Match Preview: UFC Fight Night – Overeem vs Sakai – 9/5/2020
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Another weekend among us which means another night of fights are in order as the UFC returns with a UFC Fight Night on ESPN+.
This time out, we will see the big boys take center stage as a pair of Top 10 Heavyweights do battle as Alistair Overeem (46-18 24 KOs 17 SUBs) takes on Augusto Sakai (15-1 11 KOs).
One of the most decorated fighters in MMA history, Overeem is looking to make one more run at UFC gold as his illustrious career is more behind him than in front. Having fought a who’s who in the sport, winning a title in nearly every top organization he’s fought in, the one missing piece from his resume is UFC gold. His last go for a title shot starts as the Reem is looking to show he still has what it takes to be among the best, and his name should be on the shortlist of future challengers for the title.
Standing in his way is a striker from Brazil who is looking to extend his winning streak to 6 in a row. Combined, Sakai and Overeem have 34 KOs, so it’s safe to say you might want to pay attention to this one; it could end early and in highlight-reel fashion. Despite having the advantage in submission victories, Overeem can’t just assume he’ll have the advantage if this becomes a grappling match. Sakai is a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, so while he may not have the experience Reem has, a slip-up or overlook could cause the Kickboxing great to be upsetter.
Sitting in the top 10, Reem at six and Sakai at nine, this is a pivotal match for both fighters as a win for either lines them up for bigger fights and gets them that much closer to a title shot. With the champion Stipe Miocic already clearing out most of the top 10, a new name like Sakai could climb the ranks quickly and find himself standing across from the titleholder sooner rather than later if he is to continue his rise up the ranks.
For Reem, he has already come up short against Miocic once before, but if he can put a stop to the newcomer, he’ll be 4-1 in his last 5 and 6-3 since his defeat to Miocic back at UFC 203 in 2016. With what he’s done since it would make seem a win would put him in the driver seat for a possible one more bout before he can call out the champ again.
Serving in the night’s co-main event is a bout we were suppose to see take place a few weeks ago but got pushed back due to COVID-19. Ovince Saint Preux (24-14 11 KOs 8 SUBs) will finally face Alonzo Menifield (9-1 8 KOS).
As stated, these two were set to clash at UFC Fight Night on August 22nd, but a positive test for OSP pushed the match back. Now OSP also tested negative before and after his one positive reading, hence why the match is happening shortly after and not later. These two Light Heavyweights will look to take advantage of their time in the spotlight and give yet another fantastic finish. OSP, who has the power to end fights, has shown he is just as dangerous in the grappling department as he has 4 Von Flue Choke submissions.
Menifield is looking to keep moving up the 205lbs ranks and cement himself a mainstay among the top 15 while OSP is looking to show he still has some tread left on his tires. This matchup should be a fun one to watch.
Also on the card is fan-favorite Michel Periera (23-11 10 KOs) who’s unorthodox aggressive style has made him a must-see as he goes from dancing to jumping off the cage to flips. You never know what he’s got in store, and due to his unpredictable nature, he’s developed a fan following. But he is 1-2 (last loss was by DQ), so he’s gonna need to make sure that whatever he does in the octagon results in a victory.
UFC Fight Night on ESPN+ will surely be a fun event to watch with some entertaining match up and possible movement on to bigger and better things for the winners. Be sure to check out franchisesportsmedia.com for all your latest in news and events, previews and recaps.
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-Kalani Lua – Franchise Sports Media
