UFC on FOX 11 Date: April 18, 2014 Arena: Amway Center City: Orlando, FL Heavyweight bout: Fabricio Werdum (+170) vs Travis “Hapa” Browne (-200) Gabe’s Prediction: I think this fight is going to end early, either by Browne knocking Werdum out, or Werdum securing a submission. If that happens, it will likely be off his back, as Browne has incredible takedown defense, having never been taken down in his Octagon career. “Hapa” is going to be looking for the finish in this fight, and I think he’s going to find it. The winner of this heavyweight bout will become the rightful number one contender for the heavyweight title, as soon as the champion Cain Velasquez is healthy. There’s a great chance that bout will take place in Mexico, so the winner here will likely be taking on the champ on enemy territory. I am expecting a fun main event between these two heavyweights. I am feeling confident they will close the show with a bang. Gabe’s Call: Browne by TKO (strikes, 2:13 round 1) Lightweight bout: Khabib “The Eagle” Nurmagomedov (-245) vs Rafael Dos Anjos (+175) Gabe’s Prediction: The winner of this lightweight scrap will without a doubt enter the title picture. They have, I believe two of the best win streaks in the UFC’s 155 pound division. With a win, either of them will deserve a title shot, and nobody could argue that. However, considering the current state of Anthony Pettis and his strap, that will most likely not be the case. The more likely scenario is that the winner will go on to compete in a number one contender match-up with another top contender, perhaps TJ Grant. In this bout, I see Nurmagomedov getting the better of the Brazilian in the grappling exchanges. I am expecting a fun, 15 minute fight that ends with “The Eagle” getting his hand raised. Gabe’s Call: Nurmagomedov by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) Welterweight bout: Hernani Pepetuo (+265) vs Jordan “Young Gun” Mein (-385) Gabe’s Prediction: Simply put, I think Mein is going to keep this standing and cruise to a unanimous decision on the judges’ scorecards, if not earn a TKO stoppage. I expect his conditioning to be back in check for this bout, so he should be dangerous both early and late in the fight. Gabe’s Call: Mein by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Gabe’s Recommended Parlay: Werdum/Browne under 2.5 rounds (-185) parlayed with Nurmagomedov (-245) and Mein (-385) for +173 3.35u to win 5.8u
