UFC 101 Preview: The Prelims

Tamdan McCrory vs. John Howard

The Breakdown: One of the best style clashes on a stacked card, Howard is basically a tank with fists while McCrory’s praying mantis frame belies his surprising power and skill. The key to how this bout will unfold is Howard’s solution for dealing with the almost preposterous height and reach disadvantage he is faced with. Crowding McCrory may seem like the solution, but the New York native has a nasty clinch game and his mat game has steadily improved throughout his UFC run. While Howard certainly has the skill to beat McCrory, you have to wonder if he has the gas tank and game plan to put it all together.

The X Factor: The one aspect of McCrory’s game that every fighter will look to zone in on is his guard, and Howard’s explosive ground-and-pound will force McCrory to prove himself one way or another. Unless McCrory has shored up his guard game, he’ll be operating at a major disadvantage against Howard, who will have no qualms about pounding on him.

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The Bottom Line: No longer a beanpole with some striking, McCrory has grown into a titanic welterweight with a diverse skill set while Howard is basically a one-note fighter who relies on overpowering opponents. That won’t play against McCrory, who gets the better of the fight by dominating the striking and showing some new game on the ground. After his post-fight interview, expect McCrory to have another growth spurt and announce a new career as an NBA center.