UFC Fight Night: Gonzaga vs. Mitrione

Gabriel Gonzaga (16-8) vs. Matt Mitrione (8-3)

Gabriel Gonzaga and Matt Mitrione battle in a heavyweight contest on Saturday night in Phoenix at UFC Fight Night.

Gonzaga enters this fight coming off a loss to Stipe Miocic on Jan. 25, as he lost by way of unanimous decision. Gonzaga has fought some very strong fighters in his career, such as Travis Browne, Dave Herman and Brendan Schaub. Gonzaga is as tough of fighter as there is in the sport, as he can both deliver a beating, but also take punches as well. His relentless fighting attitude has allowed him to win some fights in thrilling fashion, but he has also lost some fights in dominating style. His opponent, Mitrione, is entering this fight on a two-match winning streak, winning both of his past two fights by knockout, and neither of them have made it to the second round. “Meathead” is another guy who will not hesitate to turn the fight into a brawl, and it could make for an exciting fight. In the end, MITRIONE is on a roll right now, and he will carry the momentum to another victory.

"Meathead" Mitrione has eight victories in his career, with seven of them by way of knockout. His other victory came by decision. He will have a big advantage when it comes to landing significant strikes (3.8 to 2.3), and he is also much more accurate when attempting those strikes (51% to 45%). His strength and power is something that gives him a chance to win any fight that he enters. If he keeps this matchup on his feet, then Mitrione has a great chance to get the victory. However, if it goes to the mat, Gonzaga has a great chance to get the win.

"Napao" Gonzaga has 16 wins in his career, with nine of them coming by way of knockout. He also has seven victories by way of submission. He has a huge advantage when it comes to grappling, as he has a much higher takedown average of 3.01, compared to 0.00 for Mitrione. Gonzaga has the ability to end the fight by submission, but he is also capable of taking his opponent to the mat, and then delivering a knockout with his elbows. The 35-year-old Gonzaga is 5-2 in his past seven fights and needs a win on Saturday to try and get back into the title talks.