UFC Fight Night 28 LowKick Staff Predictions
Glover Teixeira vs. Ryan Bader:
Mike Drahota: This is the fight that could fast track Teixeira to a title shot, but Bader will most likely be the best fighter he’s faced in his five-fight UFC tenure. ‘Darth’ will look to play the spoiler and he’ll need to score some takedowns to do so. I think Teixeira has just gotten to a point where he’s more well-rounded than anyone except for Jones, and he’ll dictate where this fight goes at all times: Teixeira via R2 TKO.
Rory Kernaghan: Glover Teixeira is riding a lot of hype coming in to UFN 28, which puts Bader in a great position. GT has everything to lose, and ‘Darth’ has the world to gain. Both guys are really tough fighters, but the truth is that Bader has the advantage in experience. He has fought consistently top-level guys. Teixeira is a hell of a fighter, but I’m actually going against the grain and picking the underdog Bader to win. I expect Bader to drag it out in to the later rounds and shock Teixeira with a late TKO. Bader wins by TKO in round 4.
Brian Cox: In the main event match between #2 ranked Glover Teixeira and Ryan Bader, the favorite surely has to be Teixeira. He’s an aggressive and well-rounded fighter who’s gone an undefeated 4-0 in the UFC and is touted to be the next challenger for the Light Heavyweight belt. On the other hand, Ryan Bader is an unranked fighter and former TUF champion. Although he has great wrestling, and tons of power, he’s never been able to quite get over the hump. If Bader doesn’t make this an ugly fight, then he’ll probably lose, and it could be in devastating fashion. If Teixeira can’t keep Bader off him or use his Jiu-Jitsu to negate his wrestling prowess, then Bader could carry the day. I’m going to go with Bader to earn the upset victory by TKO in round 2.
Yushin Okami vs. “Jacare” Souza
Mike Drahota: This is an enticing match of two highly talented grapplers. Okami has a big experience advantage, but ‘Jacare’ has looked like a buzz saw as of late. If he can somehow submit the brutally strong Okami, who has never tapped, it’ll be a monumental victory that’ll have him on the cusp of title contention. However, I don’t think he’ll be able to pull that off, and Okami will teach him a lesson by grinding him out. Okami via unanimous decision.
Rory Kernaghan: Jacare Souza has only lost once in the last five years, and I don’t expect that to change at UFN 28. Yushin Okami is a formidable foe, but not a great challenge to Souza in my eyes. Jacare is too well rounded for Okami to deal with, his striking is improved and he has a lethal submission game. Look for Souza to utilize a stiff jab and kicks to the body en route to a dominant win. Souza beats Okami by decision.
Brian Cox: The co-main between ‘Jacare’ Souza and Yushin Okami is a very interesting bout with possible title implications. The #5 ranked Souza is an absolute beast on the ground, but in taking-on the #3 ranked Okami, Jacare is making a big leap up in competition. Okami is a big, strong fighter and he’s more than comfortable anywhere the fight may go. Adding to that, he’s fought a who’s who of the middleweight division and has that experience to draw upon. For those reasons, I’m going to pick Yushin to keep this fight standing and take home a decision victory over Souza.
