Krzysztof Soszynski (+105) vs. Goran Reljic (-120)
Krzysztof Soszynski (21-10 MMA, 4-2 UFC) is most famous for his appearance on season 8 of “The Ultimate Fighter”. On the show he won his first two fights before being submitted by renowned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, Vinny Magalhaes. Nicknamed “The Polish Experiment”, Soszynski is originally from Poland before moving to Canada at age 10. He has a background in jiu-jitsu, and currently trains with Dan Henderson’s gym, at Team Quest.
Before he was a UFC fighter, Sos lost to fighters such as Ben Rothwell, Reese Andy and Mike Whitehead. His biggest wins to date would be a submission over Brian Stann and a controversial stoppage due to a cut over Stephan Bonnar.
Goran Reljic (8-2 MMA, 1-2 UFC) is another fighter that has a decent Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background. Reljic holds a brown belt and won the European Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Championships. When Reljic fights though, he likes to use his respectable kickboxing skills.
This is his first fight back at 205 after a short stint at 185, resulting in 2 close losses to CB Dollaway and Kendall Grove. At light heavyweight, Reljic won his UFC debut over Wilson Gouveia.
I like Reljic here, but have far from enough confidence for a wager. Reljic has the much more technical striking, and is generally more well rounded on his feet. For pure grappling skills, it is a push, in my opinion. What worries me is that Soszynski is a legitimate light heavyweight, and will have a definite strength advantage on the ground or in the clinch. Reljic’s only other UFC win at 205 was over another fighter that could legitimately fight at 185, Gouveia. The Polish Experiment is a very strong light heavyweight, and could use his strength to turn the grappling tide in his favor. All in all, I’m taking Reljic based on the superior striking and I believe he will be able to hold his own on the ground if and when it goes there. Goran Reljic via Unanimous Decision.