UFC on FX 5 Preview

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Welterweights

Josh Neer (33-11-1, 6-7 UFC) vs. Justin Edwards (7-2, 1-2 UFC)

The Matchup: At first glance, it seems strange that Neer and Edwards would occupy the fight poster of an event that includes plenty of established veterans, but when you consider the level of violence that Neer unfailingly delivers, the main-card placement makes more sense.

To find the last time a bout involving “The Dentist” went the distance, one has to go back to his second Octagon stint, when he dropped a unanimous decision to Gleison Tibau at UFC 104. In his 10 bouts since, Neer has finished eight of them via knockout or submission, while he has been stopped twice, most recently by Mike Pyle at UFC on FX 3. None of the aforementioned contests has seen a third round.

With losses in two of his three UFC appearances, Edwards likely finds himself on the promotional chopping block. In his last fight, Edwards was worn down by the grappling and wrestling of John Maguire en route to dropping at unanimous verdict to the Englishman at UFC 138. “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 13 competitor is limited on the feet and would prefer to set the tone through takedowns and ground-and-pound.

He will find the going difficult against the bullying style of Neer, who likes to test his foes from the opening bell. Neer is plenty durable, as evidenced by only two knockout losses in 45 professional fights. That solid chin gives him plenty of confidence to pressure and attack. The Iowan will punish Edwards with punches and short elbows as he backs him against the fence. Edwards’ best chance lies with his ability to set up shots with combinations, but he does not have the firepower to threaten Neer on the feet. If he does get a takedown, he will have to combat Neer’s underrated guard.

The Pick: Neer will make this a firefight from the outset, and Edwards is going to struggle to keep up. Neer wins by first-round TKO.

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