We’re all looking forward to Amanda Nunes vs Ronda Rousey, but don’t let that distract you from the UFC 207 prelims There are some fantastic match ups that you should take a look at. This preview of the UFC 207 prelims will focus on these bouts, and highlight what to expect on December 30th.
Fox Sports 1 Prelims
Johny Hendricks vs Neil Magny
Headlining the undercard is an intriguing bout at 170 lbs. Hendricks, the former welterweight champion, is 1-2 since losing his title in 2014. He has not looked quite to form, but will have one last shot at relevancy here against Neil Magny. We know Hendricks is capable of explosive knock outs, and has some of the best pure wrestling. Yet, weight issues and other x-factors have led to disappointing performances.
Ranked just two spots underneath Hendricks at #8 is Neil Magny. Magny is known for his economic fighting style which prioritizes efficiency. He’s extremely well-rounded, and has collected some solid wins the last few years. Even though he was stopped viciously by Lorenz Larkin in his last fight, Magny has the skills to compete with the very best. Is Hendricks still one of those fighters though, or will he continue to trickle down the rankings? That’s what we’ll find out December 30th.
Dong Hyun Kim vs Tarec Saffiedine
This bout features two fighters often overlooked in the big picture of the welterweight division. “Stun Gun” Kim has been among the elite for the last 5 years, but hasn’t been able to get to title contention. He always seems to be one or two wins away before he loses to someone like Tyron Woodley, Demian Maia, or Carlos Condit (his lone 3 career losses). That being said, he’s 35, so the time to make a run is now. He’s on a 2 fight win streak, and next up on the platter is dangerous Belgian striker Tarec Saffiedine.
He may only be 2-2 in the UFC, but Saffiedine possesses the skills to out-duel anyone in the division. He’s likely in his athletic prime too, and will be fighting for the third time this year – something he hasn’t done since 2010. He had some hype behind his UFC debut in 2014, but simply wasn’t active enough to become a presence. He’ll get the chance now when he puts his thunderous kickboxing skills up against Kim’s suffocating grappling.
Mike Pyle vs Alex Garcia
Completing this trio of welterweights is a match up between respected veteran Mike Pyle and young up-and-comer Alex Garcia. It’s hard to say of Pyle has much left to give; the 41 year old is 2-4 in his last 6, and was brutally KO’d in his last bout. That being said, Pyle was regarded as being one of the most skilled welterweights on the planet who just couldn’t quite get things to materialize in the Octagon. He’s very crafty on the ground as he doesn’t rely on strength to attack but rather finesse and technique. On the feet, Pyle brings a very muay thai-centric approach, and is very dangerous in the clinch.
When compared to Pyle, Alex Garcia is almost the opposite. He’s a very physically strong fighter who uses strength to bully and beat his opponents down with takedowns and top position. Furthermore, Garcia has spent the better part of his career facing taller and lankier fighters (like Pyle) with mixed success. He lost to Neil Magny and most recently to Sean Strickland, but over-powered veteran Mike Swick. This a match up between an old dog with a lot of tricks and a young, aggressive powerhouse still in development.
Antonio Carlos Junior vs Marvin Vettori
In the middleweight division, grappling specialists meet as Brazil’s Antonio Carlos Junior meets Italy’s Marvin Vettori. Carlos Junior actually debuted as a heavyweight as he won Season 3 of The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil. Afterwards, he dropped to light heavyweight, and is now at middleweight where has a 2-1-1 record. Vettori on the other hand made a successful UFC debut in August; he came in with some hype as he was the middleweight champion in Venator FC. He gets a pretty sizable step up in competition here and I’m excited to see how he handles it.
Fight Pass Prelims
Tim Means vs Alex Oliveira
Headlining the Fight Pass portion of the UFC 207 prelims is this banger of a fight at 170 lbs. “The Dirty Bird” Means has established himself as must-see TV courtesy of his skin-splitting elbows and knees in the clinch. He’s savvy on the mat, and is overall a ruthless talent. Means originally debuted as a lightweight, but was cut from the UFC. He then moved up to welterweight, re-signed with the UFC, and went on a 6-2 run. With 2 wins in his pocket, Means is still looking for his big win to break him into the rankings.
Standing in his way is a stiff test in “Cowboy” Oliveira. Also on a 2 fight win streak, Oliveira picked up the biggest win of his career by stopping former Bellator champion Will Brooks with strikes. It didn’t come without some controversy though as Oliveira missed weight by a large amount; Brooks also suffered an injured rib during the fight. A win over Tim Means would be the perfect compliment to that. Look for Oliveira to try and bully Means in the clinch and the ground while Means attempts to strike and deal damage with every little opening he gets.
Brandon Thatch vs Niko Price
Starting off the UFC 207 prelims is this welterweight fight which should be a barnburner. Brandon Thatch was at one point being considered a future title challenger. He was undefead and 2-0 in the UFC with 2 finishes. Unfortunately, he took on too much too soon and was submitted by Benson Henderson in a back-and-forth fight. He then proceeded to lose two more times by submissions. With a 3 fight losing struck now under his belt, Thatch is in desperate need for a win. He meets promotional newcomer Niko Price who is 8-0 with 6 knockouts. He trains out of American Top Team, and should be an exciting match up for Thatch.
