The UFC’s is really setting a “Japan vs. the world” narrative in their return to the Saitama Super Arena for UFC Fight Night 75. Japanese native and former WEC bantamweight title challenger Takeya Mizugaki – 20-9, 5 KOs, 1 SUB – will look to break out of a two-fight losing skid against the rangy George Roop – 15-11-1, 4 KOs, 7 SUBs – who’s looking to bounce back from a loss of his own.
CURRENT ODDS
Check our UFC Fight Night 75 odds for the latest money lines on each fighter, and expect Mizugaki to be a big favorite going into the bout. The total in this three-round bout will likely be set at 2.5 rounds, with the over being the more expensive play. Prop bets are usually posted a night or two before the fight, so make sure to check back in for the latest. After the bout starts, live betting is also available.
FIGHTING FOR RELEVANCE
The Japanese veteran is currently ranked outside of the UFC’s top 15, even though he carries a 7-4 octagon record into the bout. After winning five in a row from 2012-2014, Horiguchi was offered up as a sacrificial lamb to the returning Dominick Cruz at UFC 178. After getting knocked out in the first round, he returned to fight Aljamain Sterling and submitted to an arm triangle in the third round.
Roop is 1-2 in his past three, with a win over Dustin Kimura sandwiched between losses to Francisco Rivera and Rob Font. The former featherweight is 5-7 in the UFC overall, although many of his losses have come against notable names in both the featherweight and bantamweight divisions. This matchup will be his first in a little over a year.
While there are no title implications in this bout, this could be a do-or-die fight for Roop, whose paltry UFC record could earn him his walking papers sooner than later. The leash is a bit longer for Mizugaki, but a third straight loss would put him in no man’s land.
FIGHT ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Mizugaki is good in every area, with a solid blend of combination boxing, clinch trips and heavy top control. He’s also extremely durable under fire and has veteran savvy in spades. However, Mizugaki just doesn’t have that “wow” factor in any one area, and it’s hard to see him beating anyone in the top 10.
Roop has always been intriguing because he usually towers over the competition. At 6’1”, he is the tallest fighter in the bantamweight division. But that also makes him one of the skinniest. He lacks power, but has the ability to lock up unexpected submissions with his long limbs. The Apex MMA rep isn’t particularly fast or explosive, preferring to operate at a distance.
While I expect Mizugaki to be the favorite, this fight should be extremely close. Both men are veterans with a big bags of tricks. While it’s easy to fall in love with Roop’s size, I’m not convinced that his skills measure up. Mizugaki is much more well-rounded, and the skill deferential should be apparent over three rounds. The pick is Mizugaki to win a unanimous decision.
HOW TO BET
Sign in to get the latest Takeya Mizugaki vs. George Roop odds. BookMaker Sportsbook offers daily updates to money lines, over/under, prop bets and more, so make sure to lock in your bets should you find a favorable wager. The fight takes place at UFC Fight Night 75, on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. The main card will air on FOX Sports 1 starting 10 p.m. ET.
Don’t forget to check in during fight night to get live odds. During each fight, BookMaker Sportsbook updates their odds in real-time, so you can keep betting as each fight unfolds on live television. It’s a great way to hedge your bets should you fall behind. With our mobile platform, it’s never been easier to bet on UFC events.
