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Melvin Manhoef vs. Tatsuya Mizuno

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Manhoef is one of the most devastating strikers in the sport today. Nothing Mizuno does would ever be considered devastating. To say this first-round matchup in Dream’s light heavyweight grand prix is something of a mismatch is an insult to mismatches.

Even factoring in Manhoef’s notoriously poor mat skills does little to even the score, as Mizuno isn’t a particularly adept wrestler. Prone to simply bending over and diving forward instead of timing his shots, Mizuno makes himself an easy target on the feet for headhunters like Manhoef. Just lining up a takedown attempt will be difficult, as Manhoef’s movement and active striking style make it difficult for opponents to get their hands on him long enough to finish a takedown.

The simple truth is that any time spent on the feet with Manhoef is far too much for Mizuno. Even if the U-File camp product manages a takedown, he’s not the otherworldly sort of grappler that usually knots up Manhoef. That more than anything is what really has Mizuno in such a deep stylistic hole, and it’s not one I can see him crawling out of in one piece.

Of course no one should be surprised if Manhoef lands on his back at some point. What would be surprising is Mizuno finishing the job before he has to go back to fending off the mad Dutchman’s relentless offensive onslaught. Whenever Manhoef starts putting his strikes together, it’s just a matter of time before his opponents get a head start on naptime and Mizuno will be no exception.