XFC 25 Date: September 6, 2013 Arena: Albuquerque Convention Center City: Albuquerque, New Mexico Featherweight bout: Farkhad Sharipov (-115) vs Stephen Bass (-125) Fight Breakdown: XFC 25 presents a main card match-up between Bellator veteran Farkhad Sharipov and UFC vet Stephen Bass. Sharipov initially opened as a big underdog, with Bass being the big favorite, but the odds are close now, as Sharipov is -115 ($115 to win $100) and Bass is -125 ($125 to win $100) at Several Bookmakerss. FARKHAD SHARIPOV (13-5 MMA, 0-0 XFC) is making his promotional debut fighting two weight classes above his natural weight class of flyweight, as he steps into the cage against featherweight Stephen Bass. Sharipov is coming off a two year layoff, following two consecutive losses. Farkhad Sharipov likes to take the fight to the mat and work there. Standing up, he’s not much of a knockout artist, as he likes to be technical and score points with his strikes. Sharipov will be the more technical fighter in this bout and certainly the better grappler. He should look to take this fight down to the mat, where he will have the advantage. My main concern here is his gas tank, especially considering the long layoff. Another concern is his size, as he will definitely be at a size disadvantage heading into this bout. STEPHEN BASS (10-1 MMA, 0-0 XFC) enters the XFC cage for the first time, coming off a two year layoff, much like his opponent. His last bout was inside the UFC, where he dropped a unanimous decision loss to Marcus Brimage, in a fight he was favored going into. The loss came after he appeared on season 14 of The Ultimate Fighter, where he lost to current UFC featherweight Dennis Bermudez by knockout. Bass is a very average fighter; he is okay in most areas, but not really excellent in any. He generally has good conditioning, but considering the long layoff, his cardio is now quesionable heading into this bout. One thing going for him, though, as previously mentioned; he will have a size advantage, as his oponent usually fights two weight classes below. Fight Prediction: I am expecting a close fight that goes the distance. Both guys are coming off a long layoff, so it’s a tough one to predict. I think it will be a close fight but Sharipov will do just enough. If there is a stoppage, I think it will be Sharipov knocking Bass out, as I think Sharipov’s chin is solid, while Bass’ chin is quite suspect. Gabe’s Pick: Farkhad Sharipov by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) Gabe’s Recommended Play: Farkhad Sharipov -115 (was +210 when I started writing this article)
