UFC 124 – Thiago Alves vs. John Howard Prediction

Fight Overview:  Alves, fresh off two disappointing losses and injury trouble, tries to get his career back on track against well-rounded John Howard.

Howard’s Strengths:  Howard has solid wrestling, punching power, submissions, and ground and pound.

Howard’s Weaknesses:  No one area of his game is dominant and Alves is easily the best opponent he has ever faced.

Alves’ Strengths:  Alves has brutal muay thai and excellent takedown and submission defense.

Alves’ Weaknesses:  He has looked out of shape and lethargic in his last few fights and has had some injury problems.

The Verdict:  Alves is way too much for Howard.  Howard’s wrestling isn’t good enough to take Alves down and keep him there, which means he is going to have to stand and kickbox with Alves.  That is a recipe for disaster.  Alves by T/KO.