4. Can Alexis Davis Avoid The Arm-Bar And Make This A Stand-up Battle?
/AP/Press Association ImagesAlthough Alexis Davis is a black belt under Cesar Gracie, it's hard to expect her to submit Ronda Rousey. I've never been a believer in MMA Math because their are simply match-ups that favor a certain fighter. I will briefly mention below a past fight that Davis had that has me convinced she won't. Rousey's strength and elusiveness alone makes me convinced, if Davis can even lock in a submission for a brief moment. She is simply on another level from her transitions on the ground in gaining top position. Davis wasn't able to submit an undersized Rosi Sexton, despite having her back for over two minutes when they fought. Davis will have to keep this fight standing and rely on her Muay Thai. That is a tall order, when Rousey puts her head down and looks to gain those under hooks against the cage. You don't have many opportunities to have space against her. Miesha Tate was fortunate in having a few opportunities to work her combinations and efficiently land a few of them. That was a grudge match though. Rousey doesn't care about winning in a certain way. She will look to close the distance at will to put her opponents on their back. It will be up to Davis to try to wear her down and get the fight into the later rounds. Then she could try to pick apart Rousey with leg kicks and jabs like she did in defeating Liz Carmouche.