The best Fighting Championship debuted on Fox in November having a single fight, and after Junior dos Santos stopped Cain Velasquez for the heavyweight title in only a minute, many fans was left wanting more. The promotion comes back to the network with UFC on Fox ONLY TWO, a heartier, three-fight main card offering with the United Center in Chicago.
Three well-matched bouts -- all with a reasonable chance to go the distance -- could eliminate the decision for promotional filler this time around around. Here is a closer examine the UFC on Monk 2 main card, together with analysis and picks.
Easy Heavyweights
Rashad Evans (16-1-1, 11-1-1 UFC) versus. Phil Davis (9-0, 5-0 UFC)
The actual Matchup: This fight was speculated to go down at UFC 133 nonetheless was postponed when Davis had been forced to withdraw as a result of injury. Evans, in his first action in more than a year, was impressive inside a second-round technical knockout triumph against Tito Ortiz. Any time Ortiz took him affordable, he was able for getting up or quickly move about into an advantageous location. The former light heavyweight champion controlled most of a contest with his pace, power and athleticism.
While Evans looked rejuvenated with the time spent with the new team at Imperial Athletics, it has been well documented that Ortiz is no longer near the top from the 205-pound heap. Davis has the kind of physical tools and wrestling background which could give "Suga" fits, and it will likely take a carefully crafted strategy to overcome the four-time All-American wrestler through Penn State University.
Once considered to be the potential kryptonite towards the dominance of current light heavyweight champion Jones, the actual enthusiasm surrounding Davis dimmed somewhat following his workmanlike triumph over Antonio Rogerio Nogueira in UFC Fight Night TWENTY FOUR. The Alliance MMA supplement did what was important to get his hand raised, but it was not the kind of blowout that would have instantly propelled him in order to No. 1 contender position. "Mr. Wonderful" struggled to secure takedowns resistant to the Brazilian in the first half in their encounter, but, in switching from double-leg to be able to single-leg attempts to eventually get Nogueira for the canvas, he showed the ability to adapt that would serve him well in the future. Davis' superior strength in addition to reach allows him to settle long and hold his opponents about the mat with his exceptional wrestling. He will include similar advantages against Evans, but they will not be as pronounced as they will be in previous fights.
Evans just isn't exceptionally large for any light heavyweight, and that has hindered him recently when he attempted to be able to outmuscle foes to impose his own wrestling-based harm. "The Ultimate Fighter" Season 2 winner is continuing to grow smarter in his approach progressively, utilizing his speed in the standup to setup timely takedown attempts. Evans' striking, along with his encounter, will be his greatest assets here. While he doesn't generally land with excellent volume, his movement, speed and balance are generally formidable obstacles to overcome when along with his one-shot power.
Davis features yet to display considerable knockout ability, but he is successful at using punches and body kicks to setup his clinch work as well as explosive shots. In the particular clinch, "Mr. Wonderful" has shown a compelling understanding of how to utilize multiple techniques to his advantage. Davis is not merely content to hold position around the ground, as he has proven good guard-passing skills including a desire to work pertaining to submission attempts.
Evans' wrestling background should help him when it comes to getting to his feet -- because he will not win an lengthy ground battle with Davis. He will need to constantly move in and outside of striking distance, taking good thing about his quickness to score points about the feet.
The Pick: They may not admit it, but UFC officials want to see an Evans success, so they can developed a ratings-friendly grudge go with with Jones. It will not be easy, but if Evans utilizes a sound strategy along with picks his spots, he is able to finally get the title shot she has been craving. Davis had been tested by Nogueira, but she has yet to experience serious adversity while in the cage. If he can maintain fight upright, Evans usually takes him there. Davis' development holds a work in advancement, while the time has become for Evans. Look for "Suga" to consistently beat Davis towards the punch in earning a decision.
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