Preview: UFC on ESPN 24 ‘Rodriguez vs. Waterson’

Heavyweights

NR | Marcos Rogerio de Lima (17-7-1, 6-5 UFC) vs. NR | Maurice Greene (9-5, 4-3 UFC)

ODDS: Rogerio de Lima (-190), Greene (+165)

Rogerio de Lima has been one of the more reliable fighters in the UFC, for better or for worse. “Pezao” either overwhelms his opponent out of the gate or tires out and gets finished himself, with the whole proceeding typically taking less than a round. Upon moving to heavyweight in 2018, there was a two-fight stint in which Rogerio de Lima surprisingly pursued a wrestling game, but the Brazilian eventually returned to his old form in his last few fights. He should have a quick and violent fight once again, this time against Greene. “The Crochet Boss” led off his UFC career with a surprising three-fight winning streak, though things have evened out a bit over Greene’s last few bouts. There is not much underlying process to Greene’s game, but his 6-foot-7 frame can throw off his opponents. Plus, Greene has shown a surprisingly effective ability to submit his opponents on the mat. Rogerio de Lima does not figure to be cowed by Greene’s size, so he should press the issue enough to score the knockout before the situation can eventually turn south. The pick is Rogerio de Lima via first-round knockout.

Continue Reading » Gillespie vs. Ferreira