Undefeated middleweights, Dustin Jacoby and Clifford Starks, are scheduled to make their UFC debuts as they are scheduled to meet in a preliminary bout streamed live on Facebook.com.
Originally scheduled to face Brad Tavares, Jacoby has now been lined up to face a late-replacement in Starks.
After competing in multiple organizations, Starks looks to leave a lasting impression on fans, as well as keep his undefeated record intact, when he makes his debut this weekend. Representing Arizona Sports Combat, Starks brings an accomplished wrestling pedigree with him, as he was NCAA Division 1 wrestling standout at Arizona State University. Currently on a seven-fight win streak, Starks has finished his last four opponents, most of which occurred at Rage in the Cage, while his most recent win came against Artenas Young at Shark Fights 20.
Jacoby, who also boasts an undefeated record, looks to extend his unbeaten streak to 7-0. While competing in various organizations, Jacoby has finished five of his last six opponents via KO/TKO. The 23-year-old will be coming into this bout with a distinct height advantage, standing at 6’4,” the tallest in the middleweight division.
Standing at 6’4,”Jacoby will enjoy a six-inch height advantage over Starks, who stands at 5’10.”
Starks will most likely want to avoid standing up with his opponent, as he will have difficulty trying to get inside of Jacoby and land effective strikes. Starks will likely look to take the fight to the ground to keep Jacoby off of his vertical base and utilize his wrestling skills to control him.
Jacoby’s height and reach advantage will help him find success on the feet, as he should look to maintain distance to prevent Starks from shooting for a take down. Both Jacoby and Starks hold finishing ability and neither one of them will hesitate to look for a finish should the opportunity present itself.
While both me holds similar professional records, it’s hard to imagine Starks finding much success with his wrestling ability, as he attempts to avoid Jacoby’s reach and get inside of his range.
Prediction: Dustin Jacoby via unanimous decision.
Bleacher Report’s Mike Hodges