UFC Fight Night: Predicting Mir vs. Duffee

A clash of the past and potential future of the heavyweight division headlines tonight’s stacked San Diego-based Fight Night, as former 2-time champion Frank Mir will attempt to halt the surge of Todd Duffee. Can Mir build on his recent return to winning ways, or will the similarly reinvigorated Duffee move a step closer to the division’s elite?

While serious illness has limited him to just two UFC outings since his return three years ago, Todd Duffee’s 33-second, 1st round knockout of Anthony Hamilton back in December reignited speculation that the American Top Team prospect could eventually figure as a top-ranked contender. Highly athletic for a heavyweight and gifted with an ungodly amount of power in his fists, Duffee has briefly proved he has the ability to avoid takedowns, but has worryingly displayed poor cardiovascular endurance and striking defense the longer the fight goes.

Duffee’s aggressive kill-or-die approach to fighting might not be the best way to climb the division, but it has definitely resulted in him becoming a favourite among fans who love their fights quick and violent. The owner of an 11-fight professional record spanning eight years, Duffee’s fights have always ended well inside of the regulated time, with either him, or his opponent devoid of consciousness.

Frank Mir really needs no introduction. A pioneer of the heavyweight division and former 2-time champion, Mir has been competing at the highest level for over a decade, and has practically done it all inside his 24 Octagon appearances. Mixing effective strikes from various disciplines, Mir’s ground game however has always been the driving force behind his success and accounts for 9 of his 17 victories, a couple of gruesome limp-snapping stoppages among the most prominent of highlights.

But recent times haven’t been so kind, and Mir finds himself with a sorry 1-4 record since his stunning kimura win over Antônio ‘Minotauro’ Nogueira back in 2011. Never really possessing serious speed, cardio or even a solid chin, Mir’s weaknesses have become even more noticeable as the former champion has entered the twilight of his career. Still, Mir is no stranger to adversity, and the ‘never say die’ attitude he has sported for much of his long career has helped him overcome the odds on more than one occasion.

Prediction: Mir’s weaknesses play nicely into his opponent’s strengths. Often a slow starter who now prefers to stand despite a repeatedly cracked chin, Mir must to look to his world-class ground game if he is to emerge victorious. With so many of his wins coming within the opening minutes, don’t expect Duffee to alter his approach in the slightest. Mir is without a doubt one of the greatest competitors in UFC history, but his time is over, and barring a miracle I highly doubt that he’ll be able to cope with Duffee’s initial onslaught. Another first round stoppage victory for Duffee is a safe bet here.

UFC Fight Night 71 Main Card Predictions - Picks in bold:

Welterweight - Alan Jouban vs. Matt Dwyer
Lightweight - Kevin Lee vs. James Moontasri
Bantamweight - Scott Jorgensen vs. Manvel Gamburyan

Women's Bantamweight - Holly Holm vs. Marion Reneau
Lightweight - Josh Thomson vs. Tony Ferguson

Heavyweight - Frank Mir vs. Todd Duffee

UFC Fight Picks 2015 Record: 49-28

What do you think will happen at UFC Fight Night 71? Leave your predictions below!

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