Donald Cerrone and Myles Jury have an important bout coming up at UFC 182. While they are at different points in their respective careers, both Cerrone and Jury can find themselves on the short list for a title shot if they can get their hands raised. With that in mind, here are some specific keys for both men for winning this lightweight affair.
At 15-0 Myles Jury is an interesting prospect who tends to fly under the radar in the world of mixed martial arts. He’s put together a 6-0 record within the Octagon that has him currently ranked No. 8 by the UFC—but this can be considered a “quiet” top-ten ranking.
Perhaps it is the idea that the only ranked opponent Jury has defeated at this point is Michael Johnson, or the fact that he’s not truly outspoken about his talents that keeps him away from the hype that surrounds some of his peers. Still, a victory in this fight would catapult him to an important position in the quest to receive a title shot in the next 12 months.
Jury believes that a victory will be enough to demand a fight with current lightweight champion Anthony Pettis. Jeremy Botter of Bleacher Report recently spoke with Jury, who made his point very clear:
A win over Cerrone puts me next in line for that title shot. And that’s what I want. Anthony Pettis beat Cerrone and got a title shot. A lot of people that beat Cerrone, back in WEC and in the UFC, get title shots. … When I beat Cerrone, you better bet I’m going to be asking for a title shot.
But how is he going to defeat “Cowboy?”
Jury’s base is a mix of wrestling and grappling that he began to develop at a young age. That early training has allowed Jury to become very effective when applying wrestling within the cage. According to Fight Metric, he currently averages 3.18 takedowns per 15 minutes, to go along with landing 2.67 strikes a minute.
He’s stayed active in a way that can wear down many opponents. In doing so, he does not allow himself to be hit very often as he defends 76 percent of significant strikes thrown his way. This is very important, because Cerrone is a very active striker. In fact, that activity may turn out to be a real problem for Jury.
Donald Cerrone rarely slows down within the cage. His ability to exchange strikes with anyone is always apparent, but it is his grappling abilities that are usually a “forgotten surprise.” While he is known for his exciting striking style, 14 of his 25 wins have come by submission.
This means that Jury is not safe in any sense of the word if—and when—this fight hits the floor. Cerrone has scored multiple victories from his back and would not hesitate to do so in UFC 182’s co-main event.
That activity will be a key aspect to Cerrone’s opportunity to defeat Jury. To this point, Myles has not faced an opponent who is as aggressive as Cerrone. His Fight Metric report shows that he lands 3.96 strikes per minute, and while he may not be very accurate (landing 47 percent of those strikes), that volume alone is enough to overwhelm many.
Cerrone also has the edge of being the veteran who has experienced many big fights like this one. He expects to test the young Jury’s metal within the Octagon.
“I wouldn’t say I’m gunning for the kid,” Cerrone said, per Mike Bohn of MMA Junkie. “His win over Diego [Sanchez], him saying, ‘Oh, I can’t believe I beat him that easy,’ that he’s ‘taking out veterans’ and that’s what he does—I didn’t like it. I don’t dislike him more than anybody else I would say, but now it’s time to prove it.”
Donald Cerrone closed out 2014 going 4-0. Three of those were stoppages that were vastly different from one another. That type of diversity will make him a very tough opponent for Jury at this point in his career. As usual, expect Cerrone to be very aggressive from the onset and in every position of this fight. It will be interesting to see how Jury will respond when faced with an opponent who continues to come forward.
Myles Jury vs. Donald Cerrone has the potential to be the “Fight of the Night” from UFC 182. Cerrone has pulled many other opponents into violent exchanges that end with him as the victor more often than not. The question is whether or not Jury is ready to handle such a fighter at this point in his career. No matter which individual wins, this fight will go a long way in determining a top contender at 155 pounds.
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