UFC Fight Night 38 Date: March 23, 2014 Arena: Ginasio Nelio Dias City: Natal, Brazil Light Heavyweight bout: Francimar “Bodao” Barroso (-140) vs Hans Stringer (+100) Fight Breakdown: Getting the action started in Brazil for the UFC Fight Night 38 preliminary card on UFC Fight Pass will be a light heavyweight bout between a Brazilian and a Dutchman, when Nova Uniao’s Francimar “Bodao” Barroso takes on Blackzilian product Hans Stringer. The betting odds for this scrap are currently at a near coin-flip, with Barroso being a -140 ($140 to win $100) and Stringer being +100 ($100 to win $100) at Several Bookmakerss. Francimar “Bodao” Barroso (16-3 MMA, 1-0 UFC) was victorious in his Octagon debut over seven months ago, as he outpointed Ednaldo Oliveira on the judges’ scorecards en route to a 30-27 scorecard victory. He did not try to finish Oliveira, but instead played it safe and just technically outpointed him for all three rounds of action. Barroso has a solid base, which benefits his takedown defense. The Brazilian has a great ground game, as he does damage with intense ground and pound and is a threat with his submissions. The Shooto veteran is great off his back, as well. He takes chances; gives up positions, as he goes for finishes. Barroso is also very good at transitioning on the ground, from one submission attempt to another. The 34-year old has excellent stand-up, brutal striking, and great takedowns. All of this needs to be taken with a grain of salt, though, as he’s never faced quality competition, and I believe Stringer will be the toughest test of his professional mixed martial arts career. Now riding a four fight winning streak, Barroso will be looking to make it five in a row with two in the Octagon, as he gets ready to take on the Dutchman. In his Octagon debut, the Brazilian displayed patience and the ability to properly conserve energy throughout a three round fight. He looked like a veteran in the cage, and did not seem to suffer from any Octagon jitters. Training out of Nova Unaio, Barroso is a well-conditioned veteran who will be prepared to go all 15 minutes against Stringer, should the fight go the distance. Hans Stringer (21-5-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC) is getting ready to make his Octagon debut, coming off a draw against Francisco France in what was his WSOF debut, so it’s a bit strange to me that the UFC signed a fighter who wasn’t coming off an actual win. That said, I do believe Stringer is a UFC-caliber fighter, and was happy to hear of his signing. He is undefeated in his last five fights, owning first round TKO stoppages in three of them. 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 is not incredibly talented on the feet, but I do expect to see improvements in his striking game, since he has been putting time in with Blackzilian striking coach Henri Hooft. The 26-year old puts together some decent combinations. He is a technical striker who possesses good head movement and a solid chin. The Dutchman has a very good ground game. He has good takedowns, and 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., I expect Stringer to have his cardio ready for a three round fight in what will be his debut under the big lights. Octagon jitters could be a factor for the Dutchman, but I don’t think they will be. Fight Prediction: I am expecting this to be a close fight where both fighters have their moments, but I think the Brazilian’s experience and fight IQ will play a factor in him getting the better of the Dutchman, and ultimately edging out a decision on the judges’ scorecards. Gabe’s Pick: Francimar Barroso by Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28) Gabe’s Recommended Play: Over 1.5 rounds (-230) parlayed with Ronny Markes (-705) for -157 4.7u to win 3u
