Preview: UFC Fight Night ‘Bermudez vs. Korean Zombie’

Heavyweights

Anthony Hamilton (15-6) vs. Marcel Fortuna (8-1)

THE MATCHUP: Hamilton is a matchmaker’s dream. No, he is not the most exciting fighter in the world, nor is he overly technical in any particular phase. However, he is quite strong, quite tough and quite aggressive. Hamilton more or less approaches each fight the same way, and that makes him an excellent test for up-and-coming fighters. Hamilton’s opponents know what to expect from him; the test is in whether or not they can stop him.

At 31 years old, Fortuna may not match your typical definition of an “up-and-comer,” but he is a newcomer to the heavyweight division, having never before competed north of 205 pounds. That will likely be an issue against Hamilton, whose “Freight Train” nickname is no misnomer. Hamilton has been submitted three times, however, and therein lies Fortuna’s opportunity. Fortuna is a second-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and five of his career wins have come via choke. Unfortunately, he is not an outstanding wrestler, and he has been a little too overanxious on the ground in the past, causing him to lose precious submission opportunities. Recall his frantic grappling against Cory Hendricks, for example.

Hamilton usually fights at around 260 pounds, and his fists probably account for a third of that weight. As noted above, his awkward, almost clumsy style of striking does not allow those punches to flourish in the standup, but on the ground, Hamilton is capable of dishing out some truly frightening punishment. It is an unlucky man who feels Hamilton’s right hand crashing into his floating ribs. Power, durability and determination comprise the bulk of Hamilton’s abilities, but this is the heavyweight division we are talking about: Those traits count for a lot.

THE ODDS: Hamilton (-175), Fortuna (+150)

THE PICK: Against a massive heavyweight like Hamilton, there are two ways that Fortuna could go in this fight. He could attempt to outstrike Hamilton from range, using the agility of his smaller frame to his advantage; or he could allow Hamilton to work takedowns -- or work some of his own if the former Maximum Fighting Championship titleholder is tentative to tangle on the ground -- and play the submission game. Fortuna is only a passable striker, so the first approach is unlikely to yield results. Hamilton’s raw physicality makes grappling with him dangerous, unless you are Francis Ngannou, which Fortuna is not. The pick is Hamilton by second-round TKO.

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