Matt Wiman has not fought in nearly two years. | Photo: Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com
LIGHTWEIGHTS
Matt Wiman (15-7, 9-5 UFC) vs. Isaac Vallie-Flagg (14-5-1, 1-2 UFC)Vallie-Flagg’s game revolves around pace, offensive output and forward pressure. Although he is not much of a power striker, he throws a constant stream of one-, two- and three-shot sequences, preferring a long front kick, sharp round kicks to the leg and body and a solid punching repertoire. If he overshoots on his forward movement, Vallie-Flagg is happy to dive into the clinch, where he maintains good control and throws solid knees. The big problem is defense; his head movement comes and goes, and his pace practically ensures that he will eat a fair number of strikes. His takedown defense is generally solid but can be cracked by good wrestlers, and his ground game is essentially defensive. In sum, Vallie-Flagg is durable, aggressive and not to be taken lightly on the feet.
Wiman’s game is fairly similar in its broad outlines, focusing on aggressiveness, forward movement and a steady stream of offense. He walks down his opponents on the feet, throwing sharp kicks at distance, punching combinations in the pocket and standing elbows at close range and in the clinch. Despite his skill as a striker, the best part of his game is likely his grappling: Wiman is a relentless and surprisingly skilled wrestler, and once the fight hits the mat, he goes to work from top position. His submission defense is outstanding; he can drop bombs with his ground striking; and he has a great nose for submissions in transition.
BETTING ODDS: Wiman (-220), Vallie-Flagg (+185)
THE PICK: The X-factor here is Wiman’s long layoff, which was essentially a hiatus of choice rather than one foisted on him by injury. If his head is in the right place, the matchup favors him. Vallie-Flagg is not really the kind of power puncher who has troubled him in the past, and Wiman is a good-enough wrestler to get the fight to the ground and put in some excellent work from top position. I think that is exactly what Wiman will do in the process of winning an exciting, back-and-forth decision.
Last Fights » The Prelims