UFC Fight Night 95: Cyborg vs Lansberg Date: September 24, 2016 Arena: Nilson Nelson Gymnasium City: Brasilia, Brazil Flyweight bout: Jussier Formiga (-200) vs Dustin Ortiz (+170) Fight Breakdown: The UFC Fight Night 95 prelims on FOX Sports 1 will be featuring a flyweight contest between Brazil’s own Jussier Formiga and Tennessee native Dustin Ortiz, with Formiga being a -200 ($200 to win $100) betting favorite heading into the bout and Ortiz being a +170 ($100 to win $170) underdog Several Bookmakers. Jussier Formiga (18-4 MMA, 4-3 UFC) is coming off a split decision loss to Henry Cejudo nine months ago, which was a 125-pound title elminator bout that snapped a three fight winning streak for the Brazilian. He now looks to get back on track with a win over Ortiz in front of his hometown crowd as he makes another run at the gold. The Brazilian was ranked as the #2 flyweight in the world at the time the UFC announced their flyweight division, with his only loss coming to Ian McCall, who was ranked #1 at the time. He is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ace; always a threat from both top and bottom positions. Formiga is good at latching on to an opponent’s back and scrambling his way into a submission. Training out of Nova Uniao in Brazil, he has put time in with championship level partners, such as Jose Aldo, Eduarto Dantas and Renan Barao. His all-around skill-set improves from fight to fight, though his striking does leave something to be desired. I expect the former Tachi Palace Flyweight Champion to have his conditioning in check for three hard rounds of action heading into this contest against Ortiz, should it reach the judges’ scorecards for a decision. Dustin Ortiz (19-5 MMA, 4-3 UFC) last saw action at UFC on FOX 18 nearly eight months ago, where he dropped a unanimous decision to Wilson Reis and he will now be hoping to get back into the win column with a win over Formiga on enemy territory in Brazil. Ortiz is an aggressive fighter who likes to put the pressure on his opponents. He possesses some good takedowns and is relentless with them. He is heavy from top position and works a solid ground and pound attack. To compliment his wrestling, the Tennessee native is also good on the feet. He has some nice kicks and loves to implement his knees, especially when he has his opponents pressed up against the cage. Ortiz likes to switch stances, and has decent footwork and head movement. The 27 year old has a nice overhand-right and he puts together some solid combinations on the feet. His defense is on point, both on the feet and on the mat, but especially in the grappling department, as he has very good takedown defense, as well as submission defense. Ortiz has never been submitted in his professional mixed martial arts career, nor has he been knocked out. He is a resilient fighter who possesses a great chin and is tough to put away. Training out of Roufusport MMA in Milwaukee, WI under the tutelage of head striking coach Duke Roufus, Ortiz is a well-conditioned athlete who will be prepared for three full rounds of action in this contest, should the judges that Octagon-side need to have a say in the final outcome. Gabe’s Call: Formiga by Submission (rear naked choke, 2:34 round 2) Gabe’s Thoughts: Simply put, I believe Formiga’s superior grappling will be the difference in this flyweight match-up, as I see him using it to secure a unanimous decision victory on the judges’ scorecards, potentially securing a submission along the way. Gabe’s Recommended Play: Formiga (-200) and Silva/Nelson Under 1.5 rounds (-220) at +118 3.35u to win 3.95u
