UFC 102 Preview: The Prelims
Aug 25, 2009
Photo by Sherdog.com
Gabriel Gonzaga.
The Breakdown: Not much to break down here, besides the fact that Gonzaga has been a top heavyweight contender for years and Tuchscherer’s gaudy record cannot cover up the stink from time spent in the YAMMA bowl. More than anything, Tuchscherer’s record serves as a testament to the dearth of quality heavyweights outside the major leagues of MMA. Tuchscherer will quickly become aware of that fact against Gonzaga, who has him beat on the mat and feet.
The X Factor: Unless Tuchscherer can break out a killer Junior dos Santos impersonation, he will find himself in way over his head in his UFC debut. Fighters brought into the UFC as little more than chum have turned probability on its head before, but the MMA Gods will allow only so much chaos in one calendar year.
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The Bottom Line: Tuchscherer will make it to the second minute before he taps out. Expect another newcomer to get chewed up, spit out and sent home.