The UFC stages its fourth show in seven days, this time across the pond and for the first time in Scotland. The card is headlined by a middleweight contender bout and filled with various Scots and other European talent. There’s nothing hugely consequential at stake as this event is more a chance for contenders and rising prospects to get relevant experience and inch closer to their ultimate goal of UFC greatness.
What: UFC Fight Night 72 (UFC Fight Night: Bisping vs. Leites)
Where: The SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Scotland
When: Saturday, the two-fight preliminary card kicks off on Fight Pass at 10 a.m. ET, the four-fight preliminary card starts on Fox Sports 1 at 11 a.m. and the six-fight main card begins at 1 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1.
Michael Bisping vs. Thales Leites
This one makes me a bit nervous. My guess is Bisping is going to pump the jab and simple combos while using lateral movement and takedown defense in the early to middle rounds. As Leites gets tired and more desperate, that’s when he’ll begin to open up. I still can’t get the Tim Kennedy takedown-to-mount fight out of my head, but I also know that was Bisping coming off of a long layoff. If nothing else, he’s been in back-to-back camps, which means if he’s reasonably healthy, he should be victorious here. I admire Leites’ career turnaround of sorts, but I’m willing to bet on Bisping’s takedown defense, pace and patience to rule the day.
Pick: Bisping
Tough call here, but I’ll side with the Brit. His takedown defense has truly improved over his UFC tenure and while he’s aged a bit, his hand speed and pocket presence are still hugely formidable. Dunham’s great when he can combine different elements of the game, but forced into exchanges with Pearson, I’m not as convinced about his chances. He does have good used of reach, so I don’t think he’s totally out gunned, but Pearson is a much more mobile striker, better at setting up angles and timing counters. Dunham is more square and rangy. I suspect this will be close, but Pearson’s power and movement edge makes me think he’ll prevail.
Pick: Pearson
I think so highly of Duffy. His forward pressure is so much to deal with as is his accuracy and punching power. He’s a capable grappler and a good enough MMA wrestler. Jorge is simply outclassed here. Anything can happen in MMA, but the idea of Jorge controlling Duffy for prolonged periods of time is hard to fathom.
Pick: Duffy
Joanne Calderwood vs. Cortney Casey-Sanchez
You know what? Calderwood might have her hands full here. Casey-Sanchez is a beast. She is aggressive, an excellent athlete, dynamic Thai boxing, good power, excellent hips underneath and a lot more. She lacks polish and this is her UFC debut, which is where I suspect Calderwood will find an opening. But I’m telling you, after Calderwood’s last showing and watching tape on Casey-Sanchez, this one is anything but a freebie. Casey-Sanchez absolutely has the potential to beat Calderwood and I don’t mean by accident.
Pick: Calderwood
Edwards’ wrestling could use some work, but it’s not bad. His defensive jiu-jitsu is pretty good, ground and pound is deadly and striking on the feet, Pawlak is totally outmatched. MMA is unpredictable, which means predictions difficult, but it’s hard to see a lot of obvious routes to victory for Pawlak. As long as this fight stays on the feet, Edwards’ reach and speed are a handful to deal with and he’s got enough ability elsewhere to do more than just survive.
Pick: Edwards
Steven Ray vs. Leonardo Mafra
I’m probably not giving the Scotsman is due here, but I’m going to take Mafra. I’m not blind to Mafra’s deficiencies. In fact, his weaknesses are inextricable from his strengths. He walks down opposition, throwing all manner of combinations until he wears them down. He gets hit in the process, of course, but they end up on the worse end of it. The difference is I like his scrambling and ability to get off the canvas. Ray’s at his best when he’s mixing up his offense. I’m certain he’s going to land a big shot or two on Mafra and maybe that will close the show. But without being able to reliably take this fight to the ground when necessary, I’m wonder if he might get overwhelmed.
Pick: Mafra
From the preliminary card:
Patrick Holohan def. Vaughan Lee
Ilir Latifi def. Hans Stringer
Teemu Packalen def. Mickael Lebout
Robert Whiteford def. Paul Redmond
Jimmie Rivera def. Marcus Brimage
Daniel Omielanczuk def. Chris De La Rocha