UFC Middleweight bout: Mark Munoz vs. Chris Weidman
Odds: ( +115 Munoz / -145 Weidman )
Betting Pick: Munoz
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In the main event of the evening, undefeated Serra-Longo Fight Team standout Chris “All American” Weidman will take a huge step up in competition as he faces heavy-handed wrestler Mark “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” Munoz. Weidman has looked great so far, with a very well-rounded skill set that focuses on a stellar ground game, but Munoz is the most dangerous opponent he has faced by a wide margin. This is going to be a really stern test for the up-and-coming Weidman, and should go a long way toward determining whether he is ready to break into the top of the UFC’s Middleweight division or if he still has work to do.
Chris “All American” Weidman is without a doubt the Middleweight division’s most exciting young prospect. With a perfect 8-0 professional record, Weidman has been steadily climbing the Middleweight ranks, handling every test perfectly and showing a very versatile skill set. He isn’t the most powerful puncher in the division, but he has solid technical boxing with good footwork and hand speed. There is no doubt, though, that Weidman’s bread and butter is his ground game. He has very solid takedowns, great positional control, and a devastating jiu-jitsu game from every position. So far, he hasn’t shown any real holes in his game, but he also hasn’t had to fight anyone who is capable of meeting his strengths head-on, which Munoz can definitely do. This is a perfect fight to gauge where Weidman is at this stage in his career, but Munoz’s power punching and defensive wrestling are going to make it hard for him to simply impose his will. If he wants to keep his unbeaten record intact, Weidman is going to have to show that he is capable of adapting to situations inside the Octagon and dealing with some adversity.
Mark “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” Munoz is definitely one of the top contenders in the Middleweight division, and with the title picture unclear after Silva recently dispatched the man many viewed as his own real threat, could well be fighting for a shot at the title against Weidman. What makes Munoz such a dangerous opponent is that, while his wrestling is as good as anyone in the division, he is a long way from one dimensional. He can certainly win fights by forcing opponents onto their back and unleashing his ground and pound, which is arguably the most devastating in the sport, but he also has thudding power punches on his feet. Against Weidman he will enjoy a significant advantage in terms of punching power, and I think he is also the superior wrestler, which means that he can dictate when and how this fight goes to the ground. The most important thing for Munoz is not to get complacent from top position and underestimate Weidman’s submission game, which could spell disaster for him.
As the old saying goes, styles make fights, and stylistically I feel like Munoz is a perfect foil for Weidman. On the feet, Weidman is competent but not overly dangerous. He is going to have to be very wary of Munoz’s superior punching power, which is going to make it harder for him to use his boxing to set up takedowns. Munoz is hard to take down anyway, and the fact that Weidman is going to have to be tentative in the striking exchanges is only going to make it more difficult. I see Munoz landing the bigger shots and controlling the positioning of this fight, scoring some points in the later rounds with takedowns, and handing Weidman the first loss of his professional career via unanimous decision.
Prediction: Mark Munoz by Unanimous Decision.
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