Middleweight contenders Ronaldo Souza (24-5, 3 KOs, 17 SUBs) and Derek Brunson (18-5, 11 KOs, 3 SUBs) will rematch at UFC on FOX 27 on Saturday, January 27, 2017 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. The card airs live on FOX. Bet on the latest UFC odds and get the latest previews, predictions and more at BookMaker.eu now!
More than five years after their Strikeforce clash, Derek Brunson and Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza will run it back in the UFC. The pair will headline the upcoming UFC on FOX 27 next month, battling for position at the top of a crowded middleweight division. For the 37-year old Jacare, it could be the start of one final run at the title.
We’ll keep you updated on all the latest betting news for the matchup. Today, we’re projecting possible money lines for the pairing with the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu.
Projected Opening UFC odds at BookMaker.eu
Jacare Souza -145
Derek Brunson +120
Early Analysis
This has the makings of a career crossroads match. At 33, the No. 8 Brunson can cement his status as a legitimate contender should he beat the No. 4 Jacare. The Jackson-Wink product is finally maximizing his physical gifts.
An explosive athlete with one-hitter quitter power, Brunson fell in love with his knockout abilities. While that led to a four fight KO/TKO streak, his brawling tendencies seriously cost him in a high-profile fight with now-champion Robert Whittaker. Since then, he’s been far more calculating - notching two efficient knockouts against Daniel Kelly and Lyoto Machida.
So can he avenge his loss to Jacare? He’s certainly got a better chance than ever. Jacare showed signs of aging against Robert Whittaker, who utilized his athleticism to stuff his takedowns and his hand speed to obliterate the Brazilian with strikes. Brunson might not be as fluid a striker, but he is every bit the athlete that Whittaker is.
But the reason we’re projecting Jacare to be a clear favorite here is that his sum of skills still surpasses Brunson’s physical advantages. The Brazilian is one of the most decorated grapplers to compete in MMA, capable of making battle-tested veterans look like amateurs. Brunson is a very good wrestler, but he’s no Demian Maia - anybody less would have serious problems on the mat.
And for all his BJJ accolades, Jacare has taken great pains to develop into a good striker. We cannot fault him for getting outclassed by Whitaker, who is a special boxer. Standing up against Brunson will be much more manageable.
UFC Betting Tips
If Brunson opens as an underdog, there’s clear opportunity. Like Whittaker, he has the athleticism to counterwrestle and launch explosive counterstrikes. The slower Jacare will have trouble keeping up with the younger, faster fighter - but his name is props up his value. You can feel good going with Brunson at any underdog price.
UFC Odds Pick: Brunson to win by decision
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UFC on FOX 27 takes place on Saturday, January 27, 2017 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. The card airs live on FOX.
