UFC 158 ‘St. Pierre vs. Diaz’ Preview

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Middleweights

Nick Ring (13-1, 3-1 UFC) vs. Chris Camozzi (18-5, 5-2 UFC)

The Matchup: Ring was expected to face top 10 middleweight Constantinos Philippou at UFC 158, but he became ill following the event’s weigh-ins and the bout was removed from the card. “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 11 cast member last competed at UFC 149, where he took a contentious decision over Court McGee despite being out-landed by 40 significant strikes.

Camozzi, also an alumnus of “The Ultimate Fighter 11,” has quietly compiled a three-fight winning streak in the Octagon, besting Luiz Cane, Nick Catone and Dustin Jacoby in succession. In his most recent outing against Cane, Camozzi was the aggressor throughout, stalking his opponent while landing punches and kicks to the legs and body. He also displayed decent submission defense by escaping from a rear-naked choke in the opening frame.

Ring and Camozzi have managed to compile impressive ledgers in recent years, but there is still plenty to prove here, as neither man has been especially overwhelming in victory. Considering the kickboxing backgrounds of both fighters, much of this contest could play out on the feet. Camozzi can earn the favor of the judges by moving forward and attacking with a multi-faceted arsenal of kicks, punches and knees. Ring throws accurate kicks and punches, but he is often content to let his opponents set the tone while he looks for countering opportunities. The 6-foot-3 Camozzi is accustomed to having the reach advantage in most of his bouts, but his 1.5-inch edge here is not especially significant. Still, it is more likely that Ring will circle and attack from the outside with leg kicks while the Factoryx Muay Thai product attempts to force the issue.

If anyone is going to attempt to change the location of the fight, it will be Ring. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt has solid submission skills and succeeded in scoring multiple takedowns in a victory over James Head at UFC 131. Camozzi, meanwhile, has yet to attempt a takedown in eight Octagon appearances.

The Pick: This could play out as a closely contested kickboxing bout in spurts, but Ring has a distinct edge on the mat, giving him just enough diversity to take a close decision victory.

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