Mike Ricci vs. Brian Cobb
Cobb is coming off a TKO loss, has not fought in over two years and is now 35 years old. That does not give a lot of confidence when facing of with the younger and more active Ricci who has never been submitted which is Cobb’s strong point having finished 60% of his fights that way. Ricci by decision.
Luis Palomino vs. Rich Patishnock
Palomino has lost two straight by TKO to the current champion after winning two straight by TKO before this losses. Patishnock has a similar TKO loss to the current champion, but he has not fought in nearly two years as well. His penchant for getting knocked out quick will work in Palomino’s favor. Palomino by TKO in the first.
Brian Foster vs. Joáo Zeferino
Foster is a dangerous fighter who has beaten all of his opponents by stoppage except for one opponent, but his weakness plays right into Zeferino’s wheelhouse who has submitted 72% of his wins while Foster has lost by submission 6 out of 7 times. Still his power seemed amazing inches one bout at 155 when he knocked out previously unbeaten LaRue Burley in under a minute. Foster by TKO.
Jorge Patino vs. Islam Mamedov
Patino is still a tough fighter, but he is facing a young, tough and dangerous Russian in Mamedov. This fight may go on, but it will not last forever. Mamedov takes the win.
Second Round
If Foster and Palomino win as I predicted it should be a fun fight. Palomino is tough, but the longer this tournament goes the more tired he will get. Foster has a penchant for finishing fights fast which will help him overcome Palomino to victory.
If Mamedov and Ricci both come away with wins, then it will be grinder against Mamedov who can grind and finish. In that fight, Ricci does not have a big chance of winning since Mamedov can take the decision.
The Final
If Mamedov and Foster make it to the final, then it will be an interesting fight. Foster can finish anyone, but so can Mamedov. Ultimately, it will come down to who can outlast the other, but with Foster’s dubious submission losses, he will ultimately lose to Mamedov’s submission prowess.