UFC 221: Romero vs Rockhold Betting Odds and Predictions

The UFC heads to Australia for the first time this season when it sets up shop in Perth to get UFC 221. Though the card is far from the sexiest you will notice, there are still plenty of compelling bouts to stay diehard fans interested.
The main event features Yoel Romero and Luke Rockhold facing off. This bout was for the interim middleweight crown but following Romero failed to make weight, the title will only be on the line for Rockhold. The remaining portion of the card is filled with plenty of hometown ability that will look to get the crowd in Perth excited for their first event ever.
Yoel Romero vs Luke Rockhold
Romero (+120) is an athletic freak. Despite being 40 years old,»The Soldier of God» has more speed, ability and athleticism than fighters half his age. This is the foundation of Romero game. At the striking stage, the Cuban just floats and waits for his moment to burst into strikes. It functions exactly the same for his wrestling. Romero is an Olympic wrestler and relies on that skill set more than any other but he prefers to property takedowns with explosiveness rather than grinding it out.
Romero has a gas tank that is small. He is individual in the Octagon since he burns through his cardio extremely quickly. You are able to see him clearly breathing heavily after a significant explosion of movement. That is why his whole game is built around controlled bursts of energy resulting in controlling his opponent.
Not to be outdone, Rockhold (-150) is much more athletically gifted than 95% of the fighters in the UFC. The former winner is fast and powerful but uses his normal size advantage better than most in the division, whether that’s working from range behind his left hook and body kick or controlling the leverage battle from the clinch. Offensively wrestling is not something Rockhold concentrates on — unless functioning out of the clinch — he is just one of the craftier entry fighters in the division.
There are very few holes in the game of Rockhold. The only minor flaw that sticks out is that his inclination to rely on particular strikes on the toes. He could rely a lot on his left body and hook kick, telegraphing and giving a chance to become countered.
Romero is as dangerous as they come but his cardio is simply not there to compete with Rockhold. «The Soldier of God» can always land a KO shot — he has demonstrated that — but Rockhold’s clinch function will put on Romero down.

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