Michael Mcdonald has quickly emerged as one of the top prospects in the bantamweight division. He’s avenged his lone loss, and with the exception of the Chris Cariaso fight, has thoroughly dominated all of his opponents. Most recently, he took on Alex Soto where he brutally knocked out his opponent in the first round, and it seems likely that with a win here he’ll be on the short list for a title shot, if not slightly behind Renan Barao on the pecking order. Regardless, a win here would be the biggest of Mcdonald’s career.
Current Michael Mcdonald vs Miguel Torres Betting Odds;
McDonald- (-110) – Bovada.Lv [<- Up To $100 In Free Bets]
Torres – (-120) – Bovada.Lv [<- Up To $100 In Free Bets]
Miguel Torres was at one point considered one of the top pound for pound fighters on the planet, but boy how times have changed. After a close loss to Demetrious Johnson his hopes for a UFC title shot were dashed, and after a misfortunate Twitter comment he was put on the UFC sidelines. Finally Torres made his return a few months ago, cruising to a decision win over the underrated Nick Pace using a very unorthodox fence assisted gameplan. With a win here, Torres won’t get a title shot, but he’ll keep his top 10 ranking for sure.
When Torres burst on the scene, his jiujitsu and striking seemed incredible. He transitioned between submissions effortlessly against Chase Beebe, and even recently against Demetrious Johnson his ground game looked fairly solid. However against top competition like Joseph Benavidez and Brian Bowles, Torres was really neutralized. His wrestling hasn’t been good enough to get it to the ground, and Benavidez actually finished Torres on the ground on Benavidez’ terms. Therefore, despite the hype Torres initially received during his title run, questions linger about how good he really is.
Michael Mcdonald scored an impressive win in his WEC debut, and has since been heavily favored in all of his fights. He lived up to it completely against Edwin Figueroa, but disappointed many against Chris Cariaso where he arguably chased the knockout too much. Since then, he’s returned with an easy win over Alex Soto, however it’s tough to say whether his stock has recovered. Personally, I think Mcdonald learned a lot of lessons in the Cariaso fight, and I think a lot of people are simply underrating Cariaso.
Wrestling wise, Torres has never improved, and Mcdonald has shown solid skills which continue to improve. If Mcdonald desires to take this to the ground I believe he will be successful, however I think that he will prefer to keep the fight standing as long as things are going his way.
Striking wise, I’ve been far more impressed with Mcdonald. He’s shown a ton of power, and he hasn’t shown any technical holes besides arguably looking too hard for the Hail Mary. Torres on the other hand has shown chin issues, and it’s hard to imagine his new found conservative style finding success against Mcdonald. Further, even if he is successful, Mcdonald can always take him to the ground.
The Michael Mcdonald vs Miguel Torres prediction is that Mcdonald keeps it standing and knocks Torres out. Yes, I could be completely underestimating Torres, but I honestly believe this will be Mcdonald’s coming out party, and that he will pass with flying colours. At even odds, I think a moderate to large play is warranted on Mcdonald, as I’m fairly confident he’s going to hold a striking edge, but that even if he’s on the losing end of the striking, he can always outpoint Torres on the feet. You can’t ever completely count Torres out, and he could theoretically outstrike or submit Mcdonald, but I actually expect domination. Let’s hope this hits!
Michael Mcdonald vs Miguel Torres Betting Odds Conclusion: At even odds I like a moderate to large play on Michael Mcdonald. He’s younger, more athletic, the better striker, and worst case scenario he can rack up points with takedowns.
Latest Michael Mcdonald vs Miguel Torres Odds;
McDonald- (+120) – BookMaker.Eu [<- Up To $100 In Free Bets]
Torres – (-150) – BookMaker.Eu [<- Up To $100 In Free Bets]
