UFC Featherweight bout: Kenny Florian vs. Diego Nunes
Odds: ( -325 Florian / +250 Nunes )
Betting Pick: Florian
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In the semi-main event, Kenny “KenFlo” Florian makes his first appearance at 145 pounds against top-10 contender Diego Nunes. Florian was very successful at Lightweight, but found himself unable to deal with some of the larger wrestlers who dominate the division. 145 seems like a much more natural weight for him, but Nunes is an extremely tough opponent who has a tendency to neutralize his opponents and make them look bad, so Florian is going to need to bring his A game if he wants a successful debut in a new division.
Diego ” The Gun” Nunes is an extremely effective fighter with a versatile offensive skill set. He has very technical striking, great submissions, and very solid wrestling. He puts his game together very well and is very good at taking his opponents off their games. He isn’t always the most exciting fighter to watch, but he is one of the best in the division at neutralizing his opponents’ offense, picking his shots, and scoring points. He was a prolific finisher early in his career, but his last six fights have gone the distance and two of his last three wins were controversial split decisions. Against Florian, who is just as well-rounded as he is and has many of the same skills, he is going to need to be more aggressive than he has been recently if he wants to avoid a loss.
Kenny Florian is also quite well-rounded, but unlike Nunes he is very aggressive and a prolific finisher. Florian made a huge impression during his UFC debut on the original Ultimate Fighter, making it all the way to the finals despite fighting 30 plus pounds above his natural weight. Originally a jiu-jitsu guy, he has become a dynamic and effective striker over the years, with solid boxing and very good Muay Thai in the clinch. The only thing missing from his game is dominant wrestling, but he does have good takedown defense and he should be even more effective at 145 pounds, where he won’t have to deal with bigger and stronger opponents.
I think Nunes might be in trouble here. Florian has a very similar skill set, but is more aggressive, more effective, and a better finisher. Nunes is very good, but I think Florian is going to consistently beat him to the punch and Nunes isn’t going to be able to force the fight to the ground. Even if it does hit the mat, it is entirely likely that Florian is the better grappler. Nunes is a tough guy and I doubt he will get finished, but I expect Florian to control this fight bell to bell for a one-sided unanimous decision.
Prediction: Kenny Florian via Unanimous Decision.
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