UFC 131: Junior dos Santos vs Shane Carwin kicks-off, Saturday June 11th, in Vancouver, Canada. Junior dos Santos was set to face Brock Lesnar, a 265-pound former NCAA Division I wrestling champion with out of this world strength, quickness and overall athleticism. But, Lesnar recently received word a few weeks ago that his bout with diverticulitis was not over, so he would have to return to the hospital for additional treatment. With the fight between the two just around the corner, dos Santos needed a new opponent if he was going to remain on the June 11 card. That is where Shane Carwin steps in. Zuffa announced shortly after learning of Lesnar’s flare up that he would be replaced by Carwin and face dos Santos in a title elimination bout. MMA oddsmakers have Junior dos Santos as -175 moneyline favourite to beat Shane Carwin who is listed as +145 underdog. Be sure to check out MMA Odds before making your UFC 131: Junior dos Santos vs Shane Carwin predictions.
Junior dos Santos (12-1-0) should come out looking to employ a tactical standup attack, rather than rushing in and swinging for the fences. Hard, straight jabs; quick one-twos; the occasional lead left hook or right hand; and solid footwork. That pretty much describes dos Santos on an average day, so the game plan heading into this fight isn’t much of adjustment to how he normally fights. The key words are “isn’t much” because dos Santos would be well served to make a few adjustments. Chief among them is committing to slip and counter, rather than leading the action. Dos Santos is an aggressive predator. He prefers to dictate the action, rather than counter. His commitment to attacking is likely based on the notion that opponents are less dangerous when defending incoming fire and backing up than when they are standing ready to fire.
Shane Carwin (12-1-0) is a former amateur wrestling champion. But, unlike Lesnar, this guy has excellent pure boxing skills and as much one-shot stopping power in his fists as anyone in the division, including his opponent. Until his last fight, which happened to be his first career loss, Carwin owned a rather unique distinction. He finished each of his first 12 opponents, including former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir, in the first round. Mir was the only one among them to last more than three minutes. It suffices to say that Carwin’s knockout efficiency is as close to a young Mike Tyson as anyone who has ever entered the Octagon—bar none. Dos Santos loves to box with opponents, but he absolutely must respect his opponent’s power, if he wants to avoid becoming victim number 13.
Point-Spreads.com recommends you check out MMA Odds before making your UFC 131: Junior dos Santos vs Shane Carwin predictions.
The Bottom Line: This is going to be a toss-up to win this matchup. All I know is that this one is not going to last the distance. The end will come abruptly. It will come spectacularly. And the winner will be first up for new champion Cain Velasquez, as soon as he is healthy enough to defend his title. Be sure to check out MMA Odds before making your UFC 131: Junior dos Santos vs Shane Carwin predictions.
