Preview: UFC Fight Night 171 ‘Smith vs. Teixeira’

Middleweights

Marvin Vettori (14-4-1) vs. Karl Roberson (9-2)

ODDS: Vettori (-160), Roberson (+140)

A fun middleweight affair kicks off the main card. New Jersey’s Roberson won a UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series and looked like a classic flier. He had not done much in his career to date and quickly knocked out Ryan Spann in just 15 seconds. “Baby K” figured to sink or swim on the main stage, and at this point, he firmly looks like a keeper. A former kickboxer, Roberson has put on some impressive performances on the feet, but he is at his best when he can also rely on his wrestling. Against Darren Stewart and Roman Kopylov, Roberson managed to get things to the mat and score finishes. That works both ways, however. Wellington Turman almost beat Roberson solely on physical strength and a commitment to making it a grind. There is a lot here to like, and Roberson is only getting better. Vettori should provide a solid litmus test for exactly where he stands in his development.

Italy’s Vettori has done his own solid job of figuring out things over the course of his UFC career. A submission win over Alberto Emiliano Pereira remains the only finish in the Octagon for “The Italian Dream,” but he has gone from a raw and formless competitor to a committed pressure fighter. His most notable fight remains a missed opportunity against Israel Adesanya, as he nearly squeaked out a win against the middleweight champ right before the City Kickboxing star’s game fully clicked into place, but he has since rebounded with impressive wins over Cezar Ferreira and Andrew Sanchez that showcased his relentlessness over three rounds. As a result, Vettori and Roberson are in the same place as under-the-radar talents who should get a prominent fight next time out with a win here.

Roberson is the more dangerous fighter and looked excellent against Kopylov, but Vettori should be a tougher opponent. Roberson tends to struggle when he does not have a huge physical advantage over his opponent, and Vettori is a horse of an athlete. Adding to those troubles, Vettori should not be cowed by what Roberson has to offer, as he has shown a willingness to keep moving no matter the circumstances. There is a chance that leads to Roberson simply nailing Vettori with a knockout blow, but the Italian has been durable, and he has also shown more of a willingness to go to his wrestling when needed—something that should bank rounds at the very least. In an excellently made fight, Vettori by decision is the pick.

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