UFC 221: Romero vs Rockhold Betting Odds and Predictions

The UFC heads to Australia for the first time this season when it sets up shop in Perth for UFC 221. Although the card is far from the sexiest you’ll see, there are still lots of compelling bouts to stay diehard fans interested.
The main event features Yoel Romero and Luke Rockhold facing off. This bout was for the interim middleweight crown but after Romero failed to make weight, the title will only be online for Rockhold. The rest of the card is stuffed with loads of hometown talent that’ll look to get the audience in Perth eager for their first event .
Yoel Romero vs Luke Rockhold
Romero (+120) is an athletic freak. Regardless of being 40 years old,”The Soldier of God” has more speed, ability and athleticism than fighters half his age. This is the base of the entire game of Romero. In the striking stage, the Cuban only begs and begs for his moment to burst into strikes. It functions the exact same for his wrestling. Romero is an Olympic wrestler and relies on that skill set over any other but he prefers to land takedowns with explosiveness instead of grinding it out.
Romero has a small gas tank. He’s patient in the Octagon since he burns off his cardio extremely quickly. You are able to see him clearly breathing after a significant explosion of motion. That is exactly why his whole game is built around controlled proportions of energy leading to controlling his competitor.
Not to be outdone, Rockhold (-150) is more athletically gifted than 95 percent of the fighters in the UFC. The former champion is fast and powerful but uses his natural size advantage better than most in the branch, whether that is working from range supporting his left body and hook kick or dominating the leverage battle in the clinch. Offensively wrestling is not something Rockhold focuses on — unless working from the clinch — he is just one of the craftier entry fighters in the branch.
There are holes in Rockhold’s game. The only minor flaw that sticks out is that his tendency to rely on particular strikes on the feet. He can rely too much on his left hook and body kick, telegraphing and giving a chance to become countered.
Romero is very dangerous as they come but his cardio is not really there to compete with Rockhold. “The Soldier of God” can always land a KO shot — he’s demonstrated that — but Rockhold’s clinch work will put on Romero down.

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