UFC Fight Night 67 Date: May 30, 2015 Arena: Goiana Arena City: Goiana, Goias, Brazil Featherweight bout: Lucas Martins (+325) vs Mirsad Bektic (-400) Fight Breakdown: Kicking things off for the UFC Fight Night 67 preliminary card on FOX Sports 1 will be a featherweight match-up between the Brazilian, Lucas Martins and the Bosnian, Mirsad Bektic. Martins is a +325 ($100 win $325) underdog heading into the contest and Bektic is favored to win at -400 ($400 to win $100) Several Bookmakerss. Lucas Martins (15-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC) last saw action at UFC 179 seven months ago, where he lost a decision to Darren Elkins on the judges’ scorecards, having his impressive three fight winning streak snapped in the process. Heading into this contest on Saturday night against American Top Team’s Mirsad Bektic, Martins is eager to bounce back into the win column. He took the short-notice call when Bektic’s original opponent Renato Carneiro pulled out of the bout citing an injury. The Brazilian is a talented striker who uses some flashy moves and scores highlight-reel knockouts. In fact, 11 of his 15 professional mixed martial arts career victories have come by way of T/KO. As soon as the first round bell sounds, Martins moves forward, looking for the finish. While his offensive striking is good, his defensive striking leaves something to be desired, as he gets tagged quite easily by his opponents. So far, though, he has displayed a good chin. Another thing to keep an eye on for Martins heading into this bout is his cardio, as it has been hit or miss in the past. Regardless, though, I expect him to be at a disadvantage in that department as he heads into this bout against the Bosnian, Bektic, who is the more well-conditioned featherweight. Mirsad Bektic (2-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) has now strung a pair of victories in the UFC since making his debut with the promotion and he looks to extend it to three in a row while simultaneously staying undefeated when he travels to enemy soil to take on the Brazilian Martins in his backyard. The 23-year old is a very talented and well-rounded mixed martial artist who excels in every aspect of the sport, and the sky is indeed the limit for him. He has great takedown defense and his striking is phenomenal; he has excellent technical striking skills, wasting no movements and does a good job of judging distance. Bektic fights a calculated fight, using good footwork and head movement. His striking defense is solid, in general, as is his chin and recovery. The Bosnian has a dangerous left-hook, and he puts together some beautiful combinations on the feet, mixing it up to the head and body. He likes to keep constant pressure on his opponents in the clinch up against the cage and especially in top position on the mat, from where he remains heavy and is quite dominant with his vicious elbows and generally brutal ground and pound attack. Bektic does a good job of working takedowns, as well as advancing positions. Training out of American Top Team in Coconut Creek, FL, the 23-year old has very good cardio and will have the advantage in that department heading into this contest against Martins. Gabe’s Call: Bektic by T/KO (left-hook, 1:43 round 1) Gabe’s Thoughts: Bektic holds massive advantages in both technical striking and grappling. If he keeps it standing, I think he will most likely knock Martins out by taking advantage of the holes in his striking and lack of striking defense. If he decides to wrestle, I think he’ll take a comfortable decision that way. I don’t know what his gameplan will be, but I expect to see his hand raised on Saturday night. Gabe’s Recommended Parlays: 1) Bektic (-400) parlayed with Dalby (-365) and Trinaldo/Parke Over 2.5 rounds (-225) at +130 3.85u to win 5u, 2) Bektic (-400) parlayed with Dalby (-365) and Formiga/Reis Over 2.5 rounds (-265) at +119 3.4u to win 4.05u and 3) Bektic (-400) parlayed with Trinaldo/Parke Over 2.5 rounds (-225) and Formiga/Reis Over 2.5 rounds (-265) at +148 for 2.7u to win 4.01u
