Manuwa Manages Anderson in London

Some top quality fighters get their chance to shine in London at UFC Fight Night 107, headlined by Jimi Manuwa and Corey Anderson. The card is mostly filled with rising English talent which should surely please the home crowd.

Jimi Manuwa vs. Corey Anderson

Jimi Manuwa is featured in the main event of UFC Fight Night 107 and will be representing London in front of thousands of shouting English. While the main event here hasn’t gained much respect from fans and many have instead argued that the co-main event is potentially the better fight, it’s difficult to argue against Jimi Manuwa putting up an entertaining performance for the local fans.

Manuwa is a truly destructive striker inside the cage with massive power. 14 of Manuwa’s 16 wins have been via knockout, and just one of his 18 fights have gone the distance. Recently, Manuwa had scored wins against Jan Blachowicz, who was on a roll before they met in April 2015, and defeated Ovince Saint Preux at UFC 204. Manuwa’s only losses have come against top-tier competition in Anthony Johnson and Alexander Gustafsson.

His opponent, Corey Anderson bounced back after a recent loss by defeating Sean O’Connell, a fighter who is very similar in style to Jimi Manuwa – solely looking to land KO punches. Manuwa is a whole new beast though and is many levels above O’Connell. His loss came in the fight before this against Mauricio Rua, a split-decision loss at UFC 198.

Anderson is a tricky customer who can cause troubles for any opponent solely with his grappling and wrestling abilities. Anderson’s ability to change levels and take down an opponent is top-class, and if he can evade the power punches of Manuwa, there’s every chance he can land his renowned double leg takedown to side control.

The Breakdown

Corey Anderson has to survive the first round against the fast-starting Jimi Manuwa. If he can do that, and then slow Manuwa down with grappling and takedowns, then Anderson has every chance of grinding out a victory.

For Manuwa, he’ll be looking to land his explosive and devastating punches on the chin of Anderson. Manuwa’s power can put anybody in the UFC to sleep today.

I see this one going the way of Jimi Manuwa in front of the fans in London as Anderson proves unable to evade his punching power.

Gunnar Nelson vs. Alan Jouban

Alan Jouban has continued to rise in the rankings quickly and has quickly ridden any opponent in his way. That’s likely to change in the first seconds against Gunnar Nelson who is one of the most slippery grappling experts in the UFC today, relying on his technique and power to control opponents from the opening bell. If he gets his hands on you, he can sap not only on the momentum from any fighter but the confidence and willingness to continue, as well.

Jouban has a Muay-Thai / kickboxing style and fights from a southpaw stance which can usually cause trouble for opponents. He’ll look to keep his distance and land all kinds of strikes on Gunnar Nelson over the course of the fight. If it goes to the ground, Jouban has some slick moves up his sleeve as well, having trained extensively with 10th Planet under Eddie Bravo.

The Breakdown

This one’s hard to predict. Jouban has an all-around game that is yet to be truly tested, and I feel as though Nelson will be pushing Alan Jouban to the absolute extremity. Nelson will be patient enough, waiting for his opportunity to strike and take down Jouban before working him into his desired submission method.

Jouban has his chances too, in finding Gunnar Nelson with elbows or short strikes as he enters the range for a takedown or with his lengthy punching combinations from the outside, particularly his hard left punch down the line.

Extended markets aren’t available as yet, but I like the under 1.5 rounds betting here as I think these two, while usually patient, match-up well in an all-or-nothing kind of style.

Tips Summary

Jimi Manuwa vs. Corey Anderson
Jimi Manuwa to Win by Stoppage
Saturday 18th March, 22:30 GMT
Odds: 1.91Bet €100 to win €19191/100Bet £100 to win £191-110Bet $100 to win $1910.91Bet HK$100 to win HK$191-1.10Bet Rp100 to win Rp1910.9100Bet RM100 to win RM191  –  Bet365

Gunnar Nelson vs. Alan Jouban
Total Rounds – Under 1.5
Saturday 18th March, 22:00 GMT
Odds: 2.70Bet €100 to win €27017/10Bet £100 to win £270+170Bet $100 to win $2701.70Bet HK$100 to win HK$2701.70Bet Rp100 to win Rp270-0.5882Bet RM100 to win RM270  –  Bet365