Preview: UFC 212 ‘Aldo vs. Holloway’

Middleweights

Paulo Henrique Costa (9-0) vs. Oluwale Bamgbose (6-2)

THE MATCHUP: Bamgbose is a profound example of just how far an incredible athlete can go with what appears to be a complete lack of fundamental technique. Bamgbose has excelled in many disciplines, of course, boasting black belts in taekwondo and wushu, a black prajied in Brazilian muay Thai and a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In the Octagon, however, he shows none of what most MMA coaches would call “fundamentals.” Instead of stepping and sliding, Bamgbose shuffles around, seemingly ready to spring at any and every moment. Instead of using footwork to disguise his attacks, Bamgbose bursts forward, trusting in speed and all-out aggression to get the job done as he swarms with wild combinations. Instead of throwing jabs, Bamgbose drops his weight and announces to his opponent and the world that he is about to attack.

Every man he has ever beaten has been stopped within the first round, most in less than three minutes -- because Bamgbose is fast, aggressive and exceedingly powerful. Costa may exceed Bamgbose’s skill in several parameters, but past opponents have learned how surprising raw talent can be.

Of course, “Borrachinha” is not without talents of his own. He looks a little like Alistair Overeem, and he fights a lot like him -- not the new “Slickster Reem,” who hops around at long range to avoid being caught in a firefight but the classic version: “Ubereem.” Costa is a massive, powerful middleweight with a freight train’s enthusiasm for smashing things out of his way. Far from reckless, however, the Brazilian employs a snapping jab and clean footwork in order to pressure his opponents into the fence, where he keeps them on the end of his reach as he throws Dutch-style punch-kick combos. This approach has made “Borrachinha” a dangerous man in the opening moments of a fight: He has finished all nine of his opponents in the first frame.

Neither man cares much for grappling. Costa is more technical in his attempts to stand up, but Bamgbose has the power to scramble back to his feet with only a small opening.

THE ODDS: Costa (-340), Bamgbose (+270)

THE PICK: Bamgbose will likely surprise Costa in this fight. “Borrachinho” fights aggressively and has good reason to expect his opponents to respect that. Bamgbose likes to fight, however, and he will throw thunderbolts at Costa’s head as he closes the gap. In the end, Costa’s experience and superior craft will show. He has the weapons to attack Bamgbose at every level on the feet and the power to make it count. The pick is Costa by first-round TKO.

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