UFC Fight Night 24 Preview: The Prelims

Jason ProbstMar 24, 2011
Mike Russow (top) is a durable heavyweight. | Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com



Heavyweights
Mike Russow vs. Jon Madsen


The Matchup: Mirror images collide here. Russow and Madsen were high-level college wrestlers. Neither sports a body-beautiful type, and both seem a little undersized compared to the division’s behemoths.

One trait one has to like in Russow is his gameness. In his third-round knockout win over Todd Duffee in May 2010, Russow absorbed a huge beating but outlasted Duffee en route to a shocking stoppage. He simply would not fold. Madsen has proven a tactically smart fighter, as he stays standing only as long as he has to before working to plant opponents on the mat. Neither guy figures to get caught and taken out easily, but Russow should have more confidence off the Duffee bout.

The Pick: Go with Madsen via decision, as he gets the better of the grappling.

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