UFC 146: Stipe Miocic vs. Shane Del Rosario Head-to-Toe Breakdown

At UFC 146, we have one of the best fights of upcoming heavyweight prospects, as former Strikeforce fighter Shane del Rosario faces off against Stipe Miocic.

Del Rosario has a record of 11-0, eight (T)KO's, three submissions and has only left the first round once.

Miocic is 8-0, has six (T)KO's, one submission—to leg kicks—and a decision.

After this fight is over, expect the crowd to be on its feet and expect the heavyweight division to have a bright young contender who could someday hold the belt.

Let's see who may come out on top.

Striking

This is a matchup of two strong strikers. Between them, they have a combined 15 stoppages due to strikes in 19 fights. That's pretty good.

Shane del Rosario has eight of his 11 wins by (T)KO, and Miocic has six of his eight wins by (T)KO and one submission to leg kicks.

Both fighters are comfortable with the standup game. Look for this one to be a slugfest.

Edge: Push

Wrestling

Although you may not know it, Stipe Miocic was a Division I wrestler at Cleveland State University and was ranked nationally at 197 pounds alongside such names as Ryan Bader and Muhammed Lawal.

Del Rosario is a fair grappler in his own right, but he doesn't have the D-I credentials that Miocic possesses.

Edge: Stipe Miocic

Submissions

Miocic has the wrestling, and del Rosario has the submissions.

Del Rosario is a blue belt in BJJ and has three submission wins to his name in pro competition: a triangle choke, an omoplata and an armbar.

Miocic only has one submission, and it was due to leg kicks. 

There's a ranking advantage and a numbers advantage, and it's pretty clear cut.

Edge: Shane del Rosario

Strength and Conditioning

This is a category where both fighters are very even.

They are both strong, well conditioned heavyweights, who usually come in at around 240-250 pounds. There will be no significant advantage for one over the other in terms of strength or cardio.

Edge: Push

Experience

Yet another even category between these two, as this fight just gets closer and closer.

Del Rosario has 11 pro fights under his belt, and Miocic has eight. Del Rosario fought amateur Muay Thai, and Miocic wrestled and boxed.

They both have a fair and similar amount of experience in combat sports.

Edge: Push

Variables

This fight is going to be all about the variables.

Stipe Miocic: Miocic comes into this fight off of an incredibly fast knockout of Phil De Fries, as the fight took a mere 43 seconds. His confidence has to be through the roof, and if he plans to take out del Rosario, he's going to need to be sure he can do it.

Shane del Rosario: Del Rosario comes into this fight fighting for the first time since February of 2011. He was involved in a car accident that put his career in jeopardy, but he is now ready to return to action. Ring rust will be a huge factor in this fight and could very well decide who comes out on top.

Prediction

When all is said and done, expect Stipe Miocic to have his hand raised at the end of the fight.

The striking of both fighters will neutralize each other, and there will always be the chance that one knocks the other out, but with the wrestling base that Miocic has, he can dictate where the fight takes place.

Again, there is always the chance that del Rosario could submit him, but I expect the ring rust of del Rosario to be a huge factor.

Prediction: Stipe Miocic via second round technical knockout.

Tim McTiernan is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. For the latest news on everything MMA, follow him on twitter @TimMcTiernan.