World Series of Fighting 2 Preview
Branch vs. Filho
Paulo Filho was once regarded as one of the world’s premier
middleweights. | Photo: Marcelo Alonso/Sherdog.com
Middleweights
David Branch (11-3, 1-0 WSOF) vs. Paulo Filho (23-4-2, 0-0 WSOF)
The Matchup: Considering his checkered history in recent years, Filho has to be the wildcard of the event. A 2006 Pride Fighting Championships welterweight grand prix finalist, Filho owns victories against the likes of Ikuhisa Minowa, Murilo Rua, Yuki Kondo, Ryo Chonan, Kazuo Misaki, Chael Sonnen and Melvin Manhoef during a career that began in 2000.
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Branch, a four-time UFC competitor, has won three of four bouts since his last Octagon appearance, most recently taking a unanimous verdict over Dustin Jacoby at WSOF 1. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt consistently landed straight punches while displaying solid takedown defense in the victory. Branch is generally conservative offensively, throwing the occasional punch or kick when the opportunity presents itself. He prefers to get the fight to the mat, but despite his pedigree, he does not always capitalize as he should when achieving dominant position. The Renzo Gracie pupil is also willing to pull guard and hunt for submissions from his back, but this strategy can also backfire if the cageside judges award points for top control.
If Filho is as wild in his striking as he was against Rua, Branch should be able to capitalize by changing levels for takedowns. Filho is a black belt in both judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but much of his ability to win battles for positioning on the mat depends on his sometimes spotty conditioning.
The Pick: Branch has been known to elicit a few boos for his lack of action from time to time, but he is the safer pick here. He wins by decision.
Next Fight » Gesias Cavalcante vs. Justin Gaethje
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