Preview: ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ 27 Finale

TUF Lightweight Final:
Michael Trizano (6-0) vs. Joe Giannetti (6-0)
Odds: Giannetti (-148), Trizano (+108)

Giannetti had probably the easiest road to the final, submitting his two opponents inside a round combined. The impossibly long Boston native has a nasty front headlock series with his gangly arms. We did not see much of his wrestling on the show, but the South Shore Sportfighting standout will shoot and can do so effectively. His southpaw kickboxing is coming along as well. Giannetti favors a left high kick followed immediately by a straight left hand. He’ll attack at all levels with his kicks from long range and then fire combinations when he enters the pocket. The Team Cormier rep is also a dangerous clinch fighter, putting his long frame to use with knees and elbows.

His poise was impressive on the show as well, as he looked completely relaxed for being on the biggest stage of his career and just 22 years old. Trizano is a nasty, sharp striker. The New Jersey native is a prolific kicker to all levels with either leg and he fires quick, accurate punches to the head and body. Unfortunately for him in this matchup, his takedown defense isn’t great. “The Lone Wolf” has some skill on the mat, though. He is aggressive with submission attempts whether he’s on top or bottom, and he can sweep to top position as well. But Giannetti’s length gives him the ability to compete in Trizano’s preferred phase, while his wrestling enables him to dictate the terms of the ground exchanges. Giannetti walks away with a decision.

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