WSOF 6 Date: October 26, 2013 Arena: BankUnited Center City: Coral Gables, F.L. Bantamweight bout: Carson Beebe (+305) vs Marlon Moraes (-365) Fight Breakdown: The co-main event for WSOF 6 will be a bantamweight brawl between Illinois native Carson Beebe and the Brazilian Marlon Moraes. Beebe is the underdog in this match-up at +305 ($100 to win $305), while Moraes is the favorite at -365 ($365 to win $100) at Several Bookmakerss. CARSON BEEBE (14-2 MMA, 1-0 WSOF) is a talented collegiate wrestler out of Purdue University and Lindenwood-Belleville University who is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Joe Murphy at WSOF 3 just over four months ago. He works solid takedowns and has excellent top control, as he has been wrestling since the very young age of four. Regardless of Moraes having great takedown defense, Beebe’s game-plan going into this bout should be to make this as much of a wrestling match as possible, because that is the only place he will have an advantage. I believe the longer this fight stays on the feet, the more he will be in trouble. The younger brother of veteran Chase Beebe, “The Little Juggernaut” is a well-rounded mixed martial artist who owns seven wins by finish and seven by decision. He tried out for the live season of The Ultimate Fighter, but came up short in his fight to get into the TUF house against Johnny Bedford. Beebe trains out of Gilbert Grappling in his home state of Illinois, but splits time at Jackson’s MMA in Albuquerque, N.M. He is definitely a well-conditioned fighter, so I expect him to be able to go the distance without gassing, should he survive the brutal striking attack of his Brazilian opponent. MARLON MORAES (11-4-1 MMA, 3-0 WSOF) made a splash in the WSOF with a unanimous decision victory over veteran Miguel Torres, and followed it up with an impressive knockout victory over Tyson Nam that put a stop to all his hype. In his last outing, Moraes faced a very tough and very game Brandon Hempleman, and he beat Hempleman by a dominant unanimous decision. The 25 year old Brazilian enters this bout enjoying a five fight win streak and looks to build on it. Moraes has a very solid ground game, but he often does not display his offensive wrestling due to the high confidence he has in his striking. He loves to outstrike opponents and look for the knockout. His defensive ground game checks out; he is quick and smart with reversals and escapes. He has good takedown defense, and excellent cardio. He will undoubtedly be ready for a three round war against Beebe. The Brazilian’s game has improved drastically since he started training with Frankie Edgar and Edson Barboza in New Jersey. Moraes is a heavy hitter who possesses a mean overhand right. He likes to use his eyes with his striking; he looks high and kicks low, looks low and kicks high, and it often throws confuses opponents, allowing him to score. He moves well on the feet, has good footwork, and throws combinations that do serious damage to his opponents. Fight Prediction: I think Moraes stuffs Beebe’s takedown attempts and outstrikes him on the feet, ultimately finding his button. Gabe’s Pick: Marlon Moraes by KO (punches in bunches!, 3:39 round 1) Gabe’s Recommended Play: Marlon Moraes -365 for a moderate play.
