UFC 150: Yushin Okami vs. Buddy Roberts Head-to-Toe Breakdown

UFC 150 may be an event that you are excited to see, but if you said Yushin Okami vs. Buddy Roberts is a fight you want to see, I would probably call nonsense (censored).

The fact that Okami vs. Roberts has not received much media attention is not surprising, but for a hardcore fan like me, it's almost an insult. Watching Buddy Roberts progress through the minor leagues has been exciting for me, yet he gets no love.

Here is the breakdown of the Okami vs. Roberts fight, which may be closer than most think.

Striking

Neither Roberts nor Okami are outstanding strikers by any means, but both men can definitely hold their own in the striking department.

Yushin Okami, though seen as a grappler, has decent knockout ability. Nine of his wins have come by knockout, including a knockout due to a knee over Evan Tanner.

Roberts is also a decent striker, but he uses his striking while on the ground. Therefore, Okami gains the edge here.

Edge: Okami

Wrestling

Both fighters have pretty good wrestling, but who is the better MMA wrestler? 

While Roberts—a Greg Jackson disciple—has used his wrestling to his advantage in many of his matches, Okami uses it as a spare. Okami is a guy many fighters don't see as a wrestler, but he definitely has the chops.

It is definitely close, but Okami owns the advantage.

Edge: Okami

Grappling/Submissions

Neither man is really what you would call a submission artist. In fact, between the two of them, they own nine submissions.

Buddy Roberts has five submissions, but they are all rear-naked chokes. Yushin Okami has four submissions, but two are by punches, one is by injury and the last is by arm triangle. With these kind of credentials, one has to question who the better man is.

In terms of pure grappling, I would think Okami is the man here. Though many aren't acquainted with Roberts' game, I believe you will see the light.

Edge: Okami

Intangibles

The first intangible has to be training camp. Love it or hate it, Buddy Roberts trains with Greg Jackson, who is a master strategist and a great trainer.

Even more than that, UFC 150 will be held in Denver, Colo. Roberts' trip to the Octagon will be quick, as he is located New Mexico. Okami's will be significantly longer, seeing as he travels from Japan.

The last will be Octagon experience. Okami is a long-time UFC veteran, while Roberts will be making his second appearance. That type of experience can only favor the Japanese star.

Prediction

At the end of the day, experience, skill and opportunity will come into play. Okami has been a long-time contender who has the skills to put away any man.

Okami can stand with Roberts or he can put him on his back. Either way, Okami will likely be too much for the American.

Ground and pound may be the way to go, as Okami can use top position to earn a stoppage. Expect it after a feeling-out process on the feet.

Prediction: Okami def. Roberts via knockout