UFC on ESPN 7 Overeem vs. Rozenstruik: Fight Card, Picks & Stuff + Odds

December 7, 2019
Capital One Arena
Washington, D.C.

Main Card on ESPN (8pm/CT):

#7 Alistair Overeem -125 vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik +105 

Of course, Walt Harris pulled out of this fight due to the recent family tragedy. We at MMAFO want to send our best to "The Big Ticket" and his family in this terrible time. 

"The Reem" is making that last dash at the UFC gold, the only belt that has seemingly escaped his grasp in his lustrous career. Alistair finished his last two foes and is still a legit threat at 39 years of age. Chin, bla, bla, bla, the guy is a veteran who knows how to play the game and fight.

"Big Boy" is getting a huge opportunity here to establish himself as a player at big heavy. Jair is in his prime at 31 and has shown decent grappling skills but it's the murderous power he leans upon as one would guess.

We all know the right punch and Overeem goes to sleep, but he's got so much more experience and offensive skills at his disposal he should be able to stay patient and wait for his opportunity to finish emphatically.

WiNNER-Alistair Overeem by Rd.3 Submission

https://www.instagram.com/cynthia.calvillo/?hl=en

#10 Cynthia Calvillo +115 vs. Marina Rodriguez -135

Goddamn it "CC" what are you doing? Calvillo missed weight for the 2nd time in her career and didn't come close being over by 4+ lbs. That is unacceptable and as unprofessional as it gets especially after all Cynthia has had to say recently. MMAFO have been champions for The Team Alpha FeMale fighter since the jump but this shit is more than worrying. Get it together girl! Alright now, "CC" has won her last two (since her lone professional loss to Carla Esparza) and has come into her own in the division but now has to show that extra gear to prove she is a true title contender. 

We admit being late to the dance with Marina who has gone 2-0-1 in the UFC against really tough talent. The Brazilian will have a nice height and reach advantage but Calvillo will have the weight (obviously).

It's hard to pick against Cynthia with her solid grappling skills and improving boxing. She's just a better talent.

Upset Pick WiNNER-Cynthia Calvillo by Decision

Stefan Struve +125vs. Ben Rothwell -145

Dear Lord it's the battle of the Heavyweight disasters. Ben gives Henry Cejudo a run for his money for the "Cringe King" crown and Struve has retired multiple times while battling injuries, medical issues, and personal loss.

Rothwell has spent around 3 years suspended for multiple PED failures and has lost his last 3 fights so to conspiracy theorists we say, 3. He's big, dumb, and has some power.

"Skyscraper" must be the worst MMA "big man" of all time. Dude never learned to establish his long jab and always leaves his head straight to be countered. Stefan has been (T)KO'd 7 times and really with all he has dealt with in his personal life we worry this isn't the best idea for him to keep going.

This will be sloppy but Struve lives to get knocked out so Ben continues to annoy with his existence.

WiNNER-Ben Rothwell by Rd.2KO

https://www.instagram.com/yanamma/?hl=en

#6 Aspen Ladd -150 vs. #7 Yana Kunitskaya +130 

Ladd is a true contender but she got a wake up call last out when Germaine de Randamie knocked her down in 0:16 seconds into their bout. MMAFO agrees with her that the ref stepped in a bit early but the ruling stands as the 1st profession loss on her resume. Aspen is still a sturdy, strong fighter with solid striking skills. No disrespect, but this is a "get-right fight" for Ladd.

Kunitskaya had the unwelcome loss to the UFC from Cristiane Justino but since has gone 2-0. "Foxy" is tougher than people expect and many will be surprised by her big size and reach advantage here. Yana is tough and is showing improvement as she trains with boyfriend and fellow UFC fighter Thiago Santos!

It seems like Ladd should dominate here getting an opponent that will play her game but isn't as talented. Kunitskaya will show heart but fall against superior power and technical ability.

WiNNER-Aspen Ladd by Decision

Cody Stamann +165 vs. Song Yadong -190

"Daisy Penis" versus a tune for your penis. The MMAFO Cody Stamann jokes just get better and better.

Cody hanging around just outside of the Top 10 at Bantamweight stumbling only against contender Aljamain Sterling.

"Kung Fu Monkey" is 4-0, from China, so the UFC wants him to win.

Eh, the safe pick is Stamann to out-wrestle the risk taking Yadong over a low percentage highlight finish but we do waver...

Upset Pick WiNNER-Cody Stamann by Decision

Prelims on ESPN (6pm/CT):

Rob Font -150 vs. Ricky Simon +130

Look at ole Rob Font showing up to media day parading around a couple of adorable lil' pups. Dude is fucking around and trying to become one of MMAFO's "boys." We always had a soft spot for the Sityodtong rep but now he's really pulling at the MMAFO heart strings. Font be a great boxer but he's battled injuries and may have hit his peak.

Urijah Faber returned from retirement to lamp Simon in a mere 0:46 seconds in July ruining Rick's 9-fight winning streak. A setback for sure but at 27 there is plenty of time to turn that into a moment to grow as a fighter. Simon ain't gonna stop coming at opponents though even after the loss. Ricky is pressure all day and that is just his style.

Our love of small dogs aside, this is the type of fighter Font loses to. Simon does not back down and that has spelled problems for Rob in his losses. It should be a close bout and a possible "fight of the night" candidate.

WiNNER-Ricky Simon by Decision

Thiago Alves +225 vs. Tim Means -265

Who wants to remain employed in the UFC? 

Alves is 36 but 484 in fight years and should be retired after a career of fighting more injuries than opponents.

The "Dirty Bird" really broke our hearts in his failed attempts against scumbag Alex Oliveira and may be nearing the end of his relevance but he still has those "hellbows" and size on his side. That and Alves has been done since 2016.

WiNNER-Tim Means by Decision

Billy Quarantillo -320 vs. Jacob Kilburn +240

A couple of unproven up-and-comers here. We're not sure why Kilburn is getting the shot here as he could use some more seasoning but whatever. It's Billy's fight to lose and he should be able to ground the youngster.

WiNNER-Billy Quarantillo by Rd.2 Submission

Bryce Mitchell -105 vs. Matt Sayles -115

Bryce, Bryce, Bryce. Why does this name ring a bell in the vast landscape of MMA? Ah yes. This is the dude that wrapped his own testicles around a power drill and then told the world about it! Wow. Anywho, "Ball Snag" Bryce is a mere 25 years of age but undefeated and undaunted as he presses forward forcing scrambles and keeping opponents on their heels.

"Robo" is a fine enough fighter but seems to not be able to reach his potential.

Ya gotta like Bryce to tangle up his opponent in holds before powering up to end the night.

WiNNER-Bryce Mitchell by Rd.3 Submission

Prelims on ESPN+ (4:30pm/CT):

Joe Solecki -325 vs. Matt Wiman

Anybody know what the fuck Wiman is doing these days? Matt returns after a 4 and a half year absence in July, and now he's back again against an opponent 10 years his junior. "Handsome" Matt has competed for the UFC for almost 13 years now and is likely just testing himself and isn't looking for glory or success. We respect that and he's a pretty interesting fella if you get a chance to hear his life views.

Joe is on a 3-fight bounce coming off the Contender Series and is a slick submission fighter.

It's hard to pick Wiman when we're not sure of his motives this late in the game but he's also a "live dog" with his veteran savvy pitted against a rookie. Toss up though the odds have Matt as the heavy dog.

WiNNER-Joe Solecki by Decision?

Mallory Martin +240 vs. Virna Jandiroba -280

Mallory is the 3rd fighter slated against Virna for this event which is never ideal. Martin has started to come into her own on a 5-fight winning streak as a bruiser who likes to shit talk opponents while punishing them! That's fun.

"Carcara's" UFC debut was spoiled by Carla Esparza in April but she is a former Invicta FC Champion and a staunch grappler in her own right.

May be a bit too much too soon for Martin. There's potential in her but she's green and facing a well tested veteran.

WiNNER-Virna Jandiroba by Decision

Makhmud Muradov -410 vs. Trevor Smith +330

More Middleweights reporting for the Light Heavyweight division.

The Uzbekistanian is coming in hot with a 12-fight streak behind him and taking this bout on short-notice. Makhmud is a striking artist with finishing power and entering his prime.

This is gonna be it for "Hot Sauce" in the UFC. 5-6 for the promotion, fights with the speed of a 55 year old, but thanks for the memories.

WiNNER-Makmud Muradov by Rd.2 TKO