UFC Fight Night 33 Date: December 6, 2013 Arena: Brisbane Entertainment Centre City: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Bantamweight bout: Nam Phan (+180) vs Takeya Mizugaki (-260) Fight Breakdown: The UFC Fight Night 33 preliminary card on FOX Sports 2 will be headlined by a battle between two tough bantamweights, when The Ultimate Fighter season 2 contestant Nam Phan takes on the veteran from Japan, Takeya Mizugaki. Phan is the underdog in this match-up at +180 ($100 to win $180), with Mizugaki being the favorite at -260 ($260 to win $100) Several Bookmakerss. NAM PHAN (18-11 MMA, 2-4 UFC) makes a drop to the bantamweight division, following a three round domination at the hands of Dennis Siver one year ago. He is well-versed in the submission game, as he owns a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but he prefers to stand and trade. His boxing and Muay Thai skills are solid, and while he lacks the knockout power, he makes up for it in IQ and technique. He’s also one of the best fighters at mixing in body shots during exchanges. He lands a high percentage of his strikes, and diversifies his attack well. He is very active on the feet, even if he is just scoring points with his solid jab. Phan is a tough fighter with a ton of heart who is hard to put away. He is well-conditioned, and game for a 15 minute war against Mizugaki in his new home at 135 pounds. TAKEYA MIZUGAKI (18-7-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC) is currently riding a three fight win streak, and is coming off a split decision victory over Erik Perez just over four months ago. He is a very well-rounded mixed martial artist who can hold his own in every regard. Mizugaki is a talented grappler who works solid takedowns, and has excellent top control. His jiu-jitsu is very good and constantly improving, especially his submission defense. He defends well off of his back, and likes to use the rubber guard. The 29-year old is one of the more successful fighters to make the transition from Japan, and is currently in the upper echelon of the UFC’s bantamweight division. Going into this bout, Mizugaki will be enjoying an advantage in grappling. Fight Prediction: This could be a close fight if it stays on the feet. However, I think Mizugaki will be able to mix in takedowns to steal rounds on the judges’ scorecards. I think it’s very slim for either fighter to finish this fight, and I really favor it going the distance. Gabe’s Pick: Takeya Mizugaki by Unanimous Decision (29-29, 29-28, 29-28) Gabe’s Recommended Play: Phan/Mizugaki Over 2.5 rounds (-260) 10.4u to win 4u for a MONSTER PLAY, as I think this line should be around -500. More monster plays to come for this card… (I am 8-2 with them since August.)
