Curran is going to put an end to the hype train. I've already posted that I believe most of the fight will be contested on the feet, due to both fighter's outstanding takedown defence, and although many would give Pitbull the edge on the feet, I think Curran will beat him there. Soundly.
I believe that if there's a knockout, it will be Pat knocking out Freire, and rarely vice-versa. Pitbull can get the better of Curran in some exchanges, and maybe even win some rounds, but the fact is that Curran is one of the most well-rounded strikers in the division and his defence is resoundingly the best in the division. His defence is superb, and his ability to control distance and pacing is excellent.
Let me ask you the money question: outside of his physical tools, what is Curran's biggest advantage on the feet? The answer is that he is a truly disciplined striker. Say what you will about Freire's cardio, he's gotten two third-round knockouts in Bellator, but the fact that he gets sloppier and sloppier as the fight progresses is undeniable. For an example, his knockout of Reis is considered one of his finest moments, but take a look at the video. His form, his technique, his timing. Look at everything about it.
I'm not impressed by Freire's cardio, and I don't think he's a disciplined enough striker to execute a solid game plan against a fighter like Curran for five rounds. Pitbull has the tools to win, but he probably won't find the early knockout due to Curran's defence, and even if he wins the first round or two, it will get ugly from there. Pat Curran can find anyone's chin; his accuracy and his ability to exploit openings in a person's striking game are world-class. Curran is a low-volume striker with a style that doesn't bode well for him should the fight go to the judges, but even if Pitbull wins the first three rounds, if he gets sloppy as he has in the past, there's a very strong chance that Curran will finish him. Freire is a physical specimen, but Curran is conditioned, disciplined, and has the fight IQ to exploit Pitbull at every possible turn. He'll use his reach and cardio advantages, drag Pitbull into deep waters, and then drown him.
Curran, moderate-large.
I believe that if there's a knockout, it will be Pat knocking out Freire, and rarely vice-versa. Pitbull can get the better of Curran in some exchanges, and maybe even win some rounds, but the fact is that Curran is one of the most well-rounded strikers in the division and his defence is resoundingly the best in the division. His defence is superb, and his ability to control distance and pacing is excellent.
Let me ask you the money question: outside of his physical tools, what is Curran's biggest advantage on the feet? The answer is that he is a truly disciplined striker. Say what you will about Freire's cardio, he's gotten two third-round knockouts in Bellator, but the fact that he gets sloppier and sloppier as the fight progresses is undeniable. For an example, his knockout of Reis is considered one of his finest moments, but take a look at the video. His form, his technique, his timing. Look at everything about it.
I'm not impressed by Freire's cardio, and I don't think he's a disciplined enough striker to execute a solid game plan against a fighter like Curran for five rounds. Pitbull has the tools to win, but he probably won't find the early knockout due to Curran's defence, and even if he wins the first round or two, it will get ugly from there. Pat Curran can find anyone's chin; his accuracy and his ability to exploit openings in a person's striking game are world-class. Curran is a low-volume striker with a style that doesn't bode well for him should the fight go to the judges, but even if Pitbull wins the first three rounds, if he gets sloppy as he has in the past, there's a very strong chance that Curran will finish him. Freire is a physical specimen, but Curran is conditioned, disciplined, and has the fight IQ to exploit Pitbull at every possible turn. He'll use his reach and cardio advantages, drag Pitbull into deep waters, and then drown him.
Curran, moderate-large.
I'm smallish on him, and very small on the over.
