Preview: UFC Fight Night ‘McDonald vs. Lineker’

Heavyweights

Daniel Omielanczuk (18-5-1) vs. Alexey Oleinik (50-9-1)

THE MATCHUP: These two heavyweights match up quite well. Omielanczuk is game, and a mere eight of Oleinik’s 60 fights have gone the distance.

Omielanczuk has struggled with wrestlers in the past -- even those without particularly sophisticated wrestling technique, such as Anthony Hamilton. Ring craft, however, is the biggest piece missing from Omielanczuk’s game and the one Oleinik will most likely exploit. Circling his opponent, Omielanczuk has no issue whatsoever putting his own back near the fence. If the opponent clinches him in that position, he makes little effort to turn, preferring to simply stand against the wall and throw knees and uppercuts.

Oleinik is an aggressive grappler, with an outrageous 41 submission wins to his name. He is a powerful fighter who prefers to work from top position, and he uses his size well to finish submissions, most notably his trademark scarf hold, which is a combination of painful neck crank and suffocating diaphragm compression. Though not a particularly crafty wrestler, Oleinik’s doggedness and strength make him a hard man to deny.

Despite this predilection for ground work, Oleinik is no walkover on the feet. He staggered Hamilton before applying the scarf hold in his UFC debut and knocked Jared Rosholt senseless with a single punch. He is hittable but more than willing to exchange if the need arises. Oleinik’s wild swings often lead to the clinch, where he uses head control to pin his opponent against the cage while he hammers away with body punches and waits for the opportunity to drop for a takedown. Oleinik can take a shot, too: In 60 bouts, he has only woken up to a flashlight and a soft voice four times.

THE ODDS: Oleinik (-200), Omielanczuk (+170)

THE PICK: The big X-factor here is Oleinik’s layoff. “The Boa Constrictor” underwent several knee surgeries and has not fought since his knockout win over Rosholt in November 2014. Omielanczuk has not been extremely active, but he has fought three times since Oleinik last set foot in the cage. With that being said, the style matchup is not kind to Omielanczuk. He struggles with intense pressure and has been outworked on the ground. Oleinik can compete on the feet and has the distinct advantage on the floor, along with the rugged wrestling to make it happen. Oleinik by unanimous decision is the pick.

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