UFC on FX: Bisping vs. Belfort Tale of the Tape

The UFC is returning to (almost) free TV this weekend with is seventh event on the Fox affiliate FX. The card, which will be broadcast from Sao Paulo Brazil, will feature a heading lining bout between Middleweight standouts Michael Bisping and Vitor Belfort. The event will also be filled with exciting matchups on the undercard, and is a great way for the casual fan to learn a little more about new fighters, and the UFC in general. Here is a quick tale of the tape for a few of the fights on the card.

 
Michael Bisping vs. Vitor Belfort
 
Odds: Bisping -116; Belfort -114
Records: Bisping 23-4; Belfort 21-10
Last Bisping loss: Chael Sonnen
Last Bisping win: Brian Stann
Last 5 Bisping fights: 4-1
 
Last Belfort loss: Jon Jones
Last Belfort win: Anthony Johnson
Last 5 Belfort fights: 3-2
 
Prediction: This fight poses an interesting style matchup. Bisping relies on technique and a methodical work rate, while Belfort relies on speed and volume. It would be smart for Bisping to take this fight to the ground and try and dominate Belfort with wrestling and top control, but some how I doubt that will happen. Expect Bisping to get caught with a big Belfort punch late in the third round. Belfort via third round KO.
 
 

C.B Dollaway vs. Daniel Sarafian
 
Odds: -174 Sarafian; Dollaway +144
Records: Dollaway 12-4;  Sarafian 7-2
Last Dollaway loss: Jared Hamman
Last Dollaway win: Jason Miller
Last 5 Dollaway fights: 3-2
 
Last Sarafian loss: Gary Padilla
Last Sarafian win: Ricardo Silva
Last 5 Sarafian fights: 4-1
 
Prediction: Sarafian will be making his UFC debut in his matchup with Dollaway—it’s always difficult to tell how the UFC jitters will affect a fight. The smart money is to go with Dollaway—a season UFC vet.
 

Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Ben Rothwell
 
Odds: -123 Gonzaga; Rothwell -107
Records: Gonzaga 13-6; Rothwell 32-8
Last Gonzaga loss: Brendan Schaub
Last Gonzaga win: Ednaldo Oliveira
Last 5 Gonzaga fights:3-2
 
Last Rothwell loss: Mark Hunt
Last Rothwell win: Brendan Schaub
Last 5 Rothwell fights: 3-2
 
Predictions: Both of these fighters are heavy handed strikers that love to stand in the middle of the octagon and exchange punches. Expect Rothwell to come out on top in a bloody mess that will not go to a decision.