UFC Featherweight bout: Dustin Poirier vs. Josh Grispi
Odds: (+230 Poirier /-290 Grispi )
Betting Pick: Grispi
Bet on this fight at Bodog.com
In the night’s second 145 pound contest, Dustin Poirier steps up on short notice to replace injured champion Jose Aldo against top contender Josh Grispi. Poirier is tough and well-rounded but Grispi is a massive step up in competition for him, so coupled with the short notice he might be in for a long night.
Poirier, who went 1-1 in the WEC before the merger, has decent submissions, decent wrestling, and solid punching power. He is not a standout in any one area but he is pretty good at everything and there are no huge holes in his game. He only has one loss as a professional and has never been finished, so he should be able to at least hang in there, but he is going to have a hard time imposing his will on Grispi.
Grispi, who was slated to be recieving a title shot in the co-main event before Aldo was sidelined with an injury, is extremely well rounded and can finish fights standing and on the ground. He has great boxing with solid power and extremely effective submissions. Just as importantly, he puts it all together very well and can roll with a fight anywhere it goes.
This is a glorified warm-up match for Grispi, who needed an opponent while he waits for Aldo to get healthy again. Poirier is not a total pushover, and should be tough enough to make it a fight for a while, but eventually Grispi will catch him for the T/KO victory.
Prediction: Josh Grispi via second round T/KO.
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