UFC on FOX 10 Date: January 25, 2014 Arena: United Center City: Chicago, IL Lightweight bout: Daron Cruickshank (-260) vs Mike Rio (+180) Fight Breakdown: UFC on FOX 10’s preliminary card on FOX Sports 1 features a lightweight scrap between a pair of TUF: Live veterans, when Daron “The Detroit Superstar” Cruickshank squares off against Mike Rio. Cruickshank is the favorite in this match-up at -260 ($260 to win $100), with Rio being the underdog at +180 ($100 to win $180) at Several Bookmakerss. DARON “THE DETROIT SUPERSTAR” CRUICKSHANK (13-4 MMA, 3-2 UFC) returns for his sixth appearance inside the Octagon, following a second round submission loss at the hands of Adriano Martins. He was an NCAA Division II wrestler at Olivet College in Olivet, MI. He is a good wrestler, but does not always find success with his takedowns, especially when facing opponents who have solid defensive grappling skills. “The Detroit Superstar” is a black belt in taekwondo and is unorthodox with his striking. He displays great stand-up skills and has knockout power, as 7 of his 13 wins have come via T/KO. He mixes it up well on the feet, working great combinations, and scoring points with his hands, as well as with his kicks. He works solid kicks to the legs, body, and head, as was evident by his headkick knockout victory over Henry Martinez. Cruickshank is well-disciplined and always in shape, so he will be ready to go all three rounds against Rio, should the fight go the distance. MIKE RIO (9-3 MMA, 1-2 UFC) will be making his fourth Octagon appearance, coming off back to back first round submission losses to Francisco Trinaldo and Tony Ferguson respectively. With his back against the wall, he will desperately be looking for a win here. Being a four-time All American wrestler in college, Rio possesses solid wrestling skills, however his takedowns could use work, as he does not find success with them inside a cage as often as he’d like. He is not very talented on the feet, but he has been working on improving his boxing. He does not have a great chin, but more importantly, he does not like getting hit, and has a tendency to wilt when getting hurt. He does not seem to be able to handle too much pressure, especially once he starts to get tired. Speaking of which, his cardio is not very good, and he will certainly be at a disadvantage in that department, as he heads into this bout against Cruickshank. Fight Prediction: I think “The Detroit Superstar” keeps this on the feet, and stops Rio with devastating shots to the body. Gabe’s Pick: Daron Cruickshank by TKO (body kick and strikes, 1:49 round 1) Gabe’s Recommended Play: Daron Cruickshank (-260) parlayed with Walt Harris (-415) for -140 5.5u to win 3.95u
