TUF 21 Finale Date: July 12, 2015 Arena: MGM Grand Garden Arena City: Las Vegas, NV Welterweight bout: Cezar “Mutante” Ferreira (+220) vs Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal (-260) Fight Breakdown: The main card for The Ultimate Fighte Season 21 Finale in Las Vegas will feature a Blackzilian vs American Top Team match-up when Octagon veterans Cezar “Mutante” Ferreira and Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal take center stage. Ferreira will be dropping down a weight class for this contest, while Masvidal will be moving up one, and action is expected when these two go to war. The Blackzilian’s Ferreira is a +220 ($100 to win $220) underdog heading into this contest, with Masvidal being favored to win at -260 ($260 to win $100) at Several Bookmakerss. Cezar “Mutante” Ferreira (8-4 MMA, 4-2 UFC) is coming off a first round knockout loss at the hands of Sam Alvey at UFC Fight Night 61 over four months ago. Both of his Octagon defeats have now come by way of knockout. It goes without saying that the Brazilian’s chin is his biggest concern and weakness, even heading into his welterweight debut against a natural lightweight like Masvidal. He has been knocked out by middleweight prospect Elvis Mutapcic on the regional circuit, and in his Octagon debut, he was rocked by primary grappler Sergio Moraes, though he displayed good recovery in that contest, as well as against Daniel Sarafian in a future outing. Unfortunately, against Alvey and before him, C.B. Dolloway, Ferreira’s chin was no longer able to hold up. Both men easily hurt and dropped him with the first clean punch they landed. The loss to Alvey made the 30-year old move down to the welterweight division, where he is eager to make a run by taking out Masvidal, who is stepping up a weight class to fight him. Training out of the Blackzilian camp on Boca Raton, FL, “Mutante” has average striking skills but a very good Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu game. He is generally in good shape and has good cardio, though it will be something to keep an eye on at 170-pounds. Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal (28-9 MMA, 5-2 UFC) saw his three-fight winning streak snapped in a split decision to Al Iaquinta at UFC Fight Night 63 just three months ago, and eager to get back in the win column, he has opted to step up a weight class and take a fight in the welterweight division against Ferreira, who himself is dropping down a weight class from the middleweight division. “Gamebred” has excellent Muay Thai and is amongst the best technical strikers in the promotion. He works great kicks and puts together excellent combinations on the feet. His strikes can be both crisp and smothering. Masvidal has a nice jab and is generally effective with all of his punches, both in technique and power. He has the ability to outpoint opponents on the feet for three rounds, as well as the ability to put the pressure on and find the knockout, all the while remaining accurate with his strikes. The 30-year-old developed his wrestling game late, but you couldn’t tell, as he is very skilled in both offensive and defensive wrestling. He has great takedown defense, solid submission defense, and he has a nice submission game of his own, as was evident with his D’Arce choke victory over Michael Chiesa. The Strikeforce and Bellator veteran has a decent chin and recovers fairly well, too. Training out of American Top Team in Coconut Creek, FL, “Gamebred” is a well-conditioned fighter who will be ready for three full rounds of action, if necessary. Gabe’s Call: Ferreira by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-28, 30-27) Gabe’s Thoughts: I think this is a close fight, but feel Ferreira should be at least a -150 favorite, so at his current underdog price of +220, I really like him for a value play next Sunday night. I could see his advantages in size, strength and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu benefiting him in this bout. Gabe’s Recommended Play: Ferreira (+220) 2.25u to win 4.95u.
