Japanese MMA fighter Yushin Okami is not exactly a household name in the much of the world but he’s one fight away from a shot at the middleweight title and if he can somehow get past contender Nate Marquardt in the UFC 122 odds action he’ll be next in line to take on Anderson Silva the top MMA fighter in the world.
On November 13th the MMA world will descend upon the Konig Pilsener Arena in Oberhausen Germany (or at least those that can find the place) to watch the UFC 122 betting action. Headlining that event will be middleweight fighters Okami and American Nate Marquardt. The winner will also likely receive a shot at the Anderson Silva and the UFC middleweight title after he dispatches with his next challenger, fellow Brazilian Vitor Belfort.
Okami enters this UFC 122 odds matchup as the relative underdog, at least according to the rankings. Sherdog has Marquardt listed as the #3 contender in the middleweight class right now while Okami is ranked #6 by the same publication.
What makes this matchup so interesting aside from the talent of both fighters is their skill sets. These competitors have very different fighting styles and it should make for a very intriguing matchup.
Marquardt earned his MMA chops in Japan and should be familiar with many of Okami’s tendencies. However, Marquardt is tremendous striker schooled in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and will look to keep the fight on his feet.
In contrast, Okami has a kick boxing and wrestling background and will likely look to take the UFC 122 betting event to the canvas.
Both fighters have suffered their lumps as fighters, Okami has a career MMA record of 25-5; Marquardt 30-9-2, but both will be entering the UFC 122 odds action at just about their peak fighting prowess.
In order to win this fight Okami will need to avoid Marquardt’s considerable striking ability. He’ll need to neutralize the blows by keeping active with his kicks and keeping Marquardt out of striking range when they’re on their feet. Marquardt has long reach for man his size and that gives him a striking advantage.
If Okami can move the fight to the mat and avoid submission moves while applying pressure of his own when grappling he’ll have a chance to defeat Maruaqrdt.
But Marquardt is a top fighter in this weight class and will likely leave Germany with one more MMA victory.