Tim Means vs Laureano Staropoli Prediction and Odds, UFC 6 Prelims
The top UFC Vegas 6 Prelims fight sees longtime Octagon vet Tim "Dirty Bird" Means fighting relative promotional newcomer Laureano Staropoli. This welterweight encounter tops a six fight Saturday afternoon undercard from the Apex Center.
Tim Means (29-12-1, +115)
Tim Means makes his 24th walk under Zuffa lights during a tenure spanning eight-plus years this weekend. In that time, Means has been the guy to push faded veterans out the company's exit door and deny entrance to overrated newcomers. Quite simply, "The Dirty Bird" has served an essential UFC function throughout his stay. However, after dropping five of his last eight appearances, the circle of MMA life may find Means the exiting veteran on Saturday. Means took a beating in February against debuting Daniel Rodriguez. Not long before that humbling loss, the Albuquerque native was stopped by Niko Price.
At 36, the man who used martial arts to turn his life around is fading from the athlete that opened Octagon life 10-4. From 2012 through 2016 Means set down every test before him except the top-ten contenders. Never able to break into the title conversation at 170, Means is looking back at a solid career and hoping another big performance remains.
Overall, the Fit NHB cornerstone lands 4.87 significant strikes per minute while completing just under one takedown per 15 minutes. Rangy at 6'2, Means perfers to trade in physical quarters and has 19 paid TKO's to his name.
Laureano Staropoli (9-2, -135)
Staropoli is the perfect challenge to find if Means still belongs.At 27, the Argentine stands 2-1 vs. Octagon fare. Staropoli was recently outstruck and out grappled by veteran Muslim Salikhov, however. That clear loss ended Staropoli's seven-fight unbeaten run and tempered his prospect expectations. Even with noted holes, which Salikhov's spinning attack exploited, the favored end of Saturday's prelims opener has upside. Much like his immediate opponent, Staropoli enjoys the standup game and lands 4.29 significant strikes per minute. While wrestling isn't part of his arsenal, the Argentine owns two paid submissions and is much quicker in every facet than aging Means.
The Prediction: It is that quickness and youthful durability that makes Staropoli a favorite against Means. Though Means has deeper MMA tools, and a wealth of experience, Staropoli is good enough to use "The Dirty Bird" as a stepping-stone lesson on the path to greater heights this weekend. Look for a 15-minute standing battle between these crossroads Welterweights. Staropoli will land first and use his athleticism to avoid serious damage while out pointing his latest assignment.
The Pick: Staropoli by decision
Odds courtesy of BestFightOdds.com
