Summary:

In a card full of international talents, UFC Fight Pass delivers a fireworks matchup for it’s featured bout between Rob “The Hammer” Whiteford and Lucas “Mineiro” Martins.

Whiteford will be looking to get back to his winning ways after having mixed success thus far in the UFC. With the Scottish Judoka using his skills to keep fights standing, Robert may have found himself a willing dance partner here in Martins. “Mineiro” stormed onto the scene as he is one of the few fighters in the UFC to hold victories in three different weight classes(bantamweight, featherweight, and lightweight). Now coming off of two consecutive losses, the Brazilian may be fighting for more than just a win in this contest.

Starting off on the feet, both men carry different striking styles that should make for a fun and competitive affair. Wielding classic Chute Boxe stylings, Martins Muay Thai is very reminiscent of his camp and counterparts. Thai marching and feinting his way into range, Mineiro will utilize a left jab or hook to corral his opposition into his power side. Given the mirroring stance of his southpaw opponent, this approach could be very effective in setting up right crosses and powerful mid to high kicks. Martins accurate left hook could also be live here given Whiteford’s tendency to keep his lead right hand low.

That all said, “The Hammer” has some solid tools of his own that could see the light of day. Possessing natural knockout power and a durable chin, Whiteford has made serious strides in his striking technique since moving shop to American Top Team. The Scotsman’s demonstrated improvements in his head movement and footwork should serve him well, as I see those attributes being a key factor for his success. From managing the distance to creating angles, it is Rob’s natural counter & interception intuitions that make his punches work. Whiteford’s variating left cross-right hook combinations could find their mark especially well given Martins habit of keeping his head on center.

As far as ground games go, Whiteford should have a clear on-paper advantage over the Muay Thai stylist. Never the less, we have only see the young Martins once in the last 17-months which make progressions hard to forecast. The Brazilian has however made shown improvements to his counter wrestling. Displaying good balance in defending singles and even better defense from the cage, Whiteford will have to get crafty should he decide to ground his opposition. Wielding a variety of trips & throws from the clinch, it’s Robert’s underrated level-changing double-leg that may be most successful against the taller man.

Even if Whiteford fails on initial attempts, these engagements could prove useful in disrupting his opponents offense or even edging out tight rounds. Although Rob will have to mind Mineiro’s dangerous knees in close, the Brazilian displays slow hand retractions off clinch breaks that have cost him in the past. Considering that Whiteford shows solid hand fighting and natural inclinations to strike off the break, this could spell trouble for the taller Martins in tight quarters. I feel Mineiro’s best chances are at a distance where he can utilize his length and head kicks to dissuade Rob’s movement and possibly expose his low hands. Ultimately, I suspect Whiteford’s durable chin and knockout power will make the difference against an opponent who has been hit, hurt and dropped in 5 of his last 6 outings. Regardless of who you favor here, this is a firefight well worth your attention on Fight Pass.

Official Pick: Whiteford – Inside the distance

Official Outcome: To be determined.

Preliminary Card Predictions

• Dalby def. Cummmings
• Entwistle def. Perez
• Hadzovic def. Taisumov
• Pejic def. Stasiak
• Whiteford def. Martins
• Asker def. Cannonier
• Di Chirico def. Velickovic

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