The UFC returns to Fox with a flyweight title fight. Demetrious Johnson will look to make history and tie Anderson Silva’s record of most title defenses with 10. Or, will the long-time great get upset? Other great bouts are littered throughout the card. Let’s go over the main bouts you’ll want to pay attention to on this Johnson vs Reis card.
Demetrious Johnson vs Wilson Reis
In the main event of UFC on Fox: Johnson vs Reis, the flyweight champ will once again put his title on the line. This time, it’s for the 10th time as he looks to tie the UFC record. He has basically cleared out the division, but the UFC is still managing to find challengers. So far though it’s like herding cows for slaughter. Johnson continues to dominate the game and improve in his own right, so the big question here is whether or not Reis can even stand a chance.
We know ‘Mighty Mouse’ Johnson has perhaps one of the most well-rounded styles in the sport. He looks to win every single exchange, every position, and every moment of the fight. There have only been a handful of times (since becoming champ) that he’s even been in danger. He has a never-ending gas tank and a very well-evolved striking style. While he isn’t the most lethal fighter out there, he does enough to dominate the scorecards.
His opponent, Reis, is a skilled grappler. Built like a tank, and an aggressive back-snatcher. Reis doesn’t have the most impressive striking arsenal, but he does possess some heavy hands. When Reis can get his opponent on the ground he usually pressures heavily, looks to take the back, and sink in the choke. It’s a simple gameplan to use against a very complex fighter like Johnson.
I expect Johnson vs Reis will go like most of Mighty Mouse’s fights. It may be competitive in the beginning, but over time Johnson will figure him out and widen the gap of competition. Reis’s biggest chance to win is early on where he can surprise Johnson with a blitz of strength and aggressive finishing ability on the mat.
I do see Johnson losing eventually, but I don’t see Wilson Reis being the one to do it.
Pick: Johnson via TKO or Decision
Rose Namajunas vs Michelle Waterson
An intriguing women’s strawweight match takes place as the co-main event of UFC on Fox: Johnson vs Reis. Namajunas has always been a fringe title contender, but recently dropped that chance to Karolina Kowalkiewicz. It might happen again with Michelle Waterson who vies for her own title shot.
Waterson has made it 2-0 in the UFC since joining not too long ago. She’s one of the older, more matured fighters in the division, but has a wealth of experience under her belt. Namajunas however has raw talent, and a ferocious will to win. Namajunas will be giving up a lot in experience to Waterson.
Style wise this is going to be a very intriguing match up. Both Namajunas and Waterson like to strike on the outside. Waterson has a karate background and an arsenal of kicking techniques that she uses while Namajunas has a snappy jab and long-range, straight punches. They are also both apt submission artists when they tie up.
Namajunas had an early reputation for being a big risk-taker in fights, but has drastically reduced into a calculated go-getter. Waterson too will opt for scrambles and high-risk, high-reward situations which makes me think this fight could be very exciting if it goes to the ground. It’s an evenly-matched fight that I think could steal the show.
The key is these fights is going to be volume and activity, which I give the advantage to Namajunas.
Pick: Namajunas via Split Decision
‘Jacare’ Souza vs Robert Whittaker
In the middleweight division, top contender Souza and Whittaker will throw down in another very intruging match up. Both fighters are specialists at different things, and drastically different levels of experience and backgrounds. While the middleweight title is on hold at the moment, both Souza and Whittaker are risking their top contender status.
Jacare Souza is a former Strikeforce champion and 185 lb elite. While he hasn’t fought for the UFC title yet, his only loss is a controversial decision to #1 contender Yoel Romero. He’s a lethal grappler who almost always gets the finish when he can get his opponent to the mat. The Brazilian is getting older though, and he may not have many more fights under his belt.
Meanwhile, the Aussie Whittaker is a rising contender. He’s known for always being down for a scrap and being an exciting striker with knockout power. He took a try at welterweight, but ultimately found that middleweight is his home. He has great boxing skills, impenetrable takedown defense, and the ability to just go for the kill.
While both Whittaker and Souza are complete fighters, it’s no secret what they are going to want to do. Souza will be looking to take Whittaker down and avoid taking damage in the process while Whittaker will want to stay on his feet and plant his fists on Souza as soon as possible.
Souza has shown to be a solid striker himself, so it’s very plausible that he can hang with Whittaker while I can’t say the same if Whittaker finds himself on the mat with Jacare. It’s a compelling fight between two very contrasting styles. This is also a very important fight in the middleweight division.
Pick: Whittaker via TKO (and the big upset!)
