Our Pick:
Ciryl Gane by TKO/KO or Submission @ 1.80
This fight has all the signs pointing towards a patient chess match at range. Neither man particularly revels in forward pressure and instead will spend considerable time attempting to bait their opponent into advancing and making a mistake. While both excel at counter striking, Gane possesses a clear speed advantage and his bouncing footwork allows him to dart in and out of striking distance in an instant. While Rozenstruik’s left hand can pose an issue if it is to connect, Gane’s ability to fight out of both stances will surely negate the traps that the Suriname native attempts to lay. Moreover, question marks remain over Rozenstruik’s ability on the ground while Gane has already proven to be a rather potent submission threat. If Rozenstruik remains dormant and allows Gane to control the clinch, Gane can sting Rozenstruik standing with an elbow over the top or fashion a foot sweep
Magomed Ankalaev – TKO Round 3 (Krylov is a tricky customer. The Ukrainian possesses a powerful kicking game and historically has been willing to drop everything to chase a risky submission. In the past couple of bouts, however, Krylov appears to have adopted a ‘grinder’ style that aims to rack up takedowns and control time. Against Ankalaev, Krylov will struggle immensely to get the Russian to the mat without ending up his own back. Ankalaev’s ability to manoeuvre opponents with his jab, before setting them up for his lethal left hand, will allow Ankalaev to dictate proceedings)
Mayra Bueno Silva – Decision (A difficult match-up to call because fights between two grapplers often descend into sloppy striking affairs in which the winner is anybody’s guess. If De la Rosa chases the takedown (as her usual strategy is), it will be a battle between keeping top control and surviving frequent off-the-back submission attempts from Silva. Silva is more active on the feet but her striking defence is atrocious. Favouring Silva to stuff loose De la Rosa takedowns, and dominate on the mat)
Ronnie Lawrence – TKO Round 3 (Lawrence is a fast-moving train of pressure and only a competent counter striker will operate comfortably under the pressure he exerts. By throwing volume, Lawrence can work his way into a takedown and onto the mat with greater ease. While Cachero will have a full camp this time around, it is hard to see Cachero dealing with the hellacious pace set by Lawrence)
Dustin Jacoby – TKO Round 3 (A tough one to call as both men possess a wealth of experience, yet Jacoby’s durability will favour him if this descends into a phone-booth brawl by the later rounds. Grishin badly missing weight on the scales has done little to tip this in his favour either)