UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. Dos Santos: Predictions and Picks

#4 Roosevelt Roberts vs. Vinc Pichel

Roosevelt Roberts is 2-0 in the UFC thus far

Evidently, the UFC decided there was room for two ‘Predators’ on this card, as lanky Lightweight Roosevelt Roberts returns to face former TUF contestant Vinc Pichel. We last saw Roberts – a graduate of Dana White’s Contender Series – in April, as he outpointed the unheralded Thomas Gifford for a decision win, his second in the UFC proper.

Roberts’ best attribute right now is his frame. At 6’1” he’s a remarkably tall 155lber, and he uses that frame to his advantage, pecking at his opponents from range with his striking and using his length to get into advantageous positions on the ground. Gifford simply couldn’t deal with such an awkward opponent, while Darrell Horcher fell prey to his long arms with a nasty guillotine choke.

Pichel meanwhile is more of a case in frustration. He’s 11-2 in MMA, 4-2 in the UFC and his only losses came to ultra-tough wrestlers Rustam Khabilov and Gregor Gillespie. He looked excellent in his TUF run, showing off some powerful grappling and striking skills, and he pushed Al Iaquinta to a very tight decision in their fight on the show.

Essentially, he could’ve been a contender. But at 36 years old, he just hasn’t fought enough since 2012 to ever gain any momentum. No fights between May 2014 and June 2017 essentially ruined him, and while he’s still tough enough and extremely strong for 155lbs, he now lacks the explosive athleticism really needed to succeed in the UFC’s shark tank.

This is an interesting test for Roberts; Pichel is a very hardened veteran and while his record isn’t extensive, he’s been around the block a long time and does hold a victory over a similarly lanky striker to Roberts in the form of Anthony Njokuani, who was never allowed the room to work his striking as Pichel simply blanketed him and beat him up for 15 minutes.

Could the same thing happen to Roberts? Sure, if he doesn’t play his cards right or he’s less talented than his earlier fights have suggested. But at 36 years old and with a litany of injuries behind him, I just find it hard to trust Pichel to win a fight against a hot up-and-comer in 2019.

Roberts isn’t going to take Pichel down and smash him on the ground as Gillespie did, but he’s going to be a very awkward opponent to handle and even if ‘From Hell’ can close the gap, I could see Roberts snaring him in a submission using those long arms. If this goes the distance it’s likely to be Pichel with his hand raised, but I’m betting on the prospect to take out the veteran in this one.

The Pick: Roberts via third round submission