ITS BEEN A while since we’ve seen a tournament format in the UFC but this weekend we return to Octagon days of yonder as the newly-formed flyweight division looks for a champ.
Ian McCall takes on Demetrious Johnson while Yasuhiro Urushitani faces Joseph Benavidez with the winners of the two bouts battling it out for the belt. Thiago Alves and Martin Kampmann also collide in the main event of the evening as the UFC juts into the mainstream in America once more with another broadcast on the Fox Network.
The Brazilian Vs the Dane down under
Thiago Alves was once seen as a serious contender to GSP’s welterweight crown but his career has stalled since losing a decision over the champ in 2009. Losses to John Fitch and Rick Story meant that the “Pitbull” fell further down the divisional ladder and although he produced a first round sub over Papy Abedi last time out, he still has something to prove.
His opponent Kampmann, also has something to prove after losing very close decisions over Jake Shields and Diego Sanchez before overcoming Rick Story in his last fight. Alves’ explosive and ferocious fighting style coupled with a gruelling cut to 170lbs, means that he is more likely to tire before his opponent.
If Kampmann can really grind on Alves, utilizing wrestling and the clinch game, he has a better chance of wearing down the Brazilian and the longer the fight goes on; the more it will suit the Dane. Expect exchanges early as Thiago always starts fast, but he will tire himself out looking for that one punch KO and Kampmann will hold out for another decision victory.
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Back to the old school
Joseph Benavidez is the early favourite to be the first flyweight UFC champ and he must overcome a wily Japanese veteran who is making his organisational debut.
Yasuhiro Urushitani maybe the underdog going into the fight but he has a lot of experience and has a five fight win streak behind him coming into this matchup.
Benavidez’s inability to get past current bantamweight champ Dominick Cruz, means the drop down to flyweight has come at the perfect time for the Texan, and most don’t see the Japanese fighter posing him too many problems.
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The second fight in the tournament is slightly more difficult to call. Demetrious Johnson is looking to get back to winning ways after losing to Dominick Cruz last time out. Ian McCall brings a five fight winning streak to his UFC debut and is definitely a tough opponent for “Might Mouse.” When fights are this close, it’s the little things that can count in your favour, and Johnson’s experience in a big show can help him edge this one.
McCall has pulled off a few shocks in other organisations previously in his career and if he can get past the bright lights and screaming fans and concentrate on his fighting, then he has a chance in this one.
