As we head into UFC 149 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, we have a potentially explosive main event, along with several intriguing warmup fights.
The event, scheduled for Saturday and available on multiple platforms, showcases Renan Barao vs. Urijah Faber, as well as a tuneup of a potential clash with Anderson Silva.
Here’s a look at some of the big storylines as we approach UFC 149.
Renan Barao’s Winning Streak
Renan Barao (28-1, 1 NC) has not lost a fight since his mixed martial arts debut in April 2005—that’s a string of 29 fights.
The 25-year-old Brazilian has gone 3-0 in the UFC, with impressive victories against Cole Escovedo, Brad Pickett and Scott Jorgenson.
Of course, he goes up against Urijah Faber (26-5), who is coming off a victory against a challenging bantamweight in Brian Bowles. Faber also has the reach advantage over Barao, which will make it easier for him to close the gap and proceed to do what he does best: ground-and-pound.
This is a hard pick, which is good because it probably means it’s going to be a great fight. Barao’s explosiveness and athleticism favors him standing up, but I don’t think Faber is going to allow it to be a standing fight. Faber’s best chance is getting as many clinches as he can and tiring Barao against the cage and down on the mat. I think he will ultimately execute a sound strategy, but he needs to watch out for those kicks from Barao, which were pivotal in the Brazilian’s victory over Jorgenson.
Implications of Hector Lombard vs. Tim Boetsch
After Michael Bisping was forced out due to injury, Hector Lombard (31-2-1, 1 NC) will be pitted against Tim Boetsch (15-4).
The main thing to remember about this fight is that the winner will be a prime contender to take on Anderson Silva for the middleweight championship.
This should be a high-octane fight, as both competitors have won most of their fights by way of either knockout or technical knockout. Lombard is the more experienced fighter, but Boetsch is no slouch, and his heart and conditioning could make this an interesting fight.
I like Lombard in the end—with his striking ability, upper body strength and takedown defense—but Boetsch should certainly give him a test.
Youth vs. Experience
Brian Ebersole (50-14-1) versus James Head (8-2) should be an interesting fight, pitting a long-standing veteran against a competitor with a small sample of fights.
Ebersole has won 11 straight fights, but Head shouldn’t be taken lightly. He has a solid all-around game, apparently comfortable on his feet and on the ground and he’s coming off a victory in his welterweight debut against Papy Abedi (rear naked choke, 4:33, first round).
Head displayed strong fighting recently, but he has yet to square up with a fighter of Ebersole’s caliber.
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