UFC 146 ‘Dos Santos vs. Mir’ Preview

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Heavyweights

Stipe Miocic (8-0, 2-0 UFC) vs. Shane del Rosario (11-0, 0-0 UFC)

The Matchup: A pair of unbeaten heavyweight prospects square off here, as Miocic replaces an injured Gabriel Gonzaga to round out the all-heavyweight main card.

Del Rosario earned the signature victory of his career more than a year ago, submitting current UFC talent Lavar Johnson with an opening-round armbar at Strikeforce “Fedor vs. Silva.” In addition to showing a good awareness of his opponent’s weaknesses, del Rosario also impressed by surviving a barrage of shots from the heavy-handed Johnson in the early going. The Irvine, Calif., native has not competed since, as a herniated disc suffered in a car accident forced him out of a June 18 showdown with Daniel Cormier.

Miocic’s knockout power was on display in his most recent bout, as he knocked Philip De Fries from the ranks of the unbeaten in just 43 seconds at UFC on Fuel TV 1 in February. It was a spectacular showing after a so-so debut with the promotion in which Miocic took a lackluster decision from Joey Beltran using takedowns and ground-and-pound.

Both fighters have a knack for finishing. Miocic has stopped seven of his eight victims, while none of del Rosario’s 11 opponents have gone the distance. Del Rosario has a well-rounded skill set that includes decent hands, as well as the ability to work from the clinch and force takedowns.

Miocic, who has wrestling and boxing experience, will have to sprawl and defend del Rosario’s shots to allow him to take advantage of the knockout power in his right hand. Del Rosario might have slightly less power, but he will have an edge on the mat if he can get it there. The Team Oyama product is more than capable of advancing position and wearing down Miocic, eventually creating an opening for a fight-ending submission.

The Pick: Look for the two men to break even in exchanges, with del Rosario gradually turning the tide with clinch work and a few timely takedowns. Del Rosario remains unbeaten with a decision or late submission triumph.

Last Fights » The Prelims