UFC 161: June 15, 2013 MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada UFC Light Heavyweight Contender Ryan Jimmo (-245) Profile: Ryan Jimmo had his 17-fight winning streak stopped by James Te Huna via unanimous decision in London back in February, and he will try to get back on track in his home country of Canada, where 19 of his 20 career bouts have taken place. The 31-year-old Edmonton native made his way to the UFC from the Canadian Maximum Fighting Championship ranks as the MFC light heavyweight champion. He did not disappoint in his UFC debut, tying for the fastest knockout in UFC history at just seven seconds with a powerful punch that ended his fight against Anthony Perosh at UFC 149 very quickly. With a smothering physical style, Jimmo has frustrated his opponents over nearly his entire six-year MMA career. UFC Light Heavyweight Contender Igor Pokrajac (+175) Profile: Igor Pokrajac (25-9, 1 No Contest) was previously more widely known as Mirko Cro Cop’s training partner in the Eastern European MMA scene, but he has since turned himself into a mid-level light heavyweight striker in the last few years. After going 21-5 in Croatia, Poland and the Netherlands, Pokrajac made his UFC debut at UFC 103 against Vladimir Matyushenko, losing via unanimous decision. The 34-year-old Croatian lost again in his second UFC match, getting knocked out by James Te Huna at UFC 110. Pokrajac has gone 3-1 with a No-Contest in five fights over the last two years since dropping three of his first four in the UFC. Opening UFC 161 Odds Analysis: MMA oddsmaker Nick Kalikas made Jimmo a solid -245 favorite (bet $245 to win $100) while Pokrajac opened as a +175 underdog (bet $100 to win $175) at Several Bookmakers sportsbook. Jimmo has not lost a fight in Canada since he made his MMA debut against former CFL player Adam Braidwood in 2007. So technically he still has a 17-fight winning streak there and should be primed for another standout performance. The last time Jimmo fought in Canada, he scored one of the fastest knockouts in UFC history. Pokrajac has been knocked out four times, and the last one came against a common opponent in Te Huna a little more than three years ago. He has enjoyed some decent success since then outside of an armbar submission loss to Vinny Magalhaes at UFC 152 followed by the NC against Joey Beltran last December in his last bout. The loss to Magalhaes took place in Toronto, and he is 1-1 in Canada overall including a first-round KO of Krzysztof Soszynski. With 21 stoppages among his 25 wins, including 18 in the first round, Pokrajic will likely be looking to end this one early. Meanwhile, Jimmo should be motivated enough to win over the judges if needed.
