This Saturday, Orlando, Florida will be the place to be for quality MMA as the UFC will commandeer the Amway Center for a night of spectacular fights. A multitude of bouts will be televised via the Fox television network. The promotion is stout with talented, top-level combatants facing one another in the legendary UFC Octagon. The entire spectacle is headlined by a heavyweight match that is as luxurious as any matchup could be: two-of-the-top-three heavies in the UFC world are doing battle. Making the stakes even higher, the victor of the prizefight will face UFC maximum weight legend Cain Velasquez. The prospects of this main event alone make this a must-see event.
The final bout of the promotion will showcase number two ranked UFC heavyweight Fabricio Werdum (17-5-1) taking on the third best UFC heavy Travis Browne (16-1-1). The contest is scheduled for three rounds. At first glance, this combat seems simple: jiu-jitsu master Werdum needs to wage a ground war, while Browne, a devastating striker, needs to keep the fight upright in order to get his shot at Velasquez. This is not incorrect, as each warrior must be able to impose their fighting strengths in order to be in the best position to take the other. The thing to remember is that both veteran cage contestants are well-schooled and capable of neutralizing the other’s attack.
This fight comes down to adjustments mid-bout, where Werdum may be at a disadvantage. The two-time former Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion is a man of many disciplines and abilities. Werdum is also schooled in Judo and Muay Thai, holding black belts in each. His ground game is the centerpiece of his attack but the Brazilian has greatly improved his striking abilities as of late. Werdum is on a three fight winning streak in which he conquered the likes of Roy Nelson (decision), Mike Russow (stoppage) and submitted Antonio Rodriguez Nogueira. Although this streak is impressive, none of his three recent conquests compare to the Hawaiian-based American.
Browne is also streaking in both wins and knockouts. The powerful Hawaiian has won his last three contests, all by knockout. Striking has been the key to Browne’s career, as 12 of his 16 wins have been by knockout. The American’s brute strength, quick hands and feet, and impressive athletic ability make him a nightmare for any cage combatant in the sport today. Add in the fact that, in two of his last three contests, Browne laid his opponents to sleep while they attempted to take him to the mat and things get harder for Werdum.
The match is sure to electrify the fans in attendance and those watching and television, at least for as long as it lasts. Werdum will be cautious in the beginning but it will not take long for both men to look for their opportunities. The Brazilian has what it takes to beat the American but this will not be the case on Saturday. Browne will hunt down Werdum, landing bruising strikes early and will end it within two rounds.
Sergio L. Martinez
www.convictedartist.com
