UFC Fight Night 32: Belfort vs Henderson Predictions

UFC Fight Night 32: Belfort vs Henderson Predictions

With Tim Kennedy's knock out, Alexis Davis' masterclass, and James Krause nether region (take that how you will) still fresh in our mind, The UFC is back already, and this time from Goiania, Brazil with UFC Fight Night 32: Belfort vs Henderson.

Kingdom MMA writer Jack Broadey (Twitter @j3cK_b) and Tommy Strong (Twitter @strong_tea) give you their predictions for the event which is sure to be a cracker!

Vitor Belfort vs Dan Henderson:
Strong: A fight between 2 of my least favourite fighters in the UFC. Not because of their fighting style, but because they both use TRT, but thats for another discussion.

I'm still trying to work out why this fight is happening? Belfort coming into the fight with stunning wins over Michael Bisping and Luke Rockhold at Middleweight, I'm struggling to see why he would move up in weight to take on someone very dangerous like Henderson.

Henderson though is in the twilight of his career, now 43 and coming off 2 very close losses to Machida and Rashad Evans, a loss here would surely see the end of his UFC career.

Im torn between who to pick. Can Vitor knock Hendo out? I don't think so. Can Vitor have the cardio for 5 rounds? I don't think so... 

Prediction: Vitor Belfort - Submission RD 3

Broadey: All I'm seeing is people not only completely write Dan Henderson off but totally underestimate him too. Belfort has looked amazing lately finishing fights with one shot or the infamous "Belfort Blitz." Henderson just doesn't get knocked out, by anybody. If we see a KO in this fight I feel it's likely to come from Hendo's right hand as Belfort rushes in. Neither man is renowned for there gas tank but Hendo also has a huge advantage there should the fight go deep. Belfort may well submit Henderson if this turns into a wrestling match.

Prediction: Dan Henderson - Unanimous Decision

Cezar Ferreira vs Daniel Sarafian:
Strong: Really looking forward to this fight. Both were scheduled to meet in the Brazil TUF final before Sarafian had to pull out due to an injury. Ferreira went onto beat the replacement and the man Sarafian beat in the semi finals Sergio Moraes via unanimous decision and win the TUF Middleweight tournament.

I think size might be the difference here, I really like Sarafian and wouldn't be surprised to see him win, though I have to go with Cezar Ferreira.

Prediction: Cezar Ferreira - Unanimous Decision

Broadey: We finally get to see the TUF Brazil finale. Safarian hasn't impressed me at all so far whilst the injury hit Ferreira has looked mightily impressive in his limited appearances so far. Cesar has way to much power in his hands for Safarian and he will stand and trade.

Prediction: Cezar Ferreira - TKO RD 2

Rafael Cavalcante vs Igor Pokrajac:
Strong: All of Rafael 11 wins have come via KO and his losses come to think of that, though Igor just isn't in the same league for me, having lost his last 3 fights I only see one winner here!

Prediction: Rafael Cavalcante - KO RD1 (Banker of the Night)

Broadey: Pokrajak has no business at all being on a main card never mind the 3rd main fight. He's lost 3 in a row and that should have been 4. He's tough and doesn't often get beatdown but he doesn't impose himself in fights. Cavalcante is very much hit and miss himself. Losing 2 of his last 4 with a win being chalked off after a drugs ban. He has motivational issues which makes him kind of hard to predict. If he turns up in the right frame of mind he should win this fight.

Prediction: Rafael Cavalcante - Unanimous Decision 

Paulo Thiago vs Brandon Thatch
Strong: This welterweight fight really has me interested, merely to see Brandon Thatch back in action again! His stunning debut knocking out Justin Edwards inside the 1st round was very impressive! Having won 10 fights inside the first round via KO or submission (1 loss) he may have to wait a little longer to get the job done on Thiago.

Thiago isn't the force he once was, though will be a good test for Thatch to see where he is in the division. Thiago doesn't possess the striking ability of Thatch or knock out power so will have to try and work some magic on the mat.

Prediction: Brandon Thatch - TKO RD 2

Broadey: This is a very fun fight. Thatch entered the UFC with a ton of hype and duly delivered and outstanding KO on debut. Thiago has been there and done it all, he's a whole different league to the competition Thatch has so far faced. Thiago generally only loses to the top guys in the division. Thatch will put himself in that mix after he knocks Thiago out.

Prediction: Brandon Thatch - TKO RD 1

Santiago Ponzinibbio vs Ryan LeFlare
Strong: Not going to lie here, I don't know much about Santiago if anything at all, but I know how good LeFlare is at grappling, takedowns and top position! I always back a man who can control a fight on the floor over a striker.

Prediction: LeFlare - TKO RD 2

Broadey: I don't know much Ponzinibbio other than he beat some descent competition on the way to the final of Tuf Brazil 2 including the eventual winner Santos before having to pull out due to injury. LaFlare is a huge Welterweight but very inexperienced. That could be a factor fighting in Brazil against a huge crowd favourite here. Benny Alloway took him the distance in a close fight so I won't expect fireworks here.

Prediction: Ponzinibbio - Unanimous Decision

Rony Jason vs Jeremy Stephens:
Strong: Not normally I like to pick the favourites for each fight, though I'm struggling to pick against Rony Jason here. Jeremy Stephens made his featherweight debut in May this year where he defeated Estevan Payan in dominating fashion via UD. But can he raise his game even further?

Rony Jason is a joy to watch at times , if he can get Stephens to the ground I fancy him pulling off a submission win. Though is the fight stays on the feet this could a very bad night for Rony.

Prediction: Jeremy Stephens - Unanimous Decision (Although not really comfortable about this pick)

Broadey: Jeremy Stephens although predominantly a striker is good everywhere but Jason is excellent everywhere - his one isn't close.

Prediction: Rony Jason - Submission RD 1 

UFC on Fuel 10: Nogueira vs Werdum 2 (Fight Card)

UFC on Fuel 10: Nogueira vs Werdum 2
Date: June 8, 2013
Ginasio Paulo Sarasate Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil

Fight Card
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Fabricio Werdum
Rafael Cavalcante vs. Thiago Silva
John Hathaway vs. Erick Silva
Rony Jason vs Mike Wilkinson*
Caio Magalhaes vs. Karlos Vemola*
Derek Brunson vs. Ronny Markes*
Ildemar Alcantara vs. Jason High*
Eddie Mendez vs Daniel Sarafian*
Felipe Arantes vs Godofredo Castro*

* - Not officially announced

Caio Magalhaes vs Karlos Vermola Reported for UFC on Fuel 10

Caio Magalhaes meets Karlos Vermola at UFC on Fuel 10

A middleweight bout between Caio Magalhaes (5-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) and Karlos Vemola (9-3 MMA, 2-3 UFC) has been agreed for UFC on FUEL TV 10, according to a report from Brazilian outlet Tatame.

UFC on FUEL TV 10 takes place June the 8th at Ginasio Paulo Sarasate in Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil, and is expected to act as the final for season 2 of The Ultimate Fighter Brazil, and is likely to feature coaches Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Fabricio Werdum in the main event.

Originally scheduled to face Chris Leban at UFC 155 before being forced to pull out due to injury, Vemola returns to the octagon for the first time since a July loss to fellow European stand out, Francis Carmont at UFC on FUEL TV 4. Hailing from The Czech Republic, Vermola now calls the UK his home, training out of London Shootfighters with the likes of John Hathaway, Alex Reid, and Mostapha Al Turk.

Entering the octagon a perfect 7-0 with 7 first round finishes, Vermola's career has been up-and-down in the UFC amassing a 2-3 record since joining the promotion, with wins coming against Seth Petruzelli, and Mike Massenzio - Vermola has never been the distance in any of his 9 wins.

His opponent Caio Magalhaes, also returns from injury having pulled out of a scheduled bout with Michael Kuiper at UFC on FX 7, enters the bout looking for his first win the UFC, having lost by unanimous decision in his debut to Buddy Roberts at UFC on FX 3: Johnson vs McCall. Prior to the loss, Magalhaes had rattled off 5 consecutive wins since beginning his career, all of which came in his native Brazil, where he fights again for UFC on Fuel 10.

For the latest on UFC on Fuel 10, stay tuned to the Calender section on our site. 

 

John Hathaway Meets Erick Silva at UFC on Fuel 10

John Hathaway to face Erick Silva at UFC on Fuel TV 10 in Brazil

In a battle between 2 of the finest Welterweight prospects in the UFC, The UKs John Hathaway (17-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) will meet Erick Silva (14-3 MMA, 2-2 UFC) at UFC on Fuel 10 in Brazil, on June 8th, on a fightcard which also serves as the finale for the second season of "The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil.

UFC on Fuel 10 is expected to take place June 8 at Ginasio Paulo Sarasate in Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil. The event's main card airs on FUEL TV in the US following prelims on Facebook.

UFC officials announced the bout following an initial report from Brazilian website Globo.

25-year-old John Hathaway one of the finest talents in the UK, is currently riding a 3 fight win streak including wins over TUF finalist Kris McCray, Pascal Krauss and John Maguire - all of which came by decision, and will be fighting outside of The UK for only the 5th time in his 18 fight career. Of Hathaways 7 UFC wins, including notable victories over Rick Story and Diego Sanchez, all but 1 have come by decisiom

His opponent Silva who recently had to pull out of his proposed UFC 156 bout with Jay Hieron, fights in his home land for the 4th time in his 5 fight UFC career. Silva returns to the cage following his UFC 153 lose to Jon Fitch that most observers consider his first true defeat inside the octagon, with his other lose on record coming from a disqualification for illegal punches to the back of the head in a bout against Carlo Prater at UFC 142 which Silva knocked out Prater. Referee Mario Yamasaki who disqualified Silva later admitted to erring in his stoppage.

For the latest on UFC on Fuel 10, stay tuned to the calendar section of the site.

UFC on FX 8 (Fightcard)

UFC on FX 8
Date: May 18, 2013 23:00 GMT
Arena Jaragua Jaragua do Sul, Santa Catarina, Brazil


UFC on FX 8 sees The UFC return to Brazil for the 2nd time in 2013 featuring a main event bout between Vitor Belfort and the last Strikeforce Middleweight champion Luke Rockhold. Ronaldo Souza is also expected to make his debut on the card against Constantinos Philippou who is on a 5 fight win streak.

Main Card
Vitor Belfort vs. Luke Rockhold
Constantinos Philippou vs. Ronaldo Souza
CB Dollaway vs. Cezar Ferreira
Rafael dos Anjos vs. Evan Dunham

Preliminary Card
Hacran Dias vs. Manny Gamburyan
Mike Rio vs. Francisco Trinaldo
Yuri Alcantara vs. Marcos Vinicius
Lance Benoist vs. Paulo Thiago
Azamat Gashimov vs. John Lineker
Roger Hollett vs. Fabio Maldonado
Facebook Prelims
John Cholish vs. Gleison Tibau
Chris Cariaso vs. Jussier Formiga
Jeremy Larsen vs. Lucas Martins