Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com
But he wins. All the time. Skip to the finish and see Bowles ending bouts inside of the distance. He is not a steamrolling fighter and not a guy who’s going to plow through you at the bell. Instead, he’ll dig in. Eventually, you’ll make an error that leaves you vulnerable for a half-second. And maybe his low-gear pace is intentional: it gives him a chance to see that opening and put his first through it. He has never won a decision because he’s never gone to a decision.
Dominick Cruz, Bowles’ opponent Saturday and the first challenger for Bowles’ 135-pound title, bounces on the balls of his feet, loops punches powered by a long frame, and doesn’t appear to have a huge deficit anywhere. With a 14-1 record, he doesn’t make many mistakes. He’s also one of a handful of MMA fighters who realize “combinations” can include kicks.
What It Means: For Bowles, a chance to prove his KO over Miguel Torres was no easy luck; for Cruz, an opportunity to dethrone Bowles before he barely got used to the smell of the leather.
Wild Card: Bowles is thought to have smarter hands, but Cruz’ reach can be off-putting.
Who Wins: Bowles, after Cruz puts him in some brief trouble.