Stipe Miocic (9-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) vs. Stefan’ Scrapper’ Struve (24-5 MMA, 8-3 UFC)
At 6-11 Heavyweight Stefan Struve is quite a sight ,he possesses elite kick boxing skills and a vicious submission game.With is combined skill set he has submission victories over Pat Barry, and Lavar Johnson. In between those bouts, he knocked out Dave Herman. He will need to maintain the distance to capitalize, and try to set up takedowns with his long jabs. Miocic is undefeated as a professional with impressive wins over Shane Del Rosario, Phil De Fries, and Joey Beltran. A dynamic striker, Miocic is capable of trading punches with anyone in this division. His weakness is obviously on the ground, and he will need to avoid that position at all cost against the savvy Struve. He will certainly be looking to end this fight early with a barrage of strikes.
Prediction: Struve 2nd rd submission. If he can bait the aggressive Miocic in, Struve should be able to get the fight to the ground, where the pugilistic specialist Miocic has very little chance of winning.
Dan ‘The Outlaw’ Hardy (24-10 MMA, 5-4 UFC) vs. Amir Sadollah (6-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC)
With the fight being in his homeland of England, ‘The Outlaw’ will most certainly have the crowd in his favor. He should also possess the edge on striking, over the lesser experienced Sadollah. Hardy will as always avoid the ground like it’s the plague, and hope to out strike his opponent with his vicious kicks, and explosive left hook. Amir Sadollah is one of the only fighters who has only competed as a professional under the UFC banner, and for good reason. His well-rounded skill set makes him dangerous in any position. His Muay Thai standup style has improved with each fight, and on the ground his jiu-jitsu is extremely polished. Sadollah’s goal will be to maintain position control over Hardy, whose only comfortable standing. On the feet Hardy maintains an edge in striking, however Sadollah has more weapons in his arsenal.
Prediction: Sadollah via 2nd round submission
Yves Jabouin (16-7 MMA, 3-1 UFC) vs. Brad ‘One Punch’ Pickett (21-6 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
Both fighters are incredible strikers, with very different styles. Jabouin has the classic kick boxer/boxing style. He sets up his strikes with movement, popping in and out landing on the entrance, and looking for the counter on the exit. Pickett is known as ‘One Punch’ for a reason. At 145 lbs, there is little competition for him in the power striking department. Pickett has a history of starting fast. He also has one of the fiercest guillotine chokes, in the MMA world. Both fighters have seen there share of decisions lately, however this one may not get that far!
Prediction: Pickett rd 1 TKO The England Native pleases the crowd!
John Hathaway (16-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) vs. John Maguire (18-3 MMA, 2-0 UFC)
This will certainly be a fan favorite, as both fighters are English sons. John Hathaway may be the divisions most heralded young fighter. With wins over Diego Sanchez, Paul Taylor, and Rick Story his name was thrust to the top of the division. After losing a close decision to Mike Pyle, Hathaway was able to string together two wins, is looking for a another to keep moving forward towards a contender spot. Standing in his way is John Maguire, who is making his third appearance in the UFC. Maguire is coming off of an impressive victory over DaMarques Johnson via armbar. He will be looking to continue to make waves himself, as he attempts to take out the young contender Hathaway. This fight should be a very well rounded back and forth display of all elements of MMA. Both fighters are capable of winning from virtually any position. However, Hathaway will have a clear experience advantage.
Prediction: Hathaway via Unanimous Decision
Duane ‘Bang’ Ludwig (21-13 MMA, 4-4 UFC) vs. Che Mills (14-5 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
Knockout losses often motivate seasoned fight veterans. With both fighters coming off of losses, this is the fight I predict will win the coveted ‘Fight of The Night’ bonus. Both fighter have incredibly precision striking, with Ludwig having a distinct advantage in the power area. Owner of the UFC’s fastest KO, ‘Bang’ Ludwig is looking to return to form, to make one last run at the top of the division. Mills will have to rely on his leg kicks, and in and out style to avoid the power in Ludwig’s hands.
Prediction: Ludwig via Unanimous Decision
THE CLINCH REPORT 