Last weekend we highlighted a potential barn-burner in Impa Kasanganay vs Maki Pitolo, and what a fight is was (I'm a genius, I know). Here's hoping we can go two for two, and put the focus on a great fight which is even further down the card. I wouldn't expect this one to go the distance, let's put it that way.
De Lima has had a mixed bag of results since signing for the UFC in 2014, failing to make a lasting impression in the light heavyweight division. He has since moved up to heavyweight, and is currently 1-1 in his new weight class, finishing Ben Sosoli in the first round back in February.
The Brazilian fighter has given up a considerable size advantage by moving up in weight, however if you've paid attention to De Lima's fights, you'll know that he has unholy knock-out power in both hands. With only 3 of his 23 pro fights going to distance, it's not beyond the realms of possibility that this bout will end in the first round.
Pezao seems to have difficulty avoiding attacks on the ground, with 4 of his 6 losses coming by way of submission, and this could prove a nightmare match up for the Marcos. The 35-year-old veteran could start to make some noise with an decisive victory on Saturday, but is facing a dangerous newcomer who is always looking to announce himself in the promotion.
Alexander Romanov is a beast, I mean just look at him. He definitely looks like a new age of heavyweights which seem to be entering the UFC heavyweight division. With lightning fast hands and fight-changing power, Romanov is going to be a problem for any opponent. He has finished all but two of his opponents in the first round, and has a 100% finish rate overall.
His main strength, and one that may prove problematic for his Brazilian opponent, is his world class wrestling. Romanov has represented Moldova numerous times in freestyle wrestling, and is a force when it comes to the grappling exchanges. MMA fans around the world should be super excited to see King Kong arrive in the UFC, and add a fresh face to an otherwise stagnant division.
With De Lima having a take down defence of only 36%, this could be a very long night for him.
Overall, I can see this fight producing fireworks and being finished early. Personally, I would place my money on the Moldova native to finish the fight via submission, however with two giant men throwing leather for 15 minutes, you never know what's going to happen. Here's hoping we go two for two on great prelim bouts.
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