UFC 128 – Mirko Cro Cop vs. Brendan Schaub Prediction

BRENDAN SCHAUB vs. MIRKO FILIPOVIC

Fight Overview:  Up and comer Schaub takes on PRIDE legend Mikro “Cro Cop” in a bout that should go a long way in determining just how ready for prime time Schaub really is.  Cro Cop is on the back end of his career, but he can still put a hurting on opponents with his devastating striking, while Schaub is a massive and freakishly athletic young fighter, so this is an interesting matchup.

Filipovic’s Strengths:  Mirko, even in his declining years, is an extremely solid striker who can hurt opponents with all four limbs.  He also has a bit of a ground game that is very underrated.

Filipovic’s Weaknesses:  He is too old, he has last a step or two since his prime, his power and technique are on the wane, and he is going to be giving up a lot of size, strength, and reach.

Schaub’s Strengths:  Schaub is a gigantic Heavyweight who moves with the quickness of a much smaller man.  He is very physically strong, has good cardio for someone his size, and a surplus of punching power.

Schaub’s Weaknesses:  His chin can be exploited, as Roy Nelson showed, and he is still a relatively inexperienced fighter.

The Verdict:  I think Schaub is too much for Filipovic in the declining stages of his career.  Schaub is too big, too strong, too fast, and too versatile for the somewhat one-dimensional Filipovic to handle.  When his striking was still at his peak, he could get away with giving up size and being one-dimensional, but now that he is not as powerful he is going to have a lot of trouble with the new breed of heavyweights.  I think Schaub will overwhelm him for all three rounds and earn a lopsided unanimous decision.

Fight Prediction:   Brendan Schaub by Unanimous Decision.