UFC 96: Unpredictable; Shane Carwin vs. Gabriel Gonzaga

Colorado native, Shane Carwin, puts his undefeated record (10-0) on the line, when he faces top UFC Heavyweight contender, Gabriel "Napao" Gonzaga.

"Napao" is currently on a two-fight winning streak, after defeating Josh Hendricks, who so happens to be the trainer of interim UFC Heavyweight Champion, Brock Lesnar.

Carwin, on the other hand, continues his undefeated streak without having passed the three minute mark of the first round. This fight will bring one of these fighters one step closer to a title shot.

Who will possibly become the No. 1 contender for the UFC Heavyweight Championship after this big heavyweight bout? Let's compare.

Shane Carwin's Strengths

Of course, Carwin is one of, if not, the biggest heavyweight in the UFC. Standing 6'4", weighing in at 264 lbs., which is just under the limit.  Carwin's size may play a big role is his fight against "Napao."

His only two fights in the UFC ended with punches, which shows that he might have the slight advantage when it comes to standing.

Gonzaga has to watch out because Carwin comes out swinging for the fences quick. Carwin also has a wrestling background, but has not used it much in the Octagon. Expect the unexpected.

Shane Carwin's Weaknesses

Carwin has not been on the ground a lot. Surprisingly, half of his wins are by way of submission. However, the only submissions he has ever pulled off in his MMA career were the guillotine choke, the rear naked choke, and punches until the opponent submitted.

All of those are simple, but effective. But then you go on the ground with Gonzaga, things will get technical. Also, Carwin's cardio hasn't been tested. Facing Gonzaga, this fight is bound to pass three minutes, and will likely go into the second round. And if it does, Carwin might be in for a long night.

Gabriel Gonzaga's Strengths

When Gonzaga—a Chute Box fighter—fought the best heavyweight striker in MMA, Mirko CroCop, no one gave him a chance. As a matter of fact, with a professional MMA record of 8-1 heading into that match, not many people even knew who he was.

He overcame the odds and knocked Mirko CroCop out cold...with a headkick! Being an underdog must give "Napao" more motivation to win this fight, and he might be considered an underdog when he faces Carwin.

And of course, Gabriel Gonzaga has a ground game, being a black belt in Brazillian Jiu Jitsu. He has won a majority of his fights on the ground, and might win this fight on the ground...that's if he can take down the 6'4", 264 lbs. giant.

Gabriel Gonzaga's Weaknesses

All of Gonzaga's three losses, two of them being to former UFC Heavyweight contender Fabricio Werdum, have ended in TKO (punches). With Carwin having knockout power in his hands, he might catch Gonzaga's chin, and end the fight.

Also, like Carwin, Gonzaga's fights haven't been decided by the judges. So his cardio will be tested as well. However, after watching his championship fight against Randy Couture, everyone saw how bad Gabriel Gonzaga's cardio is.

If this fight happens to go to a decision, which I doubt, "Napao" might be in trouble.

Predictions

I doubt this fight will be decided by the judges. This fight is a toss-up and might get Fight Of The Night honours, in my opinion. If the fight stays standing, I'm predicting Shane Carwin to come out on top. But if it goes to the ground, Gabriel Gonzaga will be able to submit him.

However, "Napao" is very unpredictable in his fights, just ask Mirko CroCop. Gabriel Gonzaga is more well-rounded than Shane Carwin, so I'm choosing Gabriel Gonzaga, most likely by submission. But it will be close.