The MMA Daily

We have an intriguing fight in the Welterweight division, as Francisco “Massaranduba” Trinaldo takes on Danny “Hot Chocolate” Roberts. Refusing to let father time tap him on the shoulder, the 43-year old Trinaldo steps inside the octagon for the twenty-fourth time. Impressively, Trinaldo has won seventeen of those twenty-four fights and currently has won four of his last five. Meanwhile, Roberts comes into this fight a winner of two-straight. Something in which has eluded him since 2018. With injuries behind Roberts and given the current momentum, the time is now for Hot Chocolate to ascend up the Welterweight division.

As for a prediction, I have Trinaldo winning. You’d think that one of these days, his age is going to catch him. However, with wins in four of the last five, including one over Bobby Green, that day isn’t here yet. A physically imposing figure, Trinaldo has varied his approach depending on opponent. While he would prefer to take them down, and utilize his grappling strengths, he isn’t afraid to strike. With legitimate power, Trinaldo makes up for his lack of volume and technique often with a heavy blow. He’s also got this presence and ability to slow down fights to his pace, which remarkable has kept his cardio in good standings over fifteen minutes. The reason why I see Trinaldo coming away with the victory, is that while Roberts is the better technical striker and boast power too, his durability is questionable. In fact, he has been finished in all five of losses. Another area where I can see Trinaldo excelling is getting the fight to the mat, as Roberts sports a mediocre 56% takedown defense. Credit Roberts though, the five stuffed takedowns on seven attempts last fight against Ramazan Emeev was a sign of improvement. Regardless though, I predict that Trinaldo wins via decision.