Mousasi’s title charge has swagger and skill
Gegard Mousasi is well on course to getting a title shot next year.
He dismantled Vitor Belfort with a strong second-round stoppage to surely move himself into the middleweight’s top five and then stole the show with a sassy press conference performance.
Mousasi.
Struve is smooth on the ground but slow in striking
The ‘Skyscraper’ Dutchman reminded everyone why he is one of the most dangerous fighters in the heavyweight division by wrapping up a D’Arce choke on Daniel Omielanczak. But his stand-up was slow and ponderous. Against tougher opposition he will be wide open.
Struve.
Jimi’s a contender in a talent-deprived LHW division
Ovince Saint Preux was left in a crumpled heap after London’s Jimi Manuwa provided the picture-perfect knockout of the evening. Light-heavyweight is in dire need of fresh names at the top of the pile and after the convincing fashion of this victory, Manuwa is exactly that.
Jimi.
Bektic is no longer a prospect
Eighteen months is a long time but unbeaten featherweight Mirsad Bektic barely missed a beat on his return from a torn ACL. His first-round submission win over Russell Doane was slick and the 25-year-old, having been on the verge of the top 10 prior to his injury, is no longer a prospect – he’s emerging now as a genuine title contender.
Bektic.
Perry’s Platinum chin
Mike Perry was sporting a new tattoo yesterday with his ring alias ‘Platinum’ scribed above his right eyebrow. It’s an appropriate moniker given the welterweight newcomer survived the dynamism of Danny Roberts to produce a devastating third-round finish. His head movement was nonexistent as he was caught repeatedly in the pocket but his iron chin got him out of trouble.
Perry.
