UFC Fight Night 26 TD Garden, Boston, MA Saturday, August 17, 2013 Heavyweight bout (three rounds): Alistair Overeem (-220) vs. Travis Browne (+200) Fight Breakdown: The co-main event of UFC Fight Night 26 is a three-round heavyweight bout between Alistair Overeem and Travis Browne. Overeem is a -220 favorite (bet $220 to win $100) while Browne is a +200 underdog (bet $100 to win $200) at Several Bookmakers. Overeem (36-12, 1 NC) is the former Strikeforce heavyweight champion and was well on his way to fighting for the UFC belt until he ran into Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva at UFC 156 and was knocked out in embarrassing fashion. The 33 year old Overeem is a gifted muay Thai striker and he has good wrestling and submissions as well, but his chin is poor and his cardio is questionable as well. Plus he’s been linked to PEDs in the past. Against Browne look for Overeem to show off his standup skill because, while Browne is a good striker in his own right, he doesn’t hold a candle to Reem on the feet. Browne (14-1-1) is an up-and-coming heavyweight who has put together an impressive resume in his short time in the sport. The 31 year old Hawaiian is super athletic and his athleticism has transferred well into his MMA career as he’s been able to pull off moves that other men of his size can’t do, and training at Greg Jackson’s, expect him to display even more skills on Saturday. Against Reem look for Browne to keep the fight standing and attack his opponent’s chin, but he better make sure he also watches his own in the process. Fight Prediction: I believe Reem has more tools to win this fight and in a fight between two heavy-limbed strikers, I have to go with the fighter who has more paths to victory for my pick. I wouldn’t be surprised if this fight did hit the floor and Reem used his wrestling and submissions, but I think it’s more likely the fight stays standing and I think Reem is going to be the one who lands first. Adam’s Pick: Overeem via KO (click for latest MMA odds) Adam’s Recommended Play: I liked Reem when he recently dipped under 2-to-1, but now that he’s up to -220 I have to pass on him after seeing the weigh-ins, as he had lost 8.5 pounds from the Bigfoot fight and with his history of being linked to PEDs, I can’t risk my money on him. Pass on a bet here and just enjoy this fight as it’s likely to end in a finish either way, it’s just hard to say who’s going to come out on top.
