UFC 152 ‘Jones vs. Belfort’ Preview

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Middleweights

Brian Stann (12-4, 6-3 UFC) vs. Michael Bisping (22-4, 12-4 UFC)

The Matchup: Although he came up short in a title eliminator with Chael Sonnen at UFC on Fox 2, Bisping gained respect for the way he fought the Oregonian tooth-and-nail for three rounds. It was a performance that keeps “The Count” relevant in the middleweight division, and a couple more solid wins could elevate him right back into title contention.

Bisping figures to settle into his customary bad-guy role against Stann, a decorated United States Marine and one of the sport’s all-around good guys. The UFC on Fox 4 broadcast was going to center around the Jackson’s Mixed Martial Arts product until Stann was forced out of a proposed bout with Hector Lombard due to injury. An articulate war hero with a penchant for exciting finishes when paired with the right stylistic matchup, Stann needs only to shore up a few holes in his game to become a serious title contender.

Eventually, Stann’s wrestling is going to improve to a point where it is not mentioned every time he faces an opponent with moderate takedown skills. In recent victories against the likes of Chris Leben, Jorge Santiago and Alessio Sakara, Stann’s takedown defense was not significantly tested, and he was allowed to engage in the type of stand-and-bang affair he favors. However, he appeared woefully overmatched in falling to Sonnen at UFC 136, as the former No. 1 contender allowed virtually nothing in the way of offense thanks to constant pressure.

While Bisping is not known for his wrestling, he is one of the most tactical fighters in the sport and has been known to shoot for takedowns in the appropriate moments. If the outspoken Brit finds himself on the receiving end of too many powerful punches from Stann, he could very well look to change levels and plant the American on his back following one of his patented one-two combinations.

On the feet, Bisping typically lands with more volume than Stann, his boxing buoyed by precise punches and accurate footwork. Since his WEC days, Stann has evolved from a brawler to a more technical striker, showing more patience during exchanges. Still, the Naval Academy graduate’s most valuable assets on the feet -- especially as a converted light heavyweight -- are his power and athleticism.

Bisping’s defensive style can be frustrating, as he consistently lands pitter-patter combinations while moving in and out of danger. Much of this fight hinges on how the judges will score the striking encounters, with Bisping landing more frequently but Stann likely landing the harder shots. Stann can also diversify his attack by mixing in kicks to the legs and body.

The Pick: This will be a close bout, and a key takedown or two could sway the fight in Bisping’s favor. However, if Stann effectively employs a sprawl-and-brawl style, sticks to his game plan when “The Ultimate Fighter 3” winner gets on his bicycle and gets the best of tie-ups, the fight will be his. Look for Stann to display just enough improvement to capture a narrow decision triumph.

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