UFC 155 – Dos Santos to prove he’s world’s top heavyweight

Junior Dos Santos remains the only fighter to inflict a UFC victory over Cain Valesquez and he can repeat this success at UFC 155.

The pair previously did battle 13 months ago and it ended up being a bit of an anti climax, with Dos Santos winning the UFC heavyweight title with a first-round knockout.

If this rematch turns into a stand-up war again, the result will also be identical and Dos Santos is 10/21 to make a second successful title defence after his stoppage of Frank Mir at UFC 146.

However, for Dos Santos fans, they would be better taking the 5/9 that he triumphs by KO or TKO.

He looked like he was on his last legs when beating Roy Nelson and Shane Carwin on points over three rounds and it would be a miracle if his lack of stamina allowed him to survive for the championship distance of five rounds.

Dos Santos knows one way to fight, which involves walking forward and throwing a barrage of tiresome, heavy punches.

Valesquez clearly has retribution on his mind for his previous defeat and the fact that he was out of the Octagon for over a year before facing Dos Santos was far from ideal preparation.

There will be no hint of ring rust this time and Valesquez is 9/5 to get his UFC heavyweight belt back.

Key for him is to utilise his cardio advantage, keeping the champion on the move, while avoiding his heavy shots.

Getting the fight to the ground would also be a big positive in his favour as his wrestling skills are far superior.

Undoubtedly, the longer the fight goes, the more it suits Valesquez.

But Dos Santos’ power has already proved too much before and it would be no surprise to imagine it being the difference again.

A second round Dos Santos victory is the prediction at 7/2.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.