UFC Fight Night 50 takes place tomorrow night in Conneticut and we’ve got our predictions for all the fights below.
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Main Card:
Gegard Mousasi vs. Ronaldo Souza
This looks like being a close fight between two very talented, well rounded middleweights. Mousasi is the better technical striker here, but ‘Jacare’ has made significant improvements to his stand-up game over the years and is a legitimate threat too.
Mousasi also has a very capable ground game, but ‘Jacare’s’ BJJ is world class and should hold the upper-hand if there’s extended periods of action on the mat.
Mousasi has the skills to beat almost anybody in the division when he’s at his best, but he often seems to be fighting on cruise control which counts against him in a closely contested match-up like this, so I’m going with ‘Jacare’ to stay competitive on the feet when he has to while being the more pro-active and successful when engaging in the grappling exchanges to eek out a decision win.
Ronaldo Souza to win by decision.
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Alistair Overeem vs. Ben Rothwell
Overeem is the more refined, versatile striker here with Rothwell being more of a heavy-handed slugger, but ‘Big Ben’ is definitely the more durable of the two and might need just one big punch to land to change the course of the fight.
It should be noted that Overeem’s chin has been dodgy for years though, but he managed to get a lot of extra mileage out of it over the years by recognizing the need to implement a solid striking defense, covering up when need be. However, in the UFC he’s at times become overconfident, dropped his hands in the heat of battle and paying the price.
Rothwell certainly has a punchers chance here, but I think Overeem’s realized the errors of his ways now and will show more caution when he needs to, perhaps even showing off his ground game if required, while still being the more dominant striker with either punches and / or knees eventually finishing Rothwell in this fight.
Alistair Overeem to win by TKO in Rd2.
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Matt Mitrione vs. Derrick Lewis
More stand-up action is almost guaranteed when these two step heavyweight step into the Octagon.
Lewis cuts an imposing figure and is extremely heavy-handed, but Mitrione packs a fair punch himself and definitely has the advantage here when it comes to speed, movement and solid boxing fundamentals.
On the night I believe that’ll be enough to enable him to keep Lewis at the end of his punches for the most part in the early stages of the fight, with that gradually wearing down Lewis resulting in a late stoppage victory due to strikes.
Matt Mitrione to win by TKO in Rd3.
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Joe Lauzon vs. Michael Chiesa
Interesting stylistic match-up here. Chiesa has a classic grinding style, making up for his lack of athleticism and striking ability with sheer hard work and relentless grappling.
Lauzon is also at his best on the mat, but he’s more of a stylist with a very crafty jiu-jitsu game who’ll look to pounce on a submission whenever the opportunity presents itself. While not a power puncher by any means, he does have better hands than Chiesa if he’s able to keep the fight upright.
I think this bout is more likely to be won or lost in the ground battle though and it’s a tough one to call. I could certainly see Lauzon cleverly locking in a submission from his back, but I’m leaning ever so slightly towards Chiesa being able to limit his opportunities and frustrate him with his control on top.
Michael Chiesa to win by decision.
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Prelims:
Nik Lentz vs. Charles Oliveira
John Moraga vs. Justin Scoggins
Al Iaquinta vs. Rodrigo Damm
Chris Camozzi vs. Rafael Natal
Chris Beal vs. Tateki Matsuda
Sean Soriano vs. Chas Skelly
