Krakow Arena
Krakow, Poland
Fight Card on UFC Fight Pass:
Mirko Cro Cop Filipovic (30-11-2) +170 vs. Gabriel Gonzaga (16-9) -210 [Rematch]
Our beloved legend Mirko "Cro Cop" returns to the UFC after competing around the world in MMA and kickboxing for almost 4 years! The Croation went 3-1 in that time claiming the IGF Heavyweight Title and winning the 2012 K-1 Grand Prix Championship. "Cro Cop" still retains his power at age 40 and the speed isn't bad either. Filipovic does have a tendency to not throw in volume instead relying on his power while employing a diminished work rate. If tale down, Mirko has never fared well on the floor and though finally training with elite fighters like Stipe Miocic is a step in the right direction, it may be too little too late.
"Napao" won the 1st meeting KOing Mirko with his own dreaded high kick. It was a devastating loss to say the least but time has also caught Gonzaga (now 35) who has gone 3-3 in the last two years. Gabe does have power in his hands but his striking isn't great and he relies on one strike at a time when standing. Gonzaga is the far superior grappler but the chin has become suspect and it should be noted, the only 2 times "Napao" has ever gone the distance in his 25 professional bouts, he lost.
To be completely honest, everyone is looking to determine which of these two Heavyweights still have something left to give after long MMA careers. If "Cro Cop" can land on the feet the revenge will be his but if he is taken down, all bets are off. This breakdown doesn't matter to the MMAFO staff because as huge Mirko marks, we refuse to pick against the legend. One last time we roll with the Croation hero until the damned end!
Upset Pick WINNER-Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic by Rd.1 KO
Jan Blachowicz (18-3) +115 vs. Jimi Manuwa (14-1) -145
The powerful Brit returns after his 1st career loss and a year sidelined with injuries. Regardless, the "Poster Boy" brings brutal power whether using his fists or legs. Manuwa's takedown defense is solid which is important since he has few ground skills. Jimi has also gassed himself out in the past and one hopes he has righted that wrong.
The Polish fighter is on a 6 fight winning streak including his 1st Zuffa win in October of last year against Ilir Latifi whom he stopped in the initial round. Blachowicz will be happy to exchange bones on the feet and is decently well rounded. Jan is uber-slow and pot shots instead of using combinations.
We highly doubt Blachowicz can hang with the power and output of Manuwa who ends this sooner rather than later.
WINNER-Jimi Manuwa by Rd.2 TKO
Pawel Pawlak (10-1) +170 vs. Sheldon Westcott (8-2) -210
The "Plastinho" Pole is a Jiu-Jitsu player who is coming off his 1st loss which was his UFC debut last May. Pawel is not particularly athletic but well rounded.
The Canadian also lost his UFC debut last April but he brings a vicious streak his opponent lacks. Wescott is massive at Welterweight and carries that power with him. Sheldon has some nice slams as well but he doesn't want to grapple this night.
Neither man has established much of a solid reputation as of yet, but Pawlak's timidness will work against him as Sheldon forces the pace and blitzes early for the win.
WINNER-Sheldon Westcott by Rd.1 TKO
Warning, MMAFO's favorite and the most beautiful killer in all of MMA is back! "Jojo" is a brilliant Muay Thai fighter backed by a solid jab and an onslaught of various kicks. Calderwood has solid takedown defense though she does allow herself to get hit in her beautiful face far too often.
Moroz is a bit green at this point and will be happy to ensure a kickboxing affair. Maryna has a stellar armbar but like Joanne is also very hittable.
This should be "Jojo's" night setting her up for a future title shot against Joanna Jedrzejczyk. Calderwood is the vastly better fighter with far more experience who will batter Moroz in the clinch for 15 minutes.
WINNER-Joanne Calderwood by Decision
Seth Baczynski (19-12) +115 vs. Leon Edwards (8-2) -145
This bout is a strange one because of the mercurial Baczynski. Sometimes Seth looks like a talented fighter and on other nights appears to be a rookie. The "Polish Pistola" hung well with veteran Thiago Alves and then got blown out against Alan Jouban. Seth is a giant 6'4"who's busy from the southpaw stance behind long leg kicks and a high volume of strikes.
The Birmingham Brit is a southpaw counter striker has solid takedown defense but needs to learn to pick up the pace. He is also a big guy taking away Seth's usual size advantage.
This is a toss up, coin flip fight but its hard to put much faith in Seth at this point considering the terrible skid he's on.
WINNER-Leon Edwards by Decision
Bartosz Fabinski (11-2) -135 vs. Garreth McLellan (12-2) +105
The South African "Soldier Boy" is on a 6 fight run as he makes his Zuffa debut. McLellan is very strong but needs the takedown to do his best from top position.
The Polish Fabinski has notched 4 wins in a row himself and is a wrestler by trade. The "Butcher" bombs from top position and brings violence in his assault.
The MMAFO rule when picking a close fight in which you are unsure of the outcome, "always take the wrestler over the Jiu-Jitsu fighter."
WINNER-Bartosz Fabinski by Decision
Sergio Moraes (8-2) -500 vs. Mickael Lebout (13-3-1) +350
The Frenchman is on a 6 fight winning streak as he steps up to the big dance backed by a combination wrestling/striking game. Lebout is much more versatile fighter but he doesn't have that one single stand out skill set that his foe possesses.
"Serginho"is a Jiu-Jitsu ace but he is an awful boxer who has battled numerous injuries in the last couple of years. Moraes is one of the rare Brazilian's with good wrestling and dear God if he gets you to the canvas you're screwed. Striking not so much.
Mickael is screwed as Sergio takes him down quickly and does what he does getting the tapout win.
WINNER-Sergio Moraes by Rd.1 Submission
Daniel Omielanczuk (16-4) -155 vs. Anthony Hamilton (13-4) +125
Don't let Omielanczuk's size fool you, he's a submission grappler who has subbed 9 rivals. Daniel has that Heavyweight power in his hands but he's not going to set the world on fire.
Jackson-Winkeljohn's "Freight Train" is a jack of all trades, and master of none. He's okay but prolly couldn't even hang in Bellator.
The Polish fighter should seize the day but with lower level bigguns, who knows? We envision Omielanczuk hurting Hamilton on the feet and following him to the ground for the tapout.
WINNER-Daniel Omielanczuk by Rd.2 Submission
Izabela Badurek (5-2) +185 vs. Alexandra Abu (5-0) -235
Izabela is a striking Strawweight on a 3 fight bounce who has some takedown skills and needs to bomb from top position.
The Russian "Stitch" has been touted as a "prospect" with a fun karate background which means very fast striking from crazy angles. Alexandra is also a natural athlete.
Depending on who you ask, Abu may be 5-0 or 1-0 so lack of experience is a definite issue.
* Weigh-in update: Izabela did not make weight and looked quite gaunt as she formerly fought as high as Featherweight. Not a good sign.
WINNER-Alexandra Abu by Rd.3 TKO
Marcin Bandel (13-3) +160 vs. Stevie Ray -200
"Bomba" is a pretty sweet nickname and is a grappler only.
The Scot is coming in on short notice but is more resourceful in the MMA game having skills everywhere. Ray is not a good grappler which gives on pause here.
WINNER-Stevie Ray by Decision
Taylor Lapilus (8-1) -205 vs. Rocky Lee (3-0) +165
Yeah so, neither of these guys are very good. Flip a coin and call it a day.
WINNER-Taylor Lapilus by Decision
Damian Stasiak (8-2) -135 vs. Yaotzin Meza (20-9) +105
Stasiak is making his UFC debut on a 5 fight winning streak, Damian has karate skills and goes for broke looking for submissions. Meza doesn't have much of anything.
WINNER-Damian Stasiak by Decision
UFC Fight Night Start Times
Main Card on UFC Fight Pass: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
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