Luiz Cane (9-1) vs. Steve Cantwell (7-1)
The televised portion of the event opens with a Light Heavyweight matchup between up and coming prospect Steve “The Robot” Cantwell and knockout artist Luis Arthur “Banha” Cane. Both men have promising futures ahead of them, so this fight is an important stepping stone in both men’s careers. Cantwell +210 / Cane -270 current odds
Steve “The Robot” Cantwell is a well-rounded fighter who found himself holding a UFC contract after WEC folded the Light Heavyweight Division. Cantwell came to UFC holding a three fight win streak including a payback knockout of Brian Stann, the only man ever to defeat him. He made it four in a row in his UFC debut, submitting Razzak Al-Hassan with an armbar in the first round.
Cantwell’s biggest advantage is his ability to end a fight standing and on the ground. He is not world class in either aspect, but he is proficient enough that his opponents have to constantly worry about the fight ending, no matter where it ends up.
Unlike Cantwell, Cane has his gameplan, and he sticks with it. Where Cantwell can move with the flow of a fight, dealing damage standing or on the ground, Cane prefers to blast away at his opponents with lethal Muay Thai. Thusfar, it has served him well, as his only career defeat came when he was disqualified for kneeing James Irvin’s head on the ground. Since that loss, Cane has won two in a row inside the Octagon, against quality opponents Jason Lambert and Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou. There is no reason to believe that Cane’s gameplan will be any different against Cantwell, so I expect him to come out swinging, close the distance, and do some damage in the clinch.
I see Cane taking this one just because he is the more aggressive of the two and has fought tougher opponents. Cantwell is the real deal, but he was stopped by Brian Stann, who doesn’t pack anywhere near the punch Cane does.
Cane by TKO, Round 2.
