The UFC Fight Night card planned for Manila, Philippines on May 16 will feature a middleweight tussle between Gegard Mousasi and Costas Philippou. Both men have had the “fighter to watch” labelled added to their names, but a few lackluster performances and a 2-2 record in the last four fights sees both men trying to build up some momentum. Look for Mousasi to be favored when the line hits the sport books.
At this point, Mousasi has gone 3-2 in the UFC, and though his last fight was a win against veteran Dan Henderson, it was fast and it is still unclear if it was due to Mousasi’s prowess or because Henderson is slowing as he enters his mid-forties. In the fight prior, Mousasi was dominated and then submitted by rival “Jacare” Souza, a man he had previously defeated. Mousasi still has an intriguing blend of striking and a ground game, and his excellent MMA record of 36-5 and relative youth at 29 years mean he has the potential to make a run at the top.
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Philippou was on the rise after winning five straight UFC bouts heading into 2013. Unfortunately for him, he was stopped by Francis Carmont and then he was blitzed by Luke Rockhold. He bounced back last may with a win over Lorenz Larkin, though he won in the opening round, a win over Larkin did not send him rushing up the rankings.
Mousasi is said to have realized before the Henderson fight that he needs to kick it up a notch, and he did. Another fast and definitive win, this time over an guy more or less in his prime in Philippou would help Mousasi’s cause immeasurably. A second, fast definitive win in a row, whether he slugs him out or submits him, is exactly what Mousasi needs. And he is capable of it.
If he does not come in and wipe out an opponent like Philippou, he will be back to the drawing board as far as trying to raise his stock. Even a win, if it is done in methodical, boring fashion will not be good enough for Mousasi. It is time for him to perform, and it will be interesting to see where the over/under comes in for this fight.
