UFC 155 ‘Dos Santos vs. Velasquez 2’ Preview

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Middleweights

Chris Leben (22-8, 12-7 UFC) vs. Derek Brunson (9-2, 0-0 UFC)

The Matchup: Leben returns to the Octagon for the first time in more than a year after serving a suspension for testing positive for painkillers following UFC 138. “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 1 alumnus remains one of the promotion’s most popular gatekeepers, thanks to his penchant for exciting slugfests. In his last outing, Leben was unable to keep the fight standing against Mark Munoz, and “The Crippler” was eventually overwhelmed by the heavy ground-and-pound of “The Filipino Wrecking Machine.”

Considered by some to be a serious middleweight prospect, Brunson saw his career unbeaten streak derailed this year by consecutive defeats to “The Ultimate Fighter 3” winner Kendall Grove and former Strikeforce titleholder Ronaldo Souza. A three-time NCAA Div. II All-American wrestler, Brunson used his intimidating combination of technique and power to defeat his first nine opponents. In addition to his wrestling pedigree, the four-time Strikeforce veteran holds solid power in his left hand, although his striking remains a work in progress.

If Leben gets his way, this bout will be contested entirely on the feet; a sprawl-and-brawl approach gives him more opportunities to connect with his heavy left hand. As “Jacare” did in his August confrontation with Brunson, Leben should take advantage of the in-between spaces if and when the wrestler rushes forward. Much of Leben’s success stems from confidence that he can wade through heavy artillery to land big shots of his own. He can vary his offense by mixing in some kicks, but Leben’s bread-and-butter will always be the knockout power in his hands. If the veteran can catch Brunson coming in, it could be another short night for the former University of North Carolina Pembroke standout. Likewise, if Brunson can score a takedown and pass Leben’s deceptively decent guard, the original “Ultimate Fighter” contestant could find himself eating some serious leather on the bottom. This certainly does not mean that Leben is automatically a goner if he is placed on his back, as the Oregon native usually does a good job of limiting his foe’s ground-and-pound through his defensive grappling, despite his domination at the hands of Munoz. However, it would undoubtedly behoove Brunson to get the fight to the floor as soon as possible.

In dealing with a competitor as seasoned as Leben, Brunson will need to throw more accurate combinations to set up his takedowns. If he finds his shots getting stuffed, that means he will be eating a steady diet of straight left hands from Leben, a dish known to induce unconsciousness, even after just one serving.

The Pick: This one will begin with some spirited exchanges in the pocket, and Leben will eventually land a counter on an overaggressive Brunson for a knockout in round two.

Last Fights » The Prelims