UFC 197: Jones vs. Saint Preux, preview and predictions
from Riley Kontek - FanSided
Jones vs Saint Pruex
The main event sees interim light heavyweight champion status on the line, as Jon Jones looks to regain lost glory against powerhouse Ovince Saint Preux. Saint Preux is a tough challenger, who is powerful and can finish fights. Not only that, Jones has been on the shelf for a while and has outside distractions, so he may not be the Jones of old. However, the Jones of old was the best mixed martial arts on the planet. So even an 80% Jones is the cream of the crop. Jones has the wrestling and striking mix that will be the downfall of OSP. He takes this fight with a finish.
Johnson vs Cejudo
Demetrious Johnson is looking to continue his dominance atop the flyweight mountain, but he takes on an exotic challenge in the form of Olympic wrestler Henry Cejudo. Cejudo has rapidly improved, moving from a purely wrestling style to adding some great stand up to his arsenal. He has become a threat in the flyweight division, as seen in his UFC romp thus far. However, Johnson has been untouchable since becoming the UFC Champion. He has refuted all comers and looks like he can clean out the division with victory here. Cejudo’s wrestling is world class, but Johnson’s MMA is world class. He uses speed and striking to get past a tough challenger.
Pettis vs Barboza
Anthony Pettis is looking to rebuild his star, as the former UFC Lightweight Champion looks to erase recent memory by taking out Brazilian slugger Edson Barboza. On paper, this is a matchup of two fun, technical strikers who throw a wide variety of techniques. I definitely foresee that happening, but a smart analyst realizes the massive advantage Pettis has on the ground here. Barboza is not exactly on Gracie levels in terms of submission grappling, while Pettis has shown a great ground game, even from his back. Pettis entertains on the feet for a while, and if he doesn’t knock Barboza out, he grounds him and finishes him with a tapout.
Whittaker vs Natal
Robert Whittaker is a man on fire as of recent, and he looks to jump into title contention when he takes on fellow middleweight Rafael Natal. Natal is a grinder, who quite honestly, has stolen many of his wins on controversial scorecards. Whittaker is a killer on the feet, preferring to put opponents out in nasty fashion with his big power and technical prowess. I don’t see how this is remotely a good matchup for Natal. He can try to grind away at Whittaker, but it will be to no avail. The Aussie is putting him to sleep and adding him to his highlight reel.
Rodriguez vs Fili
The main card opener should be a barn burner, as TUF Latin America winner Yair Rodriguez looks to build his star against the talented Andre Fili. Both Rodriguez and Fili love to strike, having fun brawls while on the feet. That explains why this is opening the pay-per-view. Rodriguez has thrived beating guys up on the feet that aren’t as good of strikers as he. Fili can definitely throw on the feet and likely has the advantage on the ground. Based on overall set of skills and toughness, I think Fili will win a close one here in a potential Fight of the Night.
Pettis vs Kelades
Capping off the prelims are the flyweights, as Sergio Pettis looks to make a jump in the rankings when he takes on underrated Canadian Chris Kelades. Pettis is a quick striker with good power and some solid all-around attributes. He was winning both of his losses before he made a mistake that led to his downfall. He’s as competitive of a flyweight that the UFC has. Kelades is more comfortable on the ground, so expect him to try and get away from striking exchanges with Pettis early and often. He would prefer doing his work from the mat. Either way, I think Pettis will escape the shots of Kelades and secure victory with his vastly superior stand up.
Esparza vs Lima
Carla Esparza gets the late notice call here to step up against Juliana Lima, whose original opponent, Jessica Aguilar, went down with an unfortunate knee injury. Lima is going to want to strike with Esparza, as she will likely not be able to outwrestle the wrestler. Esparza is very strong with her takedowns and top position, but has added some good striking to her game. She is coming off a knee surgery and the loss of her UFC title, so she will have to overcome some adversity. She does that by grinding out Lima in a workmanlike fashion.
Roberts vs Steele
One of the top prospects in the welterweight division returns to action in the next one, as Blackzilian rep Danny Roberts looks to cement his status as one of the best up-and-comers when he takes on Dom Steele. Overall, Roberts looks like the vastly superior fighter. Steele showed off great power in knocking Dong Hyun Kim (not the Stun Gun) out with a slam, but he’s very plain. Roberts is a flashy submission fighter that can handle himself on the feet. This is another showcase bout for Roberts, who should be able to handle Steele.
Franca vs Vick
Fresh off a win on TUF Brazil 4, Glaico Franca looks to gain a foothold in the UFC lightweight division, but standing in his way is an undefeated, gritty fighter by the name of James Vick. Franca is a big 155er, but sizing up to Vick, he doesn’t hold much of an advantage there, seeing as Vick is one of the taller, longer lightweights in the division. Franca’s best bet in this fight is to go to the ground, as Vick is a rangy boxer. Vick also has some ground skills, but he’s vastly superior standing up. He uses that stand up skill to defeat Franca and move on to bigger and better things.
Harris vs East
Highly touted newcomer Cody East finally gets his chance in the UFC heavyweight division, and gets winless UFC employee Walt Harris in a showcase bout. East has a wrestling background which has been advantageous to him, but it’s his striking that has been doing him proud lately. He has been knocking guys out left and right, something he will try to do here. Harris is 0-3 with the UFC, getting finished in two of those bouts. I think he could play spoiler in this fight, just because nobody expects much from him. That said, East is truly a good heavyweight prospect and I expect him to thrive here, finishing Harris back into the regional scene.
Rogerio De Lima vs Hester
Clint Hester is tired of the weight cut to 185, so he has now decided that he will try his hand at light heavyweight when he takes on Brazilian banger Marcos Rogerio. Both Hester and Rogerio are known for their on-the-feet prowess. Rogerio throws power punches in unison with some very effective kicks. He also has underrated choking ability, showing his well-roundedness. Hester is more of a pure boxer that throws heavy hands from the onset. He is very quick and explosive, which allows him to secure combinations successfully. Hester has shown in his last two bouts that he can be bested in the striking aspect, though, which is why I think Rogerio will walk away victorious in this affair.
Escudero vs Lee
Kicking off the card on Fight Pass are the lightweights, as TUF 8 winner Efrain Escudero looks to overcome inconsistency when he takes on the young, talented Kevin Lee. Both men represent grinders who are at their best when the fight reaches the mat. The glaring difference in their styles, though, is that Lee is far more explosive and far more athletic than his counterpart. On the feet, it may be more of a tossup seeing as wrestling and grappling are the main part of both men’s attacks. Either way, I like Lee here, who sends Escudero packing from the UFC yet again.
