Luigi Fioravanti vs. Anthony Johnson
In a welterweight contest that is sure to be hotly contested, long-time MMA veteran Luigi Fioravanti will be taking on extremely athletic newcomer Anthony “Rumble” Johnson.
Fioravanti is a skilled and well-rounded competitor, while Johnson is a freakishly athletic young fighter with unorthodox but effective striking and incredible wrestling, so this one should be exciting to say the least.
Fioravanti, who trains with the extremely well-respected American Top Team out of Florida, is a well rounded fighter who has had mixed success in his UFC stint. An Iraq war veteran with loads of heart and determination, Fioravanti has better than average striking and extremely good takedown and submission defense. If his game has a glaring weak spot, it is his conditioning, which is simply not up to snuff with his other skills.
Conditioning is not a problem for Johnson, to say the least. An athletically gifted monster in the vein of Georges St. Pierre, Johnson possesses sterling amateur wrestling credentials and dynamic and
powerful striking, making him extremely dangerous. Johnson’s biggest disadvantage is easily his lack of experience, both in general and especially against top competition. Fioravanti is a clear step up for
Johnson, who was rear naked choked by Rich Clementi the last time he stepped up in competition.
Despite Fioravanti’s clear edge in experience, Johnson’s edge in wrestling and athleticism will prove more than the veteran can handle.
Johnson by TKO, round 3.
