Friday, October 28, 2011

What should fans expect from UFC 137 headliner

Nitesh Dutt

Since 2006 fans have waited for Nick Diaz (25-7-0) to make his UFC return and at 137 this Saturday he will be doing so. His long-awaited return will be against friend and former training partner “The Prodigy” B.J. Penn (16-7-2).

Both fighters are looking to prove that they are next in-line for a welterweight title shot and a win for either mane will make a strong case for that argument.

With that said, let’s take a look at UFC 137’s ever-changing main event and what fans can expect to see.

1) A stand-up battle: As much as both fighters are skilled at grappling and submissions, do not be surprised if this one stays on its feet. Both Penn and Diaz are excellent boxers and more than happy to spend all three rounds throwing punches while looking for the big knockout blow.

2) Penn to force it to the ground: Penn is one of those fighters that will hype a big portion of his fighting style and end up switching it a moments notice. I figure after a few minutes exchanging strikes with Diaz, Penn will realize his boxing isn’t as dangerous and try to force it to the ground. There he’ll likely look to apply some pressure.

3) Penn will try to slow it down: This ties in with the aforementioned expectation. If Penn is able to get things on the ground and gain control, look for him to try and keep the match there. If he slows it down and fights a less hectic pace it will work in his favor.

4) Diaz to push tempo: As much as Penn will want to slow things down, Diaz will be pushing the tempo from the first bell. If he forces it to the ground, do not expect for it to be a drawn out fight. Diaz will either look for a submission or transition back into a stand-up position.

5) Penn will come away with the scorecard victory or Diaz will win via a finish (TKO or submission): Both fighters have been talking up their boxing skills, but truth be told Diaz has the better boxing pedigree and skill. Penn can last with him for a while, but he will quickly realize that his boxing is no match for that of Diaz. That being the case, I fully expect Penn to try and take this to the ground as quickly as possible and maintain control there. If that happens, I see Penn getting the win. If things stay at a frantic pace, which will work in Nick’s favor, it’ll be Diaz getting his hand raised.

Now that you know what to expect, it’s time to watch the card. There’ll be two heavyweight battles, Matt Mitrione vs. Cheick Kongo and Mirko Cro Crop vs. Roy Nelson, to get you prepared for the Diaz vs. Penn main event plus several other intriguing match-ups. But, Diaz and Penn are top billing for a reason.

Want more of a breakdown? Check this video of Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez breaking down the fight himself (courtesy of Inside the Cage and CSNBayArea.com).




Follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NiteshDutt and follow Gilbert at www.twitter.com/gilbertmelendez

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