The Strikeforce: Gilbert Melendez vs. Pat Healy fight card has been cancelled, but UFC fans will still get to enjoy some MMA action this weekend. Here are my predictions for the “UFC on Fuel TV 5” fight card, set for Sept. 29, at the Capital FM Arena in Nottingham, England.
Stefan Struve versus Stipe Miocic
Miocic’s undefeated professional MMA record will be on the line when he faces Struve at UFC on Fuel TV 5, and it’ll arguably be his toughest fight in the Ultimate Fighting Championships so far. Struve is currently on a three-fight win-streak against respectable opponents, and he’ll enjoy a five-inch reach advantage against Miocic. However, Miocic is a highly-skilled, heavy-handed puncher, and Struve’s chin has been suspect in the past. The Croatian should be able to get inside and end the fight early. Miocic wins via KO.
Dan Hardy versus Amir Sadollah
This fight is a legitimate “Fight of the Night” candidate. Both men like to stand and trade, and there’s a pretty good chance a kickboxing match will breakout when these two meet inside the Octagon at UFC on Fuel TV 5. Amir is a technically competent striker, but he might find himself in serious trouble if the Brit lands a big punch. Hardy wins via TKO.
John Hathaway versus John Maguire
This is a very interesting matchup between two promising British MMA fighters. Both are well-rounded, but Hathaway’s resume is a little more impressive, with wins against top-caliber opponents like Diego Sanchez and Rick Story. When you factor in the fact that the 25 year-old Hathaway has won 16 of his 17 professional MMA fights, losing only to Mike Pyle, it’s hard to go against him. Hathaway wins via decision.
Che Mills versus Duane Ludwig
Mills didn’t look beautiful after his fight against Rory MacDonald, but he should be able to bounce right back at UFC on Fuel TV 5. Like Mills, Ludwig likes to stand-n-bang, and it should lead to an entertaining bout between the two. However, Mills is the more explosive striker, and I expect him to eventually put Ludwig away. Mills wins via KO.
Remaining Fights:
Brad Pickett defeats Yves Jabouin
Paul Sass defeats Matt Wiman
Jimi Manuwa defeats Kyle Kingsbury
Andy Ogle defeats Akira Corassani
Tom Watson defeats Brad Tavares
DaMarques Johnson defeats Gunnar Nelson
Robbie Peralta defeats Jason Young
David is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing practitioner who has watched and studied MMA for the past 9 years. Send him your questions @davidkingwriter.
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