MMA has one of the best sweats in DFS. Two fighters compete at a time with only one coming out as the winner. It's the best feeling in the world when you are watching the main event of a show and know you need a first round knockout to win the entire tournament.
And nothing feels worse than when you need a first round knockout by Stipe Miocic to win thousands of dollars in a tournament, but when he lands that knockout punch, you realize that you placed 14th because Jacare Souza was too dominant in a previous fight. This was a serious scenario that I had to live through when Miocic won the Heavyweight Championship.
Anyway, Jason and I will be taking a look at the main card for Fight Night 93. We will be keeping track based on picking winners and losers. We will also predict how the fight will be finished, but that will not reflect in the records.
Justin's Record: 24-14
Jason's Record: 22-16
Without anymore waiting, here are our picks and analysis for the main card at Fight Night 93.
Nick Hein vs Tae Hyun Bang
Justin’s Pick
Hein is the more technical fighter of the two, but Bang has the power in his hands to end the fight with one punch. Hein also has the advantage in wrestling, which he will be able to mix in to keep Bang guessing throughout the fight. While Bang certainly has a puncher’s chance to win this fight, Hein will likely use his technique and wrestling to win in the eyes of the judges.
Nick Hein via Unanimous Decision
Jason’s Pick
This is a semi-difficult fight to predict, and the fireworks show could start early with “The Korean Cowboy” Tae Hyun Bang’s power. He has won half of his professional fights via knockout or technical knockout. The other half, he won by decision. However, Justin is correct. Nick “Sergeant” Hein is the more technical of the two fighters, and he will likely use his technique to eek out a decision victory. Regardless, Bang’s power will keep fans on the edge of their seats the entire three rounds.
Nick Hein via Unanimous Decision
Ryan Bader vs Ilir Latifi
Justin’s Pick
This is an extremely interesting matchup. Bader is a fighter that loves to use his wrestling, but he may not be able to use that wrestling against Latifi, who has elite takedown defense. Latifi also has the punching power to land a quick knockout, but he has a questionable gas tank. Bader is a fighter that will continue to pressure fighters throughout the fight, and ultimately, I expect Latifi to gas in the later rounds. As long as Bader can avoid the early knockout shot, he should be able to pick up the win.
Ryan Bader via Unaimous Decision
Jason’s Pick
While it is true that Ilir “The Sledgehammer” Latifi does tend to gas in the later rounds of fights, he has likely been working on his conditioning, and he also tends to keep his punch count to a minimum. He only needs one to end the fight, so why throw seven? Ryan “Darth” Bader loves the takedown, but he will not secure one against Latifi. His takedown defense is too good. If standing for three rounds with Latifi, Bader will be lucky to get to the judge’s scorecard. Honestly, “The Sledgehammer” has too much power to pass on him this weekend.
Ilir Latifi via KO, 2nd Round
Alexander Gustafsson vs Jan Blachowicz
Justin’s Pick
Blachowicz is no slouch in the octagon, but this is Gustafsson’s fight to lose. He has better striking and wrestling, and he should be able to dominate this fight wherever it goes. Gustafsson’s recent losses have been against Jon Jones, Daniel Cormier, and Anthony Johnson, while Blachowicz lost against fighters like Corey Anderson and Jimi Manuwa. This is a major step up in competition for Blachowicz, and it’s a step down for Gustafsson. He should have no problems hitting Blachowicz early in the fight before landing that knockout shot later in the fight.
Alexander Gustafsson via TKO, 2nd Round
Jason’s Pick
This fight is easy. Alexander “The Mauler” Gustafsson wins; that’s it. It is difficult to go against Jan Blachowicz, as he is Polish, and that specific breed of fighter is known for dishing out and absorbing all kinds of punishment, but Gustafsson is out of his league. He is going to wear down his opponent and finish in the first or second round without too many issues.
Alexander Gustafsson via TKO, 2nd Round
Andrei Arlovski vs Josh Barnett
Justin's Pick
This fight has all the makings of the fight of the night. Both of these fighters have had their ups and downs over the last couple years, but they are still two of the best heavyweights in the world. Barnett works at a fairly fast pace compared to Arlovski, who relies more on his power punches. Barnett also has the advantage in wrestling, although Arlovski’s takedown defense could neutralize that. Barnett should be able to outwork Arlovski early in the fight, while wearing him down. He’ll land big shots in the clinch before ending the fight within the distance.
Josh Barnett via TKO, 4th Round
Jason’s Pick
This pick could be slightly bias, as Andrei “The Pit Bull” Arlovski has been a favorite of mine since I started watching the sport, but he obviously has the tools to pick up the victory against Josh “The Warmaster” Barnett. Barnett is better on the ground, but Arlovski has great takedown defense, so the fight should stay standing. In a boxing match, the advantage leans toward Arlovski, and he should be able to land a couple of big punches in the early rounds to set up a finish in the later rounds. Eventually, he will find the knockout zone on Barnett’s chin; it is only a matter of when.
Andrei Arlovski via KO, 3rd Round