The bantamweight bout pitting Miguel Torres versus Michael McDonald does not carry the hype of Jon Jones versus Rashad Evans, but it should. Jones versus Evans is overblown at this point.
Torres and McDonald will both enter the Octagon with something to prove in UFC 145. Torres has been trending down since joining Tristar Gym. McDonald needs to prove he is ready to compete on a big stage.
Here is why this is the most intriguing fight of Saturday night’s UFC 145 card.
Unknown Factors
By now, everyone has analyzed Jones and Evans to exhaustion. An unknown factor should be welcomed by every UFC fan at this point. Torres and McDonald provide just that.
No one knows how these two will react to such a huge contest.
Torres was kicked out of the UFC briefly for an inappropriate remark. His ability to bounce back and regain his aggressive approach is still undecided. Torres has become passive since joining Tristar Gym and will have a chance to prove critics wrong against McDonald.
McDonald is almost completely unknown. He is only 21 years old and wants to prove he is ready to take his talents to the next level.
His ability to perform on a huge stage will silence critics questioning his ability to contend for a title.
Different Styles
McDonald is the best striker in UFC’s bantamweight division. He is clean, technical and lethal, if given a window of opportunity.
Torres relies on his smarts, jab and ability to work the ring. He must fight smart if he wants to knock off McDonald.
Different fighting styles always create an intriguing matchup. Two fighters who are very good at their given styles makes for an even better one.
McDonald will put Torres down if Torres gets caught too far inside. If Torres can play cat and mouse with McDonald, he will bait the youngster into a costly mistake.
Both fighters will work hard to impose their fighting technique early on. Imposing their will will go a long way in determining Saturday night’s victor.
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