The MMA Daily

The Co-Main event of the evening comes in the Middleweight division, as Misha Cirkunov takes on Wellington “The Prodigy” Turman. An imposing figure at Light Heavyweight, Cirkunov’s last fight saw him drop down to Middleweight. While Cirkunov would lose via split decision, the positive to takeaway from the fight was that he went the full fifteen minutes. Something Cirkunov has never done in his previous six defeats. Meanwhile, Turman is coming off a split decision victory over Sam Alvey. A much needed victory, as Turman had lost his previous two. In a big spot on the main card, Turman has a chance to prove he belongs on the big stage.

As for a prediction, I have Cirkunov winning. While this fight has crapshoot written all over it, I suppose the reason I’m backing Cirkunov is due to his strength and wrestling. His chin and durability are certainly not trustworthy, but nor is Turman’s. Literally, the first clean punch landed by either man might end this fight. However, I don’t believe Cirkunov will wait and fight that out. I expect him to look to get this fight to mat early. Something which Turman hasn’t allowed yet, warding off all four takedown attempts against him. Although, only one of those was against a wrestler in Andrew Sanchez. Who knocked Turman out in round one. In other words, I don’t think he’s really been tested.

Another reason why I’m backing Cirkunov here, is that Turman hasn’t won a fight without needing to implement his wrestling. Meaning, a straight striking match isn’t something that he’s comfortable with. Not that Cirkunov is either, but an interesting tidbit. Regardless, this could end in so many ways, but I’m predicting that Cirkunov gets an early takedown and wins via TKO.