May 8, 2016
Ahoy Rotterdam
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Ahoy Rotterdam
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Fight Card:
#4 Alistair Overeem (40-14) -230 vs. #5 Andrei Arlovski (25-11) +180
"We were never friends," exclaim Arlovski and Overeem like jilted lovers. It took but an instant for the Jackson-Wink team to side with Andrei in this Heavyweight showcase and the potentially highly entertaining scrap was on.
"The Reem" found his stride under the tutelage of the Jackson-Wink camp going 4-1 but now rides alone once again. Alistair is staring down the barrel of a title shot but history will remind us that "The Demolition Man" had a title shot against then champ Brock Lesnar, but failed an PED test before the battle could occur. Now "Ubereem" has added impressive footwork to his game keeping foes away from his fragile chin. Alistair has carried his power along with dropping some muscle for better endurance and we still await the return of his devastating knee game.
"The Pit Bull" stumbled badly last out against current #1 contender Stipe Miocic but had been on a 6 fight career resurgence. Arlovksi has also studied the movement game to protect his glass jaw and must use his best, and basically only weapon, the right hand of death! Other than that, Andrei is just gunning from the seat of his pants.
Its easy to see how the percentages lean toward Alistair who has more weapons and less wear on the body and yet, there is still a case to be made for Andrei. Since Overeem has been spending his time at the Jackson-Wink camp, they know him well and are some of the best game planning coaches in the MMA game today. If there are ways to make the "Belarus Vampire" viable in this contest, they will find it. MMAFO has its doubts and we expect a very slow start to this one before something killer touches Arlovski and he falls apart before our eyes. His return to the top was a fun story, but it won't have a happy ending.
WINNER-Alistair Overeem by Rd.2 KO
Antonio Silva (19-8-1) +170 vs. Stefan Struve (26-8) -210
Its a battle of the giants as "Bigfoot" climbs the "Skyscraper." No? Eh, its the best we could come up with. Anywho, Silva has never been good and he's completely shot now. 1-4-1 in his last 6 is just abysmal and the guy has been (T)KO'd 7 damn times in his career including last out against Mark Hunt. This lying piece of shit claims his body is now "naturally" producing testosterone (after failing a PED test and during the TRT era against Mark Hunt & claiming his gigantism kept him from producing testosterone; Silva was also busted in his past for the steroid Boldenone). "Bigfoot" grew his hair out to keep your eyes away from the fact that he is badly out of shape for this meeting.
Struve returned from personal turmoil and a scary heart condition to defeat Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira by decision in August of last year. Then the Hollander lost a frustrating decision to the sweaty blanket that is Jared Rosholt in November. Stefan has never competed up to his ability (pun intended) as he stands up straight allowing himself to be hit and fighting in the most perilous way possible. It is generally infuriating to watch this kid but he is a decent striker and has better than average grappling skills especially for a big man. Struve will also be in front of the home crowd which won't hurt either.
This is a coin flip as either man could fall down with the touch of a feather. Again, we lean toward the overall talent of the younger fighter who should possess more options to win. Nothing would surprise us though as either man has the ability to flame out in glorious fashion.
WINNER-Stefan Struve by Decision
Albert Tumenov (17-2) -185 vs. Gunnar Nelson (14-2-1) +150
The classic striker versus grappler if'n there's ever been one!
"Einstein" (Tech N9ne!) is on a roll having won 5 in a row dispatching some tough up and comers like Alan Jouban and Lorenz Larkin along the way. Pay attention because the 1st strike from Tumenov is a set-up for the one you don't see coming that is going to wreck you. This guy can also tuck and move away while avoiding the takedown like a pro. Well, he is a pro but that's beside the point.
"Gunni" is cold as at the Icelandic winter with stellar grappling and a hard punch. However, Nelson is robotic in his striking and may find it quite difficult to get Albert to the mat.
This is a great match-up between two young rising talents. Even though Tumenov isn't going to school Nelson on the ground the way Demian Maia (and perhaps nobody else) did, he is going to teach him some striking lessons. There might be a scary moment on the ground but more likely, Albert keeps this thing at range and picks apart Gunner for the judges nod.
WINNER-Albert Tumenov by Decision
Germaine de Randamie (5-3) -380 vs. Anna Elmose (3-0) +290
Anna "Panda" who now? So Elmose is supposed to be a striker and all but best of luck going blow for blow against "The Iron Lady." Germaine is a bruiser with a big size advantage and she'll come out ahead in what could be a fun kickboxing match.
WINNER-Germaine de Randamie by Decision
Nikita Krylov (19-4) -200 vs. Francimar Barroso (18-4) +160
What kind of a world do we live in when Nikita is on a 3 fight winning streak in the UFC? Jesus squeeze us nobody saw that coming when the "Ukranian Capone" strode into Zuffa in '13. The fact that Krylov has 6 bouts (4-2) in the UFC is a shock. Anywho, Krylov should be able to work the ground game and at the very least control the bout against an unimpressive Barroso.
WINNER-Nikita Krylov by Decision
#6 Karolina Kowalkiewicz (8-0) -260 vs. Heather Jo Clark (7-4) +200
Clark was the victim of bullying on TUF which was unfortunate but she is a garbage fighter. "KK" is going to run game and win this fight however she sees fit. Karolina is destined for a title shot while Heather is destined for Invicta.
WINNER-Karolina Kowalkiewicz Rd.2 Submission
Rustam Khabilov (18-3) -200 vs. Chris Wade (11-1) +160
MMAFO's continual critique of "Tiger" is that the guy just won't let loose with his technically brilliant striking. Rustam's offensive attack is just beautiful but the guy builds a lead and just sits on it becoming tortuously patient. The "Suplex Sultan" also launches opponents into the air with ease for breathtaking slams.
Wade is a workhorse wrestler on a 6 fight winning streak. Always in phenomenal shape, Wade strings together his attack with non-stop varied takedown attacks and a relentlessness with natural power.
This is a step up in competition for Chris while Rustam has faced top tier fighters in Benson Henderson and Jorge Masvidal though he hasn't truly made that move to the next level. This is going to be a nip and tuck affair with both men having their moments. Wade will be pressing the action while Khabilov will be reacting which is a worry if you are siding with the Jackson-Wink fighter. However, while Chris has the ability to control the action, he doesn't have the offense to score a ton of card stealing points to seize the day. Look for the "Tiger" to execute just enough of his assorted offense to edge out the American late for the decision.
WINNER-Rustam Khabilov by Split Decision
Magnus Cedenblad (13-4) -300 vs. Garreth McLellan (12-3) +230
"Jycken" was hot before disappearing for all of 2015 but the Swede is back with his clinch fighting and sneaky grappling prowess. Magnus should shake off the ring rust but come out ahead against a tough but average McLellan.
WINNER-Magnus Cedenblad by Decision
John Tuck (9-2) -155 vs. Josh Emmett (9-0) +125
The "Super Saiyan" has had some head scratching appearances in the Octagon (3-2) but he is improving his game and finding his comfort zone while moving into his prime.
Team Alpha Male's Emmett is stepping in on short notice for Nick Hein. We watched a bit of film on Josh and he doesn't seem like anything special but you can't really call that any sort of good research either. Eh, we don't really care about this fight.
WINNER-John Tuck by Decision
Yan Cabral (12-2) -185 vs. Reza Madadi (13-4) +150
Are we supposed to forget that Madadi served over a year in prison for stealing expensive purses of all things http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2013/8/16/4628222/ufc-lightweight-reza-madadi-sentenced-to-18-months-in-prison-on/in/4401501 only 3 years ago? MMAFO has not forgotten and wonders why the UFC chose to re-hire this idiot? The "Mad Dog" is overrated as they come with a ton of bark and very little bite.
Cabral is a smart grappler but his lack of a stand up game has us a bit worried here against an aggressive attacker. Still, we loathe Madadi and won't pick him hoping Yan can get this to the floor and pretzel Reza up.
WINNER-Yan Cabral by Rd.3 Submission
Kyoji Horiguchi (16-2) -600 vs. Neil Seery (16-11) +400
Aw man, we loves us some gritty Neil Seery action but he's got a hard road to hoe here. "2 Tap" is a great MMA story but he's got a lot of wear on his 36 year old body. Neil likes to brawl and we love him for it, but he's gunning against a guy who hits much, much harder, and can take him down as well for some G&P.
Horiguchi was rushed into a title shot against "Mighty Mouse" but he's no joke amassing a tight 5-1 record for Zuffa stumbling only against the aforementioned best Pound4Pound fighter in the world. We could easily see Kyoji working his way back up to the title shot eventually but he will just have too much game for Mr. Seery.
WINNER-Kyoji Horiguchi by Rd.2 TKO
Leon Edwards (10-3) -260 vs. Dominic Waters (9-4) +200
Not much to say here except Edwards should have this one running away and winning another Decision without a whole lot of fanfare.
WINNER-Leon Edwards by Decision
Willie Gates (12-6) -155 vs. Yuta Sasaki (18-3-2) +125
Willie Gates, the guy famous for taking a "cheap shot" at John Moraga though he did nothing wrong in the bout. He's a decent striker but nothing to write home about.
Yuta is tall for the division but he doesn't use it well though he should have a great opportunity here to take Gates to the floor and abuse him. The late notice shouldn't be no thang for Sasaki who gets Willie out of there before the final horn.
Upset Pick WINNER-Yuta Sasaki by Rd.2 Submission
"We were never friends," exclaim Arlovski and Overeem like jilted lovers. It took but an instant for the Jackson-Wink team to side with Andrei in this Heavyweight showcase and the potentially highly entertaining scrap was on.
"The Reem" found his stride under the tutelage of the Jackson-Wink camp going 4-1 but now rides alone once again. Alistair is staring down the barrel of a title shot but history will remind us that "The Demolition Man" had a title shot against then champ Brock Lesnar, but failed an PED test before the battle could occur. Now "Ubereem" has added impressive footwork to his game keeping foes away from his fragile chin. Alistair has carried his power along with dropping some muscle for better endurance and we still await the return of his devastating knee game.
"The Pit Bull" stumbled badly last out against current #1 contender Stipe Miocic but had been on a 6 fight career resurgence. Arlovksi has also studied the movement game to protect his glass jaw and must use his best, and basically only weapon, the right hand of death! Other than that, Andrei is just gunning from the seat of his pants.
Its easy to see how the percentages lean toward Alistair who has more weapons and less wear on the body and yet, there is still a case to be made for Andrei. Since Overeem has been spending his time at the Jackson-Wink camp, they know him well and are some of the best game planning coaches in the MMA game today. If there are ways to make the "Belarus Vampire" viable in this contest, they will find it. MMAFO has its doubts and we expect a very slow start to this one before something killer touches Arlovski and he falls apart before our eyes. His return to the top was a fun story, but it won't have a happy ending.
WINNER-Alistair Overeem by Rd.2 KO
Antonio Silva (19-8-1) +170 vs. Stefan Struve (26-8) -210
Its a battle of the giants as "Bigfoot" climbs the "Skyscraper." No? Eh, its the best we could come up with. Anywho, Silva has never been good and he's completely shot now. 1-4-1 in his last 6 is just abysmal and the guy has been (T)KO'd 7 damn times in his career including last out against Mark Hunt. This lying piece of shit claims his body is now "naturally" producing testosterone (after failing a PED test and during the TRT era against Mark Hunt & claiming his gigantism kept him from producing testosterone; Silva was also busted in his past for the steroid Boldenone). "Bigfoot" grew his hair out to keep your eyes away from the fact that he is badly out of shape for this meeting.
Struve returned from personal turmoil and a scary heart condition to defeat Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira by decision in August of last year. Then the Hollander lost a frustrating decision to the sweaty blanket that is Jared Rosholt in November. Stefan has never competed up to his ability (pun intended) as he stands up straight allowing himself to be hit and fighting in the most perilous way possible. It is generally infuriating to watch this kid but he is a decent striker and has better than average grappling skills especially for a big man. Struve will also be in front of the home crowd which won't hurt either.
This is a coin flip as either man could fall down with the touch of a feather. Again, we lean toward the overall talent of the younger fighter who should possess more options to win. Nothing would surprise us though as either man has the ability to flame out in glorious fashion.
WINNER-Stefan Struve by Decision
Albert Tumenov (17-2) -185 vs. Gunnar Nelson (14-2-1) +150
The classic striker versus grappler if'n there's ever been one!
"Einstein" (Tech N9ne!) is on a roll having won 5 in a row dispatching some tough up and comers like Alan Jouban and Lorenz Larkin along the way. Pay attention because the 1st strike from Tumenov is a set-up for the one you don't see coming that is going to wreck you. This guy can also tuck and move away while avoiding the takedown like a pro. Well, he is a pro but that's beside the point.
"Gunni" is cold as at the Icelandic winter with stellar grappling and a hard punch. However, Nelson is robotic in his striking and may find it quite difficult to get Albert to the mat.
This is a great match-up between two young rising talents. Even though Tumenov isn't going to school Nelson on the ground the way Demian Maia (and perhaps nobody else) did, he is going to teach him some striking lessons. There might be a scary moment on the ground but more likely, Albert keeps this thing at range and picks apart Gunner for the judges nod.
WINNER-Albert Tumenov by Decision
Germaine de Randamie (5-3) -380 vs. Anna Elmose (3-0) +290
Anna "Panda" who now? So Elmose is supposed to be a striker and all but best of luck going blow for blow against "The Iron Lady." Germaine is a bruiser with a big size advantage and she'll come out ahead in what could be a fun kickboxing match.
WINNER-Germaine de Randamie by Decision
Nikita Krylov (19-4) -200 vs. Francimar Barroso (18-4) +160
What kind of a world do we live in when Nikita is on a 3 fight winning streak in the UFC? Jesus squeeze us nobody saw that coming when the "Ukranian Capone" strode into Zuffa in '13. The fact that Krylov has 6 bouts (4-2) in the UFC is a shock. Anywho, Krylov should be able to work the ground game and at the very least control the bout against an unimpressive Barroso.
WINNER-Nikita Krylov by Decision
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| KAROLINAKOWALKIEWICZ (Instagram) |
#6 Karolina Kowalkiewicz (8-0) -260 vs. Heather Jo Clark (7-4) +200
Clark was the victim of bullying on TUF which was unfortunate but she is a garbage fighter. "KK" is going to run game and win this fight however she sees fit. Karolina is destined for a title shot while Heather is destined for Invicta.
WINNER-Karolina Kowalkiewicz Rd.2 Submission
Rustam Khabilov (18-3) -200 vs. Chris Wade (11-1) +160
MMAFO's continual critique of "Tiger" is that the guy just won't let loose with his technically brilliant striking. Rustam's offensive attack is just beautiful but the guy builds a lead and just sits on it becoming tortuously patient. The "Suplex Sultan" also launches opponents into the air with ease for breathtaking slams.
Wade is a workhorse wrestler on a 6 fight winning streak. Always in phenomenal shape, Wade strings together his attack with non-stop varied takedown attacks and a relentlessness with natural power.
This is a step up in competition for Chris while Rustam has faced top tier fighters in Benson Henderson and Jorge Masvidal though he hasn't truly made that move to the next level. This is going to be a nip and tuck affair with both men having their moments. Wade will be pressing the action while Khabilov will be reacting which is a worry if you are siding with the Jackson-Wink fighter. However, while Chris has the ability to control the action, he doesn't have the offense to score a ton of card stealing points to seize the day. Look for the "Tiger" to execute just enough of his assorted offense to edge out the American late for the decision.
WINNER-Rustam Khabilov by Split Decision
Magnus Cedenblad (13-4) -300 vs. Garreth McLellan (12-3) +230
"Jycken" was hot before disappearing for all of 2015 but the Swede is back with his clinch fighting and sneaky grappling prowess. Magnus should shake off the ring rust but come out ahead against a tough but average McLellan.
WINNER-Magnus Cedenblad by Decision
John Tuck (9-2) -155 vs. Josh Emmett (9-0) +125
The "Super Saiyan" has had some head scratching appearances in the Octagon (3-2) but he is improving his game and finding his comfort zone while moving into his prime.
Team Alpha Male's Emmett is stepping in on short notice for Nick Hein. We watched a bit of film on Josh and he doesn't seem like anything special but you can't really call that any sort of good research either. Eh, we don't really care about this fight.
WINNER-John Tuck by Decision
Yan Cabral (12-2) -185 vs. Reza Madadi (13-4) +150
Are we supposed to forget that Madadi served over a year in prison for stealing expensive purses of all things http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2013/8/16/4628222/ufc-lightweight-reza-madadi-sentenced-to-18-months-in-prison-on/in/4401501 only 3 years ago? MMAFO has not forgotten and wonders why the UFC chose to re-hire this idiot? The "Mad Dog" is overrated as they come with a ton of bark and very little bite.
Cabral is a smart grappler but his lack of a stand up game has us a bit worried here against an aggressive attacker. Still, we loathe Madadi and won't pick him hoping Yan can get this to the floor and pretzel Reza up.
WINNER-Yan Cabral by Rd.3 Submission
Kyoji Horiguchi (16-2) -600 vs. Neil Seery (16-11) +400
Aw man, we loves us some gritty Neil Seery action but he's got a hard road to hoe here. "2 Tap" is a great MMA story but he's got a lot of wear on his 36 year old body. Neil likes to brawl and we love him for it, but he's gunning against a guy who hits much, much harder, and can take him down as well for some G&P.
Horiguchi was rushed into a title shot against "Mighty Mouse" but he's no joke amassing a tight 5-1 record for Zuffa stumbling only against the aforementioned best Pound4Pound fighter in the world. We could easily see Kyoji working his way back up to the title shot eventually but he will just have too much game for Mr. Seery.
WINNER-Kyoji Horiguchi by Rd.2 TKO
Leon Edwards (10-3) -260 vs. Dominic Waters (9-4) +200
Not much to say here except Edwards should have this one running away and winning another Decision without a whole lot of fanfare.
WINNER-Leon Edwards by Decision
Willie Gates (12-6) -155 vs. Yuta Sasaki (18-3-2) +125
Willie Gates, the guy famous for taking a "cheap shot" at John Moraga though he did nothing wrong in the bout. He's a decent striker but nothing to write home about.
Yuta is tall for the division but he doesn't use it well though he should have a great opportunity here to take Gates to the floor and abuse him. The late notice shouldn't be no thang for Sasaki who gets Willie out of there before the final horn.
Upset Pick WINNER-Yuta Sasaki by Rd.2 Submission
Patrick "The Hooligan" Holohan was slated to fight here but sadly, and unexpectedly, had to retire due to a rare blood condition called Factor XIII, that does not allow his blood to properly clot. Thus, "Patty" can no longer pass his medical tests and can no longer compete which is very sad for a good lad who was just hitting his prime in the MMA game. Best of luck to the Irishman in the future and we know he will continue to be a great teammate and coach for his fellow fighters.
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