TUF: Brazil 3 Finale Date: May 31, 2014 Arena: Ibirapuera Gymnasium City: Sao Paulo, Brazil Featherweight bout: Edimilson “Kevin” Souza (-400) vs Mark Eddiva (+280) Fight Breakdown: The TUF: Brazil 3 preliminary card on FOX Sports 1 will feature a featherweight contest between a Brazilian and a Filipino who are each looking to make it 2-0 inside the Octagon. A battle is expected when Edimilson “Kevin” Souza takes on Mark Eddiva, with the Brazilian being the favorite heading into this featherweight tilt at -400 ($400 to win $100), with the return on the Filipino underdog being +280 ($100 to win $280) at Several Bookmakerss. Edimilson “Kevin” Souza (14-3 UFC, 1-0 UFC) made his promotional debut nine months ago, outpointing Felipe Arantes for a split decision win on the judges’ scorecards, though in my opinion it should have been a unanimous 30-27. That marked the first decision victory for the Brazilian in his professional mixed martial arts career, as all 13 of his previous wins had come inside the distance; 12 of them by way of T/KO and one via submission. Now riding an eight-fight winning streak and coming off a lengthy layoff, Souza will be eager to make it nine in a row against the undefeated Filipino in Eddiva. Kevin is an explosive fighter and is relentless with his active attack. He has good takedowns, and once on the mat, he likes to work his way into a ground and pound position, from which point he uses his fists to make opponents wilt and eventually quit. The Brazilian has a good submission game, but much prefers to use his hands. Considering the lengthy layoff, his conditioning is a question mark heading into this bout, but I don’t think it is a concern. I’m not sure as to what the back-story behind his nickname “Kevin” is, but my best guess is that he’s a BIG Home Alone fan. Mark Eddiva (6-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) made his Octagon debut nearly three months ago, upsetting #1 Chinese bantamweight Jumabieke Tuerxun for a unanimous 30-27 decision on the judges’ scorecards. It was the Filipino’s first professional fight in over three years, and he came through with flying colors. He will again be an underdog this time in his attempt to keep his undefeated streak alive when he steps inside the cage against Souza. Eddiva has a good kicking game; he has solid outside leg kicks, a nice hook kick, and a solid left high kick. He is a powerful fighter and has excellent cage control. He likes to hold opponents up against the cage, from which position he likes to employ is knees, though he does not dish out a heavy volume of strikes. The Filipino has good wrestling and works solid takedowns, including a fantastic double-leg. His takedown defense is not great but he is very good at finding his way back to his feet. He is a very composed and patient fighter, he had absolutely zero jitters in his UFC debut. Eddiva had a size advantage in his last bout, but he will be at a size disadvantage this time around. He is a well-conditioned athlete, and I expect he will be ready for a full 15 against the Brazilian. Gabe’s Prediction: I think Souza’s height and reach advantage is going to play the difference in this fight. I think he will outpoint Eddiva on the feet en route to picking up the second decision victory of his career. Gabe’s Call: “Kevin” by Unanimus Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) Gabe’s Recommended Play: Kevin Souza (-400) parlayed with Rony Jason (-310) for -154 3.3u to win 2.15u
