UFC 188
UFC 188 Velasquez vs. Werdum: El Luchador Mexicano
A tribute to Mexican* Fighters
All fight analysis provided by @Gamblou
Welcome Enthusiasts to UFC 188 from Mexico City. We feel a responsibility today to pay tribute to the rich and fertile history of Mexican fighters. From the mid 1970’s when we became passionate for fighting it was obvious that Mexican fighters compete not simply as individuals. Mexican fighters tote pure passion with them into every fight. They arrive with a deep seeded desire to exit the competition victorious. The fury by which the Mexican fighter competes is less for self and more for Country, heritage, their people and family. Boxing (fighting) history can’t be told accurately without firm reference to the rich history of Mexican fighters and their fights.
From the early 1970’s we were privileged to be able to watch fighters like Saldivar, Azteca, Canto, Olivares, Sanchez, Zarate, Castillo, Marquez, Corrales, Lopez, Barrara and more. These fighters (I was able to see many of these men fight in person, others on TV… and yes there was TV then) were pure, proud, professional warriors who didn’t begin to actually fight until they were stunned, wobbled and rocked. Orgullo* remains part of the makeup of the Mexican fighter today. The purity of will by which Mexican fighters compete is tangible; one can see it, feel it, smell it and witness it. Just watch these proud professionals vie and their ‘never give up’ attitude cannot be overlooked. We are privileged to pay our respects to Mexican fighters as today’s card is held in Mexico City. The slate features several Mexicans that will display exactly what we are describing in this piece. More importantly we highlight Mexican pride because it is our belief that today’s Co-Main event will be an epic display of world Class Mexican’s fighters who will provide all of the fighting traits we’ve just discussed.
It is our opinion that tonight’s Melendez vs. Alvarez fight is a bout that once completed will be considered historic and worthy of being compared to other epic Mexican fight matchups such as: Canto vs. Avilarin 1979; Olivares vs. Chacon (trilogy in the 70’s); Sanchez vs. Castillo 1980’s; Corrales vs. Castillo (trilogy 2000’s) and Morales vs. Barrera (trilogy mid 2000’s). This list goes on…
So with our respects offered to the generations of World Class Mexican fighters that have paved the way for tonight’s super fight there’s but one action remaining….
-Let’s Fight-
UFC 2015: 43-46 + $1,465.00
(All GambLou.com releases are understood to be a standard and hypothetical $100 per position unless otherwise stated. We use $100 to easily track our results as every GambLou.com release is accounted for each Monday AM. Public accounting allows us to display our profitability while providing our readers with 110% disclosure).
All lines current as of post from Bookmaker
Dober -150 vs. Escudero +130
Drew Dober is a striker that will want to stand with Escudero, try to wear him down with his forward charging pace and punch his lights out. Escudero happens to be the more complete fighter. He’ll be the larger man in the Octagon and will want to use Dober’s forward charge to take the bull to the mat. Escudero will have advantage on the floor and will absolutely work to get Dober down and maul the kid with wrestling and his ground and pound. Efrain is of Mexican descent and fights out of the MMALab which we view as points in his favor. His recent fight under achievement contributes to his dog price and should be overlooked for Escudero now fights with a focus that can only be delivered by being a father and the responsibility that comes with it. A complete and motivated fighter of Mexican heritage fighting in front of hordes of his hombres paints a picture of a live pero* to us.
Escudero +130
Rosa -220 vs Rodriguez +190
Here’s a fight we discussed with our friend Gabriel Morency on MMA Meltdown Radio and the Fightnetwork (@fightnet on Twitter) Tuesday night. Charles Rosa is a grappling based fighter whose dad and Grandad boxed so this kid has fighting in his genes. While Rosa may hold the edge in this matchup on the mat his striking is only adequate. His Mexican opponent, Yair Rodriguez is an Ultimate fighter Latin American champion. Rodriguez is the taller, longer, younger fighter who will hold a distinct edge standing/striking and in the cardio department. We must consider the physical advantages in this bout while understanding that this 23 year old will enter the Octagon prepared to provide a top effort for Country, Family and self. We just finished explaining the psychology of the Mexican fighter and while psychology does not win fights, preparation, pride and precision striking can go a long way in its determination. This fight is going to be more competitive than the line suggests. There’s value with
Rodriguez +190
Melendez -170 vs Alvarez +145
Two great Mexican Mixed Martial Artists enter the Octagon for position, pride and status tonight. Melendez was the former Strikeforce Champion while Alvarez held the Bellator belt during those same years. Then, Melendez was quick to chirp and berate Alvarez for they both knew odds were long that they would ever fight. Flash forward and today as mature fightersc they are both in the UFC and it’s now time for Gil to back up his antagonizing of Alvarez. Melendez is the older man with more wear on his treads but he is also the taller, bigger man sporting a reach advantage. As a better-rounded fighter Melendez would be the easy choice if this fight took place 5 years ago but his recent wars with Pettis, Sanchez, Bendo, Thompson and Masvidal are contributing to his potential attrition. While Eddie is no spring chicken and has been in wars himself he does arrive with a stand up striking edge. We see this fight not only as epic but we see it as a test for Melendez’ IQ. If Gil fights the smart fight, takes Eddie down and makes this a ground and pound affair the fight is his but we feel with as much as is on the line that Gil’s Mexican ‘Machismo’ may take over. If Gil does what he says and decides to stand in the middle of the Octagon and make this a stand up striking war we feel the advantages lie with Alvarez. This is going to be one hell of a fight Enthusiasts. It’s been years since we have been so giddy over watching a compelling fight such as this one. Getcha Popcorn ready for this is going to be a three round war!
Alvarez +145
Velasquez -475 vs. Werdum +380
This fight is a mismatch. While Werdum has looked capable of late his victories (save for a win against Browne who is barely a heavyweight contender) have been against geriatrics. Hunt, Big Nog, Russow and Big Country are all over 37 years old as we write. Werdum is getting credit for this run over old timers while Cain is being doubted for his recent stretch of inactivity. Velasquez is healthy as he has ever been. He is a cardio machine and as busy a heavyweight fighter as there has been or will be. He is lethal on the feet and has a World Class as a wrestling background which is why he’s held the title for as long as he has. Cain’s camp is worthy of being called of the best in the business and now we get Velasquez who is of Mexican descent fighting in Mexico City. Top that off with Werdum calling Cain out as not being a true Mexican and we have the recipe for a beat down which we do expect to witness.
Velasquez by TKO/KO -130
GambLou.com Profitable Sports Gaming
*Orgullo is pride in Spanish
*pero is dog in Spanish
