UFC Fight Night: Arlovski vs. Barnett (September 03, 2016)

[THE_LOCKSMITH]

UFC Fight Pass, 3 p.m. ET
Andrei Arlovski vs Josh Barnett
Alexander Gustafsson vs Jan Blachowics
Ryan Bader vs Ilir Latifi
tae Hyun bang vs Nick Hein

UFC Fight Pass, 11:30 a.m. ET
Jessin Ayari vs Jim Wallhead
Nicolas Dalby vs Peter Sobotta
Ashlee Evans-Smith vs Veronica Macedo
Leandro Issa vs taylor Lapilus
Christian Colombo vs Jarjis Danho
Scott Askham vs Jack Hermansson
Rustam Khabilov vs Leandro Silva
Martin Buschkamp vs Alex Enlund

[PaperTrail07]

Hein for 1000 please Alex....

[Thrilla]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UFC_Fight_Night:_Arlovski_vs._Barnett

UFC Fight Night: Arlovski vs. Barnett

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ultimate Fighting Championship

September 3, 2016

Barclaycard Arena

Hamburg, Germany

UFC on Fox: Maia vs. Condit UFC Fight Night: Arlovski vs. Barnett UFC 203: Miocic vs. Overeem

UFC Fight Night: Arlovski vs. Barnett (also known as UFC Fight Night 93) is an upcoming mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) that will be held on September 3, 2016 at Barclaycard Arena in Hamburg, Germany.^[1]
Contents

• 1 Background
• 2 Official fight card
• 3 See also
• 4 References

Background

After holding four previous events in Germany (Cologne, Oberhausen and Berlin twice), the event will be the first that the organization has hosted in Hamburg.^[1]

A heavyweight bout between former UFC Heavyweight Champions, Andrei Arlovski and Josh Barnett is expected to serve as event headliner.^[2][3]

Promotional newcomer Emil Weber Meek was scheduled to face fellow newcomer Jessin Ayari at the event. However, Meek was removed from the fight on July 20 due to "compliance" issues, related to the UFC’s Anti-Doping Policy.^[4] One week later, he was replaced by another newcomer: Jim Wallhead.^[5]

Reza Madadi was expected to face Rustam Khabilov at the event. However on July 25, Madadi pulled out due to undisclosed reasons and was replaced by Leandro Silva.^[6]

A long rumored fight between Henry Briones and Brad Pickett was expected to take place on the card. However, Briones was replaced in early August for undisclosed reasons by Iuri Alcântara.^[7] Subsequently, that pairing was rescheduled to take place a month later at UFC 204.^[8]

Aisling Daly was expected to face former Invicta FC Atomweight Champion Michelle Waterson at the event. However, Daly was pulled from the fight on August 9 due to injury. Promotion officials reportedly searched to replace Daly in an attempt to keep Waterson on the card.^[9] In turn, Waterson was removed from the card after injuring her finger.^[10]

Germaine de Randamie was scheduled to face Ashlee Evans-Smith on the card. However, de Randamie pulled out of the fight in mid-August citing a foot injury and was replaced by Veronica Macedo.^[11]

Official fight card

Heavyweight	Andrei Arlovski	vs.	Josh Barnett
Light Heavyweight	Alexander Gustafsson	vs.	Jan Błachowicz
Light Heavyweight	Ryan Bader	vs.	Ilir Latifi
Lightweight	Nick Hein	vs.	Tae Hyun Bang
Welterweight	Jessin Ayari	vs.	Jim Wallhead
Welterweight	Peter Sobotta	vs.	Nicolas Dalby
Bantamweight	Taylor Lapilus	vs.	Leandro Issa
Heavyweight	Jarjis Danho	vs.	Christian Colombo
Middleweight	Scott Askham	vs.	Jack Hermansson
Lightweight	Rustam Khabilov	vs.	Leandro Silva
Featherweight	Martin Buschkamp	vs.	Alex Enlund
Women's Bantamweight	Ashlee Evans-Smith	vs.	Veronica Macedo

^[12]

[Thrilla]

Background Info ^^^

So many changes to the original card.

[JIBBBY]

I'll take Andrei Arlovski for 300 Alex...

$300.00

$390.00

Pending

9/3/16 5:00pm UFC Fighting 1001 Andrei Arlovski +130* vs Josh Barnett

Josh Barnett has been declining in skills, chin, love and dedication for the sport IMO.. It shows in his interviews and recent fights.... He's coming up on 40 years of age now as well.. Not a spring chicken anymore..

AA has the speed advantage, boxing advantage and should be able to defend the take downs.. If taken down he's athletic enough to scramble and get back up.. AA just has to avoid getting clipped standing early and or getting clinched up and taking wicked knees or elbows... OG Pitbull should have the cardio advantage as well if the fight drags on..

I've given up on Bosh Barnett in MMA against anyone that is ranked these days.... At +130 AA is a no brainer for me..http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Josh-Barnett-272

Since this is a 5 round fight I'll also take AA ITD for 100 Alex!!!

$100.00 $175.00 Pending 9/3/16 3:00pm MMA Props Fighting 1005 Arlovski wins inside distance +175* vs Not Arlovski inside distance

AA dropped Travis Brown and Travis Brown dropped Josh Barnett just saying...

[PaperTrail07]

barn could get him to the ground and sleep this thing....never know...

[JIBBBY]

Bader vs Latifi..

Sledge Hammer Latifi hits hard and I'm in on the KO prop.. Hedging with Bader ITD also as I'm not stupid.. Latifi has been stopped before by strikes and if they get to grappling he could gas out badly late and get stopped by Bader strikes or a sub are my thoughts on the flip...

Slight chance Bader could win by decision via lay a pray but I'm not betting on that because Latifi has a very good wrestling base.. I may still sprinkle and hedge more with Bader by decision at +165 and not get greedy.. Not doing that as of yet.. I'm still leaning that this fight doesn't go the distance..

$100.00

$420.00

Pending

9/3/16 3:00pm MMA Props Fighting 1229 Latifi wins by TKO/KO +420* vs Any other result

Hedge

$100.00

$155.00

Pending

9/3/16 3:00pm MMA Props Fighting 1209 Bader wins inside distance +155* vs Not Bader inside distance

We all remember Bader getting dropped by Rumble and Glover.. Chin is not granite that's for sure.. He also hasn't done well against bald headed guys

[Thrilla]

Always bet bald? new rule jibbbs?

[firekillex]

Should take arlovski Ko/tko prop instead of itd get a bit more value I don't think Alrovski is looking for a sub here... On arlovski straight and some tko/Ko prop as well... Also thinking of hedging something like bader decision +180 2 units , bader Rd 3 +975 1 unit and Latifi round 1 +650 1 unit come out profitable with any of those results... Bader tends to win by decision and Latifi gasses so he could finish late hence 3rd finish and decision for bader then basically all of latifis finishes are round 1
Bader has been clipped before so put that in just in case


also like like dalby at -105

[JIBBBY]

Always bet bald? new rule jibbbs?

Lol.. Naw to many bald guys in MMA as that theory would surely back fire..

[JIBBBY]

Should take arlovski Ko/tko prop instead of itd get a bit more value I don't think Alrovski is looking for a sub here... On arlovski straight and some tko/Ko prop as well... Also thinking of hedging something like bader decision +180 2 units , bader Rd 3 +975 1 unit and Latifi round 1 +650 1 unit come out profitable with any of those results... Bader tends to win by decision and Latifi gasses so he could finish late hence 3rd finish and decision for bader then basically all of latifis finishes are round 1
Bader has been clipped before so put that in just in case


also like like dalby at -105

I saw the AA KO prop but the odds difference between the KO and ITD prop were very small.. I just figured don't get greedy over a few points.. I always look to take ITD props over Sub and KO's when the odds are reasonably close.. Saved my ass a few times and works over time..

Just gives ya one extra avenue to win in a fight even if it is a long shot.. Most likely AA gets the KO if he is to win though Firekill and you are correct about that....

[Demonata]

Bader vs Latifi..

Sledge Hammer Latifi hits hard and I'm in on the KO prop.. Hedging with Bader ITD also as I'm not stupid.. Latifi has been stopped before by strikes and if they get to grappling he could gas out badly late and get stopped by Bader strikes or a sub are my thoughts on the flip...

Slight chance Bader could win by decision via lay a pray but I'm not betting on that because Latifi has a very good wrestling base.. I may still sprinkle and hedge more with Bader by decision at +165 and not get greedy.. Not doing that as of yet.. I'm still leaning that this fight doesn't go the distance..

$100.00

$420.00

Pending

9/3/16 3:00pm MMA Props Fighting 1229 Latifi wins by TKO/KO +420* vs Any other result

Hedge

$100.00

$155.00

Pending

9/3/16 3:00pm MMA Props Fighting 1209 Bader wins inside distance +155* vs Not Bader inside distance

We all remember Bader getting dropped by Rumble and Glover.. Chin is not granite that's for sure.. He also hasn't done well against bald headed guys

I love latifi to win but I'm also biased being swedish.

[JIBBBY]

barn could get him to the ground and sleep this thing....never know...

IDK Paper??? Tough call and as good as Barn is on the ground AA has never been Sub'd out in a pro fight. http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Andrei-Arlovski-270

I don't ever remember him being controlled on the ground either.... Hard to bet on that Barn sub prop as that would be a first in 37 pro fights for AA if it does happen... Odds aren't even that good IMO...

1039 Barnett wins by submission

+281

[Thrilla]

- Get an intimate look at the lives of two MMA pioneers, both former UFC heavyweight champions, as they prepare for a battle nearly a decade in the making. Californian Josh Barnett balances the grueling nature of mixed martial arts with fresh coaching approaches, a peaceful home life and a variety of intellectual pursuits. For Belarusian-born opponent Andrei Arlovski, home is where his head is: the Albuquerque gym where he has been reforged as a contender and rebuilt as a man.

- Fightnetwork.com/ - John Ramdeen and Robin Black preview UFC Fight Night Hamburg LIVE on Fight Network featuring Andrei Arlovski vs. Josh Barnett this Saturday in this segment of 5 Rounds.

- Fighters predict the UFC Fight Night 93 main event between Andrei Arlovski vs. Josh Barnett.

- Somehow in their long MMA careers, Josh Barnett and Andrei Arlovski have never crossed paths. That changes September 3rd in Hamburg, Germany and Josh Barnett talked about the matchup on Inside MMA.

[bjpenn85]

http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2016/8/30/12706982/ufc-203-video-watch-30-minutes-cm-punk-sparring-training-wwe

Imagine CM punk do what he does at the 23.58 mark hehe.

And btw, im on mickey gall.

[JIBBBY]

http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2016/8/30...g-training-wwe

Imagine CM punk do what he does at the 23.58 mark hehe.

And btw, im on mickey gall.

Yeah I'm with ya as I hit the Gall ITD prop just yesterday at -230.. Stiff odds and hard to swallow but I think it's money...

[firekillex]

Yeah I'm with ya as I hit the Gall ITD prop just yesterday at -230.. Stiff odds and hard to swallow but I think it's money...

cant see gall not finishing punk here unless a miracle happens... Usually never hit anything -200+ but this is almost a lock imo, this and the bisping over hendo only -220+ fights I'm on in the next while tbh

[bjpenn85]

cant see gall not finishing punk here unless a miracle happens... Usually never hit anything -200+ but this is almost a lock imo, this and the bisping over hendo only -220+ fights I'm on in the next while tbh

Its so hard to have first fight in the ufc. And lets not start with the athletic gap, youth, bjj experience, mma experience. Mickey gall has 3 amateur fights and 2 proff. This fight will be his 6 th fight. Just that alone, its a mismatch. A guy 5-0 shouldnt fight a debuting fighter. And just from the tape, you can see that this shouldnt really be close. But the price ai ai ai, mama mia, thats expensive. Cause you really dont have to much info on Gall either. Hes hands doesnt look good, just by the way he holds his hands when he strikes. Still a lot better than CM punk though. Inside prop is equal to the Straight odds more or less, so probably put Gall in a parlay. -200 would have been fair, -280 thats just not playable SU.

[firekillex]

Its so hard to have first fight in the ufc. And lets not start with the athletic gap, youth, bjj experience, mma experience. Mickey gall has 3 amateur fights and 2 proff. This fight will be his 6 th fight. Just that alone, its a mismatch. A guy 5-0 shouldnt fight a debuting fighter. And just from the tape, you can see that this shouldnt really be close. But the price ai ai ai, mama mia, thats expensive. Cause you really dont have to much info on Gall either. Hes hands doesnt look good, just by the way he holds his hands when he strikes. Still a lot better than CM punk though. Inside prop is equal to the Straight odds more or less, so probably put Gall in a parlay. -200 would have been fair, -280 thats just not playable SU.

agreed , he basically has every advantage in this fight imo younger, hungrier, more athletic and explosive , even better technique imo the only thing cm punk has is a better camp but it wont matter much here.. Gall is a legit decent prospect in mma his last fight he fought a decent striker and blasted him right away then took his back with ease, i think hell most likely do the same with CM here, but ya -280 is a bit pricey will most likely go with some props rd 1 finish , itd , maybe some of the sub prop will have to do the math and make something work because i really like gall in this spot

[Thrilla]

- UFC Breakdown is the most in-depth, hands-on Fight Night preview show to date. Fighter and UFC commentator Dan Hardy, alongside co-host John Gooden, provide us with expert analysis of the highly anticipated main event match up between Andrei Arlovski and Josh Barnett plus they focus on Alex Gustafsson’s return to the octagon as he takes on Jan Blachowicz at UFC Fight Night Hamburg. Dan will combine ‘On-the-Mat’ breakdowns, along with on-screen graphics-led analysis to demonstrate where the fights will be won and lost in the octagon. Guests in the studio include Welterweight fighter Nicolas Dalby who takes on Peter Sobotta in Hamburg and Nick Peet, Editor of Fighters Only Magazine.

[Alex Hart]

What's your guys initial thoughts on the Rustam Khabilov vs Leandro Silva fight?

I was thinking about adding Khabilov ML to an open parlay I have. Good idea? Any possible prop plays for this fight?

Thanks!

[Thrilla]

^^ Video Andrei Arlovski vs. Josh Barnett LIVE on FN Preview on 5 Rounds. Take a note of Robin Black's words. ''Just don't bet on heavy weights it's just too many variables.''

What do you say JIBBBY? Do we add always avoid betting on heavy weights to the rule book?

[JIBBBY]

^^ Video Andrei Arlovski vs. Josh Barnett LIVE on FN Preview on 5 Rounds. Take a note of Robin Black's words. ''Just don't bet on heavy weights it's just too many variables.''

What do you say JIBBBY? Do we add always avoid betting on heavy weights to the rule book?

I will tell you this as a general rule of thumb Thilla killa -

- Big Heavyweights I typically first look at the under round bets.. Big boys have big KO power and limited gas tanks so more often then not the fights don't last.. Unless you have a pure wrestler that will lay and pray for 3 rounds..

Flip

- Little people of MMA (women and men) Typically go the distance, they don't have alot of KO power so it's hard to knock each other out.. They typically have unlimited gas tanks.. If you have 2 strikers they typically always go the distance.. If you have a submission specialist then you gotta be careful with the overs..

A couple tips that I always think about anyways when betting on big boys or tiny girls.... Thought to share..

[JIBBBY]

MMA MANIA PRELIM write ups.. Not JIBBBY write ups, Patrick Stumberg write ups... Solid short read information though as always...




135 lbs.: Leandro Issa vs. Taylor Lapilus

After tapping out to Russell Doane in his Octagon debut, Leandro Issa (13-5) showed off his Brazilian jiu-jitsu prowess with consecutive submissions of Jumabieke Tuerxun and Yuta Sasaki. His last time out, he grappled his way to an early lead against Iuri Alcantara before fading late in the face of "Marajo’s" power striking.


"Brodinho" has submitted nine opponents overall.
Taylor Lapilus (10-2) smashed up Rocky Lee in his UFC debut, then finished Yuta Sasaki in the second round for his first career knockout win. This set up a showdown with Jackson-Winklejohn product Erik Perez, who edged out the Frenchman over three competitive rounds.
His only other professional loss came against top-tier Flyweight prospect Magomed Bibulatov in 2013.


For someone with no experience under the unified rules before his UFC debut, Lapilus has been extremely impressive. His takedown defense has looked much stouter than expected and his striking has been crisp and effective.
In short, bad news for Issa.
The Brazilian’s top game is good enough to overwhelm almost anyone in the division should he get it to the mat, but his striking is an afterthought and his takedowns are extremely hit-and-miss. I doubt he’ll be able to control the Frenchman in the clinch and Lapilus’ striking edge ought to prove more and more effective as Issa’s failed attempts drain him. "Double Impact" pounds out a fading Issa in the third frame.
Prediction: Lapilus by third-round technical knockout


170 lbs.: Jim Wallhead vs. Jessin Ayari

Jim Wallhead (29-9) -- a Bellator MMA tournament competitor way back in 2011 and 2012 -- joins UFC after 11 years in the game. His resume includes wins over future/former UFC competitors Igor Araujo, Che Mills, Frank Trigg and Matt Veach, among others.
"Judo Jim" has won four straight since a knockout loss to Danny Roberts, three of them via knockout.
Jessin Ayari (15-3) has won six straight since a 2013 knockout loss, three of them via stoppage. His most recent bout saw him defeat former UFC competitor Mickael Lebout by decision. He is two inches taller than Wallhead at 6’0."
Not really sure on this one. Ayari’s physically strong and can put together some decent combinations, but Wallhead is far more experienced and proven on a high level. While he doesn’t have the takedown prowess that his nickname would suggest, he’s a very capable grappler and his recent knockout spree bodes ill for Ayari’s twice-cracked chin.
Ayari can do some damage in the clinch and his physicality might give him the edge in exchanges, but I think Wallhead’s experience, durability and punching power carry him to victory.
Prediction: Wallhead by first-round technical knockout


135 lbs.: Veronica Macedo vs. Ashlee Evans-Smith

Venezuela’s Veronica Macedo (5-0) went undefeated (2-0) on the amateur circuit before making her professional debut this past March. She’s scored two finishes in that span, one via technical knockout and one by heel hook. She replaces the injured Germaine de Randamie on short notice.
The Octagon debut for Ashlee Evans-Smith (4-1) was a one-two punch of disappointment as she went out from a bulldog choke before being suspended for a failed drug test. She returned to action 15 months later with a close decision over Marion Reneau in Pittsburgh. She stands five inches taller than Macedo at 5’8."
I haven’t been very impressed with Evans-Smith’s UFC performances and I firmly believe she deserved the loss against Reneau, but it’s hard to imagine her losing here. Macedo is giving up size, her takedown defense isn’t up to snuff and she has less than six months of professional experience. Even if she wasn’t taking this fight on short notice, she’d be facing a major uphill battle.
Evans-Smith ought to dominate in a big way, grounding Macedo early and often before ultimately pounding her out.
Prediction: Evans-Smith via second-round technical knockout


145 lbs.: Martin Buschkamp vs. Alex Enlund

Martin Buschkamp (9-0) has torn through the European circuit in his seven-year career, going past the first round just twice. All seven of those first-round stoppages have come by rear-naked choke and all but one have come within three minutes. At 25 years old, he is four years younger than Alex Enlund (14-2).
Two first-round losses in three fights slowed Enlund’s rise, but he’s gone on to win seven straight since. That run includes a submission of Artem Lobov and a five-round decision over Nad Narimani to earn the CWFC Featherweight title. He’s tapped 11 opponents and knocked out another two.
This is a really, really good fight that’s likely going to slip under the radar. Both Buschkamp and Enlund are tremendous grapplers with great takedown games and a knack for taking the back in scrambles. Buschkamp looks like the faster of the two and the more effective striker, while Enlund’s got the smoother takedown entries.
I’ve flip-flopped a few times, but I think I’m going to take Enlund. The Englishman is slightly more proven against quality opposition and his overall takedown game seems the better of the two. Though he is somewhat hittable, I expect him to win enough of the grappling exchanges to take a highly-entertaining opening bout.
Prediction: Enlund via unanimous decisi

[Thrilla]

I will tell you this as a general rule of thumb Thilla killa -

- Big Heavyweights I typically first look at the under round bets.. Big boys have big KO power and limited gas tanks so more often then not the fights don't last.. Unless you have a pure wrestler that will lay and pray for 3 rounds..

Flip

- Little people of MMA (women and men) Typically go the distance, they don't have alot of KO power so it's hard to knock each other out.. They typically have unlimited gas tanks.. If you have 2 strikers they typically always go the distance.. If you have a submission specialist then you gotta be careful with the overs..

A couple tips that I always think about anyways when betting on big boys or tiny girls.... Thought to share..

Unfortunately the bookmaker knows this. Thats why we get shit odds for under in heavyweights and shit odds for over bets with the little people.

I would bet heavyweight fights regardless anyway. Just be more careful with the stakes.

[JIBBBY]

Unfortunately the bookmaker knows this. Thats why we get shit odds for under in heavyweights and shit odds for over bets with the little people.

I would bet heavyweight fights regardless anyway. Just be more careful with the stakes.

Yeah I know, pretty much common knowledge.. Still something to think about, once in a while the odds are workable with the O/U's.. I play 1 or 2 O/U bets per card on average and have been hitting those lately..

I loved that OVER at -120 in the Jim Miller/Lauson fight, not that they are big guys or little guys or anything like that.. I just thought those odds should have been way higher since the first fight went the distance. I jumped on that. 2 tough seasoned vets.. Bookmakers don't always get it right.. Just saying..

[firekillex]

What's your guys initial thoughts on the Rustam Khabilov vs Leandro Silva fight?

I was thinking about adding Khabilov ML to an open parlay I have. Good idea? Any possible prop plays for this fight?

Thanks!

ill be on khabilov decision most likely ... -300 definitely a no play

[Hugo de Naranja]

ill be on khabilov decision most likely ... -300 definitely a no play

He should win and I would have bet him at the opener of (-210) but don't see any value in the current price.

[JIBBBY]

MMA MANIA PRELIM write ups.. Not JIBBBY write ups, Patrick Stumberg write ups... Solid short read information though as always...




135 lbs.: Leandro Issa vs. Taylor Lapilus

After tapping out to Russell Doane in his Octagon debut, Leandro Issa (13-5) showed off his Brazilian jiu-jitsu prowess with consecutive submissions of Jumabieke Tuerxun and Yuta Sasaki. His last time out, he grappled his way to an early lead against Iuri Alcantara before fading late in the face of "Marajo’s" power striking.


"Brodinho" has submitted nine opponents overall.
Taylor Lapilus (10-2) smashed up Rocky Lee in his UFC debut, then finished Yuta Sasaki in the second round for his first career knockout win. This set up a showdown with Jackson-Winklejohn product Erik Perez, who edged out the Frenchman over three competitive rounds.
His only other professional loss came against top-tier Flyweight prospect Magomed Bibulatov in 2013.


For someone with no experience under the unified rules before his UFC debut, Lapilus has been extremely impressive. His takedown defense has looked much stouter than expected and his striking has been crisp and effective.
In short, bad news for Issa.
The Brazilian’s top game is good enough to overwhelm almost anyone in the division should he get it to the mat, but his striking is an afterthought and his takedowns are extremely hit-and-miss. I doubt he’ll be able to control the Frenchman in the clinch and Lapilus’ striking edge ought to prove more and more effective as Issa’s failed attempts drain him. "Double Impact" pounds out a fading Issa in the third frame.
Prediction: Lapilus by third-round technical knockout


170 lbs.: Jim Wallhead vs. Jessin Ayari

Jim Wallhead (29-9) -- a Bellator MMA tournament competitor way back in 2011 and 2012 -- joins UFC after 11 years in the game. His resume includes wins over future/former UFC competitors Igor Araujo, Che Mills, Frank Trigg and Matt Veach, among others.
"Judo Jim" has won four straight since a knockout loss to Danny Roberts, three of them via knockout.
Jessin Ayari (15-3) has won six straight since a 2013 knockout loss, three of them via stoppage. His most recent bout saw him defeat former UFC competitor Mickael Lebout by decision. He is two inches taller than Wallhead at 6’0."
Not really sure on this one. Ayari’s physically strong and can put together some decent combinations, but Wallhead is far more experienced and proven on a high level. While he doesn’t have the takedown prowess that his nickname would suggest, he’s a very capable grappler and his recent knockout spree bodes ill for Ayari’s twice-cracked chin.
Ayari can do some damage in the clinch and his physicality might give him the edge in exchanges, but I think Wallhead’s experience, durability and punching power carry him to victory.
Prediction: Wallhead by first-round technical knockout


135 lbs.: Veronica Macedo vs. Ashlee Evans-Smith

Venezuela’s Veronica Macedo (5-0) went undefeated (2-0) on the amateur circuit before making her professional debut this past March. She’s scored two finishes in that span, one via technical knockout and one by heel hook. She replaces the injured Germaine de Randamie on short notice.
The Octagon debut for Ashlee Evans-Smith (4-1) was a one-two punch of disappointment as she went out from a bulldog choke before being suspended for a failed drug test. She returned to action 15 months later with a close decision over Marion Reneau in Pittsburgh. She stands five inches taller than Macedo at 5’8."
I haven’t been very impressed with Evans-Smith’s UFC performances and I firmly believe she deserved the loss against Reneau, but it’s hard to imagine her losing here. Macedo is giving up size, her takedown defense isn’t up to snuff and she has less than six months of professional experience. Even if she wasn’t taking this fight on short notice, she’d be facing a major uphill battle.
Evans-Smith ought to dominate in a big way, grounding Macedo early and often before ultimately pounding her out.
Prediction: Evans-Smith via second-round technical knockout


145 lbs.: Martin Buschkamp vs. Alex Enlund

Martin Buschkamp (9-0) has torn through the European circuit in his seven-year career, going past the first round just twice. All seven of those first-round stoppages have come by rear-naked choke and all but one have come within three minutes. At 25 years old, he is four years younger than Alex Enlund (14-2).
Two first-round losses in three fights slowed Enlund’s rise, but he’s gone on to win seven straight since. That run includes a submission of Artem Lobov and a five-round decision over Nad Narimani to earn the CWFC Featherweight title. He’s tapped 11 opponents and knocked out another two.
This is a really, really good fight that’s likely going to slip under the radar. Both Buschkamp and Enlund are tremendous grapplers with great takedown games and a knack for taking the back in scrambles. Buschkamp looks like the faster of the two and the more effective striker, while Enlund’s got the smoother takedown entries.
I’ve flip-flopped a few times, but I think I’m going to take Enlund. The Englishman is slightly more proven against quality opposition and his overall takedown game seems the better of the two. Though he is somewhat hittable, I expect him to win enough of the grappling exchanges to take a highly-entertaining opening bout.
Prediction: Enlund via unanimous decisi

PART 2 -

185 lbs.: Scott Askham vs. Jack Hermansson

Eleven fights into his professional career, Scott Askham (14-2) defeated Jorge Bezerra to win the BAMMA Middleweight title and proceeded to knockout Max Nunes in his first title defense. He’s gone 2-2 in UFC, picking up knockouts of Antonio dos Santos Jr. and Chris Dempsey amid tough losses to Magnus Cedenblad and Krzysztof Jotko.
He has knocked out nine professional opponents.
Sweden’s Jack Hermansson (13-2) joined Bellator MMA after five professional fights, where he went winless (0-2) before returning to the European circuit. Said return proved successful, as he won and twice defended the Cage Warriors middleweight title during his eight-fight win streak.


He is two inches shorter than the 6’3" Askham.
Both of these men are big hitters -- 22 of their 27 wins have come inside the distance, 17 of them by knockout. Though Hermansson’s beaten some quality opposition, I have to lean toward Askham.
The big Brit’s two UFC losses came against highly-effective grapplers, while Hermansson will likely oblige him in a striking battle. There, Askham’s clinchwork and raw power ought to carry the day. At range, Askham’s kicks should work well against Hermansson’s in-and-out strikes and he’s well-equipped to do damage should "The Joker" elect to wade in and trade bombs. Askham catches him with something big after a round and a half of fun engagements.
Prediction: Askham via second-round technical knockout


265 lbs.: Jarjis Danho vs. Christian Colombo

Jarjis Danho (6-1) entered UFC on the heels of six finishes in six wins, the only blemish a "No Contest" because of a "timekeeping error." In his Octagon debut, he took on Daniel Omielanczuk and ultimately lost a technical decision after eating a low blow.
He will give up two inches of height to the 6’5" Christian Colombo (8-1).
Poland’s Colombo ran afoul of Viktor Pesta early in his career, but has bounced back to win six straight. Last December, he returned from a two-year absence to knockout Tom Sasaki in the first round. Six of his wins have come by knockout.
Two very big, very awkward dudes means that the length and entertainment value of this fight will be inversely proportional. Danho doesn’t have much going for him besides his size and Colombo is every bit as slow. The difference is that Colombo has at least a rudimentary understanding of kickboxing. The Pole has decent kicks and some solid power, which combined with his length ought to work well against Danho.
Danho could grind him down, of course, but the Syrian giant doesn’t have much of a gas tank and I really wasn’t impressed with his debut. Colombo beats him down sometime in the second.
Prediction: Colombo via second-round technical knockout


170 lbs.: Nicolas Dalby vs. Peter Sobotta

Smooth technique and raw grit have carried Nicolas Dalby (14-1-1) to a 1-1-1 UFC record against stiff competition. The Dane’s most recent bout saw him struggle with Zak Cummings’ size and strength en route to his first career defeat. Four of his professional wins have come by knockout.
Four years after a three-and-out UFC run, Peter Sobotta (15-5-1) returned to the world’s largest fight promotion with wins over Pawel Pawlak and Steve Kennedy. Last November, he squared off with The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) veteran Kyle Noke, who knocked out Sobotta for the first time in his career with a brutal body kick. He has gone the distance in victory just once, submitting 10 opponents.
I’ve said before that Dalby reminds me a lot of Martin Kampmann -- he shares his countryman’s struggles with physical powerhouses and his heavy reliance on wrestling despite solid technical striking. Sadly, he’s not quite the wrestler "The Hitman" was, which limits his ceiling.
Luckily, his takedown defense ought to be good enough to keep it standing against Sobotta, who’s a step behind in the stand up. Further, though the German may have the slight edge on the ground, he doesn’t have the strength or punching power that the likes of Darren Till and Zak Cummings used to overwhelm "The Sharpshooter." Dalby dictates position and controls the striking for a competitive decision win.
Prediction: Dalby via unanimous decision

[firekillex]

He should win and I would have bet him at the opener of (-210) but don't see any value in the current price.

-140 decision or +257 ITD
will most likely be on the decision dont love -140 price tag but i dont really see khabilov losing this fight he most likely grinds out a dominate decision here with his wrestling and some heavy exchanges his opponent leandro silva is super tough and has never been finished once in his career as well

[Snowball]

I might take Macedo if she's a decent dog..
a little smaller but I appreciate undefeated fighters..
here she says she's tougher than Evans-Smith.
Only thing I've decided for sure is not to take Barnett.

[Demonata]

Anybody else like arlovski? I feel he should be the favorite

[kmdubya]

Anybody else like arlovski? I feel he should be the favorite

I'm on that.

Same as what JIBBBY said.

Barnett is diminishing I feel pretty quickly. Arlovsky has decent TDD and good KO power. Arlovsky's chin is always suspect to me, but that is the only way I can really see Barnett winning this fight.

[Thrilla]

Alex Enlund Injured, Bout vs. Martin Buschkamp at UFC Fight Night Hamburg Scrapped.

[Hugo de Naranja]

-140 decision or +257 ITD
will most likely be on the decision dont love -140 price tag but i dont really see khabilov losing this fight he most likely grinds out a dominate decision here with his wrestling and some heavy exchanges his opponent leandro silva is super tough and has never been finished once in his career as well

Maybe -3.5 at (-200) or better if you think he will dominate.