By Jonathan King The Clinch Report
Main Card:
Khabib Nurmagomedov (155) vs. Thiago Tavares (155)
Interesting match-up. Both fighters are well rounded, and capable of ending the fight in any position. Tavares has the edge in experience, however Nurmagomedov is 18-0 riding a 2 fight UFC win streak so he is the favorite at (-200).
Prediction: Tavares by submission 3rd round
Gabriel Gonzaga (255) vs. Ben Rothwell (258)
Good news for Gabriel Gonzaga is that he is back in the UFC heavyweight fray after winning his second chance fight against Ednaldo Oliviera, bad news is his next opponent is Ben Rothwell. In his last fight, Rothwell needed only 1:10 to knockout a very strong Brendan Schaub. Both fighters have consistency issues but it should be exciting,
Prediction: Rothwell TKO rd 2
C.B. Dollaway (186) vs. Daniel Sarafian (186)
C.B. Dollaway is often over looked in the UFC. Although Dollaway is not a flashy striker, to the true fight fan his performances are at times masterful. As a wrestler, he can grind with the best of them. Wearing on his opponent, saturating strength with a smothering attack. Daniel Sarafin is new to the UFC but certainly not to the sport, or to the grappling game. The owner of several submission wins, is perfectly at home in the same neighborhood where Dollaway works. Very evenly matched
Prediction: Dollaway via Unanimous decision
Vitor Belfort (185) vs. Michael Bisping (186)
Michael Bisping has been lobbying aloud to anyone with in an ear shot about deserving a title shot against Anderson Silva. The brash, and dry Brit is often writing checks with his mouth, however this one he can cash. His record of wins over ranked fighters reinforces his braggadocious demeanor. However, Vitor Belfort hopes to extinguish those flames, and reignite his own title claim. Belfort may have an edge on the ground, however Bisping was able to neutralize Jason Miller’s jujitsu so this fight is primed to explode into a slug fest. The is no clear edge in the striking department, while Belfort maintains a power edge, Bisping is more technical and has better conditioning. Should be an exciting fight.
Prediction:
Bisping via 2nd rd TKO
THE CLINCH REPORT 