UFC 249 Free Pick: Ronaldo Souza vs. Uriah Hall

#24642 Souza -130 (Saturday, May 8 @ 7 pm EST)

UFC 249 is finally going to happen, albeit almost a month after its original scheduling date. The betting card is jam packed with talent and excitement. There will also be two title fights to cap it off, however, the best pick on this card lies a little earlier in the lineup. Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza (26-8) will take on Uriah “Prime Time” Hall (16-9) in a Middleweight bout. Although this fight is on the prelim card, this could be one of the better fights of the night. 

Heading into this weekend, Jacare has lost three of his last four fights. However, all three of those bouts ended in decision with two of them being split decisions. Although they are still losses, Jacare wasn’t putting out his worst performances (nor his best). His last six wins all came by stoppage (three submission and three knockout), showing that he has fight-ending ability and can do it both standing and throwing or on the ground. 

Hall lost three out of four fights before picking up a win in each of his last appearances. His last three losses all came by knockout, two of which in the first round. His last victory came against Antonio Carlos Junior in a close split decision that could have gone either way.  Hall does have a big reach advantage in this bout (79.5 vs 72 inches). Souza has the one-inch height advantage but is also five years the elder of Hall. The big difference in fighting style is that Hall is a BJJ blue belt while Souza is a BJJ black belt.  

In terms of striking stats, Hall is the more accurate striker but Souza is better at defending against significant strikes. In terms of ground game, the advantage goes to Souza who is a much more experienced ground fighter and has 14 submission victories to just one for Hall. However, neither fighter has ever been submitted. 

Souza is coming off of a fight against a much more skilled opponent in Jan Blachowicz and lost by a narrow split decision. Despite being older, Souza is the better all-around fighter and has more experience on his side. In a standing fight, this is a pretty even competition but on the ground, Souza has a huge advantage. 

No doubt Hall will try to keep this fight standing while Souza will be throwing in plenty of takedown attempts. Even if he can’t get Hall to the mat, Souza can end this fight with his hands. He is a slight favorite in this bout as the line continues to climb in his favor. Look for Souza to get the victory, possibly even ending this fight early.