Stephens vs. Oliveira

This is the official discussion thread for Stephens vs. Oliveira. Let's see what you've got.

Great fight. If Stephens is on, Oliveira could be in trouble.

Yeah I think Oliveira is going to sleep!

Bumping for CT.

I must be missing something because for the life of me I don't get why people think Stephens is that good ... top 10 entry level at best, imo. And that's stretching it only because there are a few featherweight I'm still waiting for to pan out but aren't there yet and a few declining older dudes, not because Stephens is awesome.

As I said, I'm most likely missing something because a lot of guys who's opinions I really respect say the opposite so I guess he's really good and I just can't see it.

* Edited at 10.02.2014, 1:35 AM ET *

Ya if you go to the bout page and click Discussion on the top right. 

Lately I've been making an official Oddsbot thread for every UFC fight and main-card Bellator fight announced. 

What are u saying? 

I am a bit surprise by people thinking Olivera is going to get knocked out. I think a TKO could happen, but a clean KO is unlikely. He never really been knocked out, he more crumbles similarly to tito when he overwhelmed with powerful strikes. Which Stephens does have, and Stephens has been impressing me of late. So I can def see a stoppage for Stephens. I use to think Stephens would get stomped, but he a better fighter then I thought he was and I was actually pretty impressed with his Cub Swanson fight. I thought he was going to get stomped and he was actually a lot more competitive then I thought he would be. So this fight worries me for Oliveira. However I think Oliveira, if he can remain mentally tough, should be able to pull this off. I think he can use his range to stay out of danger and when Stephens steps in I think he should be able to use his superior grappling to sub Stephens.  I think if this fight hits the ground at all Stephens is in serous trouble, but to be fair that true of almost anyone who goes to the matt with Oliveira.

I'll keep my Olivera pick if he makes weight.........

I just can't pick Oliveira against nasty power strikers until he proves he can defeat one.

You see? He crumbled ;)

I hate to pick against Oliveira but this is one of the worst match ups in the division for him. Stephens has a lot of power and I don't think his ground game is as glaring of a hole as it was a couple years ago. Oliveira is long but he's generally an inside striker, constantly looking for the clinch and takedowns. Stephens has lost a few fights getting picked apart from the outside but when Oliveira closes the distance I think he will get hurt. If he can get this fight to the floor consistently though, he can find a submission, I just feel that more likely than not Stephens will find a home for his power sooner or later.

@CT

You got me there. I remember that fight wrong. He looks pretty koed by cub. So I concede.  Also thinking about changing my pick after he missed weight for the fight again............

* Edited at 12.11.2014, 10:52 PM ET *

To me, Stephens is one of the worst match-ups in the division for do Bronx. 

Also think Stephens is underrated overall. He's inconsistent, but quite talented and has really sured up holes in his game since dropping to 145.

I've got Aloe-Vera via sub in the 2nd. Jeremy stephens has come a long way but I feel as if Aloe-Vera's transitions are too quick. When he whips on a sub..its pretty quick. 

In a striker versus grappler affair it really is a coin-flip fight but Stephens’s power can break Oliveira’s confidence and ability to take the fight to the ground.