Ovince Saint Preux has the opportunity of a lifetime on Saturday at UFC 197. OSP will be facing the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world in former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones. OSP has taken the place of current 205-pound champion Daniel Cormier in the main event.
Cormier suffered an injury during training camp and had to bow out. A win over Jones would immediately vault OSP into position to challenge for the title. It would also be the latest improbable win in the UFC.
We saw Nate Diaz take down Conor McGregor in March. Miesha Tate choked out Holly Holm on the same card after the latter stunned Ronda Rousey back in November 2015.
OSP‘s Keys to Victory
Make it a Brawl
OSP is strong, and the former college football player has elite athleticism. He’s proven himself to be a formidable finisher in his nine-fight UFC run. OSP has recorded five of his seven victories by stoppage. He needs to close the distance between he and Bones and turn the fight into a brawl.
Jones has a tendency to try to beat opponents at their own game. If he fights reckless, it’ll help provide a way for OSP to win.
Stay off the Ground
OSP must keep the fight off the ground. If he goes to the mat with Jones, the next time he stands may be to see Jones’ hand raised in victory. Jones has too many tools on the ground, and OSP would have no answer for him there.
Jones’ Keys to Victory
Stay Focused
Let’s be honest, Jones is better than OSP in every facet of MMA. As powerful a striker as OSP is, he can’t match Jones’ diversified portfolio of striking techniques. We’ve already talked about how good Jones is on the ground and as a submission artist.
The biggest potential pitfall for Jones in this fight is a loss of focus.
Cormier is a hated rival, and there’s a different type of emotion that goes into that fight than the one with OSP. Jones must guard against a potential letdown.
Also, Jones is already positioning himself to headline the UFC 200 card in July. Per this tweet from Fox Sports’ Damon Martin, UFC President Dana White says it’s possible Jones could fight Cormier on that card.
Because of what could be coming down the line, Jones can’t let himself look ahead. While OSP isn’t on Jones’ level, he’s still a dangerous and hungry opponent who has the power to put anyone in the weight class lights out. If Jones stays in the moment, he should win.
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