Vieira vs Stoltzfus Analysis and Prediction

Rodolfo Vieira (7-1) vs Dustin Stoltzfus (13-2)

Middleweight (185)

Rodolfo Vieira

Vieira very may well be a BJJ wizard, but as Anthony Hernandez proved, MMA is a multi-faceted game. While Vieira’s hype train hasn’t entirely crashed and burned yet, there have to be stark changes to Vieira’s approach if he wants a successful career. Stoltzfus is a pretty generous match-up, however, to ensure Vieira moves upwards.

Immense physicality, Vieira has the power to brute force opponents to the cage and bully them to the mat. While Safarov isn’t a stellar scalp, Vieira still man-handled his opponent for fun. Two major problems hold Vieira back. Firstly, Vieira’s gas tank is comically shallow. That isn’t to say that the grappling guru can’t fight for three rounds, but his current blitzing approach leaves him gassed during the first round. Flying out the doors is the current solution to problem number two – non-existent striking. Hands down low, wide-open chin, almost no counter-game to write about – Vieira desperately needs to add a boxing game to avoid eating unnecessary heavy shots again.

Dustin Stoltzfus

Dustin Stoltzfus is a tough, durable bugger but that’s about it. While he can handle himself on the mat, he remains at a huge disadvantage in this match-up. Of course, if Vieira gasses after a few minutes, Stoltzfus can replicate Hernandez’s submission victory. Whether Stoltzfus can survive to the later rounds, however, is up for debate.

Easily pressured against the fence, Stoltzfus is content with hitting the mat and working from his back. Unfortunately for Stoltzfus, his elbows are unlikely to deter Vieira from seeking an early submission. It’s never safe to back a fighter based on survivability alone.

Predicted Result: Vieira Submission Round 1

Vieira very may well be a BJJ wizard, but as Anthony Hernandez proved, MMA is a multi-faceted game. Immense physicality, Vieira has the power to brute force opponents to the cage and bully them to the mat. Dustin Stoltzfus is a tough, durable bugger but is content with hitting the mat and work from his back. While Stoltzfus could replicate Hernandez’s success if he survives to the later rounds, it is far too risky against the supreme submission threat Vieira poses.

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