By 
Mixed martial arts fans are treated to another big weekend in their sport as the Ultimate Fighting Championship will present UFC Fight Night 24 live on Spike. With a number of great fights that can help shape the future of possible contenders, this Fight Night will give fans a look into the deeper aspects of the UFC’s roster.
Phil Davis (-277) vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (+275)
“Mr. Wonderful” Phil Davis has experienced a surge in popularity over the past week. With Jon Jones’s victory over Mauricio “Shogun” Rua to become the UFC Light Heavyweight champion, fans and experts alike have looked towards Davis as being a possible threat to the new champion. This matchup against Nogueira is a true test to that call.
Nogueira is a dangerous challenge to Davis. Not only can the Brazilian strike with skill from the feet, but he is a viable threat on the mat as well. He is great at using a variety of sweeps to get out of dangerous positions while staying in control of his opponent. Davis, with his staunch NCAA wrestling background, will always look for the takedown and control of his opponent. If he is able to use his power to take Nogueira down, then staying in a controlling position is a key element for this fight.
On the feet, Nogueira will have a slight advantage, as he is known as a technical counter puncher. Davis’ striking game may be his weakest point, but it’s an aspect that he has been working on. The question is: Will Davis be able to move in close enough without taking much damage, earn points on the feet, then get the match to the ground where he can muscle his opponent. Staying on the outside and winging punches at Nogueira will not work well because his striking is not up to par.
Davis may want to look at how Ryan Bader and Jason Brilz fought Nogueira. Both of these wrestlers were able to take Nogueira down, and Bader in particular was able to control the fight on the mat, leading to big punches. Davis is a more acclaimed wrestler than Bader, so he should look to do the same. Davis needs to pace himself and avoid long exchanges on the feet, where Nogueira can make him pay.
I have this fight starting out tough for Davis, as a fresh Nogueira looks to keep the fight standing. Once Davis scores a takedown and uses his strength to maintain control, I think he will pace himself en route to a decision victory. Phil Davis by unanimous decision.
Dan Hardy (+164) vs. Anthony Johnson (-175)
If you watch MMA for big punches, the Hardy vs. Johnson matchup is a fight that you must see. Both fighters are coming off of defeats, and both need an exciting win to keep their names relevant in the UFC’s welterweight division.
Johnson’s weight cutting issues are well known, and can play an important role in this fight. A size advantage is a great advantage to have when you are a striker facing another of your kind. Hardy will have to get in close to land his big punches, and that gives Johnson the chance to score before he can do so. If Hardy gets in close he will have a better chance to land his power punches, however getting in close is the problem.
Johnson’s size and reach advantage will cause fits for Hardy as he tries to cut off the distance. One has to wonder if how many blows Hardy’s chin can take after what happened when it was tested by Carlos Condit. Neither of these fighters are great wrestlers, and neither will look for the takedown in this bout. I expect to see Johnson push the pace early through the first round. If his cardio holds up I expect a technical knockout to occur in the third round. Anthony Johnson by TKO in round 3.
Amir Sadollah (-235) vs. DeMarques Johnson (+216)
Muay Thai practitioners who wish to move into mixed martial arts should pay attention to this fight. Sadollah uses Muay Thai to fire off crisp strikes and combinations on the feet. To make things worse for Johnson, Sadollah is a viable threat when his back hits the mat. Johnson is good on his feet, however he should not want to stand and trade with Sadollah.
I have this fight going the distance, with Sadollah landing crisp leg and body kicks throughout the fight. Johnson will put up a great fight, but will not be able to keep up with Sadollah who will be in route to a decision victory. Amir Sadollah by unanimous decision.
Leonard Garcia (-102) vs. Chan Sung Jung (-105)
This fight is a fight fan’s match made in heaven, and a judge’s worst nightmare. I can already hear Joe Rogan lamenting over a bad decision.
Garcia is well known for throwing caution to the wind and strategy out the door, as he pushes forward and throws punch after punch. His style may not be found in any MMA “How -To” books, but it is one that has won him fans and fights, including the controversial win over Nam Phan. This was supposed to be a rematch of that bout, but Phan had to pull out due to injury.
At WEC 48, Garcia and Jung brought spectators out of their seats as they traded back and forth for 15 minutes. Garcia won the fight by a close decision. Since then, Jung was knocked stiff by George Roop, and has ventured out to Team Alpha Male for help on his MMA game. If he’s been working hard with Urijah Faber, Chad Mendes, and Danny Castillo, I expect him to come out looking for takedowns galore while using his striking to set them up. I believe that Jung knows it’s not in his best interests to try and stand with Garcia who seems to take getting punched with joy.
I expect another close matchup, however this time Jung will score late, round-stealing takedowns, en route to a split decision victory. Chan Sung Jung by split decision.
More UFC Fight Night 24 Pre-Fight Analysis
