Lavar Johnson will try to rebound from his first loss in seven bouts. | Photo: Dave Mandel
Heavyweights
Devin Cole (18-9-1, 0-1 SF) vs. Lavar Johnson (15-4, 3-1 SF)
Cole, who served as gatekeeper in the International Fight League, definitely looks outmatched on the feet here but should have the kind of priorities -- takedowns or die -- that show whether or not Johnson can set up his strikes and use positioning and angles to do so without being taken down.
Cole may well have the wrestling and top control to fatigue Johnson, who tends to come unraveled when ground down in long stretches from the position -- a common issue with strikers who fatigue quickly when frustrated. However, his booming hands are massive equalizers. Look for Cole to show some middling standup, at best, before attempting a shot.
The Pick: Cole is pretty durable and has excellent grappling cardio, so he can ply his advantages on the mat without necessarily landing great ground-and-pound. That should be enough, with some scares thrown in by Johnson’s huge right hand and power, for Cole to grind out a late stoppage in the third round.
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