The co-main event of UFC 203 features another heavyweight bout, in this case Brazilian Fabricio Werdum (20-6-1) takes on USA’s Travis Browne (18-4-1); this fight is a rematch of the event that took place back in April 2014 when Werdum was declared the victor by Unanimous Decision. First championship contender Alistair Overeem was late to weigh-ins because he was stuck in one of the hotel’s “working” elevators.
Advertisement
Overeem, who will face heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic in the main event of UFC 203 on Saturday, easily made weight at 248.5 pounds, but the Ohio Athletic Commission were not impressed by his tardiness.
Elsewhere on the main card, Phil Brooks, better known by his pro-wrestling moniker “CM Punk”, will make his MMA debut when he takes on talented prospect Mickey Gall in a welterweight clash.
Miocic received his shot at UFC 198 in Brazil against Fabricio Werdum, who was fighting in his hometown. “It did give a little extra boost”, Overeem said at the pre-fight press conference.
Punk was due to make his UFC debut in 2015, but an injury to his shoulder and back meant his debut was delayed until UFC 203. I doubt that this will phase Miocic though and if I were his coaches I would be focused on bolstering his psychological strength by reminding him that he doesn’t have as many miles on the clock as the challenger.
Jesse Holand of MMA Mania, Bradley of Fox, and Tabuena and Mackenzie of Bloody Elbow are just a few of these doubters who think that Gall will use his ground game to submit Punk at UFC 203.
“He’s a veteran. He’s real savvy”, Miocic said of Overeem. I’m not sure how Miocic will handle fighting with his family and friends all there in attendance – the pressure could be too much for a guy new to the spotlight. He’s found some ways to win and been doing the right things, being on a four-fight win streak. Browne has lost three of his last five fights, including a decision loss to Werdum back in April of 2014. Werdum sits at a -200 favorite while “Hapa” Browne is a +170 underdog.
Werdum will also be in action, when he takes on Travis Browne in what will be a rematch between the two. Werdum did get KO’d in his last fight, but he most likely got too excited and under-looked Stipe Miocic. You have to go with Urijah Faber here. Everywhere where the fight will be I’m very confident that I’m going to come out on top…
The first fight on the main card will be a Women’s Strawweight bout, between Jessica Andrade and Joanne Calderwood. I match up well [against Overeem].
Advertisement
Stipe Miocic beat LeBron James to the punch. Yet, he’s strong, sturdy and sports an attitude that everything that is worked for is earned.
