With no UFC this week, World Series of Fighting has the Saturday MMA scene all to themselves. They’ve put a solid card together to take advantage of the opportunity. One of the organization’s most recognizable names will be featured in the main event, and they will also crown an inaugural heavyweight champion. Jake Shields makes his first appearance under the WSOF banner, as he takes on hometown hero Ryan Ford in a welterweight main even with title implications. As is the case in most of Shields’ fights, he will have a definitive grappling advantage, but is outmatched on the feet. If Ford can stop the takedowns with some success, this is a winnable fight for him, but a history of being submitted in losses is hard to ignore heading into this one. The heavyweight title bout between Derrick Mehmen and Canadian Smealinho Rama isn’t going to give us the next great big man in MMA, but it’s a solid bout by the standards of the division. Mehmen is a capable wrestler and striker, while Rama is one of the better prospects in the division, despite a setback against Anthony Hamilton last October in the MFC. Veterans Chris Horodecki and Jared Hamman will be making appearances on the main card as well. Both men will be looking to get back on the right track as each has scored just two wins in their last six bouts. MMA oddsmaker Nick Kalikas opened the betting lines for WSOF 14 today at Several Bookmakers. Check them out: ——————– MAIN CARD (NBC Sports Network, 9pm ET) Jake Shields -300 Ryan Ford +220 WSOF Heavyweight Title Derrick Mehmen -170 Smealinho Rama +130 Chris Horodecki -315 Luis Huete +235 Jared Hamman -245 Luke Harris +175 ——————– Brad’s Analysis: Over the past 9 years and 10 months, Jake Shields has lost to Hector Lombard, Jake Ellenberger and Georges St-Pierre. Ryan Ford is a solid fighter, but he’s not even close to that level. He does have the power to hurt Shields in the clinch if the fight stays there for prolonged periods of time, but I would expect this bout to play out primarily on the ground. In that realm, Shields has a significant advantage, and Ford has been submitted in the past. I know Shields takes a lot of heat for his inability to finish, but this bout reminds me more of his Elite XC run than his UFC one. The heavyweight bout is difficult to call. I believe that Rama is the better technician both on the feet and on the ground, but Mehmen should be able to control where the fight takes place. Mehmen has more power on the feet, and may be able to neutralize Rama’s grappling, especially since he’ll most likely be in top position if it does hit the ground. The fact that Mehmen has many losses to fighters who have competed primarily at 205 (or lower) in his career makes it difficult to trust him, while Rama gassed within a round and got finished by Anthony Hamilton, who has been less than impressive in his UFC run. Chris Horodecki is the rare example of a fighter who peaked extremely early in his career. For whatever reason, Horodecki hasn’t developed beyond the fighter he was as an 18- and 19-year-old. Each name fighter he’s faced since then has been able to best him, usually via stoppage. Luckily for him, Luis Huete should be a favorable matchup, as Horodecki should keep this on the feet where he is the superior striker. Many of Horodecki’s fights lately have turned into dull affairs against the cage, and I wouldn’t be shocked by that here. Regardless of if he keeps it at distance or decides to grind up against the fence, Horodecki should walk away with a decision. 10 of Jared Hamman’s 13 wins have come via (T)KO. All 10 of Luke Harris’ wins have come by submission. Whoever wins this fight will likely add one of their preferred method of finishes to their record. Who that’s going to be? I have no idea. Both are coming off over a year layoff, are aging, and have questionable durability. I would lean towards Hamman landing before Harris can get it to the ground, but there’s no chance I’m betting that.
