Melvin Manhoef to UFC would be a true brawl/chin tester

Melvin Manhoef seems to target at fighting in the UFC. Although Manhoef (36) isn't the youngest 'prospect' out there, he is still motivated to start a new experience in fighting in the UFC. He states to be able to entertain a lot of people by fighting in the UFC. A 'brawl' with Wanderlei Silva sounds very interesting and attractive to him.

Image source: mixfight.nl

Manhoef can be seen as one of the most dangerous strikers in MMA with 25 of his 27 wins coming by knockout. Manhoef has fought in different organisations such as: Strikeforce, Dream, It's Showtime and K-1. In total a 27-9-1 MMA record and a 37-10 Kickboxing record. We can speak of a very experienced fighter and especially striker.

But, what does it mean if Manhoef will enter the UFC, what are his odds and what would his long term future be?

Firstly, in my point of view Manhoef can be seen as a true gladiator without an armour. One of the most explosive fighters you will find on this planet, punches and legkicks as tough as they get, and a true fighter's heart, but also quite sensitive for big haymakers of when he gets put on his back. He needs to fight his fights standing and keep on putting pressure, which he always does. 

However, sometimes this isn't enough and his opponent can out-time him: Robbie Lawler, who got totally beat up and timed a big counter shot perfectly which gave him a K.O. win. If you watch his fight against Tim Kennedy I don't have to explain you that the ground unfortunately isn't  Melvin's area. Melvin's takedown defence is pretty decent though!

Given the fact that there are a lot of wrestlers in the UFC, it is the most crucial matter that Melvin keeps the pressure and keeps improving his takedown defence. This is simply his game at it's best: keep it standing and keep the pace and pressure. I am 100% convinced that IF he is able to do this, he can knock anybody out (Mark Hunt, 2008). However, Melvin gets also older, and people know what to expect with Melvin Manhoef. One thing is sure, Melvin will try to knock anyone out, and isn't the least scared for a true brawl. I think he is a true tester of young prospects in the UFC if they can handle a true striker and know how to play the game. I am also convinced that a good and smart wrestler can fairly easy beat Manhoef by NOT playing his game. Of course in MMA that's always the case, but in Manhoef's case it's a little more clear. On the other hand: in a stand-up war fireworks are guaranteed, and a lot of interesting matchups can be made to let this beast thunder in the octagon!

Mousasi in the UFC: matchups

Gegard Mousasi showed last night that he belongs to the better LHW fighters in MMA. By defeating Mike Kyle in the first round without being in danger, he showed that he knows how to handle explosive and powerful opponents. Mousasi belongs in the UFC. That's for sure.

But how would Gegard match up in the UFC?
The current Top 10 LHW fighters according to Sherdog:



1. Jon Jones (17-1)
2. Dan Henderson (29-8)
3. Rashad Evans (17-2-1)
4. Lyoto Machida (18-3)
5. Phil Davis (10-1, 1 NC)
6. Alexander Gustafsson (15-1)
7. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (21-7)
8. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (20-5)
9. Ryan Bader (14-3)
10. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (32-10)

Gegard has a lot of potential, but also a lot to learn. Wrestling and pure takedown defence are areas where Gegard will have problems against some of these names above. Since Gegard isn't even noticed in the Top 10 anymore, in theory a win over any of these fighters should put Gegard in a better place.
In this list, fighters like Jon Jones, Rashad Evans and Phil Davis would stylisticly be the biggest threat to Gegard. These are without a doubt the best wrestlers in the list above. Henderson is a beast in Greco Roman, but his takedowns are less dangerous for Mousasi than the previous mentioned names. 

Which fights would be very interesting at the moment? 

- Antonio Rogerio Nogueira has a solid boxing game and groundgame, but Mousasi's striking level is just a little bit better. Gegard is hard to submit and probably would be able to be at least on top in the guard of little Nog, would be able to pass and also able to strike him out from there, or already in the stand up fight.
- Shogun just comes from a loss, but still is a big name and very tough guy to beat. Shogun likes to stand and bang, so does Gegard. Shoguns groundgame however cannot cope with Mousasi's. Mousasi is very good from his back; he hurt King Mo lawal more from the bottom than King Mo did to him from top position.
- Lyoto Machida and Alexander Gustaffson both have a unique standup game and like to stand and trade. Mousasi's standup game is also quite extraordinairy and unpredictable. These fights will probably bring a lot of fire with them and would be very interesting to watch. Gegard should be able to pull the win on these though, given the fact that neither of these fighters will have the capacity to takedown and pin him to the ground and win the fight by lay and pray.