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FIGHT ODDS

World Series of Fighting 4 Preview

Tristen CritchfieldAug 08, 2013
Ray Sefo will take a break from his presidential duties in order to compete. | Photo: Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com


Heavyweights


Ray Sefo (2-1, 0-0 WSOF) vs. Dave Huckaba (20-5, 0-0 WSOF)

The Matchup: Sefo temporarily steps aside from his duties as WSOF president to take his first MMA bout in more than two years. In his last appearance, he was submitted inside of a round by Valentijn Overeem at Strikeforce “Fedor vs. Silva.” As expected, the K-1 veteran handled himself nicely on the feet, landing lead left hooks, jabs, overhand rights and leg kicks against his opponent before Overeem took him down. From there, Sefo surrendered position easily and tapped to a neck crank in just 97 seconds. Sefo’s only other Strikeforce appearance saw the New Zealand native mounted by journeyman Kevin Jordan in the opening round. Jordan eventually lost after suffering a knee injury in the second frame.

Fortunately for “Sugarfoot,” the gaping hole in his game might not be so easily exposed by Huckaba. With 16 knockout or technical knockout triumphs among his 20 victories, Huckaba is known for his heavy hands. “Bad Man” also likes to get his work done quickly: only two of his 25 professional fights have gone the distance. The former Gladiator Challenge champion is big, strong and capable of ending a bout at a moment’s notice, and his greatest weakness -- takedown defense -- is not going to be tested.

While Huckaba certainly has some pop in his hands, he is not on the Sefo’s level when it comes to overall striking skill. “Bad Man” will throw power punches and the occasional kick, but he lacks the diversity to seriously threaten the WSOF boss. Huckaba also holds his hands low, which could leave him vulnerable to a well-placed head kick.

Even with all that in mind, Huckaba is far more active and experienced in this realm than Sefo. If he can land a takedown at some point, he is capable of passing Sefo’s guard and doing damage with heavy ground-and-pound. However, closing the distance on Sefo still remains a risky proposition.

The Pick: Sefo finds an opportunity to counter Huckaba for a knockout in round one.

Next Fight » Nick Newell vs. Keon Caldwell