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FIGHT ODDS

UFC Live 4 Preview: The Main Card

Jason ProbstJun 23, 2011
Matt Mitrione (right) has shown solid progress. | Photo: D. Mandel/Sherdog.com


Heavyweights
Matt Mitrione (4-0, 4-0 UFC) vs. Christian Morecraft (7-1, 1-1 UFC)

The Matchup: Every card needs a good heavyweight tussle or two, and this one should fulfill that role admirably. The talented and compelling Mitrione has shown solid progress since his time on Season 10 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” during which he rankled and chafed as much as he fought. Morecraft, fresh off a momentum-generating win over Sean McCorkle, is a big, rough heavyweight with aggression to burn.

Morecraft will definitely want to take this one to the mat against Mitrione, whose smooth striking and athleticism make him a prospect to watch. Essentially, Mitrione may be one win away from being considered a Top 10 UFC heavyweight, which is quite an accomplishment for the man they call “Meathead.”

Morecraft went right after McCorkle en route to submission win at UFC Fight Night 24, displaying the kind of aggression one likes to see in heavyweights. Mitrone’s southpaw stance and sharp striking give him his best chance in this matchup; the wild cards are how effective Morecraft can be from top position on the ground and whether or not Mitrione can survive being planted and pounded on his back. Anything can happen with heavyweights, and this is definitely a bout to watch.

The Pick: Morecraft gives Mitrione all he can handle, with “Meathead” rallying late with combinations en route to a close decision win.

Continue Reading » The Prelims: Tyson Griffin vs. Manny Gamburyan

Jason Probst can be reached at Jason@jasonprobst.com or twitter.com/jasonprobst.