UFC 116 Predictions – Pellegrino To Be Decimated By Sotiropoulos

Kurt Pellegrino has steadily earned his way in the lightweight ranks of the UFC, with losses to Nate Diaz and Joe “Daddy” Stevenson serving as the only blemishes on an otherwise sterling run. He will try to continue to prove his stealth submissions can carry him to glory as he fights the dangerous Australian George Sotiropoulos.

Since moving to lightweight, Sotiropoulos has won three straight fights, including a recent win by unanimous decision over Stevenson which won “Fight of the Night” at UFC 110: Nogueira vs. Velasquez. The majority of his fights come to a painful end via submission as he uses his snake-like talents on the ground to slither in to venomous positions.

The American born Pellegrino has let his ego inflate over the years as he’s risen in the ranks, dying his hair and adhering to the nickname “Batman”. It’s a handle that drives comic book nerds absolutely crazy, because he’s loud, obnoxious and often bone-headed in fights. One thing that is similar, however, is his ability to end fights with his fists.

That might not be an opportunity he gets this weekend in UFC 116 betting.

Kurt Pellegrino (15-4) vs. George Sotiropoulus (12-2)

Saturday, July 3rd — MGM Grand — 9:00pm EST

UFC Fight Lines: Pellegrino +160 / Sotiropoulos -200

Both fighters would love to keep this fight standing upright on their feet, but I’m sure that’s a trend that won’t last. Pellegrino is definitely the more powerful striker, but Sotiropoulos is not only more disciplined, he’s also technically superior with his hands.

One thing Pellegrino hasn’t really developed is a strong shoot. He explodes out powerfully towards the legs, but he often has trouble wrapping and securing the takedown.

This seems like a clash of styles on paper, but in true fact it’s a matchup that will lead to Sotiropoulus giving Pellegrino a clinic in how to properly wrestle. What the Australian will do when he secures top mount is neutralize the offense of his American opponent, while raining from justice from the heavens before finding an opening to secure a choke and win this fight.

If it’s “wrestler vs. wrestler” you always take the guy that has proven time and again that he is a dangerous guy on the ground. This has “Fight of the Night” potential written al over it, but I doubt that anything will compare to the Lesnar-Carwin bout that headlines UFC 116 betting.

Furious UFC 116 Prediction – Sotiropoulos