Jeremy Horn vs. Rousimar “Toquinho” Palhares
The opening bout of the evening promises fireworks on the ground as respected grappler Jeremy Horn, veteran of over 100 professional fights, takes on fellow Brazilian Jiu Jitsu powerhouse Rousimar “Toquinho” Palhares. Horn, coming off three submission losses in his last four fights, will be looking to reassert himself as a quality grappler and prove that he still belongs on the sport’s biggest stage.
Palhares, who dropped a narrow decision to Dan Henderson in his last outing, will be looking to rebuild some momentum and insert himself in the title picture at 185 pounds.
Horn, one of the pioneers of grappling in American MMA, is the definition of a journeyman. Having competed in over 100 professional bouts in dozens of promotions and on multiple continents, Horn is quite likely the most experienced fighter in the history of the sport. Primarily a jiu jitsu guy, Horn’s standup is, at best, poor, if not downright terrible. This, coupled with the clear physical degeneration caused by such a prolific career, have finally caught up with the once dangerous Horn. MMA, filled now with well-rounded physical specimens, has passed Horn by once and for all.
Rousimar Palhares is a nightmare opponent for someone like Horn. He has better jiu jitsu, better cardio, better wrestling, better standup, and is far stronger. In all likelihood, this will be a short night of work for Palhares, who could easily destroy Horn standing, and could just as easily take him down, overpower him, and submit him at will.
I predict the latter, with Horn’s illustrious career coming to an end by way of a Palhares submission in the first round.
