Preview: UFC 199 ‘Rockhold vs. Bisping 2’

Lightweights

Dustin Poirier (19-4) vs. Bobby Green (23-6)

THE MATCHUP: Green is a career lightweight looking to get back on track after a one-sided loss to Edson Barboza. Poirier returned to lightweight from 145 pounds in April 2015, and he has notched three extremely impressive wins since. The matchup between the two is worth getting excited about.

Poirier’s move back to 155 pounds seems to have all but solved the issues with which he struggled at featherweight, namely stamina and durability. Now more fully hydrated, Poirier is still a strong wrestler and powerful puncher, but he can more easily afford to play the gunslinger’s game that has become his trademark. A southpaw, Poirier complements his heavy left hand with a crushing right hook, and he knows how to jab and kick at long range if need be. Poirier’s defense leaves something to be desired, but he is more easily able to get out of the way now that he is free of quick-footed featherweights.

Green will make for an interesting test. He has a daunting arsenal of techniques at his disposal. From switching stances and slinging out quick jabs to throwing powerful kicks and shooting for takedowns, there is little that Green struggles to do. That wealth of options can sometimes be an embarrassment of riches, however. There are times when Green just flows, feeling the rhythm of the fight rather than planning each move in advance; that is when he looks his best. However, there are also times when he cannot decide which tack to take, allowing his opponent to take over the fight while he hesitates.

Poirier and Green are both capable wrestlers, if not necessarily dominant ones. Poirier is more willing to use his takedowns early and often, while Green tends to think of them as more of an occasional surprise. Poirier is also more dangerous from top position, with a blend of slick pressure passing and violent ground-and-pound. With that being said, Green has proven himself to be a dangerous counter wrestler. He is not only skilled at striking in the clinch but much stronger than he looks. On the ground, Green flourishes in scrambles, often sweeping his opponent immediately after being taken down and locking up quick submissions once on top.

THE ODDS: Poirier (-215), Green (+180)

THE PICK: Green stands a good chance of frustrating Poirier. He likes to talk to his opponents and no-sell their shots, making a show of his speed and defensive prowess all the while. If Poirier comes in hot and loses his focus, Green will be there to pick him apart, gaining ground as the rounds go by. Provided Poirier stays calm, however, he has the stylistic advantage. He throws more volume than Green and uses his wrestling and ground game more liberally. He is also the much harder puncher. The pick is Poirier by unanimous decision.

Last Fights » The Prelims