WSOF 6 Date: October 26, 2013 Arena: BankUnited Center City: Coral Gables, F.L. Light Heavyweight bout: Francisco “Kiko” France” (+225) vs Hans Stringer (-305) Fight Breakdown: The WSOF 6 preliminary card will feature a light heavyweight bout between two promotional newcomers when definite finishers Francisco “Kiko” France and Hans Stringer go head to head in a fight that guarantees a stoppage. France is the underdog heading in the match-up at +225 ($100 to win $225), with Stringer being the favorite at -305 ($305) at Several Bookmakerss. FRANCISCO “KIKO” FRANCE (8-3 MMA, 0-0 WSOF) will be making his promotional debut, coming off a 13-month layoff, after securing a first round armbar submission victory his last time out. He owns notable career wins over The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) veterans James McSweeny and Cale Yarbrough. All three of them submission finishes. France is a talented Brazilian Jiu-Jiutsi practitioner, and the fact that all eight of his professional mixed martial arts career victories are by way of submission makes that obvious. Four of the eight submissions came by arm triangle choke, which is his all-time favorite submission. He is cutting more weight than he is used to and has only been the distance once in his eleven professional fight career, in a losing effort against The Dean of Mean, so I think he will be at a cardio disadvantage in this bout against the Dutchman. He will also be at a height and reach disadvantage, not to mention a striking disadvantage on the feet. HANS STRINGER (21-5 MMA, 0-0 WSOF) is making his WSOF debut riding a four-fight win streak that includes three first round TKO finishes. He was set to debut against Lew Polley at WSOF 4 and went as far as making weight for the fight. However, Polley did not and the fight was pulled, but Stringer did receive his show money. Stringer hit the regional circuit at 18 years of age and has been somewhat of a force in the light heavyweight division, racking up nine wins by knockout and eight by tapout, with only four by way of decision. Stringer isn’t the best striker but he can certainly hold his own, especially against fighters who have not been strikers since childhood. He throws decent combinations and is a technical striker who possesses good head movement and a solid chin. Stringer has a very good ground game. He has good takedowns; he changes levels really well. His defensive game on the ground is also impressive, as he is threatening off his back. Training out of the Blackzilians camp in Boca Raton, F.L., Stringer will have his conditioning ready for a three round battle. Fight Prediction: Stringer will stuff France’s takedowns and put him away with strikes. Gabe’s Pick: Hans Stringer by TKO (strikes, 3:39, round 1) Gabe’s Recommended Play: Hans Stringer -305 for a big play, as I think he should be -650.
