UFC 283 Shogun Rua vs Ihor Potieria 1/21/2023 Picks, Odds and Predictions
The legend Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua (27-13-1) makes his swansong in Rio and just about every fan wants to see him end his illustrious career with a win. He has had 23 UFC fights off the back of a wild Pride career. His UFC record is 11-11-1, sharing the cage with fellow legends such as Forest Griffin, Mark Coleman, Chuck Liddell, Lyoto Machida, Jon Jones, Dan Henderson, and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira who was his last win. He beat Little Nog for the third time in July 2020.
His opponent, Ihor “Duelist” Potieria, walks into the cage with a mark of 19-3-0. The 26-year-old is standing at 6’3″ and is fighting at 205 lbs. The southpaw fighter walks into the Octagon holding a mark of 19-3-0, his reach is 75 inches. With respect to significant strikes, Mauricio Rua connects on 3.57 per min and Ihor Potieria connects on 4.58 significant strikes per min. Rua lands 50% of the significant strikes he tries and Potieria connects on 58%. Concerning the fighter’s defense, “Shogun” takes 2.77 significant strikes per min and “Duelist” allows 5.89. Rua also deflects 54% of the significant strikes that are directed at him while Potieria is able to deflect 42% of the strikes thrown his way.
UFC 283 Shogun Rua vs Ihor Potieria 1/21/2023 Picks, Odds and Predictions
Ihor Potieria (18-3) flies over to spoil the party. He will not mind being the villain one bit as long as he picks up the first win of his UFC career. He arrived in the big time in 2021 off the back of 15 straight wins which included five knockouts and six submissions. Nicolae Negumereanu welcomed him to the octagon back in July greeting him with an onslaught of knees and punches to snap the streak.
In the last fight of Ihor Potieria, he squared up with Nicolae Negumereanu and wound up losing the fight by knees to the head in round 2. Negumereanu connected on 45% of his significant strikes at distance and Potieria connected on 81% of his significant strikes at distance. Potieria landed 54% of the significant strikes he attempted by landing 38 of 70. He ended up connecting on 26 of 58 significant strikes directed at the head. Negumereanu ended up connecting on 51 of 95 significant strikes in that contest. Out of those significant strikes, he ended up connecting on 44 of 84 to the head. In regard to the total strikes attempted in that fight, Negumereanu landed 72 of 122 while Portieria landed 52 of 85 of all the strikes he attempted.
Shogun Rua vs Ihor Potieria Prediction
This is an odd matchmaking. Shogun should have a big name closer to his generation for a retirement fight. This does not make any sense, but it is a huge opportunity for Potieria. Shogun is clearly way past his prime yet still a quality name to have on the record.
The old slugger will only want to stand and trade so Potieria will know how to prepare. He has hours of tape and he will have counters prepared and ready to uncork. He will try to remain elusive and throw combinations from different angles. Shogun’s speed, reactions, and durability have declined but he still possesses power and will be a threat. Potieria does not have any notable wins, but he is hungry, a brilliant finisher, and has 15 years on Shogun. As this is the final dance for the legend, he will be more aggressive and reckless which will only leave him open. We expect them to trade with the old stalwart falling first.
Prediction: Potieria via KO/TKO
Jeunesse Arena, Rio de Janeiro, BRA January 21, 2023
