UFC on FUEL TV 7: February 16, 2013 Wembley Arena in London, England UFC Light Heavyweight Contender Jimi Manuwa (-180) Profile: Undefeated at 12-0 with 11 knockout victories, Jimi Manuwa is one of the men to keep an eye on at light heavyweight. He came into the UFC last September against Kyle Kingsbury and absolutely decimated the veteran, causing the doctor to step in and stop the fight after “Kingsbu” could no longer continue. Manuwa has never seen the third round, and he has only visited the second round three times in his short, four-year career. The 32-year-old’s striking is unorthodox and powerful, and he comes at his opponents from all angles. A former light heavyweight champion of the London-based Ultimate Challenge MMA who defended his title five times before making his UFC debut, Manuwa is certainly one of the most interesting prospects in the organization today. UFC Light Heavyweight Contender Cyrille Diabate (+140) Profile: A longtime kickboxer and MMA fighter, Cyrille Diabate (19-8-1) has gone 4-2 over his two-year UFC stint. Showing that he is more than just a striker in an MMA show, he has amassed six submissions to complement his eight knockouts inside the cage. He holds massive power in his hands, and at 6-foot-6 with an 81.5-inch reach, he’s quite the physical specimen. Despite his age, the 39-year-old native of France has not shown any signs of slowing down and will provide a good test for up-and-coming contender Manuwa. Diabate’s vast fighting experience with more than 40 kickboxing wins and 30 knockouts makes him a dangerous foe who can end a bout at any time. Opening UFC on FUEL TV 7 Odds Breakdown: MMA oddsmaker Nick Kalikas has made Manuwa a slight -180 favorite (bet $180 to win $100) against Diabate, who opened as a +140 underdog (bet $100 to win $140) at Several Bookmakers sportsbook. This is a classic MMA matchup between a highly-skilled vet in Diabate and an inexperienced prospect who has fought professionally for less than five years in Manuwa. Surprisingly, just seven years separate the two fighters, which is hard to believe when you consider Diabate has 16 more MMA bouts and 51 kickboxing matches on his resume. Manuwa is definitely a wild card here, and he will be fighting on his home turf, where he should be more comfortable. In fact, all of Manuwa’s pro fights have taken place in England, and he will be in London for the ninth time. Diabate is 4-2 in six UFC appearances and has gone to a decision twice during that stretch, winning both. Manuwa has never seen a fight go to the judges, which is why UNDER 1.5 rounds opened as a strong favorite at -190. Just three of his 12 fights have gone to the second round, so Diabate’s best shot may be to attempt to tire his opponent in hopes of grinding out a victory. Diabate has also only been knocked out once during his career, and his five-inch height and six-inch reach advantages could pose some problems for Manuwa as well.
