UFC Fight Night 72 Bisping vs. Leites: Picks, Prognostications, & Odds

July 18, 2015

SSE Hydro

Glasgow, Scotland

Main Card on Fox Sports 1:

Michael Bisping (26-7) -115 vs. Thales Leites (25-4) +105

We've long been fans of "The Count" over here at MMAFO, but the twilight is upon us. A lot of people seem to be sleeping on Leites and we're not sure why. Thales is a Jiu-Jitsu ace who found his striking game outside the UFC and brought it with him upon his return. There is actual power in his hands as well and the Brazilian has won 8 straight fights, 5 of them via finish. 

Meanwhile, Bisping has alternated between wins and losses in his last 8 fights and is 3 years older than his opponent. The fundamentals are sound. Mike has stellar takedown defense, gets up off the mat generally well, and has beautiful technique in his striking. The worry, is that its just time to move along. Despite Bisping claiming he is still hunting for a title shot, he has comfortably moved into a broadcast position (look at what that has done to Rashad Evans) and that gold goal isn't realistic.

Basically, Michael isn't as hungry as he would want you to believe and he is facing a rolling foe who needs that "name" scalp. This is going to be a better scrap than the pundits are making it out to be. We like "The Count" to find his rhythm as the fight goes on and use his superior endurance to edge the Brazilian late on points in a come from behind win.
WINNER-Michael Bisping by Decision

Ross Pearson (17-8, 1) -230 vs. Evan Dunaham (15-6) +210

"The Boss" is back and looking to shut down Evan and get back "in the mix." Dunham is well rounded but he takes silly chances and doesn't follow any semblance of a game plan. Pearson should be better about everywhere but we worry about how badly Ross takes damage. The guy cuts and swells very easily and that could be Dunham's route to an upset in what we expect to be a close and spirited fight. We hate to say it, but we think Pearson is on his way down and we're going out on a limb to pick Evan who isn't nearly as bad as his recent record would dictate.
Upset Pick WINNER-Evan Dunham by Decision

Joseph Duffy (13-1) -840 vs. Ivan Jorge (26-4) +660

The "Conor Killer" all day here people. Duffy is trying to fuck around and make a legitimate name for himself as a good MMA fighter, and not just the last guy to defeat Conor McGregor. Dude's got game. He wins this however he feels.
WINNER-Joseph Duffy by Rd.1 KO

Joanne Calderwood (9-1) -335 vs. Cortney Casey-Sanchez (4-1) +305

"Bad MoFo JoJo!" Do we need to say more? Prolly not, but we will. Obviously, MMAFO have a massive crush upon "Dr. Kneevil" and we were as wounded as Calderwood after her last bout which she suffered her 1st defeat and sadly just was not herself in the cage citing a "personal" issue the night before. If some asshole sonofabitch wronged you Joanne, we are always here. Feel free to comment or email. 

Oh, and for the fight, yeah, Calderwood has got this in the homeland for true! Bet the house.
WINNER-Joanne Calderwood by Decision

Leon Edwards (11-1) -340 vs. Pawel Pawlak (9-2) +310

 

Striker versus grappler fight fans. Pawel must, MUST, get this to the floor or he will die. Best of luck to ya guy.
WINNER-Leon Edwards by Rd.2 TKO

Stevie Ray (17-5) -200 vs. Leonardo Mafra (12-2) +185

Harlem Heat in the hizzle! Nevermind. Scotland's "Braveheart" is going to be a sentimental favorite but "Macarrao" is no slouch. Dude is rough and this is really a coin flip fight. How can ya not go with the hometown homeboy though right?
WINNER-Stevie Ray by Decision

Prelims on Fox Sports 1:

Patrick Holohan (11-1-1) -140 vs. Vaughan Lee (14-10-1) +130
Winner-"Paddy"

lir Latifi (9-4) -220 vs. Hans Stringer (22-6-3) +200
Winner-"The Sledgehammer"

Mickael Lebout (13-4-1, 1) +120 vs. Teemu Packalen (7-0) -130
Winner-"Pacu"

Robert Whiteford (11-2) -130 vs. Paul Redmond (10-5) +135
Winner-"The Hammer"

Prelims on UFC Fight Pass:

Marcus Brimage (7-4) +120 vs. Jimmie Rivera (16-1) -130
Winner-"El Terror"

Daniel Omielanczuk (16-5-1, 1) -150 vs. Chris de la Rocha (3-0) +130
Upset Pick Winner-CdlR

UFC Fight Night 72 Start Times
Main Card on FOX Sports 1: 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT

Prelims on FOX Sports 1: 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT

Prelims on UFC Fight Pass: 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT