"Jacare" Souza (photo via UFC)

With UFC 220 now in the books, the MMA world will turn much of its focus to the January 27^th, UFC on FOX 27 card, and its headlining bout between “Jacare” Souza and Derek Brunson. Although no title is on the line, like we saw in Boston on Saturday, it’s a pivotal fight for both men.

Can Souza get back on track after being taken out by current champ, Robert Whittaker last April? Or will Brunson take a big step towards a title shot? By avenging his 2012 loss to Souza? There are several important factors to consider while taking a look at the upcoming bout, and if you’re interested in doing some UFC betting at SBG Global.

Derek Brunson

The January 27^th fight is taking place at a time when Brunson has some serious momentum behind him. Although the powerful wrestler has gone 3-2 in his last 5 fights, Brunson is coming off quick, KO wins over Dan Kelly and most recently, Lyoto Machida. Prior to those victories, Brunson dropped a decision to the legendary, Anderson Silva, but many scored the fight in the American’s favor. Before that bout, Brunson was taken out by the aforementioned Whittaker, but no one has been able to defeat the latter since 2014, and that includes the likes of Souza and Yoel Romero. So, in other words, there’s no real shame in losing to the current champ.

One of the key factors for Brunson in the upcoming bout, is that he’ll need to be composed, and not come out too aggressively, in the hopes of avenging his KO loss to Souza in 2012. Further, while Brunson may not be too interested in battling Souza on the mat, at least feinting some takedowns, will help him set up his heavy hands.

“Jacare” Souza

Although Souza hasn’t been away from the Octagon for too, too long, it will be interesting to see how the 38 year-old looks in the fight. Particularly in the later rounds, if it ends up going there. The vaunted grappler is coming off a series of surgeries, which were so taxing on him, Souza recently reported he had considered retirement.

Chances are Brunson will come out firing heavy shots, as he usually does, so Souza will need to weather the middleweight’s dangerous storm, in the fight’s opening moments. If Brunson overextends, or gets sloppy in the clinch, then Souza should look for a takedown, so he can employ one of the best top games in all of MMA.

Who Wins?

Since Souza has long been one of the top middleweights on the planet, it’s not surprising that many observers have the renowned fighter as a slight favorite. Souza does hold a win over Brunson, and the only men to defeat “Jacare” in the last ten years are Luke Rockhold, Gegard Mousasi, Whittaker and Romero.

But, Brunson has become a much more complete fighter since he was quickly taken out by Souza. And as noted above, the 34 year-old also has some serious momentum behind him.

All this considered, if Brunson’s unable to hurt Souza in the opening frame, the latter’s striking and grappling should deliver him a victory by late stoppage, or decision.

If you’re interested in putting down some money on any upcoming fight, UFC betting at SBG Global has you covered.