Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Josh Hendricks
In another bout featuring a world class Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, Gabriel “Napao” Gonzaga will attempt to secure his second consecutive win in UFC. Standing in his way is UFC newcomer, but MMA veteran, Josh Hendricks.
Gabriel Gonzaga burst onto the UFC scene, capturing impressive victories against Carmelo Marrero and Fabiano Scherner before shocking the world by knocking out highly-regarded kickboxer Mirko Cro Cop with a head kick. After his huge win against Cro Cop, though, he encountered a few obstacles, being handily defeated by UFC Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture and fellow black belt Fabricio Werdum successively.
In his last outing, he got back in the win column with an impressive Kimura against skilled veteran Justin McCully. Clearly, Gonzaga will be looking to take this fight to the ground, where he is a threat with both his submission attack and with dangerous ground and pound.
Hendricks, a relatively unknown wrestler who relies heavily on ground and pound offense, has put together a solid record against less than solid competition. The two biggest fights of his career thusfar were against Travis Wiuff and Sam Hoger, and he lost both decisively. The mere fact that Sam Hoger was one of his two best opponents is telling. That he lost the fight by arm triangle pretty much seals his fate.
Hendricks’ best work comes on the ground, but that is exactly where Gonzaga wants him. I expect an easy submission win for Gonzaga in the first frame.
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