Preview: UFC 184 ‘Rousey vs. Zingano’

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WELTERWEIGHTS

Alan Jouban (10-3, 1-1 UFC) vs. Richard Walsh (8-2, 1-1 UFC)

THE MATCHUP: While short on name value, this profiles as a fun matchup between a pair of rising welterweights. Jouban knocked out Seth Baczynski in his UFC debut in thrilling fashion and was on the wrong end of a controversial decision against Warlley Alves in Brazil in his last fight. Walsh, a competitor on Team Australia during “The Ultimate Fighter Nations,” also suffered at the judges’ hands, having a fight he unquestionably won against Kiichi Kunimoto snatched away.

Jouban is incredibly tough and quite skilled, though it takes him a while to get warmed up and find his game. Once he does, however, Jouban has a lot to offer and works at a punishing, draining pace with a healthy dose of pressure. A technically and fundamentally sound striker, he strings together nice punch-kick combinations, highlighted by a wicked left round kick at all levels from his southpaw stance.

He is also a strong clinch fighter, with good control, hard knees and a special fondness for sharp elbows. Wrestling used to be a serious problem for Jouban when he relied too much on his active if not especially dangerous guard, but he now does a better job of defending takedowns and only goes to his back if absolutely necessary.

Walsh is athletic, powerful and skilled, and he is making substantial improvements from fight to fight. He sets a quick, aggressive pace and does his best work pressuring his opponent against the fence. Combination punching and the occasional hard kick at range cover his forward movement and clinch entries, and he can hit slick trips and throws when tied up with his opponent while grinding away. He controls well from top position but is not a terribly threatening grappler. His biggest strengths are really his physicality and power, which make his technical skills much more effective.

THE PICK: I assume Jouban will be the favorite, but I like Walsh here. The Australian is physically imposing in the clinch and hits like a ton of bricks, and should the fight hit the ground, he will likely be able to control Jouban. If it turns into a brawl, however, Jouban will have a good chance. That seems less likely than Walsh grinding Jouban against the fence, hitting takedowns and landing clean shots on the breaks. Walsh by decision is the pick.

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