UFC Fight Night: Almeida vs. Lewis is going to be lit and we are going to have two heavyweight fights lined up in the main card. In the Heavyweight division, ‘Ze’ Colmeia’ Rodrigo Nascimento will face off against ‘King Kong’ Don’Tale Mayes.
Rodrigo Nascimento last fought Ilir Latifi at UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Hill where Rodrigo and Latifi went for a war but he got the better of Latifi. Rodrigo won his last fight by a split decision. In 12 fights, he has 10 wins, 1 loss, and 1 no-contest, and he is on a 2-fight win streak.
Don’Tale Mayes last fought Andrei Arlovski and is also coming off a win. He TKO’ed Arlovski in the 2nd round at the UFC on ESPN: Kara-France vs. Albazi. Mayes has 10 wins, 5 losses, and 1 no-contest. But out of his 10 wins, Mayes has won six fights by knockout.
Nascimento competed in Dana White’s Contender Series 22 on July 30, 2019, against Michal Martinek. He won the fight via arm triangle in the first round, earning him a UFC contract. Don’Tale Mayes made his UFC debut on October 26, 2019, against Ciryl Gane at UFC Fight Night: Maia vs. Askren. He was defeated in the third round by a heel hook.
This fight will be an interesting fight as it is going to be one of the two heavyweight fights going to happen in the UFC Fight Night: Almeida vs. Lewis.
Rodrigo Nascimento Ferreira vs Don’Tale Mayes stats
Stats | Rodrigo Nascimento Ferreira | Don’Tale Mayes |
---|---|---|
Wins | 10 | 10 |
Losses | 1 | 5 |
Height | 6 ft 3 in | 6 ft 6 in |
Division | Heavyweight | Heavyweight |
Reach | 80 in | 81 in |
Age | 30 | 31 |
Ferreira vs Mayes: prediction
Rodrigo Nascimento Ferreira lands, 4.20 significant strikes per minute with 49% accuracy. His opponents land 4.60 strikes per minute against him, but he has a defense rate of 40%. He averages less than 1 takedown per 15 minutes and defends 75% of takedown attempts against him.
Don’Tale Mayes averages a few less significant strikes per minute, at 3.39. Also, he is less accurate than Ferreira at 43%. His defense is better than Ferreira’s, as he absorbs 3.73 strikes per minute and defends only 44% of those thrown by his opponents. He also averages less than 1 takedown per 15 minutes and defends 56% of takedowns every 15 minutes.
Don’tale “Lord Kong” Mayes entered UFC with a 7-3 record in UFC. However, he lost his first UFC bout. Mayes had won three fights in a row before his first official UFC fight, including one in Dana White’s contender series.
“This s*** is like Christmas.”
@KingKongMayes finally got his UFC contract after his third appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series, and he’s ready to make his name known in the heavyweight division. #DWCS pic.twitter.com/Yn7ExPPpGr
— UFC News (@UFCNews) July 17, 2019
In his UFC debut, Mayes was dominated by Ciryl Gane who beat him by submission. Gane was able to put Mayes three times on the canvas and that took a toll on Mayes as he is a big man.
Ferreira came in UFC with a 7-0 record. He beat Michal Martinek to earn his UFC contract at Dana White’s Contender Series 22. It is not the first time both men have met each other.
Ferreira fought Mayes in his UFC debut which he easily won by putting Mayes in a rear-naked choke at UFC on ESPN: Overeem vs. Harris. Mayes now has his chance to redeem himself.
But the chances are less and Ferreira is good at submissions and keeping his distance. With Mayes; height and reach it is difficult for him to move at Ferreira’s speed. Also, Ferreira would want to end it quickly. Ferreira would go for the submission hold and would try to end things in Round 1. ‘
LETS GOOO- Rodrigo Nascimento Ferreira & Don’Tale Mayes are about to kick off #UFCFL. pic.twitter.com/27IP9XLTOs
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) May 16, 2020
Rodrigo impressed in his first fight, and he will do so again in this one. Ferreira will control the battle early on and wear him down to win by submission. He may not win in the first round, but he won’t take the fight for long. In this matchup, Rodrigo Nascimento Ferreira might win against Don’Tale Mayes via submission.