‘The Ultimate Fighter 14’ Finale Preview

Diego Brandao has become known for his aggression. | Photo: Wilson Fox

Diego Brandao (13-7, 0-0 UFC) vs. Dennis Bermudez (7-2, 0-0 UFC)

The Matchup: Brandao has emerged as one of the most explosive fighters on this season of “The Ultimate Fighter,” blasting through his opposition in breathtaking fashion. The Brazilian began his professional career at a young age, accumulating a spotty won-lost record in his formative years of mixed martial arts. He did post a notable win over Brian Foster in 2008, however, knocking out the five-time UFC veteran inside of a round. Since making the trek to Jackson’s Mixed Martial Arts, Brandao has shown marked improvement and became arguably the most feared featherweight in “The Ultimate Fighter” house.

Brandao attacks with a fury, as was evident when he rushed Steven Siler with a flying knee in a quarterfinal bout on the reality show. His aggression is backed by wicked punching power, as he owns eight career wins by knockout or technical knockout. Brandao, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, is also dangerous on the ground. Those skills do not always come to the forefront in his fights, but he has been lauded by teammates at Jackson’s for helping them improve their ground games.

It is no secret that Bermudez would like to plant Brandao on his back and go to work. The New Yorker has been battered at times when he attempts to strike with his opponents, most recently in his semifinal showdown with Hamid Corassani. “Akira” stung Bermudez with solid punches in the early going, but once “The Menace” got the contest to the mat, he was able to lock in a guillotine choke.

Bermudez will have to do better against Brandao. If the Jackson’s MMA representative connects in the manner that Corassani did, it will be a short night. Expect Brandao to be in his opponent’s face immediately, looking for the home run knockout. If Bermudez can survive the early onslaught and make it to the second round, he will have achieved a small victory. While unbridled aggression is one of Brandao’s strengths, it is essential that he not become careless in his approach. If Bermudez slams him to the mat, Brandao must look to reverse position and hunt for a rear-naked choke, which Bermudez has been susceptible to in the past.

The Pick: Bermudez needs to drag this one out, where he can test Brandao’s resolve when the quick finish does not arrive. His striking defense does not appear to be up to the test, however. Brandao will be throwing bombs, and, eventually, he will connect with one or two of them. Brandao wins by first-round technical knockout.

Next Fight: Tony Ferguson vs. Yves Edwards