere the fight can possibly go and is coming into his prime at age 26.
Yancy "The Nancy" is a Hawaiian striker with long limbs, quick power, who works hard in the pocket with a left hook. The obvious weakness is the lack of a ground game.
No doubt Poirier will be looking to take this to the floor where he will have the vast advantage but before things get there, Dustin will chew up Medeiros' legs since he refuses to acknowledge leg kicks. This is set up and "Diamond" should dominate the cards even if he can't put the tough Hawaiian away.
WINNER-Dustin Poirier by Decision
Thiago Tavares (23-5-1) -185 vs. Brian Ortega (8-0) +150
Thiago may be 30 years old, but his fight age is more like 50 considering his length of fighting time and the litany of injuries he's suffered throughout his career. Tavares is known for his Jiu-Jitsu game but he has decent striking with some power.
The undefeated Ortega came into the UFC as the RFA Lightweight Champion and after winning his debut, tested positive for STEROIDS. Nicely done idiot. Now Zuffa is punishing him by giving him too much too soon. Brian is a Jiu-Jitsu player who is Nick Diaz style aggressive but nobody is going to mistake him for a boxer.
This should be Thiago's day though he has shit the bed in the past with mental lapses. In recent years it has seemed that is no longer a problem and Tavares is basically the better man everywhere the fight can go.
WINNER-Thiago Tavares by Decision
Joe Soto (15-3) -185 vs. Anthony Birchak (11-2) +150
The former Bellator Bantamweight Champion gets his 2nd shot in the Octagon after losing his week's notice debut to UFC Bantamweight Champion TJ Dillashaw. Soto is very, very well rounded and has nice counter strikes but is well known for his stellar wrestling game.
"El Toro" is a game striker who likes combinations and nasty elbows. Ortega works close to foes very well whether using trips and hip tosses to get things to the ground, or knees and elbows to rough up enemies.
This could be a show stealing fight considering the solid skills of both men. Anthony is just a bit more raw with his game whereas Joe is just technically brilliant which gives him the edge in a very close and entertaining bout.
WINNER-Joe Soto by Decision
Francisco Rivera (10-4) -125 vs. Alex Caceres (10-7) -105
Its "Bruce Leeroy" time again with his creative intense game that uses side, round kicks, and spinning shit. Anyone can, and usually does take Alex down but he is slick off his back and stays very active in the guard.
"Cisco" is back again on a 2 fight skid after losing his last bout to Urijah Faber and that controversial eye poke. Rivera is a strong sturdy boxer with a good jab and major power in his right hand. The takedown defense is strong but the ground game is not.
The struggle for Caceres here is his lack of strength. Francisco will be much stronger than him and shouldn't have much trouble keeping things up on the feet where he can really hurt you quickly. "Cisco" will likely manhandle the boyish Alex before putting him away.
WINNER-Francisco Rivera by Rd.2 TKO
Prelims on FOX Sports 1:
Shawn Jordan (17-6) -115 vs. Derrick Lewis (12-3) -115 [Rematch]
The "Black Beast" rebounded from his loss to Matt Mitrione and is now 3-1 in the shallow Heavyweight division. Lewis is a monstrously powerful hitter but has terrible endurance and has only been to a decision twice in his career (both of which he lost).
The "Savage" is also a striker but in a smaller fire hydrant package with some kicks and is much more agile than his opponent.
Shawn really should win this but MMAFO has a feeling that he will not. Jordan also rarely goes to decision and likes to bang it out. That is a dangerous proposition against Lewis who we believe will catch the suspect chin of Jordan early for the finish.
WINNER-Derrick Lewis by Rd.1 KO
Brian Ebersole (51-16-1,1) +110 vs. Omari Akhmedov (14-2) -140
The well traveled veteran "Hairrow" returns after righting the ship against John Howard last year and has a respectable UFC record of 5-2 at Welterweight. Ebersole is a southpaw but his game is based upon numerous takedown attempts where he'll look for his 21st career submission.
Yet another Dagestani prospect Omari is a brute with good striking but he has a hole in his takedown defense the size of Dana White's ego which will be his undoing.
Upset Pick WINNER-Brian Ebersole by Decision
Chris Wade (9-1) -185 vs. Christos Giagos (11-3) +150
Wade is a Long Island native on a 4 fight bounce who is young and durable. Chris is a grinding wrestler who hasn't adding any other facets to his game as of yet.
The "Spartan" is much more well rounded though he perhaps enjoys the striking game more. If things remain standing the fight is his considering the power in his hands and his opponents lack of ability there.
This is the rare case where MMAFO picks the striker over the wrestler and takes the dangerous underdog in a rare move.
Upset Pick WINNER-Christos Giagos by Decision
Joe Proctor (10-3) -210 vs. Justin Edwards (8-4) +170
"J-Lau's" protege is a decent grappler and striker and quite large for the 55's division.
Jorge Gurgel's protege decently well rounded but will be taken down at will by Joe (if he doesn't hurt him on the feet 1st) and submitted sooner rather than later. Then Edwards will exit Zuffa graces for good.
WINNER-Joe Proctor by Rd.1 Submission
Prelims on UFC Fight Pass:
Jake Collier (8-2) +155 vs. Ricardo Abreu (5-0) -190
The undefeated "Demente" is a world class grappler who trains with the Wand Fight Team. Ricardo is a natural athlete with quick reflexes and can run game on the mats.
Collier is stepping in on short notice for Daniel Sarafian and will be the lamb to the slaughter on this night.
WINNER-Ricardo Abreu by Rd.2 Submission
Jose Quinonez (3-2) +155 vs. Leonardo Morales (4-1) -190
Leonardo lost his UFC debut last November by and is a southpaw striker fighting out of Nicaragua who lacks grappling skills.
Quiznos (heh) is a bit more well rounded fighting out of Mexico for this Bantamweight bout.
Upset Pick WINNER-Jose Quinonez by Who Cares?
Main Card on FOX Sports 1: 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT
Prelims on FOX Sports 1: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
Prelims on UFC Fight Pass: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT
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