Bektic Shows Class at UFC 209

Marcin Tybura vs. Luis Henrique

The fight that was supposed to go down at UFC 208 between Marcin Tybura and Luis Henrique goes down this weekend at UFC 209. Luis Henrique has returned to the winner’s column after a defeat at the hands of Francis N’Gannou in December 2015. His wins against Christian Colombo and Dmitry Smolyakov have both been extra impressive. He dominated Colombo on the ground by putting him on his back and working away with ground and pound.

Marcin Tybura is a Polish heavyweight with a 1-1 record in the UFC after winning against Viktor Pesta back in August 2016 at UFC Fight Night 92. His knockout victory was viewed as one of the better knockouts of 2016, and he went on to win a performance of the night award.

The Breakdown

My tip here is that Luis Henrique proves too strong with his intense and grinding style of fighting. If he can hold Tybura down, he should be able to finish in the second round, much like his bout against Christian Colombo.

Mirsad Bektic vs. Darren Elkins

Mirsad Bektic has been turning heads as a true up-and-coming fighter in the UFC’s featherweight division and currently holds a super 11-0 record. He’s now 4-0 in the UFC and has finished his last opponents, Lucas Martins and Russell Doane. Bektic has finally worked his way into the UFC rankings and while deservedly so, this remains his toughest test yet.

Bektic battles the experienced Darren Elkins in what promises to be a fight of fireworks, especially considering Elkins impressive wins of recent. Wins against Robert Whiteford, Chas Skelly and Godofredo Pepey all via unanimous decision show that the veteran Elkins is ready for any task in front of him.

The Breakdown

It’s hard to see Mirsad Bektic losing this one, even considering the experience of Elkins. I’d be impressed if he can put Elkins away though and I see this one going the distance.

Iuri Alcantara vs. Luke Sanders

Iuri Alcantara is a fascinating fighter who somehow always brings a level of entertainment along with his silky smooth combat style inside the cage. He’s swung between wins and losses over his last four fights with losses to Frankie Saenz and Jimmie Rivera outdone by wins against Brad Pickett and Leandro Issa.

Luke Sanders joined the UFC back in January 2016 in the Dillashaw vs. Cruz card and kicked off things inside the cage with an impressive first round submission victory against Maximo Blanco. Luke ‘Cool Hand’ Sanders is now 11-0 in his professional career as a mixed martial artist and will be putting himself on the radar as a potential featherweight contender with a win against Iuri Alcantara.

The Breakdown

I’m all about these new fighters coming into the UFC with winning records which look completely unstoppable against guys who have existed in the UFC for a while now. Look at Gavin Tucker’s performance against Sam Sicilia at UFC Fight Night 105, for example.

Mark Godbeer vs. Daniel Spitz

The first battle of the Prelims is between American heavyweight Daniel Spitz and the English Mark Godbeer. Godbeer lost his debut UFC fight at UFC Fight Night 99 when he lost via submission in the first round against Justin Ledet and will be looking to launch his UFC career with a win against newcomer Daniel Spitz.

Spitz is 5-0 as a professional mixed martial artist and now gets his shot at the UFC heavyweight division as he replaces Todd Duffee in this bout against Mark Godbeer.

The Breakdown

This is a tough one to break down, and both of these guys aren’t necessarily all that impressive. I see this one going the distance as both fighters may lack the ability to stop the other fighter and instead stay patient as they each have plenty to lose – this is their big chance in the UFC!

Tips Summary

Marcin Tybura vs. Luis Henrique
Luis Henrique to Win
Sunday 5th March, 02:30 GMT
Odds: 2.35Bet €100 to win €23527/20Bet £100 to win £235+135Bet $100 to win $2351.35Bet HK$100 to win HK$2351.35Bet Rp100 to win Rp235-0.7407Bet RM100 to win RM235  –  Ladbrokes

Mirsad Bektic vs. Darren Elkins
Mirsad Bektic to Win via Decision
Sunday 5th March, 02:00 GMT
Odds: 2.50Bet €100 to win €2503/2Bet £100 to win £250+150Bet $100 to win $2501.50Bet HK$100 to win HK$2501.50Bet Rp100 to win Rp250-0.6667Bet RM100 to win RM250  –  BetVictor

Iuri Alcantara vs. Luke Sanders
Luke Sanders to Win
Sunday 5th March, 01:30 GMT
Odds: 1.00Bet €100 to win €1000/1Bet £100 to win £100-INFBet $100 to win $1000.00Bet HK$100 to win HK$100infBet Rp100 to win Rp1000.0000Bet RM100 to win RM100  –  BetVictor

Mark Godbeer vs. Daniel Spitz
Over 1.5 Rounds
Sunday 5th March, 01:00 GMT
Odds: 2.40Bet €100 to win €2407/5Bet £100 to win £240+140Bet $100 to win $2401.40Bet HK$100 to win HK$2401.40Bet Rp100 to win Rp240-0.7143Bet RM100 to win RM240  –  Bet365