UFC on FOX 10 Date: January 25, 2014 Arena: United Center City: Chicago, IL Welterweight bout: George Sullivan (+185) vs Mike “Biggie” Rhodes (-215) Fight Breakdown: Kicking kicks off for the UFC on FOX 10 preliminary card on FOX Sports 1 is a welterweight match-up between a pair of promotional newcomers, when Pellegrino MMA’s George Sullivan faces off against Roufusports’ Mike “Biggie” Rhodes. Sullivan is the underdog heading into this contest at +185 ($185 to win $100), while “Biggie” is the favorite at -215 ($215 to win $100) at Several Bookmakerss.. GEORGE SULLIVAN (14-3-1 NC MMA, 0-0 UFC) will be carrying a six fight winning streak into his Octagon debut. Four of them came by way of T/KO, one of them against TUF alumni Julian Lane. He works well inside the clinch, and is a great dirty boxer. He has a good left jab, a hard right hand, and puts together an excellent one-two combination. He likes to work the body, especially with his knees, and he puts power behind everything he throws. Sullivan circles well, has good striking defense, but he has a bad habit of keeping his chin up when backing away from his opponents, which could spell trouble against another heavy hitter. Sullivan has decent leg kicks, however does not use his kicks much against talented wrestlers for fear of being taken down. He is not easy to take down, having strong hips and a very good base. He is good at sprawling and defending takedowns, and when taken down, is good at finding his way back to his feet. Sullivan also has a good offensive grappling game, as he often scores the takedown whenever he goes for it. He is powerful from the top position, and works a heavy ground and pound attack where he likes to implement devastating elbows. The Pellegrino MMA product has decent conditioning and should be ready for a three round affair as he gets set to make his promotional debut against a fellow newcomer in Rhodes. MIKE “BIGGIE” RHODES (6-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) is the latest RFA fighter to get the call from Joe Silva and the UFC. He is currently riding a two-fight winning streak, which followed his lone career loss; a first round rear naked choke submission at the hands of current UFC welterweight prospect Brandon Thatch. Rhodes is a well-conditioned and durable fighter who has great footwork and excellent counters. He is fast, powerful, and very athletic. He is a basketball player turned mixed martial artist, much like Walt Harris, who is also competing on the same card. “Biggie” is a talented striker who works great knees and some nice kicks, including a beautiful side kick. While he started off as a striker, he has begun to hone his wrestling game, thanks to all the hours he has put in the gym with Ben Askren. Training out of Roufusport in Milwaukee, WI, Rhodes trains with some of the best strikers and wrestlers in all of mixed martial arts. He works the top position well on the mat, but he is not very active with his ground and pound, especially when his opponent is being active from the bottom. He faints well, and uses the threat of his takedowns to take advantage of his opponents on the feet. Under the tutelage of Duke Roufus, he is set to make his UFC debut, and will be giving it his all to get his hand raised inside the Octagon. Fight Prediction: The UFC was looking at a short, 10 fight card, so they decided to add this welterweight bout last minute. Both fighters will be making their promotional debuts on short notice, but even though it is short notice, I expect both of these welterweights to be on top of their game. They both made weight, and are looking to impress, as they go to war for the first time inside the Octagon. I think Sullivan is a tough fight for Rhodes, but at the same time, Rhodes is a big step up in competition for Sullivan. I think Rhodes’ speed, athleticism, and ability to mix in takedowns give him the edge, and I see him getting the better of Sullivan en route to a decision victory. Gabe’s Pick: Mike “Biggie” Rhodes by Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27) Gabe’s Recommended Play: Over 1.5 rounds (-210) 2.1u to win 1u
