UFC Fight Night Breakdown: The Main Card

Cain Velasquez vs. Denis Stojnic

Cain Velasquez Scouting Report
Ht/Wt: 6’2/245 lbs.
Age: 26
Hometown: Salinas, Calif.
Fighting out of: San Jose, Calif.
Record: 4-0

The breakdown: Velasquez continues to build a reputation as one of the best heavyweight prospects the UFC has seen in some time. Keeping that status intact against Stojnic means Velasquez has to remain focused on using his marked wrestling advantage to keep his opponent from turning this into a kickboxing match. From there, Velasquez’s ground striking and explosive strength should be all he needs to dispatch the Golden Glory import.

The X-Factor: Testing striking skills against the worst possible opponent remains a common mistake among developing wrestling converts. That’s not an error Velasquez can afford to make, as Stojnic would be all too happy to cash in on it.

Denis “The Menace” Stojnic Scouting Report
Ht/Wt: 5’11/235 lbs.
Age: 29
Hometown: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Fighting out of: Holland, The Netherlands
Record: 5-1

The breakdown: The plan’s simple for Stojnic -- keep the All-American super wrestler off you long enough to hopefully score a knockout. It’s easier said than done. Stojnic simply cannot stop Velasquez from imposing his will. He needs to come out ready to unload.

The X-Factor: Stojnic’s headfirst style looks like a severe liability against Velasquez, who can change levels with shocking speed for a guy who dwarfs most redwoods. If Stojnic does not alter his approach to include more lateral movement and feinting, he’ll never have a chance.

* * *

The bottom line: This is the worst possible matchup for a one-dimensional kickboxer like Stojnic, and it will show early, as Velasquez plants him on the canvas and goes to work. Think of it like the “Planet Earth” episode in which the Nile crocodile eats the gazelle, only more one-sided.