Kamaru Usman (16-1 MMA, 11-0 UFC)
vs. Jorge Masvidal (35-13 MMA, 12-6 UFC)
Why it could happen: Between their heated altercation earlier this year to Usman’s recent proclamtion that Masvidal is next, it’s kind of a no-brainer that these two alpha males are on a collision course.
Sure, negotiations may have fallen apart last time around, but I have to imagine that the UFC gets this deal done and gives the fighters their deserved asking prices to help bulk up the big returns they’re both planning and promising.
Predicted line: Usman -230, Masvidal +190
Thoughts on the fight: I know that there are slightly wider lines currently listed for this fight at online betting houses, but I think that this matchup is a bit closer than some stylistic stereotypes may lead you to believe.
Don’t get me wrong – [autotag]Kamaru Usman[/autotag] absolutely deserves to be favored over [autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag] no matter how you cut it, as I could easily see his corraling striking and relentless, suffocating nature paying dividends down the stretch of a five-round affair. Still, I suspect that Masvidal’s presumed kryptonite of wrestlers is a theme that gets a bit overplayed, as the Cuban vet has quietly shored up a lot of those holes within the past decade.
More importantly than his wrestling and cardio upgrades (both of which are crucial against someone like Usman, mind you), is the fact that Masvidal strikes incredibly well off the breaks and inside of the small spaces that the current champ finds comfort in. Even if Usman doesn’t allow Masvidal enough space to punish him with leg kicks and left hands (as I see both his hooks and southpaw crosses having a ton of play against the champ), the man known as “Gamebred” will still be able to offer offensive threats and scrambles every step of the way.
It’s ultimately hard to bet against or be confident in picking opposite of such an imposing and durable force like Usman, who I think wins this matchup more often than not. That said, after listening to a recent interview Masvidal did with “Gorgeous” George and Goze Garcia, I like where the BMF belt holder’s head is at in regards to training and staying ready during these strange times, as I’m currently leaning toward the underdog to test the champs’ kicking defense and dipping propensities en route to stunning him into either a submission or stoppage by strikes.
Early pick: Masvidal by third-round submission (D’Arce choke)
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