UFC Fight Night 32: Belfort vs Henderson Predictions
With Tim Kennedy's knock out, Alexis Davis' masterclass, and James Krause nether region (take that how you will) still fresh in our mind, The UFC is back already, and this time from Goiania, Brazil with UFC Fight Night 32: Belfort vs Henderson.
Kingdom MMA writer Jack Broadey (Twitter @j3cK_b) and Tommy Strong (Twitter @strong_tea) give you their predictions for the event which is sure to be a cracker!
Vitor Belfort vs Dan Henderson:
Strong: A fight between 2 of my least favourite fighters in the UFC. Not because of their fighting style, but because they both use TRT, but thats for another discussion.
I'm still trying to work out why this fight is happening? Belfort coming into the fight with stunning wins over Michael Bisping and Luke Rockhold at Middleweight, I'm struggling to see why he would move up in weight to take on someone very dangerous like Henderson.
Henderson though is in the twilight of his career, now 43 and coming off 2 very close losses to Machida and Rashad Evans, a loss here would surely see the end of his UFC career.
Im torn between who to pick. Can Vitor knock Hendo out? I don't think so. Can Vitor have the cardio for 5 rounds? I don't think so...
Prediction: Vitor Belfort - Submission RD 3
Broadey: All I'm seeing is people not only completely write Dan Henderson off but totally underestimate him too. Belfort has looked amazing lately finishing fights with one shot or the infamous "Belfort Blitz." Henderson just doesn't get knocked out, by anybody. If we see a KO in this fight I feel it's likely to come from Hendo's right hand as Belfort rushes in. Neither man is renowned for there gas tank but Hendo also has a huge advantage there should the fight go deep. Belfort may well submit Henderson if this turns into a wrestling match.
Prediction: Dan Henderson - Unanimous Decision
Cezar Ferreira vs Daniel Sarafian:
Strong: Really looking forward to this fight. Both were scheduled to meet in the Brazil TUF final before Sarafian had to pull out due to an injury. Ferreira went onto beat the replacement and the man Sarafian beat in the semi finals Sergio Moraes via unanimous decision and win the TUF Middleweight tournament.
I think size might be the difference here, I really like Sarafian and wouldn't be surprised to see him win, though I have to go with Cezar Ferreira.
Prediction: Cezar Ferreira - Unanimous Decision
Broadey: We finally get to see the TUF Brazil finale. Safarian hasn't impressed me at all so far whilst the injury hit Ferreira has looked mightily impressive in his limited appearances so far. Cesar has way to much power in his hands for Safarian and he will stand and trade.
Prediction: Cezar Ferreira - TKO RD 2
Rafael Cavalcante vs Igor Pokrajac:
Strong: All of Rafael 11 wins have come via KO and his losses come to think of that, though Igor just isn't in the same league for me, having lost his last 3 fights I only see one winner here!
Prediction: Rafael Cavalcante - KO RD1 (Banker of the Night)
Broadey: Pokrajak has no business at all being on a main card never mind the 3rd main fight. He's lost 3 in a row and that should have been 4. He's tough and doesn't often get beatdown but he doesn't impose himself in fights. Cavalcante is very much hit and miss himself. Losing 2 of his last 4 with a win being chalked off after a drugs ban. He has motivational issues which makes him kind of hard to predict. If he turns up in the right frame of mind he should win this fight.
Prediction: Rafael Cavalcante - Unanimous Decision
Paulo Thiago vs Brandon Thatch
Strong: This welterweight fight really has me interested, merely to see Brandon Thatch back in action again! His stunning debut knocking out Justin Edwards inside the 1st round was very impressive! Having won 10 fights inside the first round via KO or submission (1 loss) he may have to wait a little longer to get the job done on Thiago.
Thiago isn't the force he once was, though will be a good test for Thatch to see where he is in the division. Thiago doesn't possess the striking ability of Thatch or knock out power so will have to try and work some magic on the mat.
Prediction: Brandon Thatch - TKO RD 2
Broadey: This is a very fun fight. Thatch entered the UFC with a ton of hype and duly delivered and outstanding KO on debut. Thiago has been there and done it all, he's a whole different league to the competition Thatch has so far faced. Thiago generally only loses to the top guys in the division. Thatch will put himself in that mix after he knocks Thiago out.
Prediction: Brandon Thatch - TKO RD 1
Santiago Ponzinibbio vs Ryan LeFlare
Strong: Not going to lie here, I don't know much about Santiago if anything at all, but I know how good LeFlare is at grappling, takedowns and top position! I always back a man who can control a fight on the floor over a striker.
Prediction: LeFlare - TKO RD 2
Broadey: I don't know much Ponzinibbio other than he beat some descent competition on the way to the final of Tuf Brazil 2 including the eventual winner Santos before having to pull out due to injury. LaFlare is a huge Welterweight but very inexperienced. That could be a factor fighting in Brazil against a huge crowd favourite here. Benny Alloway took him the distance in a close fight so I won't expect fireworks here.
Prediction: Ponzinibbio - Unanimous Decision
Rony Jason vs Jeremy Stephens:
Strong: Not normally I like to pick the favourites for each fight, though I'm struggling to pick against Rony Jason here. Jeremy Stephens made his featherweight debut in May this year where he defeated Estevan Payan in dominating fashion via UD. But can he raise his game even further?
Rony Jason is a joy to watch at times , if he can get Stephens to the ground I fancy him pulling off a submission win. Though is the fight stays on the feet this could a very bad night for Rony.
Prediction: Jeremy Stephens - Unanimous Decision (Although not really comfortable about this pick)
Broadey: Jeremy Stephens although predominantly a striker is good everywhere but Jason is excellent everywhere - his one isn't close.
Prediction: Rony Jason - Submission RD 1
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