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Wsof 9: Carl vs Palhares breakdown

This Saturday Rousimar Palhares will be challenging Steve Carl for the WSOF Welterweight title! This fight has flow under the radar, but I think this has the makings of a pretty exciting fight. Palhares was recently cut from the UFC after defeating Mike Piere via heel hook, but refusing to let go......yet again. Steve Carl defeated Josh Burkman via triangle choke to obtain the welterweight strap. Well it's the time you've all been waiting for!

Breakdown:

Steve Carl- Steve Carl has been on fire lately, winning 7 straight fights including 3 in a row in the WSOF. He has been a submission machine since he started his career, racking up 16 submission wins. Despite all of his submission prowess, I still do not think he should go to the ground with Palhares. Steve Carl is an aggressive fighter who likes to throw strikes and go for the takedown. He needs to hurt Palhares on the feet first before attempting to take it to the ground. He also must avoid Palhares's guard, from there he can be caught in one of Palhares's nasty leg locks. He also needs to be aware that Palhares will will to jump to a leg lock from any position. The keys to victory for Carl will to keep it standing and, If it does go to the ground, remain on top and in a dominant position.

Rousimar Palhares- Palhares was cut by the UFC but it wasn't because of his performance. Palhares looked good at his first fight at 170 against Mike Pierce. He still hasn't showed much variety in his plan of attack, but his leg locks are so good that they are very hard to stop. His stand up game leaves something to be desired, he is a power striker but that's about all he brings to the table. If he wants to be victorious during this match, I believe that he has to bring it to the mat. Palhares also must be aware of Carl's ground game, which is also very good. Palhares's keys to victory will be taking this to the mat and either locking in a submission, most likely a leg lock, or grinding out a decision

Result: I believe this will be a good back and forth fight for a little while. Carl could easily catch Palhares on the feet or Palhares could give another bizarre performance. I don't think either of these things will happen so I'm going to go with Palhares on this one

Palhares wins via 2nd round submission