Brent Brookhouse: Davis is going to have his moments, Rashad gets going slowly sometimes and does fade late in fights due to some cardio concerns. But I don’t buy that Davis doesn’t have similar cardio issues and I think the better, more well rounded fighter wins this fight. Rashad Evans by decision.
Leland Roling: I’ll be honest. I’m not a Rashad Evans’ fan. But, on paper, it’s difficult to believe he can’t beat Phil Davis. Davis has better wrestling, period. Evans’ reasoning that he wrestled in a weak division doesn’t erase Evans’ barely above .500 record in college. Davis was a beast when he wrestled to a NCAA championship. Unfortunately, that’s where Davis’ edge ends. Evans has experience, better striking, and enough takedown defense to keep it on the feet where he has a significant edge. Rashad Evans via decision.
Matt Roth: This is one of those fights that is completely dependent on which Rashad Evans decides to show up. The way the UFC has booked this event, it’s almost a sure bet that fights are going to decision. This is a total change from the first Fox show which ended in a minute. But back to my original point, this fight depends solely on which Rashad shows up because if he is fighting for a decision, this could be a terrible card. I’m thinking he’s gonna want to put a stamp on Davis. Rashad Evans via second round TKO.
Anton Tabuena: So I just had to erase an entire paragraph explaining how I think Rashad will have the edge because he’ll be good enough to avoid the first few takedowns and score points standing… but f*** it. Rashad has been a slow starter, and even if he does get off early on this fight, I don’t think he’ll be able to stop Davis, or outwork the guy. It will be a close fight, but I believe Davis’ toughness, better endurance, and better wrestling will be able to earn him the nod with the judges. Phil Davis by Decision.
T.P. Grant: If this fight goes more than a few minutes, it is going to come down to who is the better wrestler, and the answer is Phil Davis. Rashad is the more powerful striker, but how much of an advantage he will enjoy is unknown as Davis has shown strides on his feet. In the clinch and on the mat I think Davis will enjoy an advantage that will only increase as the fight wears on. Rashad has shown that prolonged grappling will drain his gas tank and Rashad has never been impressive off his back. Davis will survive on the feet, drag Rashad onto the ground, and then finish him in the later rounds. Phil Davis by TKO, Round 4.
Fraser Coffeen: This all comes down to Rashad’s takedown defense. If he can stay on the feet, he will toast Davis, who has serious holes in his stand-up game that the faster Rashad can expose. I think Rashad is a smart enough fighter to know this, and I think he’ll avoid spending too much time on his back. Rashad Evans by KO, round 3.
David Castillo: I’m still not sold on Davis. His striking leaves a lot to be desired, and Evans is the perfect foil against such a green prospect: intelligent, quick, and a capable grappler. I can absolutely see him winning, but I think Evans will keep the match on the feet. He’ll win the early rounds with striking and sturdy takedown defense and lose the late rounds to Phil’s durability and takedowns. Very close match, and one I could see carrying with it some controversy when all is said and done. Rashad Evans by Decision.
Tim Burke: I’m sold on Davis. While his standup is rudimentary, Rashad has always been a bit of a slow starter, and I think his takedown defense isn’t going to keep him upright. The later rounds will decide the fight, but I actually think the Rashad/Jones bout gets derailed again by a grinding, almost boring performance by Mr. Wonderful. Phil Davis by decision.
Dallas Winston: I see this is fairly even across the board with Davis having the slight edge in pure wrestling and Rashad having that same narrow advantage in striking, submission grappling, quickness and experience. I think Rashad’s sharp boxing and agility (both in footwork and hand speed) will be the difference, and he’s a smart fighter as well. Rashad Evans by decision.
Staff Picking Evans: Fraser, David, Leland, Brookhouse, Roth, Dallas
Staff Picking Davis: Grant, Anton, Tim
Chael Sonnen vs. Michael Bisping
Brent Brookhouse: I actually really like Bisping’s chances here because of his takedown defense and tricky game off his back. He’s very hard to hold down and get shots off against, if you posture up, he uses the space to work back to his feet. In the end, it’s Bisping’s lack of power that will be his downfall here. He doesn’t hit hard enough to keep Chael from closing distance and repeatedly putting him on the floor. Bisping will make it a bit more competitive than most people are expecting but will likely lose the decision. There’s also the ever present chance that Chael gets subbed. I’m going to be smart even though I want to pick Bisping. Chael Sonnen by decision.
Leland Roling: Bisping’s takedown defense and ability to scramble to his feet against solid wrestlers are two attributes that will help him win this fight. He can outbox Sonnen on the feet, but I think his skill is deceptive. He has been tagged in almost every fight, which leads me to believe Sonnen can do the same. Ultimately, I think it comes down to Sonnen’s size at fight time coupled with his relentless wrestling attack. It could get rather boring, but Sonnen wins with a repeated takedown clinic. Chael Sonnen via decision.
Matt Roth: Bisping really has improved as much as it pains me to admit. However, I don’t believe he possesses the scrambling ability to get out from Chael Sonnen’s takedowns. I wouldn’t be surprised if Bisping can keep distance for a bit and work his boxing but I’m pretty positive that Sonnen takes this. Chael Sonnen by Decision.
Anton Tabuena: Michael Bisping is good with scrambling up to his feet when someone takes him down, but Sonnen will be relentless and will constantly out work and try to keep him down there for 15 mins. He will have better MMA wrestling than any other guy Bisping has faced, and I don’t think he’ll be able to submit him off his back, so it’s going to be Chael Sonnen by Decision.
T.P. Grant: My head and my heart are at war here. My head tells me that the last time Bisping beat a wrestler was his 2007 split decision over Matt Hamill and Sonnen is the most relentless takedown artist in the division. My heart tells me that it seems everyone is looking past this fight to Silva/Sonnen II expect Bisping and the stage is perfectly set for an upset. While I do think it is possible Bisping could fend off takedowns, scramble to his feet and kick-box his way to vicotroy. But I don’t think it is unlikely. Chael Sonnen by Decision.
Fraser Coffeen: There’s no secret to how to defeat Sonnen (Hint: it starts with “sub” and ends with “mission”). But that tool is not in Bisping’s skillset. I see Bisping’s game as being relatively similar to that of Brian Stann, and Sonnen had no trouble there. Sonnen grinds this victory out all day, every day. Chael Sonnen by decision.
David Castillo: I’ll be the dummy and say that I’m not sold on Chael’s “reinvention”. He deserved his title shot, so I’m not here to play revisionist, but I don’t know what’s changed between now and his embarrassing performance against Babalu. Bisping has good hips, and should be looking for submissions. He’d be wise to stick to his guns on the ground rather than on the feet since there’s no way in hell he’d ever KO Sonnen. I think he does, especially since Sonnen is active on the ground. And I think he shocks the world. Michael Bisping by submission, round 2.
Tim Burke: Bisping can sub him from the bottom. A lot of people seem to think because he hasn’t done it in the UFC, he can’t do it at all. I don’t buy that. I think the bigger problem for him though is that he doesn’t have the power in his hands to put Chael away if he can keep it standing or is able to get up. I think it’s a closer fight that the odds indicate, but I’ll take good ole Chael via the grind. Chael Sonnen by decision.
Dallas Winston: I was floored at how solid Bisping’s takedown defense was against reputable LHW wrestlers in Rashad and Hamill. I think the odds are jacked up and Bisping presents an extremely viable threat. He’ll tommy-gun punches and the lack of power is a double-edged sword: a KO/TKO is unlikely, but the style allows Bisping to stay light on his feet, react quickly with changes of direction and sprawling and avoid planting his feet too far and heavy in the pocket. Unfortunately, the takedown battle will be so pivotal that it will seem like Sonnen is winning if he can get one, even if it leads to nothing. That will stand out more than Bisping’s steady edge on the feet when scoring the round. I do think Bisping is a great bet at the +350 (and above) odds. Chael Sonnen by decision.
Staff Picking Sonnen: Leland, Grant, Fraser, Brookhouse, Roth, Dallas
Staff Picking Bisping: David
Demian Maia vs. Chris Weidman
Brent Brookhouse: I think we’re about a year away from Weidman having developed the game to run through Maia. As it is right now, Maia’s striking is better and Weidman isn’t likely to have an easy time working from the top if he tries to work takedowns. In a year? Maybe. Saturday night? No. Demian Maia by decision.
Leland Roling: The most interesting fight on the card in my mind. Maia’s striking has improved considerably, and he still possesses a brilliant BJJ game that can catch Weidman. Weidman’s wrestling is an obvious factor, but I imagine he’ll try to keep this on the feet to test Maia’s striking. A year or two ago, Weidman would have been my pick, but Maia’s striking has improved enough to where I’m comfortable he can pull it off over three rounds. Demian Maia via decision.
Matt Roth: I like Chris Weidman and how he’s developed so far as a fighter. The issue is that he really is making a huge leap in competition. I’m gonna pick Weidman because I think Demian has stepped away from his BJJ and isn’t pushing himself with tougher competitors in the gym. Chris Weidman by Decision.
Anton Tabuena: If Weidman isn’t coming in on short notice, I think he blows Maia out of the water. Now, I’m not that confident with my pick anymore, but I’m still picking him. Chris Weidman by TKO.
T.P. Grant: I love this match making right here. It isn’t often that an injury replacement creates a more interesting fight than the one it replaces. It seems like many fans undervalue Maia at this point in his career. His grounds skills and improved striking make him a solid Top 10 middleweight, even if he will likely never win a title at that weight. Weidman is an up-and-comer with excellent grappling skills, he gave Andre Galvao everything he could handle at the 2003 ADCCs. On the feet, I feel like Maia has the cleaner punches and Weidman the more powerful strikes. On the ground, Maia should have an advantage but Weidman’s ground skills are no joke and it would not be a major upset if he slapped a D’arce on Maia. I’m not sure were to go with this fight, if Weidman had a full fight camp to prepare I’d favor him, but the short notice gives me pause. I’m going to go with Maia, but he has a serious fight on his hands. Demian Maia by Decision.
David Castillo: Even though I’d prefer to see Weidman in smaller matchups, this is the perfect matchup for him if he wants a ‘big win’. Weidman is no slouch on the ground, as his match against Galvao revealed (as ‘Dr. Grant’ pointed out). That’s where Maia will have trouble. His jiu jitsu, while elite, is too traditional to threaten someone equally crafty. And while his striking has improved, he still looks uncomfortable. He throws the same combination over and over, and he throws them somewhat brazenly. I think Weidman catches him ala the Maia/Maruqardt fight minus the somersault flip. Chris Weidman by TKO, round 3.
Fraser Coffeen: This is a really tough one for me to call, and a fight I am seriously excited about. I really want Weidman to win here, but I’m not sure. I think they’re pretty close on the feet. On the mat, Weidman can get Maia down, no trouble. The question is, can Maia sub him off his back. I think with Maia’s recent focus on stand-up, plus the late change from Bisping (who would have definitely been a stand-up focused opponent) Maia has probably not been as focused on his subs. I think he gets drawn into a striking battle, and I think it costs him, but this is really close. Chris Weidman by TKO, round 2.
Tim Burke: I’m pretty much repeating what others are saying. Weidman can hang on the floor in a grappling battle. And since he’ll probably have top position, a Weidman decision looks like the easy call. But I don’t see it. I think Maia actually has the better standup now (shockingly) and Weidman is going to resist taking it down due to Maia’s rep. I want to see a finish, but I doubt it. Demian Maia by decision.
Dallas Winston: Fun Fact: Maia has faced nine BJJ black belts and beat seven; the two he lost to (Silva, Marquardt) won with strikes. Munoz broke new ground by being the first to courageously duel with Maia on the ground, and I’d say Weidman is a better submission grappler than Mark. I agree that Maia will have the edge on the feet but the kicker is that Weidman, while unquestionably bursting with potential, has yet to even encounter an A-level opponent. I could see a sub but Maia’s been killing it with positional dominance. Demain Maia by decision.
Staff Picking Maia: Grant, Leland, Brookhouse, Tim, Dallas,
Staff Picking Weidman: David, Anton, Fraser, Roth
Evan Dunham vs. Nik Lentz
Brent Brookhouse: Not only can Dunham keep this on the feet, he can blow Lentz up. Evan Dunham by TKO, round 2.
Leland Roling: Dunham can stop Lentz from wrestling him to death. Once that happens, it’s over for Lentz. Dunham beats him up for three rounds, avoiding the ground and winning on the scorecards. Evan Dunham via decision.
Anton Tabuena: Dunham is just the better fighter overall. Evan Dunham by Decision.
T.P. Grant: Evan Dunham I think is bad stylistic matchup for Nik Lentz. Lentz relies on his wrestling and clinch fighting to control fights and I think Dunham can match him in those areas. Dunham is the superior striker and on the ground has much more diversity in his skill set. I think Dunham recaptures some of his 2010 luster with a victory over the Carny. Dunham by Decision.
David Castillo: I never understood how Lentz became this symbol for elite top control wrestlers. He got throttled by Charles, and his two high profile matchups were utterly misleading re: the Tavares and Griffin fights. He’s not a bad fighter, but Dunham is the more dynamic one, and that’s what you need to beat Lentz. Nik won’t stand with him, and because Evan nearly choked out Sherk, I have to think he’ll be capable of submitting Lentz. Evan Dunham by submission, round 1.
Dallas Winston: Lentz has grown on me a little. He’s an unassuming, respectful cat who uses what he has. I was impressed with his scrambling and guard technique against Bocek, but he should be a tailor-made opponent for Dunham’s three dimensional onslaught. I’m tempted to take Dunham by catching his back in a transition, but … Evan Dunham by decision.
Tim Burke: Dunham is way too athletic and methodical for Lentz. I still think Dunham is a top contender at LW, and while I doubt he finishes the somewhat-crafty Lentz, it’ll be domination for Dunham. Evan Dunham by decision.
Staff Picking Dunham: Grant, Leland, Fraser, David, Anton, Brookhouse, Dallas, Tim, Roth
Staff Picking Lentz:
Mike Russow vs. Jon Olav Einemo
Brent Brookhouse: I kept shouting about Russow not really being good because I watched him fight guys who were bad even for the weak midwestern scene and was never impressed. But he has managed to make some noise in the UFC, so what do I know? Well, I know that Einemo, while massively overrated before his first UFC fight, is good enough to beat Mike Russow. Jon Olav Einemo by submission, round 3.
Leland Roling: This fight gives me a headache, mainly because I have no idea who will show up to this fight. Russow, at 35, is going to hit a ceiling quickly, but his last two performances suggest the opposite. And Einemo? How about that sloppy performance against Dave Herman? How about using those ADCC credentials? Tough call, but I’ll go with Einemo waking up and hitting a takedown for some grappling wizardry. Jon Olav Einemo via submission, Round 2.
Anton Tabuena: Russow? Really? JOE by Submission.
T.P. Grant: Jon Olav Einemo used to be one of the best heavyweight grapplers on the planet. His 2003 win over Roger Gracie and ADCC gold medal had grappling geeks like myself drooling at his future prospects. But sadly after a case of flesh eating bacteria cost Einemo three years of training and part of his left foot, he has never really looked the same. If he can get Russow to the the ground, the fight will end quickly, but Russow is a gritty figther with one hitter power. While a Russow KO win wouldn’t shock me, I think Einemo gets his first UFC win. Jon Olav Einemo by Submission, Round 1.
Fraser Coffeen: I’d love to see Einemo make that serious UFC run, but I think that ship has sailed. Russow is an underrated fighter who is incredibly good at just staying alive in there until he can take you out, and that’s what I expect to see once again. Mike Russow via KO, round 2.
David Castillo: Something about Einemo’s terrible performance against Herman impressed me, whereas something about Russow’s impressive KO against Duffee did not. Russow may have the edge in power, but they’re workmanlike fighters, except Einemo is much more talented. He also reminds me of that dude from Detroit Rock City who plays the roided out brother of the little kid with a Stretch Armstrong. Which isn’t worth noting, but whatever. Jon Olav Einemo by submission, round 2.
Dallas Winston: Russow has been hard to gauge and fighting only once per year. I think he’s a really deceivingly equipped heavy with powerful boxing, under-rated wrestling and subs and decent agility — especially compared to the lumbering style of JOE, who is 36 himself and highly predictable. I don’t see why he can’t do the same thing Pee-Wee did only with more intelligence. Mike Russow by TKO.
Tim Burke: This is gonna be a sloooow fight. JOE’s more qualified on the ground, but Russow’s okay there. They’re both a bit ugly standing. My mind says JOE, and my heart says…JOE too. Einemo it is! Jon Olav Einemo by decision.
Staff Picking Russow: Fraser, Dallas
Staff Picking Einemo: Grant, Leland, David, Anton, Brookhouse, Roth
Cub Swanson vs. George Roop
Brent Brookhouse: I have some sort of unfair, over-the-top dislike for Cub Swanson. Roop is better, Roop will win. George Roop by decision.
Leland Roling: Roop should be able to win this fight in any capacity, but I anticipate him using his footwork and ranged striking ability to batter Swanson to a decision. George Roop via decision.
Anton Tabuena: Roop will be able to use his length en route to a decision, continuing his red green red green wikipedia record. George Roop by Decision.
T.P. Grant: Despite his win one, lose one pattern Roop has developed good skills and gave Hatsu Hioki real problems. Swanson is an able featherweight also, and I’m about 50/50 on this fight. I’ll go Roop just because I’ve seen more from quality outings from him in the recent past than Swanson. George Roop by Decision.
David Castillo: Even though Roop has put up respectable performances, I still don’t think of him as elite. Swanson isn’t either, but he’s every bit as gritty as Roop, and in an exchange, I like Cub as the better man. So long as he keeps it standing, I think Swanson shocks the Roop momentum. Cub Swanson by decision.
Dallas Winston: When this was first announced, my assessment mirrored Leland’s. I’m actually pretty high on the strides Roop’s made in the clinch and by using his length. Cub is a BJJ black belt with hints of Judo, wrestling, Capoeira, kickboxing and a little bit of everything. He’s his own worst enemy because he’ll just scrap wherever instead of exploiting his strengths. That mentality along with his height disadvantage make me nervous, but he’s my pick. Roop should get the better standing but he still has some clunky tendencies and leaves his chin out, and Cub has only been finished with strikes once (Aldo), by decision once (Mendes) and Roop isn’t subbing him. Cub Swanson by submission.
Tim Burke: Cub’s gonna have trouble with Roop’s range, but he’s a way better standup fighter. If he can avoid a sub, he’ll get the decision. Cub Swanson by decision.
Staff Picking Swanson: David, Dallas, Tim
Staff Picking Roop: Grant, Leland, Fraser, Anton, Brookhouse, Roth
Charles Oliveira vs. Eric Wisely
Brent Brookhouse: I actually like Wisely’s game in this fight. He brings a bit more patience and, while my brain is telling me to pick Oliveira, I think he’ll be able to pick his spots in the first round and take over in the second and third for the upset. Eric Wisely by decision.
Leland Roling: Wisely isn’t a terrible prospect out of the Midwest. He’s definitely at the apex of the talent pool in the region, but Oliveira should snuff him out easily as he’s far more skilled everywhere. Charles Oliveira via TKO, Round 1.
Anton Tabuena: Aaaaand Oliveira easily gets back on the win column. Charles Oliveira by Submission.
T.P. Grant: At first glance this seems like a complete squash match. Eric Wisley is coming out of small time Midwestern shows, but two wins over Hermes Franca and a win over Mike Veach suggest he may be a notch above “regional level fighter”. That said the hyper aggression of young Oliveira is going to be a stiff test. The Brazilian may be in a funk right now but this kid is just too skilled to keep losing. So this second glance confirms the first glance, squash match. Charles Oliveira by TKO, Round 1.
David Castillo: Wisely’s a decent fighter but he’s up against a guy who is simply too dynamic. Even though I think Charles needs to tone down his game, now is not the time. Not against Wisely. Charles Oliveira by submission, round 2.
Dallas Winston: Wisely is a mini-Spencer Fisher and tough as nails; he’s a TDK black belt with good boxing and his ground was solid enough to fend off Hermes Franca and sub Matt Veach. Oliveira is wildly talented and should win, but this might be a test for his mettle and endurance. Wisely has never been finished while “do Bronx” only has one decision win and twice lasted to the third in his career. Charles Oliveira by decision.
Tim Burke: I’m surprised a few of you are picking Do Bronx to KO him. That’s not what I expect at all. His superior athleticism and talent will keep him in the drivers seat for the whole fight, but Wisely’s apparently pretty tough to finish. Charles Oliveira by decision.
Staff Picking Oliveira: Grant, Leland, Fraser, David, Anton, Dallas, Roth, Tim
Staff Picking Wisely: Brookhouse
Michael Johnson vs. Shane Roller
Brent Brookhouse: There’s no area where I think Johnson is superior, so that makes this easy. Shane Roller by decision.
Leland Roling: Roller possesses superior wrestling and the solid conditioning to support a relentless attack that will likely wear Johnson thin at the fight progresses. Shane Roller via decision.
T.P. Grant: Michael Johnson’s original opponent of Cody McKenzie suited him much better. Shane Roller is a better wrestler, better striker, better grappler and just better overall fighter than Johnson at this point. Roller is an aggressive wrestler, who sets a frantic pace and Johnson has a history of slowing down in fights. Roller takes Johnson’s back at some point and sinks a choke. Shane Roller by Submission, Round 2.
David Castillo: Johnson may be the less skilled fighter, but Roller’s liabilities on the feet are not something to be underestimated. Oh right. His opponent is Michael Johnson. Shane Roller by submission, round 3.
Dallas Winston: I think Johnson has shown excellent potential and he’s still a young kid. His strong wrestling on TUF hasn’t panned out offensively, but he employs it well in reverse to stay standing and I really like his hands. That being said, five of his six losses are by submission and he’ll be reduced to trying KO Roller before he’s taken down. Shane Roller by submission.
Tim Burke: I don’t like either of these guys, to be honest. Roller’s standup is mechanical and he’s never done a great job of converting his wrestling to MMA. He’s got heavy hands, which have saved him in the past. Johnson just isn’t UFC-caliber in any area to me. Maybe wrestling, but Roller’s better there. Roller can get it to the mat and get an opportunity sub. Shane Roller by submission, round 2.
Staff Picking Johnson:
Staff Picking Roller: Grant, Leland, Fraser, David, Anton, Dallas, Brookhouse, Roth, Tim
Joey Beltran vs. Lavar Johnson
Brent Brookhouse: Lavar Johnson in the UFC just feels…wrong. He’s on a sweet two fight losing streak too. I’m no fan of Beltran. While I’m a lover of all things violent, there’s a point in “wild brawling” where fights are just so ugly as to not be particularly entertaining. Still, give me Beltran. I hope this one ends quickly one way or the other. It won’t though, and it’ll be really ugly by the second round. Joey Beltran by decision.
Leland Roling: I’ll probably regret this decision, but I’m going with the Mexicutioner. Why? I have no idea. I’m just not confident enough in Johnson to outlast Beltran, even if Joey turns this into a sloppy slugfest. Joey Beltran via TKO.
T.P. Grant: Two journeymen heavyweights meeting up in what is clearly meant to be a stand up war. Johnson has been brought over from Strikeforce to inject some action into Heavyweight division. And action is what Johnson promises, in his 20 fight career he has never once seen the judge’s score cards. Johnson either knocks out his opponent or gets tapped out when the fight hits the mat. Beltran is known for his heart and ability to absorb damage, but generally he fights Johnson kind of fight, sloppy brawling. If Beltran spent his time at Alliance well and worked on his ground game, he should beat Johnson fairly easily. But if he stands, like I expect him too, I think Johnson’s heavy artillery puts the Mexicutioner down. Johnson by TKO, Round 2
David Castillo: What an ugly fight. Why can’t we ever get these standup slopfests in grappling form? Sloppy grappling is less embarrassing than sloppy striking, Dave Huckaba notwithstanding. Beltran should be ok while both men look stuck in quicksand. His chin is actually kind of unbelievable, and he can throw in combination. Joey Beltran by TKO, round 2.
Dallas Winston: Similarly styled heavies except Beltran will be slightly quicker in movement and with his hands, plus he’s shown the ability to prey on opportunistic takedowns as he did against (an albeit gassed) Stipe Miocic. Joey Beltran by rear-naked choke.
Tim Burke: This is a King of the Cage main event. I can’t see either one knocking the other out, and I can’t see Beltran ripping off some fancy submission unless it’s very late in the fight. He knows his position in the UFC lies as a crowd-pleasing brawler and while winning is the most important thing, he also knows what brought him to the table. Ah hell, let’s go with that. 3rd round sub. Joey Beltran by submission, round 3.
Staff Picking Beltran: Leland, Fraser, David, Anton, Dallas, Brookhouse, Roth, Tim
Staff Picking Johnson: Grant,
Chris Camozzi vs. Dustin Jacoby
Leland Roling: Camozzi’s experience should put him in the winner’s circle here. Jacoby doesn’t have the grappling chops to catch Camozzi, so I imagine Chris beats up Jacoby from range and wins a lackluster decision. Chris Camozzi via decision.
T.P. Grant: Jacoby is a young, up and coming KO artist. His stalking, powerful striking is impressive but how well rounded he is as yet to be truly tested. Chris Camozzi is a veteran fighter with a solid striking and decent ground work. The only fighters Camozzi really struggles against are superior grapplers and I don’t think Jacoby has the chops on the mat to beat the TUF veteran. Chris Camozzi by Decision.
David Castillo: Jacoby has that “puncher’s chance” I guess, but Camozzi is pretty durable, and he’ll control the fight if it goes to the ground, which it should. Chris Camozzi by decision.
Dallas Winston: Jacoby’s height and length could pose problems and I’m tempted to take him here. He was taken out by a D1 wrestler in his debut and Camozzi is more of a jack of all trades like Jacoby. This will be a prime opportunity for Jacoby to shine, but the odds favor Camozzi winning an grind-out decision. Chris Camozzi by decision.
Tim Burke: I’m with them. Camozzi has a good chin. Jacoby’s not the one to crack it. Chris Camozzi by decision
Staff Picking Camozzi: Grant, Leland, David, Anton, Fraser, Dallas, Brookhouse, Tim, Roth
Staff Picking Jacoby:
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