UFC 174 ‘Johnson vs. Bagautinov’ Preview

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Light Heavyweights

Ryan Bader (16-4, 9-4 UFC) vs. Rafael Cavalcante (12-4, 1-1 UFC)

The Matchup: This bout will serve to put the winner back on track to being a contender at 205 pounds, while the loser risks being relegated to gatekeeper status. Neither man has enjoyed sustained success of late.

An All-American wrestler at Arizona State University, Bader will look to use his powerful overhand right to rock Cavalcante early. “Feijao” has a fast, snapping jab, but he tends to bring it back low. Travel back nearly 15 years and watch John Lewis face Jens Pulver if you are wondering about the ramifications of bringing the jab back low. Once Bader lands that sledgehammer of an overhand right, he should pressure the Brazilian against the fence and work for takedowns. Bader has a winnable fight in front of him, but he tends to get wild in exchanges, especially after he rocks someone. He needs to keep calm, use his overhand to close the distance and then use all of his blood to power those bulbous muscles as he power double-legs Cavalcante to the canvas. Rinse and repeat.

Cavalcante needs to draw Bader into a scrap, making “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 8 winner think he has him where he wants him before putting a knee or uppercut on his jaw. Cavalcante needs to understand he will probably be taken down at some point. He should waste little time in working back to his feet, following the path that led him to victory over Muhammed Lawal.

The Pick: Cavalcante has never gone to a decision in his career. Look for the former Strikeforce champion to win via technical knockout in the first or second round.

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