Preview: UFC Fight Night ‘Belfort vs. Gastelum’

Flyweights

Jussier da Silva (19-4) vs. Ray Borg (10-2)

THE MATCHUP: Borg is sort of a counter scrambler on the ground. This is not to say that he prevents scrambles. In fact, he performs very well in scrambles, usually using them to advance position or latch onto a submission. These are calculated scrambles, however. Borg allows his opponents to move only after he feels he knows what they are about to do. Otherwise, he will lock down hard on a specific position or grip, trying to goad his opponent into doing what he wants. Borg is an excellent back-taker.

This aspect of Borg’s game is not done being developed, but it is in the realm of striking that he has made his most dramatic improvements. After switching to Jackson-Wink MMA, Borg has shown better head movement and cleaner punches. Most of all, he has learned to advance and retreat with small steps and pivots while attacking, a skill new coach Brandon Gibson excels at teaching. Borg will likely never be a knockout artist, but by being more dangerous and precise with his strikes, he opens up a new world of opportunities as a grappler.

Of course, all of this could be moot if da Silva shows up in top form. Borg is an evolving fighter, whereas “Formiga” is all but completely developed. Like all Nova Uniao fighters, da Silva is very difficult to take down and usually only goes to the floor of his own volition. While he is a respectable takedown artist, however, he does not need a clean shot to get his ground game going, as he will scramble and drag his way to his opponent’s back, no matter what.

“Formiga” began to improve his striking capabilities around 2014. He does not radiate confidence in the pocket, but he has shown an aptitude for counters. Da Silva typically throws in short bursts before moving his feet. At times, he can be far too inactive for his own good, allowing his opponent to control the pace of the fight.

THE ODDS: Borg (-119), da Silva (-101)

THE PICK: This should be crazy on the ground, as “Formiga” and Borg are exceptional control grapplers. Da Silva is more tied to the traditional hierarchy of positions, moving from guard to half-guard to side control to mount and finally to the back. Borg is more willing to let an outright scramble happen but only when he knows he will have an opening. In the striking department, Borg will likely allow himself to lead as “Formiga” patiently waits for an opening. That may be the advantage Borg needs, but he is still young and inexperienced as a striker: One wild punch is all it takes for “Formiga” to find a path to the back. This is essentially a toss-up. I favor “Formiga” due to his experience and poise, but this could very well be Borg’s breakthrough performance. The pick is da Silva by unanimous decision.

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