UFC Bantamweight bout: Miguel Torres vs. Demetrious Johnson
Odds: (-130 Torres/Even Johnson )
Betting Pick: TORRES
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In the opening bout of the evening, former 135 pound kingpin Miguel Torres looks to make it three wins in a row against tough contender Demetrious Johnson. Torres looked unstoppable for years on end, but recently hit a skid, dropping his title to Brian Bowles and then being choked out by Joseph Benavidez. He has recovered nicely, though, and is still one of the most effective submission fighters in the world. Johnson is a very well-rounded and tough young fighter, though, so Torres is going to need his old form if he wants to avoid another upset loss.
Demetrious Johnson is a very impressive young fighter with a very well-rounded skill set. He has never been finished as a professional, and holds two impressive wins in a row against Damacio Page and Norifumi Yamamoto. Johnson’s standup is solid and technical, but his best work is clearly done on the ground. His submissions are extremely effective and he has good takedowns, but trying to work on the ground against Torres is like swimming with sharks, so he is going to need a flawless performance and a very good game-plan if he wants to pull off the upset win.
Miguel Torres may have lost some of his invincible aura, but he is still an extremely dangerous fighter with good striking and some of the best submissions in the world. He is extremely quick, and while he isn’t the most devastating puncher in the world he has great technique and can pile punishment on. His best work, though, is clearly done on the mat. He is an amazing submission fighter who can catch anyone from any position at any time. His takedowns are rather effective, and he uses his striking well to set up his ground game.
I think this is a terrible matchup for Demetrious Johnson. He is a great young fighter with a ton of upside, but Torres is just more complete and more dangerous in every place this fight might play out. Johnson is heavily reliant on his ground game, and that is where Torres really shines. For Johnson to perform at his best, he is going to have to play right into Torres’ strengths. Johnson has never been finished, but there is a first time for everything, and I think Torres will show Johnson just how good he really is on the ground. Torres by submission.
Prediction: Miguel Torres via second round triangle choke.
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