UFC on Fuel TV 10: June 8, 2013 Ginásio Paulo Sarasate in Fortaleza, Brazil UFC Featherweight Contender Rony Jason (-305) Profile: Winner of The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil’s inaugural featherweight tournament, Rony “Jason” Bezerra (12-3) punctuated his spot in the Octagon with a Knockout of the Night performance over Sam Sicilia at UFC 153. The combination of Bezerra’s good size at featherweight, his dangerous hands and good Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills make him a threat to anyone in the division. There’s a reason why coach Wanderlei Silva selected him as the top overall pick on his team for TUF: Brazil. UFC Featherweight Contender Mike Wilkinson (+225) Profile: An undefeated cast member of TUF: Smashes, Mike “The Warrior” Wilkinson (8-0) had to deal with an eye injury taking him off the show despite winning his fight against Brendan Loughnane. Now, Wilkinson returns to takes on the winner of TUF: Brazil. The 25-year-old Englishman is well-versed in submission wrestling and loves to take his opponent down. Wilkinson has six finishes among his eight wins, including four submissions and two knockouts. Opening UFC on FUEL TV 10 Odds Analysis: MMA oddsmaker Nick Kalikas made Bezerra a big -305 favorite (bet $305 to win $100) while Wilkinson opened as a +225 underdog (bet $100 to win $225) at Several Bookmakers sportsbook. Rony Jason’s experience gives him the edge along with the level of competition he has faced so far over his first 15 bouts, capped by his current seven-fight winning streak. Wilkinson may be unbeaten, but his injury during TUF: Smashes kept MMA fans from seeing what he could do against Colin Fletcher in the semifinals. Fletcher went on to advance to the finals of the tournament before losing to Norman Clarke, but he has since been released by the UFC, so it remains to be seen how good the rest of the field really is. Bezerra has looked impressive in the UFC and should make it very difficult for Wilkinson to stay undefeated while also having the advantage of fighting in his home country.
