WSOF 20: Main Card Preview and Predictions
There is a busy MMA weekend afoot, with the Big Three all holding show this weekend. One of those big three is World Series of Fighting, which comes to us with its 20th show on NBC Sports on Friday.
Middleweight champion Dave Branch headlines the card, moving up to 205 pounds in search of his second title with the company. He fights Ronny Markes in the semifinals of a 205-pound tournament, with the winner taking on Teddy Holder at an event to be announced for the inaugural light heavyweight championship.
Decorated amateur wrestler Steve Mocco, one-armed phenom Nick Newell and superhero Ben "Phoenix Jones" Fodor also grace the card.
With that, let's take a look at WSOF 20 and make some predictions.
Ben Fodor vs. Manny Walo
Kicking things off are the welterweights, as the man known as "Phoenix Jones," Ben Fodor, takes on former CES title challenger Manny Walo.
Walo is a lanky fighter who has won most of his fights via decision. He is quick and uses his striking to set up takedowns, as he is more of a grinder.
The East Coast regional veteran is coming off a failed CES title bid against Chuck O'Neil, where he was on the receiving end of a highlight-reel knockout. That fight lasted just 11 seconds, as O'Neil laid out Walo stiff on the with a huge knockout blow.
As for Fodor, the crime fighter and mixed martial artist has yet to face defeat in his career. He is well-rounded and tough, possessing good striking ability and a strong submission game.
Since 2014, he has gone 4-0-1, living up to the potential that he had as a West Coast regional staple. He has an outstanding amateur record of 11-0, which was where he got his hype, and he has thrived as a professional.
Walo is a steppingstone to introduce Fodor to WSOF fans. Walo is being set up for a loss here, as Fodor is superior and will prove it on fight night.
Prediction: Fodor def. Walo via TKO
Steve Mocco vs. Juliano Coutinho
The heavyweights report to the cage next, as standout amateur wrestler Steve Mocco looks to jump back into the win column against Juliano Coutinho.
Mocco is a takedown artist, which pays homage to his wrestling roots. He is a physical brute and athletic, which allows him to close the distance and explode on his excellent takedowns.
Mocco is coming off a loss to now-WSOF champ Smealinho Rama, the first of his career. That ended a four-fight winning streak to start off his career, which took place in RFA and Fight Time.
As for Coutinho, he's one of the best heavyweights in the East Coast regional scene. He is a ground fighter with a heavy top game, powerful ground-and-pound and good submission skills.
His takedowns may be scarce in this fight though, as outwrestling Mocco will be tough. Styles make fights, and this is a matchup that favors the superior wrestling of Mocco.
Prediction: Mocco def. Coutinho via decision
Nick Newell vs. Joe Condon
Next up are the lightweights, as one-armed phenom Nick Newell looks to gain some glimmer back from his first career defeat.
At 11-1, Newell has beaten the odds of a fighter being successful with a physical disability, as the one-armed warrior has been successful thus far. He is well-rounded, though wrestling is his base, and he has great submissions.
His most recent bout saw him fail against WSOF king Justin Gaethje. That reversed an undefeated record, including a 2-0 start with his current company where he choked out Keon Caldwell and Sabah Fadai.
As for Joe Condon, the 12-7 journeyman from California is a disciple of Joe Stevenson, as he does his best work when fishing for submissions on the ground. That said, when he steps up in competition, he usually falters, which could be the blueprint for this bout.
Newell is a guy whom WSOF markets heavily, so this is a rebound fight to recover from the beating he took at the hands of Gaethje. He should make quick work of Condon.
Prediction: Newell def. Condon via submission
Dave Branch vs. Ronny Markes
(NOTE: Ronny Markes was pulled out of the main event on Thursday, citing concerns over dehydration. He was replaced by Jake McElligott.)
Capping off the card is the main event, as the light heavyweight tournament semifinal takes place between UFC veterans Ronny Markes and Dave Branch.
Markes is a grinder and a physical brute, using clinch, cagework and takedowns to wear down opponents. That fight style has led to a number of boos in his day, though he is largely effective in the cage.
After a two-fight skid in the UFC where he missed weight in his final bout, he came to WSOF. His WSOF debut was largely panned, though he did walk away with a decision victory over late replacement Cully Butterfield.
Branch is a grappler who has improved his boxing recently. After a so-so UFC stint, many people had Branch as an afterthought, but he has started to hit his stride and become one of the better middleweights in MMA right now.
He is 5-0 in WSOF, including winning the middleweight title over Jesse Taylor and defending it against Yushin Okami. He now looks to become the champion in a second division, which would make him even more marketable.
Markes needs to grind on Branch, but if Okami couldn't do it, Markes can't. Branch will march toward his second title belt.
Prediction: Branch def. Markes via decision