So Thiago Alves wasn't cleared to fight due to a "brain irregularity", and a replacement wasn't going to be found in the 24 hours before weigh ins are scheduled. So Ben Saunders, originally set to fight Jake Ellenberger, has opted to replace Alves, and fight Jon Fitch. Also, the fight between Kurt "Batman" Pellegrino and Fabricio "Morango" Camoes has been moved from the undercard, to the televised portion of the fights.
Ben "Killa B" Saunders vs. Jon Fitch
welterweight (170)
Fighting on short notice is not something any fighter looks forward to. Impressing the boss, and getting a reputation as someone willing to fight anyone, anywhere, can definitely get you more big fights down the road. This fight however, is not a good match up for Saunders.
The striking acumen Saunders possesses, is the one edge he holds over Fitch. He is a tall, rangy fighter, with nasty knees and kicks. He lacks solid takedown defense, and his submissions aren't developed enough to submit a world class fighter like Fitch yet. He will likely be fighting this entire match staving off takedowns, and struggling to avoid the crushing ground and pound of the former Purdue wrestling captain.
It's no secret what Fitch is going to want to do; takedowns, takedowns, takedowns. With a thoroughly stifling top game, and a penchant for not knowing when to quit, Fitch is simply too much for Saunders. "Killa B" may put up a good fight, but expect a bruised and bloodied Saunders to watch Fitch's hand raised at the end of three rounds of getting pummeled and pulverized.
Fitch via Unanimous Decision
Kurt "Batman" Pellegrino vs Fabricio "Morango" Camoes
lightweight (155)
Getting a chance to fight on the main card, look for the two lightweights to make the most of the opportunity. Pellegrino is a very strong wrestler, with black belt in bjj, and an improving stand up game. That being said, he is going to want to use his wrestling and ground and pound to soften up Camoes for either a submission, or a stoppage win. The first may be tougher than it sounds against 2nd degree black belt Camoes.
With a strong background in submission fighting, but lacking when it comes to the mental aspect, and physical conditioning points of mma. Camoes is simple not used to fighting on this high a level of competition, and Pellegrino will exploit that.
"Batman" is going to be just that to Camoes on Saturday. He will out think, out maneuver, and most importantly, out fight Camoes. Look for Pellegrino to be a step ahead every minute of the fight, and have his hand raised after a one sided, if not particularly entertaining fight.
Pellegrino via Unanimous Decision
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment