Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Cain Velasquez

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Cain Velasquez

This should be a great fight between a UFC veteran and new superstar. Both are great fighters with either fighter showing any signs of weakness. Cain is a younger fighter with much less experience.  He also is a purple belt in BJJ compared to Nogueria’s black.  That being said he is also a D1 wrestler. Both fighters are about the same size with a small weight advantage going to Velasquez.

Nog is coming off of a big win against Couture.  This is a big fight for Nog. A win will keep him on the top of the heavyweight division.  A loss could move him into the “gatekeeper” category. He is a great fighter and one of the top fighters in the world.  Saying that, I think this will be a tuff fight for Nog. 

Cain has shown that he has power in his hands. He has KO all but one opponent, Cheick Congo.  He has a 7-0 record in MMA.  This will be a career changing fight if he is able to win.  He has yet to fight such a high level of competition.  He has the ability to take down Nog and grind out the fight.  Although his stand-up game is great, so is Nog’s and both fighters have the ability to win by KO. 

I have the same prediction for this fight as the Marquardt and Sonnen fight.  Cain will try to take the fight to the ground and not get submitted.  If he is able to get the fight to the ground he has the ability to win a decision.  This fight also could end in a flash KO in the first, both fighter have that ability.  Should be a great fight!

By: Matt Coffman