Via dazn.com
A week after the return of Henry Cejudo and the crowning of a new top welterweight contender, the UFC brings us another on-location fight night headlined by two powerful heavyweights. Ninth-ranked Jairzinho Rozenstruik will be facing off with 12th ranked Jailton Almeida, in what is an extremely favorable matchup for the Brazilian.
Not only do I expect Almeida to win, but I expect him to win in the first round. Bigi Boy may have been way in over his head, taking a fight against a man many people ducked. Not only can Almeida strike, but he’s one of the most dangerous grapplers in the 205-plus pound weight range in all of MMA. Whether it be catching Rozenstruik with a clean shot in the first minute, or slowly working him into a choke on the ground, I am confident that Almeida will make quick work of him. Rozenstruik is a talented fighter, but has shown susceptibility to early endings and low IQ in the past.
Under this clash of titans, the light heavyweight division will see a huge matchup in the race for a shot against Jamahal Hill. Seventh-ranked Johnny Walker and fifth-ranked Anthony Smith are facing off in what could be the biggest win in Walker’s career. Starting off his career on a hot trajectory, Walker severely slowed down with shoulder surgery and a string of poor performances, making many lose hope for him to one day reach his potential.
Now on a two fight win streak against Ion Cutelaba and Paul Craig, Walker has been awarded an opportunity against former title challenger Anthony “Lionheart Smith” in a true “Pick ‘Em” matchup. Smith is coming off of almost 10 months’ rest after a leg injury against Magomed Ankalaev led to surgery and multiple complications. The two challengers are at completely different parts of their career, and I’m going with the younger, fresher fighter. Walker is healthy, has his confidence back, and is facing a man who could be seeing his days in the Octagon numbered.
Brazil is going to have a night at UFC Charlotte.
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–UFC on ABC 4: Rozenstruik vs Almeida Full Card Predictions
