An interesting line up of fights will grace the UFC’s Octagon this weekend, and with three heavyweight bouts on the main card, it’s the heaviest line-up we’ve seen since UFC 146.
The main event has potential title fight connotations, as Ben Rothwell - riding a four-fight win streak - takes on former heavyweight champion, Junior Dos Santos. With a clear-cut victory, Rothwell knows that he will have done enough to demand a shot at the champion. Dos Santos, however, feels like he is still capable of holding the belt and needs a win in Zagreb to support his own case.
Although hugely experienced, with double the amount of professional contests as JDS, Rothwell has never been within reach of the UFC title. He finds himself in this position because something has changed about his approach to competition and, as a result, he has taken out four dangerous opponents. Rothwell puts this all down to his new mindset, and confidence, but it is manifesting in knockouts and submissions.
It seems as though Rothwell has found his groove, and at just the right time. The heavyweight division is has been waiting for a new contender to step in and stir things up, and it’s obvious that he has the skills required. His natural knockout power, granite chin and signature Go-Go choke are causing all kinds of problems. Most recently Big Ben submitted Josh Barnett, a high level grappler, surprising hard core MMA fans and earning a performance bonus in the process.
Junior Dos Santos, meanwhile, is a very skilled boxer. His takedown defence has always proven to be good, and he has an excellent awareness in all ranges of mixed martial arts. Having recently moved to American Top Team, he has worked extensively with former heavyweight boxing world champion, Michael Moorer, which will surely add a new dimension to his game. I expect Dos Santos to play the long game and use his footwork to stay away from Rothwell’s power, using his speed advantage to out-box his opponent.
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