Welterweight bout: Ivan “Batman” Jorge (-240) vs Keith Wisniewski (+180) Fight Breakdown: Starting things off for the UFC Fight Night 28 preliminary card on FOX Sports 1, is a welterweight contest that will see a Brazilian take on an American, as Brazil’s Ivan “Batman” Jorge takes on Wisconsin’s Keith “The Polish Connection” Wisniewski. “Batman” is currently the favorite at -240 ($240 to win $100), while Wisniewski is the underdog at +180 ($100 to win $180) at Several Bookmakerss. IVAN “BATMAN” JORGE (24-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC) is making his promotional debut on short notice, replacing an injured, fellow Brazilian in Marcelo Guimaraes. “Batman” has good striking skills and prefers to fight technically. He throws nice punches and kicks, and has solid striking defense. He likes to throw punches which he jumps in with to close the distance, and they often connect and do a number on his opponents. He generally has a good chin, though two of his three career losses have come by way of TKO/KO. “Batman” is excellent in the grappling department. He has good takedowns which he commits to, and he has powerful top control, where he likes to smother his opponents. He is dangerous in the ground and pound, as he picks his shots carefully and does serious damage. He has a good submission game and transitions to the back nicely; five of his last wins have come by way of rear-naked-choke submission, from both top and bottom position, so he isn’t afraid to be put on his back. “Batman” is a powerful fighter; very strong and incredibly tough. He has good takedown defense but if taken down, is good at quickly finding a way back to his feet. “Batman” is taking this fight on short notice, so it’s questionable whether he can go hard for fifteen minutes. Wisniewski will be in there for the long haul, so “Batman” needs to makes sure he wins the first two rounds, in case he has to play defense in the third. KEITH WISNIEWSKI (28-14-1 MMA, 0-3 UFC) is coming off a long layoff following a Split-Decision loss to Chris Clements at UFC 145 sixteen months ago, and has his back against the wall as he goes up against Brazilian UFC newcomer Ivan “Batman” Jorge. A loss here will very likely mean the end for his second stint in the UFC, and he does not have an easy test ahead of him. Much like his opponent “Batman”, Wisniewski is a very tough fighter; he has absolutely no quit in him. He is a pure brawler, who is full of heart. He likes to stand in the pocket and trade shots. He is always looking to finish fights; 21 of his 28 career victories have come inside the distance. 6 by knockout and 15 by submission. As much as Wisniewski loves to stand and trade, he is a better fighter on the ground. Keith Wisniewski is a real journeyman and a true fan favorite; win or lose, he has been expected to put on exciting fights, and generally comes through for the fans. Wisniewski is by no means a good fighter and frankly does not belong in the UFC, but he fights with all his heart and leaves it all in the cage. He is always game for a hard, fifteen minute war; I don’t think his conditioning will be a concern heading into the third, especially as he’s had a full training camp to prepare for this bout. Fight Prediction: “Batman” will get the better of Wisniewski on the feet and on the ground for at least two rounds. If he doesn’t manage a finish, I think he will have done enough to earn the win on points. Gabe’s Pick: “Batman” by Majority Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-29) Gabe’s Recommended Play: Ivan “Batman” Jorge -240 (note: he was -160 when I started writing this article but I think there is still value at -240)
