Två heta speltips inför helgens UFC 213 och TUF 25 Finale

OBS: Engelsk text eftersom Vice talar engelska.

Johnson 1.58 vs. Gaethje 2.35 ( The Ultimate Fighter Finale )

The Ultimate Fighter 25 Finale brings potentially very exciting fight between Michael Johnson (17-11) and unbeaten new comer Justin Gaethje (17-0).

Gaethje is a very unique fighter. The former WSOF lightweight champion is undefeated, with perfect score of 17 wins and 0 defeats. Justin is a good wrestler, but 14 of his 17 fights have been finished with TKO/KO, which is a true proof of knockout power he possesses in his hands. When it comes to boxing, I believe Johnson is technically better boxer, but it will be interesting to see if Michael will be able to press Justin on the fence and work from the distance where he feels most comfortable.

Gaethje is type of fighter who likes to go forward and brawl, especially when it comes to short distance between the fighters, including clinches where he can use elbows and short hooks. His chin is strong, but his defense is… he likes to ”block” strikes with his head. He has massive heart and that is probably his biggest tool. I believe that the real danger for Michael are Justin’s low kicks. He has great Muay Thai and with constantly targeting Johnson’s front leg Geathje can neutralize Micheal’s amazing foot work, as well as Michael’s closing down the angles and pushing opponents to the fence. 

Another very important thing that needs to be mentioned. Gaethje is undefeated, but he has never fought guys on such level as Michael Johnson and the rest of the fighters from UFC. He will have loads of pressure on his shoulders to do well in the best MMA promotion in the world. Justin is a fenomenal and exciting fighter, but I think  Johnson will win this fight. I think he won’t gamble here because he lost 3 fight in the last 4 bouts. If he lose against Justin, that would probably be the end of Michael Johnson’s UFC career.

Prediction: Michael Johnson R4 by TKO punches. 

Werdum 2.10 vs. Overeem 1.68 UFC 213

UFC 213 brings a matchup and trilogy ending between former UFC HW Champion Fabricio Werdum (21-6) and former Dream, Strikeforce and K1 Champion Alistair Overeem (42-15, 1NC). This will be their third fight. Werdum won the first fight in Pride FC back in 2006, Overeem won the duel in 2011 under the Strikeforce banner.

The common thing these two fighters have is that their last loses came by the hands of Stipe Miočić for the UFC HW title. Miočić dropped Werdum in the first round in Brazil, and then knocked out Overeem in the first in front of his home fans in Cleveland, Ohio. Now both Fabricio and Alistair want a title shot against Stipe after this fight. 

A lot changed since their last fight in 2011. Werdum joined with coach Rafael Cordeiro and since then he became very dangerous stand up fighter. Overeem joined Jackson-Wink gym and his style of fighting changed a lot. Now he is more ”mature” fighter, he does not take unnecessary risks and he fights smarter than before.

Werdum will probably try to compete in stand up with former K1 WGP champion in order to show everyone that he can fight in the stand up with such as dangerous striker as Alistair. On the other hand Alistair will wait for the perfect opportunity to land some punches and knees as Werdum will rush forward. 

I see this fight as Werdum being the aggressor, controlling the center of the Octagon, with Overeem being with his back against the fence. The Dutch is ”damaged”, his chin is weak and one good shot from Fabricio can shut him down. But, Overeem can knock anybody out with his precise striking. We all know that he is too smart to go to the ground with five time World BJJ champion in Fabricio Werdum. Overeem will wait for his opportunity and finish Werdum.

Prediction: Alistair Overrem R2 by TKO/KO knees.