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Sunday, Aug 18, 2013

Opinion: Travis Browne Is True UFC Underdog

Travis Browne

By Michael Hatamoto

Travis Browne shined in his biggest UFC test yet, taking on Alistair Overeem in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 26.

Browne survived an early onslaught that surely looked like a potential TKO loss in the making, but the 31-year-old bounced back and finished Overeem. It was incredible to see Overeem landing right hands and knees against Browne, and referee Mario Yamasaki allowed Browne plenty of time to recover from Overeem’s attack.

Not only did Browne show a solid chin and strong heart, but a front kick to down the Dutch striker, followed up by ground and pound, was a great way to finish the fight. Browne set it up using kicks to cause little bits of damage – and distract Overeem – and suddenly landed a clean front kick to Overeem’s face.

Like many others, I expected Overeem to use his devastating Muay Thai to crush Browne and jump back into title contention.

However, Browne looks to be at least one more fight away from a title shot – and I don’t think he would stand a chance against Cain Velasquez or Junior Dos Santos – but Fabricio Werdum or the winner of Josh Barnett vs. Frank Mir could show us where Browne truly stands.

Since joining the UFC in 2010 against James McSweeney, Browne holds wins against McSweeney, Stefan Struve, Rob Broughton, Chad Griggs, Gabriel Gonzaga, and Overeem. His lone loss was a TKO defeat against Antonio Silva – and a unanimous draw against Cheick Kongo would have been a loss, though Kongo was deducted a point.

I think this was a breakout performance for Browne, and expect to see him on the fast track to a possible heavyweight title shot.

posted by FCF Staff @ 7:15 pm
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