Jose Aldo -140 ...Ima fan of Marlon Vera, but his only path to victory as out-striking Aldo. Aldo possesses an immense TDD game, and even though Vera’s damaging clinch strikes could occupy his attention, Vera will still fail to take down (let alone keep down) Aldo. Sure Vera has the range advantage, but Aldo is freakishly powerful and will keep Vera humble from entering up-close as frequently as he did against O’Malley, Song, and Ewell.
Michel Pereira -103 & ITD ...Pereira is such a mixed bag, you genuinely do not know what version of the mad Brazilian will rock up. If the man who destroyed Imadaev turns up, then his range/reach will mean that he beats Williams to the punch when they trade. Moreover, Williams himself may be more gunshy when facing such an orthodox striker. We haven’t seen Williams on the mat, nor tied up in a clinch, and thus Pereira’s experience just tips this
Marlon Moraes -140 & Sub ...Moraes is an absolute killer despite a torrid couple of years. Arguably losing three on the trot, Moraes has taken a necessary step down in quality. Font is a fine striker, and will be able to take advantage of an exhausted Moraes if he manages to safely make his way past the first round, but I just can’t see it happening. Faster, harder-hitting, and most importantly, stronger on the ground. 1st or 2nd sub coming.
Marcin Tybura +100 ...Hardy could technically finish this early, but he does not have the skills to land the power punch necessary to sleep Tybura. This will be a long, exhausting display of Tybura’s top control. Maybe he will attempt a submission. Most likely wins on the cards though.
Made tiny profit last night, first time in over a month. Had a terrible run, but at least I finished the year with a winning night, no matter how minor.
LAST NIGHT [5-8 +0.5u]