Last week, we heard the unfortunate news that Yoel Romero was outside of his UFC on ESPN 3 major event middleweight rematch with Ronaldo Souza, that himself was a replacement for Paulo Costa. At that point, it was uncertain who the UFC matchmakers would have the ability to call on short notice. The matchmakers have found their guy, and I will offer my thoughts on this brand new main event below.
Ronaldo Souza vs. Jack Hermansson, UFC on ESPN 3
The new main event of UFC on ESPN 3 will be a five-round middleweight between between”Jacare” and Jack Hermansson, who took the fight on short notice. The card takes place April 27 at BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida. ESPN first reported that the matchup, noting that the UFC has promised”Jacare” will get a title shot should he be victorious over Hermansson.
Souza (26-6, 1 NC) is 9-3 overall at the UFC and he’s coming from a barbarous KO win over Chris Weidman in UFC 230. Souza is arguably the best fighter in UFC history to haven’t fought for a title, but with a win here on Hermansson it would be challenging for the UFC to deny him once again. Hermansson (19-4) is 6-2 overall at the UFC and is now riding a three-fight win streak that includes a first-round entry over David Branch only last weekend in UFC on ESPN 2. He’s quietly grown into one of the top middleweights from the Octagon however he just needs a chance to demonstrate that he’s an elite fighter. With a win over Souza, he certainly would do just that.
Even though Souza vs. Romero 2 could have become the ideal matchup, this really is a fine replacement bout considering the conditions. Souza will definitely be preferred here thanks to his UFC experience and star-studded resume, Hermansson is a live dog in this fight and absolutely has a chance to win. Pay careful attention to the gambling line when it comes out, because if the chances are great enough it could possibly be worth it to take a shot on Hermansson at plus money.
Alexander Yakovlev vs. Alex da Silva Coelho, UFC Fight Night 149
Only a little update on to the upcoming UFC Fight Night 149 card, which takes place April 20 at Yubileyny Sports Palace at St. Petersburg, Russia. Because of an injury to Teemu Packalen, Alexander Yakovlev will face UFC newcomer Alex da Silva Coelho at a lightweight bout. Globo broke the information.
Yakovlev (23-8-1) is 2-4 in the UFC but has not fought as a 2016 entry loss to Zak Cummings. He is really on a two-fight losing skid right now and has not won a fight because defeating George Sullivan since 2016, so he desperately needs to find a win on his home turf here in Russia. Coelho (20-1). Has put together a tremendous record since making his pro MMA introduction in 2014, albeit against a lower level of competition in promotions such as Brave CF. He has the advantage of being much more active compared to Yakovlev, but given the experience of Yakovlev and his home-town benefit he’ll probably be preferred here.
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