Valentinovich vs Gracie

Editorial by Bjorn O'Donnel

RFL 31 Preview: the real main-event ! 

Sergej Valentinovich vs Rock Gracie

For some unknown reason, the owner of RFL has forgotten to set the real main event on top of the fight card.
I guess that means that the fans will already get a guaranteed amazing showdown then in the 4th fight of the evening, not a bad strategy actually.

Experts have been breaking their heads over this fight for a long time and the odd makers think that it will almost certainly end as a draw + fight of the night. 

Some say that Origi vs Defoe is the clear-cut contender for FOTY so far, but this one might top it all. 

Let us take a closer look at both of these 205lbs monsters. 

Valentinovich is a Russian warrior, fighting under the management of Young Bernie. He has a six-pack and is often seen sporting a hoodie. 

Boosting a 23-6-0 record, with most of those fights in elite orgs, he is a dangerous looking individual.

His 16 TKO wins show his eagerness to land hard and punishing blows. It is nice to see that he doesn't shy away from kicking his opponent either, despite his below average height for the division. He throws about the same volume of kicks as punches. 

His biggest win to date came against the legendary Tiago Renato, who had been a 205lbs badass for years already and a former number two fighter p4p worldwide. He was smart in mixing up his striking from the outside with some savvy clinchwork.

I would not be surprised to see him utilise a similar game plan against Gracie, who is also a real badass, so that would make a lot of sense. 

It speaks to Valentinovich his advantage that one of the most elite managers in the world is coaching him, Young Bernie himself, so he knows better what to do in such tough situations anyway any of us could, as we are not used to such rough battles.

Gracie is a guy who might not show the same level of skills on first sight to be a world-beater, but don't be mistaken; he is an absolute killer! Looks can be deceiving. Unlike Valentinovich, who is mainly a striker, Gracie prefers the BJJ-aspect of MMA.

His slick submission skills have already earned him numerous victories. 

Some people like to try and fight for a decision, but not this beast. 100% of his wins come by way of a finish and the same goes for his losses. 

He is a martial artist in the purest sense of the term; he goes all out and has no fear.  

People will be expecting to see him close the distance to try and drag Valentinovich down to the mat, but don't forget that he actually has a decent reach advantage in this fight. Add to that fact that he likes to throw head strikes and we might be in for a real slugfest, yihaaaaaaa!

Two things though seems to put him at a small disadvantage; 

1) His manager has not logged in for 10 days and doesn't seem bothered coming with a fight strategy.

2) His morale has hit pretty much rock bottom.

You would have to be a fool, to let these signs deceive you. His manager had already set up an amazingly detaily plan weeks in advantage for this big clash. 

Ok, that is normal , but what about his morale then you say? 

That is a masterclass in the art of deception. He seems down, but hell he isn't. 

Some KGB spies,  perhaps sent over by Valentinovich his camp..., took picture showing that Gracie is in the best shape of his life, lifting heavy and running marathons before breakfast. 

Conclusions: 
1) Someone should message the org owner as soon as possible to put this fight on top of the card, where it deserves to be. 

2) This is basically the champions league final for MMA, broadcasting the biggest possible match that could be made this year at 205lbs. Be there or be square.

3) 17/06/2017 Hard Knocks - Rio, the place to be!   Fight of the year, guaranteed!  

PS: Mickey Hart , can you come up with some odds for this epic clash? Be careful though as I expect ballers to make big risk bets on this one. 

If you give either one of them favorable odds, you will end up with less Green than a golf course. 

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