#2 Cain Velasquez (13-2-0) vs. #7 “Hapa” Travis Browne (18-3-1)
The first of five main card fights has the #2 Heavyweight contender in the world, Cain Velasquez. That’s how ridiculous this card truly is. That being said, don’t expect “Hapa” to be a pushover, because as we’ve come to know as MMA fans, in the Heavyweight division, all it takes is one punch. Browne is a dangerous fighter who will not be afraid to stand and trade with Velasquez, but will need to avoid the clinch and takedown game from Velasquez, as when healthy, Cain’s endurance and stamina is as good or better than any Heavyweight in the world. One thing we’ve seen from Velasquez is that it takes a bevy of punches to get to him, and he’s rarely taken out by a single punch, ignoring the JDS fight of course. Browne will need to find a way to control the pace and avoid ending up on his back to have a real shot in this one, but there are always questions surrounding Velasquez’s health. Have all of Cain’s injuries negatively affected him, or is he ready to reestablish himself as the top contender in the Heavyweight division?
Prediction: Cain Velasquez wins this one via ground & pound TKO.
