UFC Hamburg, AKA UFC Fight Night 134: Shogun vs Smith happens live Sunday, July 22 in Hamburg, Germany featuring a light heavyweight clash between returning legend Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua and rising contender Anthony Smith.
Here are some props that I think have a good chance of hitting:
Glover Teixeira vs. Corey Anderson
This is a very tricky fight to call in the fact that I just can’t seem to be fully confident in Corey Anderson. He is a fantastic fighter and seems to do everything right technique-wise, but I believe his chin is going to hold him back from ever truly reaching the throne of the 205 lb. division. Glover Teixeira on the other hand, who turns 39 in October, hasn’t ever reached the top either but his losses come from the division’s absolute best in Alexander Gustafsson, Anthony Johnson, Phil Davis, and Jon Jones. While I think Anderson has the tools to win this fight with pressure, wrestling, speed, and cardio, I believe Teixeira catches him with a combination to put him on skates and finish him by (T)KO. Power is the last thing to ever leave a fighter and Teixeira has plenty of that.
Prop: Glover Teixeira Wins by (T)KO (+145)
Anthony Smith vs. Mauricio Rua
Anthony Smith, the 29-year-old American, made his 205 lb. debut last June as he disposed of a now retired Rashad Evans in under a minute. Representing a 5-3 record in the UFC, Smith holds notable (T)KO wins over the likes of Hector Lombard and Andrew Sanchez at middleweight. I think his power has transitioned good at light heavyweight and this is a much suitable division for him. His opponent, Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua is a well-known legend inside the cage. Competing in Pride FC for many of years, Japan’s premiere MMA organization and gaining the tag of one of the most promising prospects at the time. Unfortunately, father time is something no athlete can escape, and it has caught up to ‘Shogun’ in the past several years. While he is coming into this fight with a three-fight win streak, I believe Smith’s youth, power, and speed will be too much for the aging Brazilian.
Prop: Anthony Smith Wins by (T)KO (-105)
Best of luck and thanks for reading!
